Human Tuberculosis in Migrant and Autocthonous Patients: A Ten-Year Single-Centre Experience

In recent years, migratory movements have increased. This study aimed to compare tuberculosis cases in migrant and autochthonous patients. We conducted a retrospective analytical cohort study of patients diagnosed with tuberculosis in the Elda Health District (Alicante, Spain) between 2013 and 2023. Of the 98 patients analyzed, 28 (29.6%) were migrants, predominantly male (65%), with a mean age of 35.6 years. Pulmonary tuberculosis was present in 82% of patients in both groups, and nine cases of drug-resistant tuberculosis were identified. No significant differences were observed between groups in treatment cure rates, mortality, or hospitalization. Unfavourable outcomes-a composite endpoint comprising mortality, treatment failure, and loss to follow-up-were more frequent in males and in patients with elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (p = 0.033) or a higher CRP/albumin ratio. Migrants accounted for a substantial proportion of total TB cases and tended to be younger, with fewer comorbidities and lower rates of substance use. They showed a non-significant trend toward higher loss to follow-up and drug resistance. Overall, unfavourable outcomes were associated with elevated CRP levels and the CRP/albumin ratio.