Adolescent Tuberculosis in Almaty: Steering Clear of the Potentially Harmful Lung Disease
In the city of Almaty, the epidemiological situation regarding tuberculosis (TB) remains stable, with a significant decrease in cases over the first eight months of 2025. According to the Department of Sanitary and Epidemiological Control, there has been a 23.02% decrease in TB cases compared to the same period in 2024. However, a concerning trend has emerged: a noticeable increase in TB cases among adolescents.
Dr. Anar Rakisheva, a Professor at the Phthisiopulmonology Department of KazNMU named after S.D. Asfendiyarov, sheds light on this issue. She explains that teenagers are more vulnerable to TB due to the transitional phase of puberty, which involves restructuring of the hormonal and endocrine systems, changes in metabolism, and a natural decrease in immunity.
In 2025, there were 82 cases of open-form TB reported in Almaty, and a rate of 9.56 per 100,000 population among adolescents, compared to 2.99 per 100,000 in 2024. This increase is a cause for concern, as TB is an infectious disease primarily spread through airborne transmission, caused by mycobacterium tuberculosis.
The doctor emphasizes that teenagers are treated for TB according to the same principles as adults, with medication doses adjusted based on individual weight. However, early detection is crucial, as the first positive test result for TB in children may appear after one and a half to two months.
Social groups at risk include those raised in dysfunctional families. Children at risk of infection also include those with chronic diseases like diabetes, bronchopulmonary diseases, malnutrition, those receiving immunosuppressive therapy, unvaccinated children, and those without a BCG scar.
Preventive measures for TB include personal concern for one's health, timely medical examination, annual fluorographic examination, balanced and adequate nutrition, repeat examination if contact with TB patients within the last six months, regular ventilation of premises, mandatory testing of Mantoux for early detection of TB in children up to 14 years old in risk groups, and BCG vaccination of newborns within the first four days after birth.
In adults and teenagers, if a persistent cough lasting more than two weeks is observed, the main method of detection is molecular genetic testing of sputum using the PCR method. The main method of early detection of TB in children is skin tests - the Mantoux test and the Diaskintest.
The increase in TB cases among adolescents in Almaty could be due to factors such as rising drug-resistant TB strains, overcrowded living conditions, limited access to healthcare, and delayed diagnosis and treatment. It is crucial to address these factors to prevent further spread of the disease among this vulnerable population.
Despite the increase in TB cases among adolescents, the rate among children under 14 years old remains the same as in 2024, with a rate of 1.95 per 100,000 population in both years. Tuberculosis of the respiratory organs accounts for 86.23% of all TB cases in Almaty.
Early immunization of children protects them from disseminated and severe forms of TB, doctors warn. It is essential to ensure that children are vaccinated and receive regular check-ups to prevent the spread of TB and protect the health of our future generations.
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