Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global public health challenge. Individuals with latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) constitute a substantial reservoir of potential future TB cases. Without effective interventions, this reservoir will persistently bring about new TB cases, sustaining the high TB epidemic. Both the World Health Organization and the United Nations High-Level Meeting on Tuberculosis have emphasized tuberculosis preventive treatment (TPT) as a cornerstone to end the tuberculosis epidemic. The National Tuberculosis Prevention and Control Plan (2024-2030), released in November 2024, has listed TPT as a key measure and required that the TPT rate for LTBI population among close contacts of tuberculosis patients should reach 80% and above by 2030. Currently, China faces numerous challenges in TPT, including insufficient funding, lower awareness among the public and healthcare workers, poor adherence among infected individuals, and the need for innovation in both infection detection technologies and preventive treatment regimens. Future efforts should focus on increasing financial investment, developing tailored TPT clinics to improve accessibility, strengthening health workers’ training and health promotion for infected individuals to boost TPT acceptance and adherence, and promoting research on innovative diagnostic technologies and shorter regimens to advance the rapid scale-up of TPT, so as to accelerate the decline of the TB epidemic, and ultimately contribute to achieving the goal to end TB throughout China.

Objective To understand the current status and trends of tuberculosis preventive treatment (TPT) in China from 2021 to 2024, so as to provide a reference for optimizing TPT strategies. Methods Relevant data on TPT from 2021 to 2024 were extracted from the National Tuberculosis Surveillance Report for 31 provinces and the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps across China. The analysis covered the number of people who undergone TPT, treatment regimens, and completion rates. Henan, Jiangsu, and Xinjiang were selected as the survey provinces using convenience sampling method. Relevant anonymous data on latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) patients who received TPT from 2023 to 2024 were collected across the three provinces. A Firth's penalized maximum likelihood estimation approach was used to identify the influencing factors associated with TPT completion. Results From 2021 to 2024, a total of 214 803 individuals received TPT, with annual numbers of 37 419, 37 514, 52 836, and 87 034, respectively. Between 2022 and 2024, a total of 137 891 individuals received short-course regimens, corresponding to 29 723, 41 623, and 66 545 individuals per year. From 2021 to 2023, a total of 88 670 individuals completed the TPT, with completion rates of 60.86%, 65.71%, and 78.06%, respectively. Among those who received TPT between 2022 and 2024, the highest proportion were students with close contact (42.06%, 74 605/177 384), and the highest utilization rate of the short-course regimen was among newly infected individuals in detention facilities (93.14%, 2 824/3 032). The top three provinces for TPT uptake from 2021 to 2024 were Sichuan (n=20 265; 9.43%), Guizhou (n=18 631; 8.67%), and Jiangsu (n=17 839; 8.30%). From 2022 to 2024, 19 provinces achieved a short-course utilization rate above 80.00%, with the highest in Hainan (99.57%, 689/692). In terms of the survey on influencing factors of TPT completion status, relevant data were collected from 853 cases of LTBI patients who received TPT, among whom 792 cases completed the full course, resulting in an overall completion rate of 92.85%. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that individuals receiving TPT at grassroots medical institutions had higher completion rates than those at disease prevention and control centers (OR=4.90, 95%CI: 1.32-18.05). Additionally, the course completion rate was significantly higher for the TPT regimen using Vaccae than for 3H2P2 (OR=4.86, 95%CI: 1.03-27.14). Conclusion In recent years, China has made substantial progress in scaling up TPT, with rapid expansion of short-course regimens. However, considerable disparities persist across regions and populations. Future efforts should focus on further expanding TPT coverage, optimizing the promotion mechanisms for the short-course regimen, and enhancing the accessibility, standardization, and adherence to TPT.

Objective To understand the registration status of the elderly asymptomatic tuberculosis patients across the country, so as to provide a reference for prevention and control of asymptomatic tuberculosis in this population group. Methods The data on elderly tuberculosis patients with documented information in the symptom field across the country from 2021 to 2024 were retrieved from the Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System.Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to analyze the registration situation of the aged asymptomatic tuberculosis patients, and the case data were compared between the elderly asymptomatic tuberculosis patients and symptomatic tuberculosis patients. Results From 2021 to 2024, a total of 314 725 elderly tuberculosis patients nationwide were enrolled in this study, among whom 38 915 were asymptomatic elderly tuberculosis patients, accounting for 12.36%. By temporal distribution, the number of elderly asymptomatic tuberculosis patients registered was the highest in August (n=3 937; 10.12%) and the lowest in February (n=2 292; 5.89%). In terms of population distribution, males (n=27 456; 70.55%), population at the 65-69 age group (n=13 962; 35.88%) and farmers (n=26 831; 68.95%) were dominant in the elderly asymptomatic tuberculosis patients registered.The number of elderly asymptomatic tuberculosis patients among retirees (16.58%) and those who moved from other provinces (20.49%) accounted for a relatively high proportion of the total number of elderly tuberculosis patients registered. By regional distribution, the number of elderly asymptomatic tuberculosis patients registered was the highest in the central regions (n=14 693; 37.76%), and the proportion of asymptomatic tuberculosis patients among elderly tuberculosis patients was the lowest in the western regions (9.96%, 13 002/130 593). In terms of case characteristics, the proportions of initial treatment, comorbidities of diabetes, mental illness and HIV/AIDS, and active detection were all higher in asymptomatic elderly tuberculosis patients than in symptomatic ones (91.91% vs. 89.54%; 13.90% vs. 10.35%, 0.20% vs. 0.11%, 0.56% vs. 0.46%; 7.00% vs. 2.80%, respectively). Additionally, the active detection rate of elderly patients with asymptomatic tuberculosis accounted for a relatively high percentage (26.07%) among the total registered elderly tuberculosis patients. Conclusion The differences exist in the registration proportions of elderly asymptomatic tuberculosis in China across different populations, regions, and case characteristics. In the future, effective measures should be taken to strengthen the active detection of the aged patients with asymptomatic tuberculosis. 

Objective To analyze the registration status of asymptomatic tuberculosis among children aged 0-14 years in China from 2021 to 2024 for evidence to optimize tuberculosis prevention and control strategies for children. Methods The data on tuberculosis cases with documented information in the symptom field across the country from 2021 to 2024 were retrieved from the Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System. Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to analyze the distribution characteristics of asymptomatic tuberculosis cases among children aged 0-14 years across time, region, and population. Results From 2021 to 2024, a total of 3 344 asymptomatic tuberculosis cases in children aged 0-14  were enrolled in this study. The month with the highest cumulative number of reported asymptomatic tuberculosis cases among children was September (498 cases, 14.89%), while February had the lowest number (137 cases, 4.10%). By age distribution, asymptomatic tuberculosis in children was dominated by those aged 10-14 years (2 772 cases, 82.89%). The number of reported cases in males and females was 1 558 and 1 786, respectively, with a sex ratio of 0.87∶1. A total of 2 095 cases reported were from the Han ethnic group (62.65%), while ethnic minorities accounted for 1 249 cases (37.35%). The top three ethnic minorities with the highest cumulative reported cases were the Yi ethnic group (429 cases), Tibetan ethnic group (330 cases), and Miao ethnic group (123 cases). The cumulative reported cases in the eastern, central, and western regions were 531 (15.88%), 619 (18.51%), and 2 194 (65.61%), respectively. The top three provinces with the highest cumulative reported cases were Sichuan (748 cases), Guizhou (508 cases), and Yunnan (365 cases). The primary sources of case reporting were contact tracing (1 183 cases, 35.38%) and referrals (1 086 cases, 32.48%). Conclusion Currently, asymptomatic tuberculosis among children in China predominantly occurred in the those aged 10-14 years, with majority of the cases observed in the western regions. In the future, it is essential to further strengthen prevention and control efforts in the western region, enhance the intensity of active screening, and improve standardized medication and management of children with asymptomatic tuberculosis. 

Objective To analyze the acceptance of tuberculosis preventive treatment (TPT) and its influencing factors among individuals with latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI), so as to provide evidences for promoting TPT implementation in China. Methods The healthcare institutions were initially selected in seven provinces of China by convenience sampling. Then, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among individuals with LTBI identified through screening from January to December 2023 in the surveyed institutions. Data on demographic characteristics, infection test results, and preventive treatment status were collected. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the factors affecting TPT acceptance. Results A total of 2 886 participants were included. The overall TPT acceptance rate was 44.98% (1 298/2 886), among whom 1 091 received chemopreventive therapy and 207 received immunoprophylaxis. The results by multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that higher TPT acceptance were seen in population living in Jiangsu Province, healthcare workers, and victims with general positive findings by tuberculin purified protein derivative test (PPD) (all P<0.05). Contrarily, TPT acceptance were relatively lower in  Han ethnicity, population with low immunity and close household contacts of tuberculosis patients, patients received TPT at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or primary healthcare institutions, and those with moderate positive results by PPD (all P<0.05). The  population living in Jiangsu Province, and victims with strong positive PPD results had higher acceptance of chemopreventive therapy (both P<0.05). However, lower acceptance were observed among aged 20-39 years, individuals of Han ethnicity, and those received TPT at CDC or primary healthcare institutions (all P<0.05). Conclusion The current acceptance of TPT among LTBI individuals in China remains suboptimal, with significant variation across population subgroups. In the future, efforts should be made to strengthen health education and improve awareness of TPT among LTBI individuals. Meanwhile, policies should be effectively implemented to establish a supportive social environment and accelerate the progress of prophylactic medication for tuberculosis in China. 

Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics and risk factors for pulmonary tuberculosis with diabetes mellitus (PTB-DM) patients in Xinjiang for a scientific basis for following prevention and treatment of PTB-DM patients in the region. Methods The information of PTB-DM patients in Xinjiang from 2018 to 2024 were collected through the Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System. Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to analyze the epidemiological characteristics, and logistic regression model was used to identify influencing factors for PTB-DM. Results From 2018 to 2024, a total of 8 533 PTB-DM patients were registered in Xinjiang, accounting for 3.89% (8 533/219 199) of all pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) cases. The proportion was increased from 0.81% (593/72 786) in 2018 to 10.42% (1 807/17 338) in 2024. By temporal distribution, more cases were registered from March to May (n=2 896; 33.94%). Geographically, the highest number of cases was reported in Kashgar area (n=2 667), and Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture had the highest proportion of PTB-DM among PTB patients (14.77%). By population distribution, there were 4 611 males and 3 922 females (sex ratio 1.18∶1). The majority of cases were in patients aged ≥60 years (n=4 901; 57.44%), and the predominant occupation was associated with farmers (n=5 294; 62.04%). Among the patients, there were a relatively large number of etiologically positive cases (n=6 310; 73.95%). The majority of cases were identified through clinical symptomatic visits (n=6 673; 78.20%), and local residents (n=8 236; 96.52%) and treatment-naive patients (n=7 177; 84.11%) were predominant. In the PTB patients, higher proportions of PTB-DM were observed in the 31-59 age group (4.63%), retirees (15.79%), bacteriologically positive cases (6.18%), active screening cases (7.11%), floating residents (5.76%), and treatment-naive cases (4.01%). The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the population aged 31-59 years old and ≥60 years old (OR=11.360, 95%CI: 9.296-13.882; OR=9.584, 95%CI: 7.830-11.732), those with a retired occupation (OR=1.761, 95%CI: 1.458-2.128) had a higher probability of developing PTB-DM. Conclusion The proportion of PTB-DM in Xinjiang is generally on the rise, with a relatively higher number of patients in the southern region. Middle-aged and elderly people, as well as retired individuals, had a higher probability of comorbidity. It is recommended to strengthen the bidirectional screening of PTB-DM in key areas and populations to achieve early detection and treatment of the disease.

Objective To analyze the treatment outcome and influencing factors in rifampicin-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis （RR-PTB） patients in Chongqing area for evidence for local tuberculosis prevention and control. Methods The medical record information of RR-PTB cases registered in Chongqing from 2018 to 2022 was retrieved from the Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System. Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to analyze the registration, treatment inclusion and treatment outcome of RR-PTB patients, and logistic regression analysis was applied to identify the influencing factors associated with successful treatment. Results In total, 3 925 RR-PTB patients were registered in Chongqing from 2018 to 2022. Of RR-PTB cases, 2 876 were males and 1 049 females, with a male-to-female ratio of 2.74∶1. The average age was (46.99±17.63) years. Majority of the patients were farmers, homemakers and unemployed persons, who accounted for 37.32% (1 465/3 925) and 36.84% (1 446/3 925) respectively. The Han ethnicity was predominant, accounting for 91.11% (3 576/3 925). During 2018 and 2022, the RR-PTB patient registration rate was 2.50 per 100 000 population, the treatment enrollment rate, successful treatment rate among enrolled patients were 94.32% (3 702/3 925) and 64.72% (2 396/3 702), respectively. The results of multivariate logistic analysis showed that among RR-PTB patients, being female (OR=1.701, 95%CI: 1.420-2.037), living in the Wuling mountain area of southeast Chongqing (OR=1.454, 95%CI: 1.172-1.804), and having the initial diagnosis at a drug-resistant tuberculosis designated medical institution (OR=1.473, 95%CI: 1.263-1.718) were protective factors for successful treatment. Age groups of 45-54 years old, 55-64 years old, and ≥65 years old (OR=0.569, 95%CI: 0.413-0.784; OR=0.343, 95%CI: 0.247-0.475; OR=0.182, 95%CI: 0.130-0.253), and occupations of homemakers and unemployed persons, farmers, and others (OR=0.270, 95%CI: 0.151-0.485; OR=0.281, 95%CI: 0.155-0.511; OR=0.328, 95%CI: 0.179-0.599) were risk factors for successful treatment. Conclusion The RR-PTB epidemic situation in Chongqing still faces severe challenges. The success rate of treatment needs to be further enhanced. It is suggested to optimize the screening process for drug resistance and the referral procedures among diagnosis and treatment institutions, with a focus on farmers, men, and middle-aged and elderly individuals.

Objective To understand the current status of drug resistance to commonly used anti-tuberculosis drugs in pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Sichuan Province for reference for following precise prevention and control of drug-resistant tuberculosis. Methods Mycobacterium culture-positive patients enrolled in the Tuberculosis Drug Resistance Surveillance Program of Sichuan Province from January to December 2024 were selected as study subjects. The types, categories, and spectra of drug resistance to six common anti-tuberculosis drugs, including isoniazid (INH), rifampicin (RFP), levofloxacin (LFX), moxifloxacin (MFX), bedaquiline (BDQ), and linezolid (LZD), were sorted out, and the factors for drug-resistant tuberculosis were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression model. Results Among 1 388 patients, the overall drug resistance rate was 20.97% (291/1 388). The drug resistance rate in newly treated patients was 19.87% (253/1 273), which was significantly lower than that of retreated patients (33.04%, 38/115). The drug resistance rates to six common anti-tuberculosis drugs, ranking from the highest to the lowest, were as follows: INH (11.60%, 161/1 388), LFX (9.37%, 130/1 388), MFX (9.08%, 126/1 388), RFP (5.48%, 76/1 388), BDQ (2.23%, 31/1 388), and LZD (1.51%, 21/1 388). The most prevalent drug resistance profile was LFX+MFX, with a resistance rate being 6.05% (84/1 388). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the patients with retreatment (OR=1.880, 95%CI: 1.228-2.837) or diagnosis delay ≥14 days (OR=1.423, 95%CI: 1.036-1.938) had a significantly higher risk to develop drug resistance, whereas those with negative smears (OR=0.718, 95%CI: 0.549-0.936) had a lower risk of developing drug resistance. Conclusion At present, the drug resistance to INH and fluoroquinolones (FQs) among pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Sichuan Province was relatively serious, and the risks of developing drug resistance is higher in patients with retreatment and delayed diagnosis. The findings suggest that it is imperative to strengthen the standardized management of retreated pulmonary tuberculosis patients, improve the timeliness and accuracy of clinical diagnosis and treatment, so as to effectively control the occurrence of drug-resistant tuberculosis in Sichuan Province. 

Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics and surveillance results of human brucellosis in Anhui Province from 2015 to 2024 for reference for brucellosis control. Methods The information of brucellosis cases and public health emergencies in Anhui Province from 2015 to 2024 was collected through the Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System, and serological surveillance data of key populations of brucellosis were collected. The epidemiological characteristics and monitoring results were described and analyzed. Results A total of 2 335 cases of brucellosis were reported in Anhui Province from 2015 to 2024. The average annual reported incidence was 0.38 per 100 000 population, with the highest in 2024 (0.70 per 100 000 population). The disease predominantly occurred from March to August (accounting for 65.31%, 1 525/2 335). Geographically, the average annual reported incidence in northern, central and southern Anhui were 0.53, 0.50 and 0.07 per 100 000 population, respectively. The average annual reported incidence was higher in males (0.52 per 100 000) than in females (0.24 per 100 000). The highest reported incidence was observed in the 50-59 age group (0.85 per 100 000). By occupation distribution, farmers/livestock farmers constituted the majority, accounting for 71.95% (1 680/2 335) of cases. The primary animal in contact was sheep (87.31%, 1 624/1 860), and the main exposure routes were feeding/herding and slaughtering (84.57%, 1 573/1 860). From 2015 to 2024, a total of 28 public health emergencies of brucellosis were reported, involving 82 cases, and most of these incidents (22 in total) occurred among rural livestock farmers. From 2015 to 2024, a total of 6 374 key personnel engaged in breeding/grazing, slaughtering and other related activities were surveyed across four surveillance sites in Suzhou City, Huaibei City, Fuyang City and Bozhou City, with 167 positive cases. The results indicated that the positive rate was 2.62% on average, and varied among different surveillance sites (χ2=174.950, P<0.001). Conclusion In recent years, brucellosis incidence in Anhui Province has shown a significant increase, particularly among middle-aged and older farmers and herders. It is recommended to strengthen the inter-agency collaboration mechanism for brucellosis prevention and control, enhance the management and quarantine of cattle and sheep farming in rural areas, and implement comprehensive interventions targeting high-risk occupational groups to reduce their risks of infection.

Objective To understand the epidemiological characteristics of hepatitis C in Hefei area in recent years for scientific basis in local prevention and treatment of hepatitis C. Methods The case data of hepatitis C patients with current address in Hefei from 2015 to 2024 were obtained from the Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System. Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to analyze the epidemiological characteristics of hepatitis C patients in Hefei area. The Joinpoint regression model was used to analyze the trend of incidence, and the annual percent change (APC) and the average annual percent change (AAPC) were calculated. Results From 2015 to 2024, a total of 5 868 hepatitis C cases were reported in Hefei, with an average annual reported incidence rate of 6.84/100 000. The overall incidence rate showed a downward trend, and the AAPC was -7.47% (95%CI:-9.87% - -5.01%) (t=-5.80, P<0.001). During that period, the APC was 5.41% (95%CI: 1.14% - 9.87%) (t=5.48, P<0.05) from 2015 to 2019, and -26.51% from 2022 to 2024 (95%CI:-37.36% - -13.77%) (t=-8.29, P<0.05). From 2015 to 2024, the majority of hepatitis C cases in Hefei were confirmed cases (n=3 328; 56.71%). Of the reported cases, 3 095 were males, and 2 773 females,  with a sex ratio of 1.12∶1. The cases were mainly reported in the age group of 50 years and above (n=3 534; 60.22%). The occupation was primarily involved in farmers (n=1 918; 32.69%) and housework and unemployed (n=1 705; 29.06%). Hepatitis C cases were reported throughout the year in Hefei area, with the highest number of cases reported in March (n=578; 9.85%). The top three counties with the highest incidence rates were Luyang (9.59/100 000), Feixi (9.02/100 000) and Yaohai (8.58/100 000). A total of 380 hepatitis C cases were detected for genotypes, which was dominated by genotype 1b (n=279; 73.42%). Conclusion The overall reported incidence of hepatitis C in Hefei area showed a downward trend, and the highest incidence was seen in Luyang district. Men, middle-aged and elderly people and farmers were high-risk groups. By these findings, it is necessary to strengthen the surveillance and health education in key areas and populations in following tasks.

Dengue fever is an acute infectious disease caused by the bite of mosquitoes of Aedes albopictus or Aedes aegypti that carries dengue virus, and it is widely prevalent in the tropical and subtropical areas. In Yunnan, the first case of dengue fever was reported in 1975, and in 2013, the first outbreak triggered by imported cases occurred in the China-Myanmar and China-Laos border areas. By summarizing and analyzing the research findings pertinent to the distribution characteristics of the reported dengue fever cases, etiological features, and transmission vectors in Yunnan Province in recent years, this paper has basically clarified the epidemiological characteristics of dengue fever in the province, thereby providing a reference for prevention and control of dengue fever in the future in Yunnan.