Tuberculosis lymphadenitis in a south-eastern region in Tunisia: Epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis and treatment. (March 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Smaoui, S.; Mezghanni, M.A.; Hammami, B.; Zalila, N.; Marouane, C.; Kammoun, S.; Ghorbel, A.; Ben Jemaa, M.; Messadi-Akrout, F.
• Is Part Of: International journal of mycobacteriology. Volume 4 (2015: Mar.)Supplement 1
• Page Start: 151
• Publication Date: 2015-03
• Subjects: Tuberculous lymphadenitis -- Epidemiology -- Microbiology -- Treatment -- Tunisia; Mycobacteria -- Periodicals; Mycobacterial diseases -- Periodicals; Mycobacteriaceae; Mycobacteria; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 579.374
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmyco.2014.10.022
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2212-5531

Abstract

Abstract: Aim: To evaluate patients' profiles, demographics, clinical and therapeutic approaches and strategies in patients with tuberculous lymphadenitis (TBG). Patients and methods: A retrospective study of all TBG-confirmed cases admitted in a tuberculosis specific health care facility between 1 January 2009 and 16 June 2013. Results: A total of 181 clinical files were examined. Mean age was 32 years old; the female/male ratio was 1.78 to 1. Raw milk consumption was noted in 1/3 of patients. Most cases involved the head and neck region (83.4%), nodes involvement, including axillary (12 cases), and mediastinal (9 cases). Clinical symptoms were present in only 55.2%. TST was conducted with 82.6% positive responses. Diagnostics confirmation was done with anatomical pathology in most of the patients; only 56 of them had any microbiology analysis done. Demonstration of acid-fast bacilli in microscopy from either fine-needle aspirates or biopsies was done in 17.5%, and cultures yielded positive results in 27%. Treatment duration was varied. Paradoxical reactions were noted in 12% and persistent lymphadenopathy after treatment completion was noted in 10% of cases. Conclusions: TBG remains a disease of interest. Today, its diagnosis and management is still a problem despite its increasing worldwide incidence, and especially in this study area. Disease control should be strengthened in this country.