Comparative Analysis of Tuberculosis Patterns in Migrant and Local Communities Across Türkiye

This study investigates changes in tuberculosis incidence among migrant and local populations in the Kayseri and Adana regions of central and southern Türkiye, compared to the pre-migration period.

This multicenter retrospective study analyzed data from patients hospitalized for tuberculosis at three regional tertiary care hospitals from May 2011 to April 2024. The study identified whether patients were migrants or non-migrants, assessed their immunosuppressive status, drug resistance, and the sites of tuberculosis involvement.

The study included 280 participants, comprising 55 migrants and 225 non-migrants. Among migrants, males (92.7%) represented a significantly higher proportion compared to non-migrants (p<0.001). Immunosuppression was also more prevalent in migrants (p<0.001). The cavitation rate in pulmonary tuberculosis was 50.9% in migrants and 28.9% in non-migrants (p=0.002). Migrants also exhibited a higher incidence of positive tuberculosis (TB) cultures. The rates of drug resistance were similar between the two groups, showing no increase from the pre-migration data. However, the frequency of drug resistance testing was lower than the national average. Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that an immunosuppressive condition significantly increased the risk of mortality (odds ratio [OR]=3.681).

The study highlights a higher prevalence of immunosuppression and cavitation in pulmonary TB among migrants. Tuberculosis cases among refugees have increased significantly since 2011, although drug resistance rates have not. Areas with more widespread drug resistance testing requires further studies.