Hyperendemic pulmonary tuberculosis in peri-urban areas of Karachi, Pakistan.

Background: Currently there are very limited empirical data available on the prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis among residents of marginalized settings in Pakistan. This study assessed the prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis through active case detection and evaluated predictors of pulmonary tuberculosis among residents of two peri-urban neighbourhoods of Karachi, Pakistan.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in two peri-urban neighbourhoods from May 2002 to November 2002.