Evaluating the Prevalence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis among Symptomatic Individuals in Uyakama Community, Ahoada West, Rivers State, Nigeria

Tuberculosis is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria usually attack the lungs; they can also attack other parts of the body. Over the years, the bacteria strain that causes tuberculosis (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) has developed a lot of resistance, mainly as a result of a lack of compliance with treatment. This work aimed to evaluate the prevalence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis among symptomatic individuals in the Uyakama community, Ahoada West, Rivers State, Nigeria. The objectives are to isolate Mycobacterium tuberculosis among male and female subjects and to determine Mycobacterium tuberculosis among various age groups. The samples were collected from various people who reside in the community and are symptomatic. A total of 66 samples were collected from adults who were willing to participate in the study. The method used for the test was the Ziehl-Neelsen Staining technique and GeneXpert. The Acid-fast test was performed with strong carbol fuchsin,1% acid alcohol, distilled water, and methylene blue. The number of samples for males was 31, and for females was 35. 1 sample was positive for acid-fast bacilli using the Ziehl-Neelsen Staining technique, and 2 were positive with the Gene Xpert method. Therefore, the prevalence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis with the Ziehl-Neelsen staining technique and Gene Xpert, respectively, is 1.5% and 3%. None of the isolates is resistant to rifampicin. While the prevalence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis among males and females was 1.5% and 0%, respectively, with the Ziehl-Neelsen staining technique. The prevalence was (3% male) and (0% female) with the Gene Xpert Technique. Despite the low prevalence of tuberculosis in the community, the presence of tuberculosis in the community remains a major threat to public health safety. Communal lifestyle and cultural practice among duelers can lead to a fast spread of Mycobacterium tuberculosis if preventive measures are not implemented immediately.