Nationwide economic analysis of pulmonary tuberculosis in the Brazilian healthcare system over seven years (2015–2022): a population-based study

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a global challenge and disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations. This study analyses the economic burden of pulmonary TB in Brazil, focusing on direct healthcare costs. It also evaluates the cost-effectiveness of the Directly Observed Treatment (DOT) strategy and the economic effort required to achieve a 90% probability of cure.

Methods

A nationwide retrospective study utilized data from the Brazilian Information System for Notifiable Diseases (SINAN) between 2015 and 2022. The cost per pulmonary TB case was estimated, encompassing expenses related to healthcare professionals, medication, laboratory exams, and the duration of treatment reported in SINAN. The population was stratified based on the presence of social vulnerabilities or a history of previous anti-TB treatment. Number Needed to Treat (NNT) analyses assessed the effectiveness of DOT implementation. Additionally, the study calculated the cost needed to achieve a 90% probability of cure through binomial regression models.

Findings

The total direct cost for pulmonary TB in Brazil during the seven years exceeded $1.3 billion, with retreatment cases accounting for $23.5 million. The lowest NNT of DOT were homeless (3.0), people who use drugs (3.72), and retreatment (4.56) subpopulations. These groups also presented the highest cost to achieve a 90% probability of cure.

Interpretation

This study highlights the economic impact of pulmonary TB on the Brazilian healthcare system. It underscores the effectiveness of DOT across various patient groups, regardless of their vulnerabilities or previous anti-TB treatment history. NNT analyses highlighted retreatment, homeless, and people who use drugs subpopulations as the most effective for DOT implementation.

Funding

Intramural Research Program-Oswaldo Cruz Foundation.