Epidemiological and Clinical Assessment of Pulmonary Tuberculosis and Associated Factors, Among Patients Attending The Moanda Medical Center, Southeast Gabon.

Abstract

Context : Tuberculosis remains a major global public health problem, responsible for millions of new cases and deaths each year, particularly in low-income countries. This study examines the situation in Gabon by analyzing the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of tuberculosis among patients at the Moanda Medical Center in Southeast Gabon.

Methods: This is a retrospective, descriptive, and analytical study conducted over a two-month period (July to September 2024). The study reviewed the medical records of patients who consulted for tuberculosis between June 2022 and June 2024. The diagnosis of tuberculosis was confirmed by microscopic examination of sputum stained with Ziehl-Neelsen, to identify the presence of acid-fast bacilli (AFB) specific to Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Results: The study included 277 patients, with a majority of males (51.26%) and a mean age of 76.48 years. The prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis was 17.33% (95% CI: [0.13- 0.22]). Statistical analysis revealed that people aged 21-40 years (Odds Ratio = 2.04; 95% CI [1.04;4.09] p=0.038) and those co-infected with HIV (Odds Ratio = 4.98; 95% CI [2.13 ;11.53] p≤0.001) were more likely to develop pulmonary tuberculosis.

Conclusion: This study revealed a significant prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis at the Moanda Medical Center in Gabon. Young adults and people living with HIV emerged as particularly vulnerable groups.