THE PREVALENCE OF TUBERCULOSIS AMONG PATIENTS WITH SILICOSIS IN THE SOUTHEASTERN PART OF RAJASTHAN, INDIA

Silicosis is a fibrotic lung disease caused by inhalation of free crystalline silicon dioxide or silica.Silicosis is caused by inhalation of respirable particles of crystalline silica (usually quartz). Workers at greatest risk are those who move or blast rock and sand (miners, quarry workers, stonecutters, construction workers) or who use silica-containing rock or sand abrasives (sand blasters, glass makers, foundry, gemstone, and ceramic workers, potters)¹.Silicotuberculosis is a condition characterized by the co-existence of silicosis and tuberculosis (TB). The incidence of tuberculosis in patients with silicosis is higher than general population². Methods:120 patients of silicosis and old treated cases of silicotuberculosis patient with respiratory symptoms were included in the study. In all the patients, sputum was sent for acid fast bacilli (AFB) , GeneXpert and also for AFB culture examination wherever needed. Results: The mean duration of exposure to silica particles was 10 years (5 to 15 years). Tuberculosis was diagnosed by microbiological examination in 46 cases, while 31 cases which were previously treated for tuberculosis were found negative on microbiological examination. 12 patients were diagnosed to be silicotuberculosis on clinico-radiological basis. Overall prevalence of TB among patients of silicosis was found to be 74%.Conclusions: study has shown a higher prevalence of tuberculosis (TB) among patients with silicosis, emphasizing the need for proactive health management in silica mining industries. Regular health monitoring, education, and strict use of PPE-are necessary to safeguard the health of silica mine workers and prevent the spread of TB in this high-risk group.