Tuberculosis cases with post-mortem notification in Brazil, 2014: a descriptive study based on surveillance data

Objective To characterize tuberculosis cases notified at post-mortem in Brazil in 2014. Methods This is a descriptive study of tuberculosis cases notified at post-mortem. Data resulted from linkage of the Notifiable Health Conditions Information System-TB (SINAN-TB) and the Mortality Information System (SIM), and were described according to underlying cause of death: tuberculosis, AIDS and other. Results In the 2,703 tuberculosis cases notified at post-mortem, a higher proportion was found of people of the male sex (73.5%), aged over 39 (80.8%), 0.7 (66.6%). Conclusion The characteristics described of people with post-mortem notification and the magnitude of this outcome suggest weaknesses in tuberculosis care and surveillance services.