Overdiagnosis of tuberculosis. Case reports

Area of Science:

• Medical Diagnostics
• Infectious Diseases Epidemiology

Background:

• Tuberculosis (TB) is a significant global health concern, particularly in high-prevalence regions.
• Accurate and timely diagnosis is crucial for effective TB management and control.

Observation:

• Six cases of incorrect tuberculosis diagnosis are presented.
• All affected patients were Black individuals residing in areas with a high prevalence of TB.
• Treatment for presumed TB was initiated without bacteriological confirmation in these cases.

Findings:

• Diagnostic delays ranged up to two years.
• Patients experienced considerable morbidity due to delayed or incorrect diagnosis.
• Unnecessary treatments were administered, increasing patient burden and healthcare costs.
• One potentially preventable death occurred, underscoring the severity of diagnostic errors.

Implications:

• Highlights the critical need for robust diagnostic confirmation in suspected tuberculosis cases.
• Emphasizes the importance of addressing diagnostic biases and improving healthcare access in high-prevalence populations.
• Suggests a review of diagnostic protocols to prevent similar errors and improve patient outcomes.