Submission ID 130868
| Issue/Objective | Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global health challenge and disproportionately affects socially vulnerable populations. In Brazil, TB incidence has increased in recent years despite global targets for universal diagnostic access and high treatment success. We evaluated patterns of TB diagnosis and treatment outcomes in Aracaju, Brazil, to identify local health system gaps and opportunities to improve equitable access to care. |
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| Methodology/Approach | This is a retrospective analysis of people treated for tuberculosis in Aracaju, Sergipe between December 2021 and May 2025. Patients included those managed at local community health centers for uncomplicated pulmonary TB as well as patients referred to the reference center for more complex pulmonary or extrapulmonary cases. We describe patterns of tests performed to support diagnosis and identification of co-infections, public health activities, and treatment outcomes. |
| Results | We included 97 people. Overall, 51 (53%) participants received rapid molecular testing (Xpert) to support diagnosis and imaging studies (chest x-ray and/or computed tomography) were conducted in 80 (82%) people. HIV testing was performed in 51 (53%) participants. Treatment predominantly followed the standard regimen in 95 (98%) patients, though 2 (2%) received other treatment regimens. By August 2025, 86 participants had a known outcome, and 70 (81%) patients completed treatment successfully. |
| Discussion/Conclusion | We found suboptimal use of rapid molecular tests and HIV testing among people with TB, with rates falling below World Health Organization (WHO) targets of 100% coverage. Treatment outcomes were also below WHO goals of 90% success. These findings suggest persistent gaps in equitable access to essential TB services and continuity of care. Strengthening primary care diagnostic capacity, routine co-infection screening, and treatment follow-up could improve outcomes locally and inform similar TB control strategies in comparable urban settings. |
| Presenters and Affiliations | Aissam Souidi McGill University Victor Santana Santos Universidade Federal de Sergipe Jonathon R. Campbell McGill University |
