CLINICAL-EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PROFILE OF TUBERCULOSIS IN JUAZEIRO-BA: A DISCRIMINATED STUDY OF THE LAST 10 YEARS (2014 TO 2024)

Abstract

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, known as Koch’s bacillus. Transmitted mainly through the inhalation of contaminated aerosols, it primarily affects the lungs but can compromise other organs, especially in people with HIV. Despite high cure rates when diagnosed early and properly treated, therapeutic adherence remains a challenge. This descriptive epidemiological study used secondary data from DATASUS on tuberculosis cases reported in Juazeiro-BA between 2014 and 2024. The results showed a higher occurrence among individuals aged 20 to 39 years, followed by 40 to 59 years, with predominance in males. In some years, cases among those aged 40 to 49 exceeded those in younger groups, and there was a significant drop in 2020, possibly related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Children and adolescents presented low notification rates, although underreporting is likely in areas with limited access to healthcare. It is concluded that tuberculosis remains a relevant public health problem associated with social factors such as poverty, smoking, alcohol consumption, and fragile access to healthcare services. Despite advances in diagnosis and free treatment by SUS, the disease remains a challenge, requiring continuous actions that promote equity and effectiveness in control measures.