Epidemiological Scenario of Tuberculosis in a Prison Intake Screening Center: Analysis of the Main Entry Point to the Penitentiary System in Pernambuco

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the most prevalent infections (1%–2%) in the Brazilian prison environment, with dissemination favored by factors such as overcrowding, poor infrastructure, and limited access to healthcare. Screening intake centers, due to their transient nature and high turnover, are critical points in the dynamics of TB transmission within the penitentiary system. From this perspective, understanding the epidemiological scenario of the disease in these settings is essential to support control actions. This study aimed to describe the epidemiological situation of TB at the main entry point to the penitentiary system in Pernambuco between November 2024 and June 2025. Descriptive observational study using secondary data from persons deprived of liberty in a prison intake screening unit. All cases diagnosed during the period were analyzed based on information from prison health records and the laboratory information system. Variables included age, type of entry, TB-HIV coinfection, resistance pattern, and follow-up outcome. The study was approved by a Human Research Ethics Committee under opinion number 6.824.226. Seventy-eight TB cases were identified, with an average of eight diagnoses per month. All patients were male, with a mean age of 31 years (minimum: 18; maximum: 52 years). Of the 78 cases, 73.0% were new cases and 27.0% were relapses; seven presented TB-HIV coinfection (9.0%), and one case was resistant to rifampicin (1.2%). Regarding outcomes, 43.0% were transferred to other prison units, 9.0% were discharged as cured, 5.1% were released through court order, and 31 remained under treatment at the unit. TB prevalence was 19 cases per 1,000 persons deprived of liberty, considering a total of 4,147 inmates at the unit. The data demonstrate a high burden of tuberculosis at the intake screening center, with a predominance of new cases and a significant proportion of persons deprived of liberty transferred to other units or released by court order, representing a challenge to continuity of care. The presence of TB-HIV coinfection and rifampicin resistance reinforces the need for active surveillance, systematic screening, and strengthening of notification flows and clinical monitoring. Integrated strategies between health services and the prison security system are essential to address TB in scenarios of high vulnerability and institutional mobility.