Does pulmonary tuberculosis differ by gender?

Abstract

<b>Introduction:</b> It has been shown that some respiratory diseases vary by gender. We aimed to compare clinical and evolutive feature of tuberculosis according to gender. <b>Methods:</b> We conducted a retrospective and comparative study in the pneumology department of Charles Nicolle hospital of Tunis, including patients hospitalized for tuberculosis between 2013 and 2022. <b>Results:</b> We included 166 patients with an average age at 44±17 years and male predominance (132 men and 34 women). Tabacco smoking and drug habits was higher among men (p&lt;0.01). Age, comorbidities, and symptoms did not differ between two groups. The delay of consultation was longer for women (p=0.02) with a similar delay of diagnosis (p=0.07). The body mass index was lower in men (p=0.04). Clinical improvement, evaluated by symptom’s improvement and weight gain was longer in men (p=0.001). However, bacilloscopic negativation delay and radiological improvement were statistically similar (p=0.1). <b>Conclusion:</b> Tunisian women with tuberculosis consult later but clinical improvement under treatment seems to be faster than men.