ArticleBMC geriatrics2026
Tuberculosis in older adults (≥ 65 years): Global trends, sex differences, and regional variations, 2000-2023.
Article in BMC geriatrics, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 4 papers.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
4 citing papers in PubMed.
- Treatment outcomes and risk factors for unfavorable results among older asymptomatic pulmonary tuberculosis patients in China, 2021-2024.BMC geriatrics · 2026Article
- Associations of exposure to ambient PMBMC public health · 2026Article
- Long-Term Trends and Determinants of Tuberculosis Burden in China, 1990-2023: Insights from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023.Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland) · 2026Article
- Drug-resistant tuberculosis and pulmonary co-infections in immunocompromised patients: from multi-omics to precision therapy.Frontiers in microbiology · 2026Review
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
2 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundOlder adults (≥ 65 years) are at increased risk for tuberculosis (TB), but global burden estimates in this population remain limited. This study analyzes long-term trends from 2000 to 2023 and assesses TB incidence, mortality, and sex-specific differences among older adults.
methodsAge- and sex-specific TB case data were obtained from the World Health Organization (WHO) Global TB Database and United Nations population estimates. TB incidence and mortality per 100,000 population were calculated for individuals aged ≥ 65 years. Rate ratios (RR) comparing adults ≥ 65 years with the WHO standard adult reference group (individuals aged 15–64 years) were computed. Geographic and sex-specific differences were analyzed using descriptive statistics and choropleth maps.
resultsIn 2023, individuals aged ≥ 65 years accounted for 21% of global TB cases and 23% of TB deaths. Between 2000 and 2023, TB cases in this age group increased from 610,000 to 947,000, despite declining global TB incidence overall. Rate ratios for incidence and mortality were elevated across all WHO regions, with the highest rate ratios in the Western Pacific and South-East Asia. Men had approximately twice the incidence of TB compared with women. Geographic distribution showed highest burden in South-East Asia, sub-Saharan Africa (influenced by the human immunodeficiency virus–TB co-epidemic), and Eastern Europe (driven partly by multidrug-resistant -TB).
conclusionsTB burden among older adults is substantial and has increased over the past two decades. Clear sex-specific disparities persist. Age- and sex-tailored public health strategies—including targeted screening, integration of comorbidity management, and strengthened surveillance—are essential to reduce TB-related morbidity and mortality in this vulnerable population.
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