Epidemiological, diagnostic, therapeutic, and evolutionary profile of digestive tuberculosis at the CNHU-HKM of Cotonou in 2011–2021

Abstract

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a public health problem in Africa. This study aimed to describe the epidemiological, diagnostic, and clinical progression profile of digestive tuberculosis (DTB) in adults in Cotonou.

Methods: This retrospective, descriptive, and analytical study included 37 cases of DTB over 11 years (January 2011 to December 2021).

Results: A total of 37 cases of DTB were included, with a female predominance (sex ratio of 0.8) and a mean age of 44 years. The diagnosis was confirmed bacteriologically in five cases (13.5%) and based on presumptive criteria in 32 cases (86.5%). All patients received anti-TB treatment. Over a six-month follow-up, the outcome was favourable without complications in 19 cases (51%). However, there were five cases of hepatotoxicity and three deaths. Factors such as HIV (p = 0.037) and undernutrition (p = 0.005) were statistically significantly associated with death in univariate analysis.

Conclusion: DTB is uncommon but seems to be a potentially severe condition. Improving the socio-economic status of the population and combating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection could help reduce the incidence of this condition.