Epidemiological Profile of Tuberculosis in Recife: Analysis of the Period 2013–2023

Tuberculosis ( Mycobacterium tuberculosis ) remains a relevant public health challenge in Brazil, with 30,259 cases recorded in Recife between 2013 and 2023. The municipality accounts for 45.1% of tuberculosis diagnoses in the state, standing out as the epicenter of the disease in Pernambuco. With a population of 1.448 million inhabitants, Recife presents urban dynamics that increase vulnerability, such as high population density and marked social inequality. This study aims to analyze the epidemiological profile of tuberculosis in the capital of Pernambuco, identifying temporal trends and demographic characteristics. This is a descriptive-analytical ecological study using retrospective data from DATASUS/SINAN (2013–2023). All notified tuberculosis cases in Recife were included, regardless of age. The variables analyzed were annual incidence, distribution by sex, race/color, age group, treatment adherence, and TB-HIV coinfection. Data were tabulated using Google Sheets and analyzed with descriptive statistics. Between 2013 and 2023, Recife recorded 30,259 tuberculosis cases, with a peak in 2023 (3,559 cases). There was a predominance of males (68.4%; 20,705 cases) and individuals classified as mixed race (57.1%; 17,276), followed by White (15.6%; 4,725) and Black individuals (10.1%; 3,065). The 20–59-year age group, corresponding to the economically active population, accounted for 74.2% of cases (22,463). Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) showed a high proportion of missing data (51.7%; 15,661 cases), although 39% (11,778) adhered to this strategy. TB-HIV coinfection affected 18% of cases (5,454), with pulmonary TB predominating (85.3%; 25,836). Extrapulmonary TB was more frequent among women (28.6%; 2,730). Recife maintains high tuberculosis endemicity, reflecting urban challenges such as limited access to healthcare and underreporting. Missing or incomplete data compromise analyses, particularly regarding race/color (47.6% without information) and educational level (55.4% not recorded). The burden among economically active adults (20–59 years) suggests socioeconomic impact, while the TB-HIV coinfection rate (18%) indicates possible underreporting of TB infections in the capital, given the high adherence to antiretroviral therapy in the city.