Co-existence of TB and adult haematological cancers in Benin City, Nigeria

Tuberculosis is an ancient human scourge that continues to be an important public health problem worldwide. As impaired immunity is closely associated with the pathogenesis of TB, an increase in the incidence of the disease among patients with cancer is anticipated. A total of 20 cases of haematological cancers co-existing with TB in a tertiary hospital in an African setting between January 2005 and September 2008 were analysed. Clinico-pathologic profiles, types of TB infection and outcome were noted. The incidence of TB in patients with haematological malignancies was 3.4%. Lymphoma and leukaemia were the most common malignancies associated with TB. With the high incidence of such cases we recommend the exclusion of an active disease prior to the initiation of cancer therapy. Chemoprophylaxis might be indicated in TB endemic areas.