Abstract
Introduction: The development of pulmonary TB in young people directly influences the social and economic status of a country, especially TB in military recruits.
Aims and objectives: To define the features of confirming pulmonary TB and evaluate the risk factors for military recruits, as well as the clinical manifestations and treatment efficacy.
Methods: We examined a sample of 50 cases of pulmonary TB that were diagnosed during the military service of the recruits for the 2000-2015 period.
Results: The study sample showed that in 39 (78%) cases the average recruit was 18-19 years old. In 33 (66%) cases the pulmonary TB was diagnosed in the first 6 months of military work. The detection of TB in the recruits has been done by clinical symptoms in 20 (40%) cases, and through routine X-ray examination in 30 (60%) cases. Obvious contact with TB patients was found in 20 (40%) recruits. A half of the diagnosed militaries were active smokers. After evaluation of the disease clinical types it was found 42 (84%) cases of infiltrative pulmonary TB, followed by 6 (12%) cases of nodular TB and 2 (4%) cases of TB pleurisy. Pulmonary destruction was radiologically described in 9 (18%) cases. Microscopic confirmation has been done in 8 (16%) cases, and 31 (60%) cases through culture test. MDR-TB was established in 2 (4%) cases. The treatment was according to the sensibility chart and the case complexity, thus in 30 (60%) cases it was successful, while 6 (12%) cases were lost out of direct supervision, and 14 (28%) – continue treatment.
Conclusion: The TB risk in military recruits is higher in the first 6 months of service, being mainly X-ray diagnosed. In most cases the treatment has been successful.
- Copyright ©the authors 2016
