Epidemiology, detection, diagnosis and treatment of TB in children in Kazakhstan

BACKGROUND TB remains a significant global health challenge, particularly for children, who are often more susceptible to severe disease and complications. METHODS This study provides a comprehensive analysis of TB epidemiology and treatment outcomes in people under 18 years of age in Kazakhstan between 2018 and 2023, utilising a nationwide database that covers the entire country, with a focus on drug-susceptible (DS-TB) and drug-resistant TB (DR-TB) cases. RESULTS During the study period, 3,317 pediatric TB cases were registered, with 76% being DS-TB and a significant proportion being girls and adolescents over 15 years of age. Our findings show a declining trend in TB notification and prevalence from 2018 to 2020, followed by a plateau in subsequent years. According to the data, young children under 5 years of age had the lowest TB caseload. Logistic regression analysis revealed that adolescents of 15-17 years of age had higher odds of unsuccessful treatment, while DR-TB patients had better outcomes than DS-TB patients. CONCLUSION The study highlights the need for targeted interventions, improved diagnostic capabilities, and continuous public health efforts to address the burden of TB in children, especially in high-risk regions. .