Evolution, Trends, and Potential Explanations of the Increase in the Incidence of Tuberculosis: the Case of Uruguay

AbstractPurpose of reviewA descriptive analysis of the trend of tuberculosis incidence in Uruguay between 1995 and 2018.Recent findingsIn 2015, World Health Organization (WHO) proposed The END TB Strategy; the Latin American countries that implemented these strategies at the first level of care have had successful outcomes in terms of the reduction in the incidence, morbidity, and mortality of the disease.SummaryUruguay is a striking case in the regional environment regarding tuberculosis epidemiology. The trend of tuberculosis had a turning point in 2006, which defines two clearly different periods. The first period covers the year 1995 to 2006 and shows a significant decrease in the incidence rate and the second period covers the year 2006 to 2018 and shows a significant increase in the incidence rate. The proportion of contacts of tuberculosis cases receiving prophylactic treatment, the percentage of cases lost to follow-up, and the magnitude of the bacillary burden at diagnosis moment are possible factors linked to the changes in the trend of the incidence of tuberculosis. The initiation of a gradual transfer of the responsibilities of the National Program of Tuberculosis in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention to primary care health providers in the National Integrated Health System will hopefully contribute to reverse the epidemiological situation of tuberculosis in the country.
Source: Current Treatment Options in Infectious Diseases - Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research