Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global health challenge, with significant morbidity and mortality, particularly in developing countries. Libya has an incidence rate of 53 cases per 100,000 population, but there is no information about other regions, especially from Sirte. This study aimed to assess the epidemiology of Mycobacterium tuberculosis among respiratory patients in Sirte (2018–2023) to address this gap. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on some respiratory patients attending the National Center for Control of Communicable and Endemic Diseases in Sirte, Libya. It included 136 patients . Ziehl-Nielsen stain and the GeneXpert test were used to examine sputum and make the diagnosis. Using SPSS, demographic and clinical data were analyzed, and associations were found using chi-square tests. RESULTS: This study found an 8.08% TB prevalence (11/136 cases), with higher rates in females (13%) than males (5%) (P>0.5). The age group from 16 - 26 years showed the most widespread occurrence at 45.45% and the group from 26 - 37 years demonstrated 31.25% prevalence. The reported cases did not include children between 5 - 15 years old or adults from 58-67years. All infections were recorded among Libyan nationals, with no notable differences based on nationality (P>0.5). The highest prevalence rate of 45.45% appeared in the age group between 16 and 26 years old. Following this group were people between 26 and 37 years old showing a 31.25% occurrence. No instances of this condition were documented in children between the ages of. CONCLUSION: The results indicate an 8.08% prevalence of tuberculosis in patients. These results found an 8.08% tuberculosis (TB) prevalence in patients which occurred at greater percentages among young adults and Libyan nationals. Although statistical significance was not reached about gender and nationality differences, the detected patterns point to potential sociodemographic impacts. The research underscores the requirement to develop better screening methods and implement targeted public health projects while establishing complete surveillance systems that will enhance tuberculosis control in Libya.
