Analysis of gaps in therapeutic coverage and molecular diagnosis of tuberculosis: Impact of drug resistance in vulnerable and pediatric populations
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70577/asce.v5i2.842Keywords:
Latin America, Bacteria, Communicable disease, Preventive medicine, PopulationAbstract
Drug-resistant tuberculosis is considered one of the main public health problems in Latin America due to the sustained increase in cases and inequalities in access to diagnosis and treatment. Structural, social, and health limitations contribute to the persistence of the disease, especially in vulnerable and pediatric populations. The objective of this study was to analyze the existing gaps in therapeutic coverage and molecular diagnosis of tuberculosis in Latin American countries, with an emphasis on drug resistance and its epidemiological impact. The research used data from the World Health Organization and the Pan American Health Organization for Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, and Peru during the period 2019–2024. The approach was quantitative, qualitative, descriptive, and critical. The indicators evaluated were treatment coverage, drug resistance, vulnerable populations, and access to rapid tests. Significant progress was shown in Ecuador and Colombia, which achieved the greatest increases in diagnostic coverage and access to rapid molecular tests. Peru, on the other hand, presented the highest burden of resistant cases, while Mexico maintained low levels of diagnostic coverage. Bolivia, in turn, showed a significant decline in treatment coverage and the use of rapid tests. Furthermore, high rates of infection persisted among children under five and incarcerated individuals. The study concluded that drug-resistant tuberculosis continues to represent a regional challenge that requires strengthening epidemiological surveillance, expanding access to timely diagnosis, and consolidating comprehensive strategies in high-risk populations.
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Copyright (c) 2026 César Jesús Eras Lévano , Fabio Camilo Jaramillo Contreras , Jonathan Javier Montoya Guevara , Grace Carolina Sandoval Andrade , Kevin Vigil Vega
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