Background. Tuberculosis is a major public health problem and extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) accounts for a significant\nproportion of tuberculosis cases worldwide. Objective. To determine the magnitude of EPTB, associated risk factors, and agreement\nof diagnostic techniques at Dessie Referral Hospital. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted on consecutive presumptive\nEPTB cases from March 1 to June 30, 2017. Sociodemographic characteristics and other variables were collected using a structured\nquestionnaire. Clinical specimens were collected and processed using fluorescent microscopy and Gene Xpert assay. Data was\nanalyzed using SPSS version 20. Chi-square test and logistic regression were done and a P value of ..... was taken as statistically\nsignificant. Results. From a total of 353 presumptive EPTB cases the overall prevalence of Gene Xpert assay and smear confirmed\npatients was 8.8% and 2.5%, respectively. Tuberculosis lymphadenitis was the predominant (33.3%) type followed by pleural (11.9%) and peritoneal (6.7%) tuberculosis. Previous history of pulmonary tuberculosis was significantly associated with extrapulmonary\ninfection (AOR:2.8; 95%CI: 1.05-7.54; p=0.04); however, other variables such as age, residence, sex,marital status, occupation, level\nof education, andmonthly income did not show any association. Conclusion. High proportions (71%) ofGene Xpert assay confirmed\nEPTB patientswere smear-negative. Sensitivity of microscopy should be enhanced in resource limited countries like Ethiopia where\nGene Xpert machine is not easily accessible.
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