Epidemiology of tuberculosis in WHO European Region and public health response

PURPOSE: To provide an overview of the tuberculosis (TB) and multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in the WHO European Region and evolution of public health response with focus on extra-pulmonary tuberculosis and Pott’s disease. METHODS: Authors reviewed regional strategic documents related to TB. The epidemiologic data were reviewed and analyzed. RESULTS: In the absence of associated pulmonary TB, Pott’s disease is reported as extra-pulmonary TB (up to 47 % of all TB cases in some settings). Due to limitations of the surveillance system, the epidemiology of Pott’s disease and its treatment success are unknown. The Stop TB Strategy and Consolidated Action Plan to Prevent and Combat M/XDR-TB provide comprehensive roadmaps to address all types of TB. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need to further analyze country data to document the extent of Pott’s disease and develop specific guidelines for timely diagnosis and treatment of Pott’s disease.