A five-year epidemiological study of tuberculosis and its related risk factors in northwestern Algeria

Abstract

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) is a worldwide emergency and a leading cause of death. Algeria reported an incidence rate between 53 and 88 per 100,000 in 2017. This study aimed to highlight TB’s clinical and therapeutic characteristics at the Pulmonology Unit in Sidi Bel Abbes, Algeria. 

Method: This retrospective and descriptive study analysed patient records from 2015 to 2020. Data collected included sociodemographic data, clinical characteristics, type of TB, and therapeutic evolution after each patient’s treatment period. Data were processed using SPSS. 

Results: Of the 649 TB patients, 57.3% had extra-pulmonary TB, with a higher proportion of females affected. Pulmonary TB cases were predominantly male, and bi-therapy with isoniazid and rifampicin was the most common treatment. Just over half of cases (55.2%) achieved treatment success. 

Conclusion: Although TB incidence gradually declined over the study period, increased attention to extra-pulmonary TB and adherence to treatment protocols are recommended.