Exploring the Sociodemographic and Clinical Features of Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis in Saudi Arabia |
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| Authors: | Sahal Al-Hajoj Mohammed Shoukri Ziad Memish Raafat AlHakeem Fahad AlRabiah Bright Varghese |
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| Affiliation: | 1Department of Infection and Immunity, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia;2National Biotechnology Centre, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia;3Preventive Medicine Directorate, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia;4Department of Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia;University of Hyderabad, INDIA |
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| Abstract: | BackgroundSaudi Arabia annually reports a relatively higher proportion (28–32%) of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) cases in comparison to other global regions. However, there were few studies conducted so far to determine the sociodemographic factors and clinical manifestations associated with EPTB at a nationwide level.MethodologyA retrospective analysis on culture positive EPTB isolates collected from all the provinces of the country were conducted for a period of 12 months to determine the spectrum of diversity in EPTB infection sites and the confounding factors. A detailed clinical and demographical data analysis was carried out along with first line drug susceptibility testing.ConclusionsSaudi Arabia faces a serious threat from EPTB, particularly to the central nervous system and gastrointestinal systems. More effective diagnostic strategies and control measures must be implemented to reduce the high rate of EPTB in the country. In addition, these findings warrant further detailed research to explore all related comorbid conditions of EPTB development, particularly the host-related factors. |
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