TUBERCULOSIS AMONG IMMIGRANTS IN PARANÁ: EPIDEMIOLOGICAL OVERVIEW

Tuberculosis (TB) disproportionately affects vulnerable groups, including immigrant populations, who are often exposed to precarious living conditions, language barriers, and difficulties accessing health services. With increased migration to Brazil in recent years, understanding the epidemiological profile of TB among immigrants is essential. This study aimed to describe the sociodemographic and clinical profile of TB cases reported among immigrants in the state of Paraná. Descriptive study based on notifications from the Notifiable Diseases Information System between 2022 and 2024. Variables analyzed included year of notification, health region, age group, sex, education level, area of residence, clinical form, type of case entry, and diagnostic test results. Analyses included simple frequencies and Pearson’s chi-square test. CAAE 38855820.6.0000.5231. A total of 110 TB cases among immigrants were reported, with progressive increase: 16.4% in 2022, 33.6% in 2023, and 50.0% in 2024. The 2nd Health Region of Curitiba accounted for 34.5% of cases, followed by Cascavel (16.4%) and Foz do Iguaçu (15.5%). Most cases occurred among adults aged 19–59 years (85.5%; mean age 32.1 years), males (62.7%), and urban residents (86.4%). Regarding education, 31.8% had up to nine years of schooling. The pulmonary form predominated (77.3%), as did new cases (69.1%). Among diagnostic tests, 46.4% had positive smear microscopy, 76.4% suggestive chest X-Ray, 30.9% positive culture, 54.5% rifampicin-sensitive molecular test, and 16.4% TB-HIV coinfection. Only 10.9% of coinfected patients were on antiretroviral therapy. Drug resistance occurred in 3.6% of cases. Outcomes included cure in 26.4%, transfer in 16.4%, death from other causes in 5.5%, and treatment interruption in 4.5%. An increase in TB cases among immigrants in Paraná was observed, concentrated among adult men with low education living in urban areas. These findings reinforce the need for continuous epidemiological monitoring, specific public policies, and actions aimed at early diagnosis, treatment adherence, and equitable access to health services.