Tuberculosis Cases Surge in Argentina: Rising Concerns & Diagnostic Delays

A concerning rise in tuberculosis (TB) cases is being observed across the country, a trend specialists attribute to a complex interplay of factors exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. Official data reveals a significant increase in reported cases, with over 17,000 detections registered last year, compared to just under 10,000 a decade prior. This resurgence isn’t simply a matter of increased testing; experts point to socioeconomic hardships, diagnostic delays, and a diminished clinical suspicion of TB as key contributors.

Diagnostic Challenges and the Shadow of Covid-19

The Covid-19 pandemic undeniably disrupted healthcare systems globally, and TB control programs were significantly impacted. According to a 2023 review published in Frontiers in Immunology, the pandemic caused “enormous health, social and economic upheavals” that indirectly affected TB diagnosis and treatment. The World Health Organization (WHO) has documented similar setbacks worldwide. In Argentina, this disruption manifested as delays in diagnosis, a persistent issue even as the immediate crisis of the pandemic subsides. Alejandra Gaiano, an infectologist and pediatrician at the Sociedad Argentina de Pediatría (SAP), describes the current scenario as “remarkably worrying,” noting a real increase in cases across all age groups. The Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacterium, the cause of TB, relies exclusively on humans as a reservoir, but its elimination and control are complicated by often subtle, prolonged symptoms – a cough lasting 14 days or more, fever, fatigue, and weight loss – that can easily be mistaken for other respiratory illnesses like influenza, pneumonia, or bronchitis.

A Growing Concern Among Young Adults

Recent data from the Ministry of Health indicates that new diagnoses and reactivations of TB are increasingly concentrated among individuals aged 15 to 40. Prior to 2019, annual notifications to the national health surveillance system ranged from 9,000 to just under 12,000 cases. While notifications dipped in 2019 with the onset of the pandemic – estimated at an 18% reduction – the situation quickly deteriorated. The most recent data shows an average annual increase of 11% since then, representing the highest number of cases and the fastest rate of increase in the last 16 years. This surge is particularly pronounced in adolescents and young adults. Gerardo Leube, a professor of Microbiology and Infectology at the Fundación Barceló, emphasizes the concerning trend of late diagnoses, particularly in teenagers who often present with advanced lung involvement and bloody secretions, making recovery more challenging.

Regional Disparities and Systemic Weaknesses

The increase in TB cases isn’t uniform across the country. Eleven provinces – Buenos Aires (city and province), Córdoba, Salta, Chaco, Jujuy, Entre Ríos, Tucumán, Corrientes, and Tierra del Fuego – have experienced significant growth in TB incidence over the past decade (more than 12%). Santa Fe province is likewise experiencing a marked increase, with hospitals utilizing rapid molecular diagnostics to maintain pace. However, as Juan Carlos Beltramino, former director of Teaching and Research at the Hospital de Niños Dr. Orlando Alassia in Santa Fe, points out, clinicians are increasingly alarmed by the re-emergence of severe, cavitary tuberculosis in young people – a pattern reminiscent of decades past. This underscores the need for reinforced surveillance and contact tracing.

The Impact of Programmatic Changes and Medication Access

A significant concern raised by Sandra Inwentarz, coordinator of the Tuberculosis Section of the Asociación Argentina de Medicina Respiratoria (AAMR) and a faculty member at the Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), is the dismantling of a dedicated national TB program following restructuring within the health ministry. She notes that, as of 2025, over 17,000 cases have been recorded, acknowledging that underreporting likely exists due to logistical challenges, particularly in rural areas where internet access and resources are limited. The pandemic led to a 60% increase in cases among individuals aged 14 to 35, accounting for six out of every ten diagnoses. Adding to these challenges are disruptions in medication procurement through the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). Reportedly, orders for essential TB drugs were delayed for two years, with contracts only recently signed for new acquisitions, leading to shortages in some provinces.

Treatment Adherence and Socioeconomic Factors

TB treatment typically involves a four-drug regimen for two months, followed by two drugs for an additional four to six months, tailored to each patient’s needs. While treatment is legally free of charge upon diagnosis, adherence is crucial for success. Gaiano emphasizes that socioeconomic vulnerability and inadequate housing conditions increase the risk of infection and transmission, often within families, schools, or workplaces. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights the importance of addressing social determinants of health in TB control efforts.

Strengthening Detection and Response

In response to the escalating situation, the Ministry of Health recently updated its technical criteria for TB detection and treatment – the first revision in 13 years. The updated guidelines emphasize the need to strengthen the capacity of healthcare teams through clear guidance on detection, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of cases and contacts. This echoes the call from experts like Beltramino and Inwentarz for increased awareness and vigilance among healthcare professionals, both in the public and private sectors. A recent review published in Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health highlights the obstacles created by the Covid-19 pandemic for TB diagnosis and management, emphasizing the need to restore and enhance essential disease control measures.

controlling the resurgence of tuberculosis requires a multifaceted approach: improved diagnostic capabilities, consistent medication access, robust contact tracing, and a renewed focus on addressing the underlying socioeconomic factors that contribute to its spread. Continued surveillance and vigilance are paramount, alongside a commitment to raising awareness among both the public and healthcare providers.