Despite increasing use of Gene Xpert diagnostics, recent evidence on TB prevalence and associated risk factors among presumptive pulmonary TB patients in the North Shewa Zone is limited. Assessing these parameters at Debre Berhan Comprehensive Specialized Hospital is essential for improving TB diagnosis and control. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis using Gene Xpert and identify associated risk factors among presumptive pulmonary TB patients at Debre Berhan Comprehensive Specialized Hospital in 2025. An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 301 presumptive pulmonary TB patients. Participants were selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected through structured and pretested questionnaires via face-to-face interviews. EpiData version 4.6 was used to enter the data; Stata version 16.1 was used to analyze the data. Univariable analysis were used to identify candidate variables (p ≤ 0.25) for multivariable logistic regression. Statistical significance was declared at p < 0.05 with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Of 301 participants, 205 (68.1%) were male. The prevalence of pulmonary TB by Gene Xpert was 15.28% (95% CI: 11.63–19.82). Factors positively associated with TB positivity included close contact with known TB patients (AOR: 3.34; 95% CI: 1.22–9.09), HIV-positive status (AOR: 5.40; 95% CI: 1.86–15.61), farming occupation (AOR: 6.46; 95% CI: 5.12–15.60), and frequent cough (AOR: 8.90; 95% CI: 1.92–41.29). The prevalence of pulmonary TB among presumptive patients was high (15.28%). Targeted screening, early diagnosis, and interventions to improve environmental conditions are recommended to reduce TB transmission in this population. Not applicable.
Weldeyohannis et al. (2026) studied this question.