Epidemiology of Tuberculosis in Qatar: Eight-year Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global health challenge, responsible for substantial morbidity and mortality. Understanding national epidemiological patterns, particularly in countries with large expatriate populations, is essential to update and guide both local and international TB control strategies. This study describes the epidemiology of TB in Qatar over an 8-year period (2016-2023).

METHODS

A retrospective cohort analysis using the Communicable Disease Center national TB registry. All individuals with confirmed Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection were included. Demographic characteristics, incidence, mortality, site of disease, and drug resistance patterns were included. Incidence rates were calculated using national population estimates and stratified by age, sex, nationality, and clinical form.

RESULTS

A total of 6373 TB cases were reported during the study period. Annual incidence fluctuated between 20 and 37 per 100,000 population, consistently below both the global average and the World Health Organization End TB 2025 milestone target. A temporary spike was observed in 2021, possibly related to COVID-19 disruptions in health services and migration patterns. The majority of cases occurred in the 25-54 years age group. Males had consistently higher incidence rates than females. Non-Qataris accounted for the overwhelming majority of cases, particularly expatriates from high TB burden countries. The proportion of rifampicin-resistant or multidrug-resistant TB remained stable at 0.5%-1.8%, below the global average, with two cases of extensively drug-resistant TB identified.

CONCLUSION

TB incidence in Qatar remains relatively low, with the burden falling disproportionately on working-age male expatriates from high-incidence countries. The findings highlight the importance of targeted screening, continuity of TB services during health system disruptions, and sustained surveillance of drug-resistant TB. These results provide insights relevant not only to Qatar but also to other low-incidence, high-migration countries striving to achieve global TB elimination goals.