In Gabon, the AIDS virus has considerably reshaped the epidemiology of tuberculosis. This study assesses the prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis and associated factors among patients to the Amissa Bongo university Hospital Center in Franceville, Gabon.

This prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted at the Amissa Bongo University Hospital  Center in Franceville from June 19, 2021 to January 22, 2022. Participants' sociodemographic data were collected after their agreements, via a questionnaire. Clinical signs were also observed. Sputum and gastric fluid samples were collected and examined using the Xpert MTB/RIF test and BAAR smear microscopy. Data were analyzed using R software version 3.6.1. Results were considered significant for p ≤ 0.05.

A total of 309 patients were included in this study, 50.81% (n = 157) men and 49.19% (n = 152) women. Of these, 98 had a positive diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis, giving an overall prevalence rate of 31.72%. There were 40(40.82%)  women (95% CI: [0.30 - 0.51]) and 58 (59.18%) men (95% CI: [0.48 - 0.69]). A univariate analysis of the prevalence of tuberculosis according to risk factors and clinical signs indicated a certain association between certain variables. However, an in-depth multivariate logistic regression analysis of this prevalence, according to the risk factors and clinical signs observed in the patients in the study, indicated that the age group 15 and 49 years (Adjusted OR = 47.77; 95% CI: [4.4; 519.7] p = 0.001*), fever (Adjusted OR = 4.83; 95% CI: [1.16, 20.12] p = 0.031*), alcohol consumption (Adjusted OR = 12.2; 95% CI: 12.2 [2.5; 5.9] p = 0. 002*), smoking (Adjusted OR = 9.83; 95% CI: [1.78; 54.24] p = 0.037), HIV infection (Adjusted OR = 4.63; 95% CI: [1.25; 17.1] p = 0.022), cough (Adjusted OR = 4.31; 95% CI: [1.21, 15.4] p = 0. 025*), chest pain (Adjusted OR = 103.6; 95% CI: [19.4; 55.2] p = 0.000), night sweating cough (Adjusted OR = 10.84; 95% CI: [3.18; 36.98] p = 0.000*) were significant risk factors for pulmonary tuberculosis.

The results of this study showed a very high prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis among men in and around Franceville. Consequently, tuberculosis screening of HIV-positive patients, public awareness and community mobilization should be encouraged.

Keywords: Prevalence, Pulmonary Tuberculosis, Ziehl-Neelsen Rapid Acid Staining, GeneXpert, CHURAB, Franceville, Gabon