FEATURES OF EXTRAPULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS RECURRENCE DYNAMICS IN THE CONTEXT OF COVID-19 AND RUSSIAN AGGRESSION IN THE SUMY REGION

Abstract

SUMMARY. The aim of the study was to analyze the dynamics of relapses of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) during 2013–2024, taking into account the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the russian aggression.

Materials and methods. The study utilized official statistical reporting data from 2013–2024. All general clinical methods were applied, along with specific diagnostic approaches, among which radiological and laboratory methods predominated, particularly the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The total number of relapse cases included in the analysis was 75 (9.8%).

Results. The total number of patients with relapse cases was divided into two groups: 45 relapses were registered in group 1 and 30 in group 2. The distribution of EPTB relapses by affected organs was as follows: musculoskeletal system and joints – 20 cases (26.7%), of which 75.0% were reported in 2019–2024; pleura – 27 cases (36.0%), the majority occurring in 2013–2018; urinary system – 16 cases (21.3%); nervous system – 7 cases (9.3%); lymph nodes – 3 cases (4.0%); other localizations – 2 cases (2.7%).

Conclusions. Infectious diseases remain one of the major challenges for healthcare systems, particularly under the combined impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and tuberculosis.