TUBERCULOSIS IN INDIGENOUS PEOPLES OF PARANÁ: EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PROFILE

The Indigenous population is historically vulnerable to infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis (TB), due to sociocultural factors, barriers to access to health services, and precarious living conditions. This study aimed to describe the epidemiological profile of TB cases reported among Indigenous people in the state of Paraná. Descriptive study, based on reports from the notifiable diseases information system, between 2022 and 2024. Sociodemographic variables, clinical form, mode of entry, associated conditions, diagnostic tests, and closure status were analyzed. Analyses used simple frequencies and cross-tabulation (Pearson’s Chi-Square test). CAAE 38855820.6.0000.5231. Forty-seven TB cases were reported, with a progressive increase and predominance of records in 2024 (46.8%), especially in small municipalities (61.7%). The health regions (RS) with the highest number of cases were the 20th RS Toledo (19.1%), 2nd RS Curitiba (17.0%), and 10th RS Cascavel (14.9%). Adults aged 19 to 59 years accounted for 83.0% of cases, with predominance of males (76.6%). The pulmonary form was the most frequent (87.2%); among extrapulmonary cases, the pleural (10.6%) and miliary (2.1%) forms stood out. Regarding associated conditions, 27.7% reported alcohol consumption, 25.5% smoking, 14.9% drug use, 6.4% mental illnesses, 4.3% diabetes mellitus, and 2.1% AIDS. In tests, 40.4% had positive smear microscopy, 87.2% suggestive radiography for TB, 29.8% positive culture, and 55.3% molecular test sensitive to rifampicin. Directly observed treatment (DOT) was performed in 59.6% of cases. Despite this, only 17.0% evolved to cure, 8.5% interrupted treatment, and 6.4% died from TB. There was no significant association between treatment interruption and the presence of associated conditions (p=0.539). Despite the performance of DOT and access to diagnostic tests, the cure rate was low, with treatment interruption and deaths. These findings reinforce the need to intensify strategies for access, adherence, and continuous follow-up, in addition to implementing culturally adapted actions to reduce the vulnerability of the Indigenous population to TB.