Detection of Pulmonary Tuberculosis through Directed Screening in a Family Medicine Unit

Abstract

Objective: To detect new cases of pulmonary tuberculosis through smear directed to patients with cough of more than two weeks of evolution in a Family Medicine Unit. Methods: analytical and cross-sectional study. Included 85 patients older than 25 years of both sexes, chronic coughers, and patients assigned to the fmu No. 31 in Mexico City. The patients were invited to participate through a campaign called “Operation Tuberculosis” which included posters, canvas, leaflets and informative talks. The screening was performed through a sputum smear in series of 3.  Descriptive analysis was carried out using the Stata 12 program. Results: 47 women (55.29%) and 38 men (44.71%) were included.  The average age was 62.34 years (± 14.79). 33 patients had normal body mass index (38.82%), 36 overweight (42.35%) and the rest with obesity. 35 patients were identified by their doctor as chronic coughers, only five received smear request and 23 received treatment for airway infection. Five patients were diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis (ptb), three women and two men, all with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Conclusion: directed screening for ptb increases the detection of new cases, which makes necessary to improve the strategies to identify and include the chronic coughers in the program in a timely manner.