Tuberculosis in Turkiye: Epidemiological insights and recommendations for progress

Yigci D., Kayı İ., Demiroğlu Y. Z., Kutlu M., KILIÇASLAN Z., Ergönül Ö.

European Journal of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, cilt.44, sa.10, ss.2323-2330, 2025 (SCI-Expanded) identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Derleme
  • Cilt numarası: 44 Sayı: 10
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s10096-025-05201-w
  • Dergi Adı: European Journal of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, PASCAL, CAB Abstracts, EMBASE, Environment Index, MEDLINE, Public Affairs Index, Veterinary Science Database
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.2323-2330
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Diagnostics, Extrapulmonary tuberculosis, Healthcare disparities, Migrant health, Tuberculosis (TB)
  • İstanbul Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global public health challenge. We provide an overview of the current TB epidemiology in Turkey, highlighting key findings related to TB incidence, diagnostic challenges, and treatment outcomes. Results: A gradual decline in TB incidence in Turkiye has been observed over recent years. In 2022, the TB incidence rate was 11.5 per 100,000, falling short of achieving WHO's target of a 50% reduction by 2025. The prevalence of multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) is rising, particularly among foreign-born populations, and delays in diagnosing extrapulmonary TB forms, such as TB meningitis and spondylodiscitis, continue to hinder effective treatment. Conclusion: We identify critical gaps in diagnostic tools, treatment adherence, and healthcare worker knowledge. We provide a set of comprehensive recommendations aimed at reducing TB incidence and improving treatment success, including the implementation of rapid molecular diagnostic tests, strengthening health policies for at-risk populations (such as migrants), improving healthcare worker education, and leveraging mobile health platforms to monitor treatment adherence.