Characteristics of tuberculosis in Marrakech (Morocco): Epidemiology and related factors

Background: Tuberculosis remains (TB) a major public health problem; it is the first cause of death due to a single infectious agent, both for the world and the Moroccan population. In the city of Marrakech this infectious disease affected 853 cases in 2021 (Report of the Ministry of Health of Morocco). The aim of this paper is to investigate the epidemiology, diagnosis, evolution and associated factors of pulmonary tuberculosis compared to extrapulmonary tuberculosis in Marrakesh city. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted between 2020 and 2021 on 240 patient's medical records with TB. Findings: Pulmonary tuberculosis represented about half (49.58%) of the cases with a mean age of 37.17 (SD = 18.73) and a sex ratio (M/F) of 1.11. The age group most affected was 15-34 years (nearly 43% of the population). More than 23% of the patients were smokers and about 64% of them were not affiliated to any medicalsocial insurance. 19% of patients had a medical history in which diabetes predominated (46.2% of cases). Overall, only 58.9% of the patients had all the required medical check-ups and the weight decreased in 23% of the patients. Resistance to drugs was found in 9 cases and the HIV testing was positive in 4 cases. Conclusions: In conclusion, enhancing population education and bolstering healthcare worker training are imperative for achieving early and effective diagnosis and monitoring of tuberculosis. Additional concerted efforts are needed on a national and international scale to address this pressing public health challenge.