Muna Salem M. SOLYMAN, Fardous A. FAHMIL, Omar S. ALQABBASI, Rawad R. ABUZARIDAH, Salha ALKARGLY, Fatima SOLIMAN, Abdualwahab H. BINGMEIA, Abeer H. AMER
Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases - 2026;16(4):186-193
Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, remains a major public health challenge in low- and middle-income countries. The rise of multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) poses a serious obstacle to disease control. Aim: To determine the incidence, demographic distribution, and outcomes of TB and MDR-TB among patients attending Al-Kuwaifiya Hospital in Benghazi, Libya, between 2019 and 2023. Methods: A retrospective hospital-based study was conducted from January 2019 to December 2023. The medical records of 806 patients were reviewed. Age, gender, nationality, and occupation data were analyzed. The incidence rates per 100,000 population and seasonal variations were assessed. Results: The incidence of TB fluctuated, with rates of 17 (2019), 12 (2020), 9 (2021), 11 (2022), and 14 (2023) per 100,000 population. Seasonal peaks occurred in March (11.0%), with the lowest incidence occurring in December (6.5%). Males accounted for 77% of cases, and young adults aged 21-35 years comprised 53.6%. MDR-TB prevalence was 3%. The mortality rate was 2.5% (20/806), which was significantly higher among females (p = 0.020) and older patients ( p < 0.001). Conclusion: TB in Benghazi predominantly affects young Libyan males, with private sector workers and people with no income being the most vulnerable. Despite low MDR-TB prevalence, under -detection persists, highlighting the need for strengthened diagnostics and targeted interventions.
