SETTING

Published literature on the clinical characteristics of tuberculosis (TB) among elderly patients in India is scarce, as the problem of geriatric TB has not received the attention it deserves.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the manifestations of TB among elderly and young patients.

DESIGN

Medical records of elderly and young TB patients were extracted and compared.

RESULTS

Elderly patients had less frequent respiratory and constitutional symptoms, but a higher prevalence of comorbidities. The median duration of symptoms was also longer in the elderly. Both groups were similar on physical examination, except that the elderly had a higher frequency of development of jaundice following anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy. Human immunodeficiency virus positivity was only present among the younger group. Both groups had significant proportions of alcoholics and drug abusers, but lesser percentage of smokers. Total admission analysis showed a male preponderance.

CONCLUSION

The presentation of TB in elderly patients differs from that of younger patients in symptomatology. A high index of suspicion is therefore required to make a timely diagnosis of TB in the elderly.