Silicosis-Tuberculosis in Jerada (Morocco) Epidemiological, Clinical, Therapeutic and Evolutionary Aspects - Abstract
Objective: Tuberculosis is a frequent and serious complication of silicosis. The aim of this study is to describe the epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic and evolutionary aspects of this pathology, therapeutic and evolutionary aspects of silicotuberculosis. Patients and Methods: This study concerns 28 cases of silicotuberculosis collected at the CDTMR (Diagnostic centre for tuberculosis and respiratory diseases) of Jerada (Morocco) over a period of 3 years (2021-2023). Results: All patients were male former coal mine workers in Jerada. Symptoms were dominated by dyspnoea and persistent bronchial syndrome. The diagnosis of tuberculosis was confirmed by isolation of Koch’s bacillus from sputum, by isolation of BAARs by direct examination in 15 cases, by GeneXpert in 7 cases, by histological examination of biopsies in two cases and by ADA (adenosine deaminase) assay in 2 cases; the diagnosis of tuberculosis was retained on the basis of radio-clinical /argument in two silicotic cases. Anti-bacillary treatment was started in all patients, with a good clinical outcome in 21 cases. There were 5 deaths and 2 cases of recurrence. Conclusion: Silicosis increases the risk of tuberculosis, hence the importance of screening for tuberculosis in any patient suffering from silicosis