[The "Health system delay" in tuberculosis patients in Saint-Louis Senegal].

Sixty patients with positive acid fast bacilli sputum smears between were enrolled consecutively between March and August 2012 in the Saint-Louis (Senegal) health district to determine the Health System Delay in response to tuberculosis. The length of time between the first consultation of a TB patient and the start of treatment was, on average, 8.1 days and is among the shortest in the literature. This promptness reduces the risk of infection related to delayed care. This is one of the focuses of the National Programme of Fight against nosocomial infections in Senegal (PRONALIN), as well as the implementation of environmental procedures and the use of masks and respiratory protection equipment.