Current Research in Public Health
Volume 6, Issue 1, 2026
Open Access February 16, 2026 4 pages 1 views 0 downloads

Tuberculosis among elderly patients: diagnostic and therapeutic challenges (2020-2024)

Current Research in Public Health 2026, 6(1), 6271. DOI: 10.31586/gjeid.2026.6271
Abstract
Background: Tuberculosis (TB) in the elderly poses significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to immunosenescence, comorbidities, and atypical clinical presentation. This study evaluates the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of TB in patients aged ≥65 years. Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted including all TB cases reported between 2020 and
[...] Read more.
Background: Tuberculosis (TB) in the elderly poses significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to immunosenescence, comorbidities, and atypical clinical presentation. This study evaluates the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of TB in patients aged ≥65 years. Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted including all TB cases reported between 2020 and 2024. Data from the National Tuberculosis Program were analyzed for demographic characteristics, clinical form, bacteriological confirmation, comorbidities, and treatment outcomes. Results: Of 1,335 TB cases, 352 (26.4%) occurred in individuals aged ≥65 years. Pulmonary TB accounted for 80.7% of cases. Men represented 63.4% of patients, and 56.8% lived in urban areas. Bacteriological confirmation was achieved in 82% of pulmonary cases, and treatment success exceeded 85%. Diabetes mellitus (26.5%) and arterial hypertension (31%) were the most common comorbidities. An increase in TB cases was observed in the post-COVID-19 period. A significant association was found between age and clinical form of TB (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Elderly individuals constitute a substantial proportion of TB cases and frequently present with chronic comorbidities. Despite diagnostic challenges, favorable treatment outcomes were achieved, highlighting the need for integrated and early management strategies in this population.Full article
Brief Report
ISSN: 2831-5162
DOI prefix: 10.31586/crph
Journal metrics
Publication year
2021-2026
Journal (home page) visits
46561
Published articles
29
Article views
39787
Article downloads
7494
Downloads/article
258
APC
99.00