Screening of Tuberculosis in Diabetic Patients at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Hyderabad

To Study the prevalence of TB in diabetic patients in a tertiary care hospital in Hyderabad and describe demographic features, socio economic status of diabetic patients who are at risk of developing tuberculosis.

Patient demographic details were obtained through a questionnaire. The sample size was 100 out of which 96 were enrolled for the study. All the patients with at least 3 TB symptoms were grouped as positive TB symptoms. They were subjected to further investigations (after obtaining their due consent)-random blood sugar and two sputum samples (spot-morning) were collected. Sputum samples were observed for AFB bacilli by Ziehl-Neelson staining using light microscopy. The other patients were grouped as negative TB symptoms.

Out of the 100, 4 were excluded. 105 of the patients had positive TB symptoms. 60% of these patients had a random blood glucose level in the range of 171-210mg/dl. Gender, occupation, monthly income was not a major risk factor though age was and the age group at risk was 30–50. Family size and treatment was also a risk for developing TB symptoms. Symptoms were more prevalent in upper middle class. Family history of DM was not a factor for risk of TB. Past history and family history of TB did not affect the risk of developing TB.

It was found that the prevalence of TB symptoms was 10.4% among diabetics and prevalence of TB was 10%. TB symptoms were more prevalent with those on oral anti-hyperglycemic drugs.