THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON DIAGNOSED TUBERCULOSIS CASES IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF CASCAVEL AND THE STATE OD PARANÁ, COMPARING THE PERIODS FROM 2012 TO 2022

Abstract

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily transmitted between individuals through aerosols in 80% of cases, typically manifesting as pulmonary disease. It poses a significant public health challenge, with a high number of cases in recent years in the country. Objective: Through this project, we aim to provide a comparative analysis of the quantitative description of reported tuberculosis cases during the periods before the COVID-19 pandemic, from 2012 to 2019, during the pandemic period, between 2020 and 2021, and after the commencement of recovery in 2022. Methodology: This is a descriptive, quantitative, and qualitative study conducted in the municipality of Cascavel and the State of Paraná, using data available in the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN). Results and Discussion: Tuberculosis diagnoses in the municipality of Cascavel were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, while in the state of Paraná, no significant difference was noted. Regarding the clinical presentation of the disease, there was no observed difficulty in differentiating between its clinical forms, even during the pandemic. We also discussed how the presence of influencing factors, both derived from the pandemic and local factors, interact with TB dynamics and alter them. Conclusion: The data emphasize an increase in the number of diagnoses during the pandemic, highlighting the need for in-depth research into factors that may influence these diagnoses at the municipal level for better understanding and the development of prevention strategies for the disease.