EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PROFILE OF PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS IN THE CITY OF RIO DO SUL (SC) FROM 2015 TO 2024

Pulmonary tuberculosis is an infectious and contagious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis . Brazil is among the countries with the highest incidence rates, especially among individuals with comorbidities, immunosuppression, and socioeconomic vulnerability. Considering Sustainable Development Goal 3.3 of the United Nations, which aims to eliminate tuberculosis by 2030, this study evaluated the epidemiological profile of pulmonary tuberculosis in the city of Rio do Sul, Santa Catarina, from 2015 to 2024. This is a descriptive epidemiological study with a cross-sectional and retrospective design. Reported data were extracted from physical and electronic medical records of patients diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis. Variables analyzed included sex, age, race/color, education level, special populations, type of entry, associated diseases, and treatment outcome. Data were organized in electronic spreadsheets and descriptive analysis was performed. A total of 75 cases of pulmonary tuberculosis were reported. Most patients were male (56%), predominantly aged 50–59 years (33.33%), and self-identified as White (78.67%). Notifications predominated among individuals with low educational attainment, especially those with incomplete elementary education (45.33%). Diagnosis was mainly established by smear microscopy (66.67%), with low utilization of rapid molecular testing and culture. New cases were the most frequent (73.33%), followed by relapse (21.33%). Special populations accounted for 12% of cases. Smoking (42.67%) and HIV coinfection (17.33%) were the main associated conditions. Most patients progressed to cure (85.33%), 6.67% abandoned treatment, 5.33% had a change in diagnosis, and 2.67% died. An increasing trend in case numbers was observed over the last three years, with the highest incidence in 2022. Despite the existence of a National Plan to End Tuberculosis, this study demonstrates that pulmonary tuberculosis remains an important public health problem. The concentration of cases in specific sociodemographic groups reinforces the importance of an integrated approach, considering education, access to healthcare, and risk factors. The low performance of diagnostic tests highlights failures in adequate screening.