Tuberculosis, Lung Infections, and Respiratory Care

Epidemiology of TB Disease

Tuberculosis epidemiology focuses on studying the health and disease patterns within populations to prevent disease spread. Approximately one-third of the global population has been infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Developing countries report a significant burden, with millions of active cases and deaths, especially in individuals co-infected with HIV. TB incidence varies with age, affecting adolescents and young adults in Africa, while in the United States, it primarily impacts older individuals and the immunosuppressed.