STUDY OF CLINICAL, BACTERIOLOGICAL, RADIOLOGICAL PROFILE AND TREATMENT OUTCOME IN SMOKERS VS NON-SMOKERS SUFFERING FROM PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS.

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global health burden, particularly in countries like India with high TB prevalence and smoking rates. Smoking is a known risk factor that adversely affects the clinical course and treatment outcomes of pulmonary TB. To compare the clinical, bacteriological, and radiological profiles, along Objective: with treatment outcomes, between smokers and non-smokers diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis. This observational cohort stu Methods: dy was conducted at a tertiary care hospital from January 2020 to December 2022. A total of 87 newly diagnosed pulmonary TB patients were enrolled, including 42 smokers and 45 non-smokers. Data were collected on demographic characteristics, clinical features, sputum AFB grading, chest X-ray findings, and response to treatment at the end of the intensive phase (IP) and continuation phase (CP). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v21. Results: Smokers had a higher mean age (46.38±15.31 years) compared to non-smokers (34.69±14.67 years). The majority of smokers were male (92.86%) while most non-smokers were female (82.22%). Smokers showed a higher sputum bacillary load at presentation, lower sputum conversion at the end of IP (only 19.05% negative in smokers vs 82.22% in non-smokers; p<0.0001), and less radiological clearance. Clinical symptoms such as cough, fever, and loss of appetite were more persistent in smokers. Complete radiological clearance at the end of CP was achieved in 80% of non-smokers versus 59.52% of smokers. Smoking significantly impairs the clinical, Conclusion: bacteriological, and radiological response to TB treatment. Smokers experience delayed sputum conversion, more extensive lung involvement, and poorer symptom resolution. Integrating smoking cessation programs into TB care is essential to improve treatment outcomes.