Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of smear-positive and smear-negative pulmonary tuberculosis

The aim of our study was to show socio-demographic factors and clinical characteristics in patients with smear negative and smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis. Methodology: The prospective study included all patients with Pulmonary tuberculosis (N = 43) treated at the Pulmonology Department of the Clinical Hospital Center in Kosovska Mitrovica during the study period 2012-2014. Results: 15 (35%) patients were treated for smear negative tuberculosis. Smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis was significantly more common in younger population (p = 0.05), while people above age 50 were equally infected with both smear positive and smear negative pulmonary tuberculosis. In relation to gender, place of residence and marital status there was no difference between the patients. Significantly more patients with smear negative pulmonary tuberculosis had lower level of education (p <0.001). Cough and expectoration were equally frequent. Hemoptysis was more likely in smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis (p = 0.08). Night sweats and exhaustion were equally present in both groups of patients. Anemia was significantly more common at smear negative tuberculosis (p = 0.037) patients. There was no significant difference in the radiographic changes between smear negative tuberculosis and smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis. Concomitant diseases were equally present in both groups of patients, except chronic obstructive pulmonary disease which was more frequent in a group of patients with smear positive tuberculosis. Conclusion: Smear negative pulmonary tuberculosis was present in about one-third of tuberculosis patients and more frequently affected persons above age 50 with lower education. Anemia was widespread in smear negative tuberculosis patients. Hemoptysis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were more common at smear positive tuberculosis patients.