Background: Dermatoglyphics is the scientific study of epidermal ridges and their configurations on the palmar region of hand and fingers and plantar region of foot and toes. In this study, we tried to determine significant palmar Dermatoglyphic parameters in pulmonary tuberculosis patients and whether the parameters can be used for screening purpose i.e. early detection of susceptible.

Method: We have studied total 100 patients (80 males and 20 females) of Tuberculosis. Similarly equal numbers of normal healthy individual were included as controls. The Palmar Prints of the patients and the controls were taken on the “Map Litho White paper” by the "INK METHOD "as described by CUMMINS and MIDLO with Black duplicating ink (Camel). Prints obtained were immediately examined with hand lens.

Result: There is significant decrease in loops (P<0.001) with corresponding increase in whorls patterns (P<0.001) in Tuberculosis patients in comparison with control group. Arches are decreased but not significant. Whorls are increased significantly in Tuberculosis (P<0.001). Mean value of TFRC and AFRC is increased in Tuberculosis but not significant. Mean value of a-b Ridge Counts decreased in females with slight increase in males but statistically not significant. Mean value of atd Angle is significantly decreased in Tuberculosis (P<0.002).

Conclusion: The present study indicates that there are some genetic factors which are involved in the causation of tuberculosis and it is possible to certain extent to predict possibility of acquiring tuberculosis from Dermatoglyphics. This study also warrants further large scale case control studies to establish the exact relation between Tuberculosis and Dermatoglyphics.