Determinants of Survival of Patients with Tuberculosis in Developing Countries (original) (raw)

Tuberculosis (TB), a major disease of public health importance, continues to cause significant morbidity and mortality to populations around the world. In 2016, it accounted for 1.7 million deaths worldwide. While the mortality rate among patients undergoing TB treatment has been declining over the years, TB death rates remains high in developing countries. This chapter discusses the epidemiology of TB mortality, the pathogenesis of TB highlighting susceptibility to mortality, and the interaction of factors which determine an individual's risk to death on account of TB. Furthermore, the chapter proposes the need for a strategic research agenda on reduction of TB burden, focusing on the factors that enable or impede political will towards translating knowledge into effective action.