RT - Journal Article T1 - Epidemiology of Tuberculosis among patients referred to the center against Tuberculosis in Kashan, 1993-95 JF - KAUMS YR - 1998 JO - KAUMS VO - 1 IS - 4 UR - http://feyz.kaums.ac.ir/article-1-597-en.html SP - 81 EP - 88 AB - History and Objectives: Since epidemiology of Tuberculosis is unclear in the country and in Kashan and due to presence of high numbers of Afghan refugees in the region, this study was conducted to determine the epidemiology of the disease on patients referred to the Tuberculosis Center in Kashan in 1993-1996. Materials and Methods: Patient’s records during the 1993-1996 period were studied. Patient’s profile including age, sex, nationality, skin reaction to tuberculin, method of diagnosis of the disease and pulmonary and non-pulmonary complication were recorded. Results: 183 patients were diagnosed for having Tuberculosis. 33% of patients were in the 10-30 age group and 33% were in the 50-70 age group. Female and male patients were 107 (58.8%) and 76 (41.5%) respectively. Housewives and carpet weaving were the main female carrier groups (90%). One third of male patients were general laborers. 67% of patients were Iranian and 33% were Afghan refugees. Urban dwellers and rural residents formed 55% and 45% of the population. 53.5% of the patients were suffering from pulmonary Tuberculosis and the rest were suffering from non-pulmonary Tuberculosis. Pulmonary Tuberculosis were diagnosed in 60% of patients by direct examination and throat culture and 70% of non-pulmonary Tuberculosis were detected by pathological examination. Negative Tuberculin test was observed in 10% of pulmonary and 30% of non-pulmonary Tuberculosis patients. Conclusion: Non-pulmonary Tuberculosis is higher in Kashan compared to other regions in Iran and other countries. Along with pathological finding, microbiological studies seem necessary and the cooperation of surgical department is needed. Due to the prevalence of the infection in the region, especial attention should be given to contain the disease. LA eng UL http://feyz.kaums.ac.ir/article-1-597-en.html M3 ER -