Analysis of White Blood Cells in Patients Attending Tuberculosis Clinic at Holley Memorial Hospital Ochadamu, Ofu Local Government Area, Kogi State, Nigeria
Abraham, O. J1., Odiba, P.A.2, Haruna, I.4, Yusuf, D.2, Amodu, A.E.3, Yahaya-Oruma, U2., Adoje, N. J1., Nwaogwugwu, A.5, Adelowo, A.E.5, Adegbite, A5., Okpanachi, E6. and Ameh, M5.
1Biology/Microbiology Unit, 2Chemistry/Biochemistry Unit, 3Physics and Electronics Unit, Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Federal Polytechnic P.M.B. 1037 Idah, Kogi State.
4Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Federal Polytechnic P.M.B. 1037 Idah, Kogi State.
5Haematology Laboratory, Holley Memorial Hospital, Ochadamu, Ofu Local Government Area, Kogi State, Nigeria.
6Amnesty Hospital Ankpa, Ankpa LGA, Kogi State, Nigeria.
E-mail:josephoyiguh@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
Tuberculosis is a chronic debilitating infectious disease known as child of poverty caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The disease rate is on the increase globally and awareness of its risk factors is poor among the people. This study determined the prevalence of tuberculosis and the white blood cells (WBC) count in patients attending tuberculosis clinic at Holley memorial Hospital Ochadamu, Ofu Local Government Area, Kogi State, Nigeria. A total of 44 (25 male, 19 female) patient, ages 15–80 years with clinical signs of prolonged cough, chest pain and fever were evaluated for peripheral blood parameters using haematology analyzer. All the information related to the disease were collected from the patients using predesigned questionnaire. Results obtained indicated that total leukocyte count was lower than normal value (< 4 x 109/L) in 7 patients (4 females and 3 males). Total leukocyte count was higher in 6 patients (4 males and 2 females) (i.e. > 11 x 109/L). Of the 44 samples analyzed, 11 patients were AFB positive while 33 patients were AFB negative. The prevalence rate of the disease was significantly higher (P<0.05) in males than females and also relatively higher (P<0.05) in older patients than younger ones. The haematological parameters (leukocyte) serve as hallmark for the infection and help the clinicians in early diagnosis of the disease. The factors responsible for TB in this area were majorly illiteracy and poor awareness of the burden of this disease. Therefore, awareness programmes regarding the magnitude of the disease and its preventive measures should be organized in this area in order to minimize the spread of the disease.