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March 17, 2026Open Access

Beyond the Lung: The Invisible Face of Cutaneous Tuberculosis – An Epidemiological Study in the State of Pará From 2015 to 2024

Key Points

This study aims to describe the epidemiological profile of cutaneous tuberculosis in Pará from 2015 to 2024.
Conducted a quantitative ecological study analyzing secondary data from DATASUS.
Reviewed reported cases based on variables such as sex, age, schooling, outcome, and laboratory confirmation.
Evaluated collected data using Microsoft Excel to present absolute and relative frequencies.
119 cases of cutaneous tuberculosis were recorded from 2015 to 2024, with a slight male predominance (52.1%).
Most cases occurred among middle-aged adults (40-59 years; 36.97%), contrary to typical trends among younger adults.
63.86% of patients were cured, with 14 unknown outcomes, 7 dropouts, and 1 death reported.
Only 13.44% of diagnoses were laboratory confirmed, indicating diagnostic limitations in the region.

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious communicable disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, considered a public health challenge and the leading cause of death from an infectious agent, especially in developing countries. Cutaneous tuberculosis is a notable clinical form of TB, and it is the most uncommon, more commonly affecting young adults, especially women. In this context, this study aims to describe the epidemiological profile of cutaneous tuberculosis cases in the state of Pará. This is a quantitative ecological study based on secondary data obtained from DATASUS. Reported cases of cutaneous tuberculosis in the state of Pará from 2015 to 2024 were analyzed using variables sex, age, schooling, outcome, and laboratory confirmation. Collected data were evaluated in Microsoft Excel, and variables were presented in absolute and relative frequency terms. During this period, the state of Pará recorded 119 cases of cutaneous tuberculosis, with slight predominance among males (52.1%, n=62). Although the literature indicates higher occurrence in women, local data show annual fluctuations, with female predominance in some years (2020, 2021, 2023, 2024). Most cases occurred among middle-aged adults (40–59 years; 36.97%, n=44), contrary to the expected trend of higher prevalence in young adults (20–39 years; 31.09%, n=37). Wide variation in schooling levels was observed, with emphasis on individuals with complete high school education (23.52%, n=28). Regarding outcomes, 76 patients (63.86%) were cured, but there were 14 cases with unknown outcome (11.76%), mainly in 2024, 7 dropouts (5.88%), and 1 death (0.84%). These data suggest weaknesses in follow-up and case recording. Only 16 diagnoses were laboratory confirmed (13.44%), reflecting limitations in the state’s diagnostic structure, where clinical diagnosis remains the main resource. This scenario reinforces the need to strengthen surveillance, continuous care, and training of health teams. The study showed an atypical profile of cutaneous tuberculosis in Pará, weaknesses in diagnostic infrastructure, and failures in clinical follow-up. The need to strengthen diagnosis, surveillance, and training to improve disease control in the region is highlighted.

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