Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: The mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) comprises nine bacterial species that causes tuberculosis (TB) in mammals such as human beings. Almost one-third of the world’s population is infected with TB infection and/or at the risk of TB infection. The present study was conducted to analyze the cases of tuberculosis visiting the department. Materials & Methods: This study was conducted in the department of Chest & TB. It included 120 cases which were confirmed by initial screening for standard TB symptoms (cough for > 2 wk, fever for > 2 wk, chest pain, and haemoptysis), have both smear (for acid-fast bacilli, AFB) and culture tests done on the sputum samples collected. A positive case for TB is defined as being positive either by smear and or culture; and reported an outcome measure – the TB prevalence based on smear and/or culture results. In all patients detailed clinical history and clinical examination was done. Liver function tests, viral markers, USG, CT, MRI and histopathology/microbiology & culture for mycobacteria were done as and when required. Results: Out of 120 patients, males were 80 and females were 40. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Hepatic TB was seen in 50 males and 25 females and biliary TB was seen in 30 males and 15 females. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Common symptoms were fever, weight loss, jaundice, abdominal pain, hepatomegaly and splenomegaly. The difference was non- significant (P> 0.05). Bilirubin was 2 fold high in 12 cases of hepatic TB and 6 cases of biliary TB. ALT was 2 fold high in 8 cases each in biliary TB and 4 cases of hepatic TB. AST was 2 fold high in 5 cases of hepatic TB and 8 cases of biliary. ALP was 3 fold high in 25 cases of hepatic TB and 10 cases of biliary TB. Conclusion: Cases of tuberculosis have declined over the few years. Common symptoms are fever, weight loss, jaundice, abdominal pain, hepatomegaly and splenomegaly. The level of bilirubin, ALT, AST and ALP was many times raised in hepatic and biliary TB cases. Key words: Hepatic tuberculosis, Hepatomegaly, Splenomegaly