A clinical-epidemiological analysis of tuberculosis cases in Governador Valadares in 2023: A cross-sectional analysis.

Abstract

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB), caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is curable and preventable, but it remains a global challenge, especially in countries like Brazil, due to factors such as poverty and social exclusion. In 2022, there were 10.6 million global cases and 1.3 million deaths. In Brazil, more than 80,000 cases are registered annually, with a focus on Governador Valadares (MG), whose incidence rate in 2022 was 94.87 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, much higher than the state average (25.54 per 100,000). This scenario reinforces the importance of local studies to support public policies. Objective: To characterize the reported TB cases in Governador Valadares in 2023, analyzing demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical variables to support disease control strategies. Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive study with SINAN data of 211 confirmed TB cases in 2023. Variables such as sex, age, race/color, education, homelessness, imprisonment, income transfer programs, substance use, and comorbidities were analyzed. The data were categorized and analyzed to identify epidemiological patterns. Results: The majority of cases were male (78.2%), brown (62.6%), and aged 20 to 39 years (55%). Vulnerabilities included 8.5% in homelessness and 30.8% in imprisonment, both with high rates of treatment abandonment and mortality. Individuals with low education represented 51.2% of the cases. The overall cure rate was 58%, with 12% abandonment and 3.2% death. Conclusion: The high incidence of TB in Governador Valadares, associated with unfavorable socioeconomic conditions, requires targeted and multisectoral strategies, such as expanding diagnosis and treatment, as well as social and educational interventions, to contribute to the eradication of TB by 2030.