Prevalence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis among inmates of Nigerian correctional services centre, Jos, attending Faith Alive Foundation Hospital, Jos, Nigeria

Abstract

Background:The prevalence of tuberculosis (TB) caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) has increased greatly and continues to be impacted by co-infection with HIV/AIDS. Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of TB and rifampicin-resistant M. tuberculosis among inmates. Methods: A total of 90 male and female inmates of age 18 years and above from the Nigerian Correctional Services Centre attending Faith Alive Foundation Hospital Jos, Nigeria were randomly recruited for the study. Sputum samples were collected in a large mouth transparent close cap container. Samples were analyzed using the Zheil-Neelsen staining technique and then confirmed using the Gene-Xpert technology. Data obtained were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics Version 21 software. Results: The overall prevalence of rifampicinresistant M. tuberculosis was 0(0.0%) while that of M. tuberculosis was 11(12.2%), with a male and female prevalence of 8(11.4%) and 3(3.3%) respectively. The prevalence of M. tuberculosis was highest amongst participants between ages 51-60 years, 3(75%), who have tertiary education, 3(27.3%), with a positive HIV status, 6(30%), and who were non-smokers, 8(17.4%). There was a statistically significant relationship between the presence of M. tuberculosis and participants' age group (p = 0.016), and HIV status (p = 0.023). Conclusion: Although there was no positive case of RIF/MTB, the findings indicate the presence of TB therefore, there is a need for continued advocacy on proper treatment and management of TB among inmates to forestall the emergence of rifampicin-resistant TB.