Gbakayoro Jean Brice^1,, Kouakou Affoué Valerie¹, Eba Krou Philippe², Allechi Cho Dongo Gertrude¹, Brou Kouakou¹

Eating a balanced diet to maintain good nutritional status is of paramount interest for anyone who wants to facilitate their recovery in the event of the occurrence of an infectious pathology. The general objective of this study was to highlight the major role of a balanced diet in the management of infectious pathologies, in this case tuberculosis. To do this, a dietary survey was carried out among tuberculosis patients (58) followed at the Anti.Tuberculosis Center (CAT) of Bingerville and the Diagnostic and Treatment Centers (CDT) of Blockhauss and the Cocody University Hospital, from January to May 2022. The evolution of the nutritional status (body mass index (BMI), blood albumin level) of these patients were also monitored.The data obtained were analyzed using SPSS version 22 software at the 5% threshold. The results showed that most of the patients surveyed had an age between 30 and 45 years (44.8%), men and women accounted for 65.5% and 34.5% respectively and susceptible tuberculosis (88.48%). %) was the most common type of tuberculosis. Before the onset of the disease, 15.52% of patients were thin, 68.96% had a normal BMI and 15.52% were overweight or obese. Since the onset of the disease, variations in BMI were observed: 27.59% were thin, 62.07% had a normal BMI and 10.34% were overweight or obese. After two to three months of treatment associated with regular taking of medications and the consumption of foods useful for boosting the immune system (rich in proteins, iron, calcium, vitamins A, E and C), a large part of patients saw their BMI improve, that is to say go from lean to normal (13.79%) or stabilize at normal (60.34%). Also, malnourished patients (BMI ≤ 18.5 Kg/m2) at the start of treatment obtained a normal albumin level (35–50g/l) at the end of treatment. It is therefore important to eat well to promote a speedy recovery for tuberculosis patients under medical treatment.

Balanced diet, nutritional status, tuberculosis, body mass index, albumin