Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 19, 2026

Analysis of 18FDG PET/CT Imaging as a Tool for Studying Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection and Treatment in Non-human Primates
Published on: September 5, 2017
Epidemiological Characteristics of Asymptomatic Tuberculosis - China, 2021-2024
Caihong Xu1,2, Yaxin Wen2, Yanlin Zhao2
1Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province, China.
Introduction:
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health challenge in China, which ranks fourth among the 30 high-burden countries worldwide. Individuals with asymptomatic Pulmonary TB (aPTB) may act as "silent transmitters", contributing to undetected community transmission and hindering progress toward the End-TB goals. This study examined the epidemiological characteristics of patients with aPTB in China from 2021 to 2024 to inform targeted control strategies.
Methods:
Data were obtained from the China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention for the period 2021-2024 and included TB cases with complete symptom records. aPTB was defined as cases without recorded cough symptoms, whereas symptomatic TB was defined as cases with recorded cough symptoms. Descriptive statistical analyses compared the demographic, clinical, and healthcare-seeking characteristics of patients with aPTB and symptomatic TB.
Results:
Among 973,299 PTB cases with complete symptom records, 16.66% were classified as aPTB. This proportion remained relatively stable throughout the study period, with a slight peak observed in 2022. Higher proportions of aPTB were observed among individuals aged 55-64 years (17.07%), 65-74 years (15.51%), and 15-24 years (14.03%), and among farmers and herders (50.87%). A mild seasonal trend was observed. Geographically, high-incidence areas were concentrated in western and southwestern China.
Conclusions:
aPTB constitutes a substantial component of the total TB burden in China. Strengthening active case detection in high-risk populations, optimizing medical resources in western China, and integrating aPTB control programs into national prevention and control plans for TB to mitigate hidden transmissions and advance national End-TB objectives.
Related Concept Videos
Pulmonary Tuberculosis II
Here is a detailed explanation of its pathophysiology:
Transmission: The process begins when a person inhales droplet nuclei containing M. tuberculosis. These are typically released into the air when an individual with pulmonary or...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV
Several diagnostic approaches are used to detect TB. The conventional method is the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), also known as the Mantoux test. However, this method has...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis V
Latent tuberculosis infection occurs when TB bacteria are present in a person's body, but are not causing illness or symptoms. It is not contagious, and preventive treatment is crucial to avoid the progression...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis III
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
Infectious Diseases and Their Occurrence