Prevalence of Smear-Positive Tuberculosis among Patients Who Visited Saint Paul's Specialized Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be a health problem in both developed and developing countries, including Ethiopia. OBJECTIVE: In this study, the prevalence of smear-positive tuberculosis among presumptive TB cases who visited the hospital was assessed. METHOD: Acid fast bacilli (AFB) test was performed on samples collected from 200 presumptive TB cases. Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tools. RESULT: Among 200 presumptive TB cases, 10% (20 individuals) (60% were male and 40% were female) were found to be positive for the AFB. Of these AFB positive subjects, 11.2% and 6.3% were from urban and rural areas, respectively. Among 20 AFB positive cases, 45% (9), 45% (9), and 10% (2) were HIV positive, HIV negative, and with HIV status unknown, respectively. The highest AFB positive cases were found within age group between 25 and 44 years (70%) and followed by age above 40 years (30%). It was found out that 75% (15), 15% (3), 5% (1), and 5% (1) were unemployed, government employed, student, and nongovernment employed, accordingly. CONCLUSION: This study indicated higher level of AFB positive cases within age groups of 25–44 and 65–74 years and also exhibited higher prevalence of TB cases from urban areas.