Epidemiology and Rifampicin Resistance Patterns of Tuberculosis at a Tertiary Chest Hospital in Benghazi, Libya: A Retrospective Analysis (2018-2023)

• Mukhtar Mussa Hussain Ablal

  Department of Medial laboratory, Higher Institute of Science and Technology, Al kufra, Libya

  Author

• Noor-alhooda Milood

  Department of Medial laboratory, Higher Institute of Science and Technology, Suluq, Libya

  Author

• Abeer Alawkally

  Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Higher Institute of Agricultural Technology, Derna, Libya

  Author

• Muna N Albadry

  Department of Biology, Faculty of Education, University of Benghazi, Libya

  Author

• Maree Dokally Ali

  Department of Medial laboratory, Higher Institute of Science and Technology, Suluq, Libya

  Author

• Leenah. M. Almehdaowi

  Department of Medial laboratory, Higher Institute of Science and Technology, Suluq, Libya

  Author

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant public health challenge in Libya. This retrospective study consolidates data from two periods (2018-2019 and 2021-2023) at Al-Kuwayfiya Teaching Hospital for Chest Diseases in Benghazi to analyze the local epidemiology and rifampicin resistance (RR-TB) trends. Among 833 total suspected cases, 380 (45.6%) were confirmed as pulmonary TB. A significant male predominance was observed, with males comprising 70.5% of all confirmed cases. Rifampicin-resistant TB was identified in 43 patients, representing 11.3% of all culture-positive individuals. The GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay was instrumental in the diagnosis, with semi-quantitative analysis revealing that most positive samples (41.8%) had a medium bacterial load. The incidence was higher during the dry season, and the 34–43-year age group showed the highest frequency of RR-TB. These findings confirm a high TB prevalence in the region, with a concerning rate of rifampicin resistance, underscoring the need for sustained use of rapid molecular diagnostics and enhanced public health interventions.

1. Noor-alhooda Milood, Department of Medial laboratory, Higher Institute of Science and Technology, Suluq, Libya

   Lecture,medical laboratory 

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