Comparison study of Tuberculosis incidence between two Libyan cities: Tarhona and Alkoms during 2007-2017

Abstract

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease. Although huge progress has been achieved in reduction of TB-associated mortality, TB ‎infection continues to be a major public health problem in the world‎. Incidences rates vary according to countries. Incidence rates have not been estimated in recent years in Libya. This study was aimed to estimate and compare incidence rates in two Libyan cities. It also explored which gender is affected more by TB.

Results: During the last 10 years, there were 56 and 235 cases of TB in Tarhona and Alkoms, respectively. The number of new cases was generally fluctuated during this period. However, it has gradually increased during the last few years. The overall incidence rates were 0.12 in Alkoms and 0.04 in Tarhona. Males were more affected by TB than females in both cities.

Conclusion: Generally, the incidence of TB in both cities was very low and well controlled. The incidence rate is higher in Alkoms city than Tarhona. The exact reason for this difference between the two cities is unclear. Further research is needed to explore the actual reasons behind this difference.