Delay in Pulmonary Tuberculosis Suspicion and Isolation among Hospitalized Patients: Songklanagarind Hospital Perspective
Boonsri Charoenmak BSc*, Somkiet Worayuttakarn MD*, Sarunyou Chusri MD*, Khachornsakdi Silpapojakul MD*
Affiliation : * Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla, Thailand
Objective : To study the factors influencing delayed pulmonary tuberculosis suspicion and isolation among hospitalized
patients in Songklanagarind Hospital.
Material and Method: A prospective study examining the microbiologically confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis patients who
were admitted in the hospital. The data collected included demographic data, HIV status, initial symptoms, and chest
radiographs.
Results : Sixty inpatients were identified. Forty-five percent and 30% of patients were admitted. There was delay in suspicion
of pulmonary tuberculosis and delay in isolation in 18 (30%) and 24 (40%) patients, respectively. There was no statistical
significance among delayed and non-delayed groups of pulmonary tuberculosis suspicion and isolation.
Conclusion : The pulmonary tuberculosis suspicion and isolation should concern patients for whom TB is an etiologic
implication.
Keywords : Delay, Suspicion, Isolation, Pulmonary tuberculosis
