Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: Tuberculosis is the major public health problem. The present study was conducted to assess associated risk factors of pulmonary tuberculosis in diabetic patients. Materials & Methods: 156 patients of diabetes of both gender were enrolled. All subjects provided three consecutive sputum samples (spot-morning-spot) using dry, leak-proof and clean container. Bleach concentration technique was used. The samples were stained using the Ziehl-Neelsen staining method for the diagnosis of AFB. Results: Out of 156 patients, males were 90 and females were 66. 52 (33.4%) had tuberculosis. The risk factors of tuberculosis in diabetes was smoking in 40, heavy drinker in 42, BMI >30 in 38, rural location in 30, unemployment in 36, primary education in 42, married marital status in 28. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Sputum AFB positive was seen in 46 and negative in 6, Montoux test was positive in 42 and negative in 10 cases. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: High prevalence of tuberculosis in diabetic patients. Risk factors found to be smoking, alcoholism, rural background, low education and unemployment. Key words: Diabetes, Smoking, tuberculosis