Frequency of Sputum Smear Positive Tuberculosis at District Bannu Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Background: Tuberculosis is an infectious and serious major health problem that leads to approximately three millions deaths every year throughout the developing world. Beside an improvement in its diagnosis, it is still not possible to completely eradicate the tuberculosis in lack of better follow up procedures and good surveillance. Objective: The aim of this study was designed to measure the Frequency of sputum smear positive tuberculosis in District Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan. Methods: This Cross sectional study on patients referred to DHQ Hospital, District Bannu for the purpose to measure the prevalence Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, from October 2020 to October 2021.There were 200 sputum sample subjected to ZN stain microscopy method for AFB. All the sputum samples were collected in sterile (wide mouth) 10 ml bottle &were homogenized and decontaminated by using 4% Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) with equal quantity to that of sample and were mixed for 10 minutes at room temperature. The mixture was centrifuged at 3,000 rpm for 05 minutes and smears prepared, dried in air and stained with Ziehl Neelsen stain Results: In this study, Total 200 sputum smear samples were processed for Acid fast Bacilli, Females were 115(57.5%) and males were 85(42.5%). Out of 200 samples, 57 Samples were Positive for Tuberculosis. 57/200 (28.5%). In these Positive samples females were 34/57(59.65) and males were 23/57 (40.35%).Out of 57/200 (28.5%) Tuberculosis positive patients, 15 (26.3%) were of age from 20--40 years, 20 (35.0%) were age 40--60 years, while 22 (38.5%) were age > 60 years. Out of 57/200 (28.5%) Tuberculosis patients, 40/57(70%) were in rural area while in urban area patient were 17/57 (30%). Conclusion: This study show important frequency rate of sputum smear positive tuberculosis in district Bannu. Both groups (sex and age) influenced the frequency of tuberculosis. Females demonstrated high rate of frequency than males. Age group of 40-60 years and up to 60 years demonstrated higher frequency rate in tuberculosis. High prevalence noted in rural areas as compared to urban.