Tuberculosis treatment failure: what are the risk factors? A comprehensive literature review

Tuberculosis (TB), induced by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is a significant global health concern. It affects approximately 25% of the global population and ranks among the primary causes of mortality from infectious diseases. Notwithstanding progress, TB treatment and diagnosis continue to encounter substantial obstacles, such as restricted access to precise diagnostics and efficacious therapies. By 2035, international objectives seek to diminish tuberculosis-related fatalities by 95% and enhance treatment accessibility. Multiple factors affect the success of TB treatment, including personal behaviors, social and demographic circumstances, and concurrent health conditions. Critical risk factors for suboptimal treatment outcomes encompass low body mass index, tobacco use, substance abuse, and various demographic variables, including gender, age, unemployment, geographic location, and migration status. Co-infections with HIV, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and COVID-19 are associated with increased rates of treatment failure. Supplementary challenges, including loss to follow-up and drug-resistant TB, elevate the probability of treatment failure. This review's findings intend to furnish essential insights for policymakers, healthcare professionals, and TB control programs, enhancing strategies and interventions. The primary objective is to improve the efficacy of TB management globally, with an emphasis on attaining superior treatment outcomes, particularly in the most underserved regions.