AbstractIntroduction: Dermatoglyphics is scientific study of epidermal ridges and their configuration on palmar and plantar region. The factor which is responsible for genetic correlation of pulmonary tuberculosis is functional mutants of mannose binding protein. It plays important role in inheritance. Epidermal ridge pattern is also determined by genetics. Aims & Objectives: To find out various Dermatoglyphic features in patients of pulmonary tuberculosis. To study the statistical significance of the difference found in patients and normal individuals. Observations: This study was attempted in two groups i.e. one with 100 patients (72-males, 28- emales) having pulmonary tuberculosis and the other with 100 healthy adult (72-males, 28-females) of same age groups 20-45 years. Results & Conclusions: There is decrease in number of hands in which ‘c’ line termination is towards ‘9’ in left hands of female patients than controls. Significant decrease in number of female patients having I3 pattern in their right hands as compared to female controls. We found Dermatoglyphic analysis proven to have advantages as a diagnostic tool in certain diseases including pulmonary tuberculosis. It can use as for the prevention & control of disease.
Key words: Dermatoglyphics; Epidermal ridges; Tuberculosis; Prevention.