Tuberculosis in Children and Adolescents in Irkutsk Region in 2013–2023: Current Trends

Introduction. Tuberculosis (TB) in children reflects the effectiveness of healthcare strategies in combating this infection within the entire population. Characterizing its trends retrospectively and currently allows for an assessment of future trajectories of the epidemiological situation regarding TB in a specific area. 
Objective. To evaluate the main epidemiological indicators of TB among children and adolescents in the Irkutsk region during a period of general improvement. 
Materials and methods. Data from statistical monitoring tuberculosis forms in children and adolescents from 2013 to 2023 were analyzed, along with factors that contributed to changes in the situation. 
Results. Total, 722 cases of tuberculosis have been registered in children (0–14 years old) and 270 cases in adolescents (15–17 years old) in the Irkutsk region. The observed long-term decline in TB incidence among children and adolescents occurs with varying intensity, and its slowdown during the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent period (2020–2023) is noted compared to 2013–2019: among children (7.2 % vs. 10.7 %) and adolescents (2.5 % vs. 8.1 %). The prevalence of TB in children 0–14 years old has decreased tenfold (from 42.30/0000 to 4.10/0000), while among adolescents aged 15–17 it has nearly tripled (from 51.20/0000 to 17.60/0000) and has been below average levels for the Siberian Federal District since 2018. There were still a significant number of MTB positive TB patients (980 cases) among the adult population of the Irkutsk region in 2023, including 515 with MDR TB, determining the existing risks of TB infection in children. 
Conclusion. Despite the slowed pace of improvement in the general epidemiological situation regarding TB, the Irkutsk region is reducing TB incidence rates among children and adolescents.

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