Prevalence of Smear Positive Tuberculosis, Intestinal Parasites and Their Co-Infection among Tuberculosis Suspects in Gondar University Hospital and Gondar Poly Clinic, North West Ethiopia

Background: The high prevalence of intestinal parasites indicated an increased morbidity in TB patients and emphasized the importance of continued stool analysis and treatment. Reducing the morbidity and mortality of TB and intestinal parasitosis co-infected persons requires an improved understanding of the prevalence of TB, intestinal parasites and their co-infection. Objectives: This study determines the prevalence of Smear positive tuberculosis, intestinal parasites and their co-infection among tuberculosis suspects in Northwest Ethiopia. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted from March 2008-May 2008 among four hundred and fifteen tuberculosis suspects. Socio-demographic and clinical data was collected using structured questionnaire. Spot morning spot sputum sample were collected for direct AFB microscopy, and stool samples for direct saline microscopy and formol-ether concentration technique. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Version 16.0 software packages. Pearson chi-squared test, odds ratio and 95% confidence interval were used to measure the strength of an association. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age the participants were 35.72 years for both sexes. Smear positive tuberculosis and intestinal parasites were diagnosed in 72 (17.3%) & 120 (28.9%) of the study subjects, respectively. Intestinal parasites were detected in 24(33.3%) of smear positive tuberculosis patients. Hookworm and Strongyloides stercolaries infection were common in smear positive tuberculosis patients, with prevalence of 8 (11.1%) and 5(6.9%), respectively. Smear positive TB patients were frequently co-infected with parasitic infection (X2=28.148, p=0.154) that will increase morbidity. Tuberculosis had significant association with shoe wearing (p=0.038) and finger nail (p=0.039). Bacillus Calmat and Guerin vaccination was also strongly associated with pulmonary tuberculosis infection (OR=0.262; 95%CI, 0.126-0.545, p=0.00). Conclusion: The prevalence of smear positive tuberculosis and intestinal parasitosis co-infection predominantly Hookworm is relatively higher among tuberculosis suspects that may increase morbidity, so all tuberculosis suspects should be checked for parasitic infection and be treated accordingly.