Prognosis

In the pre-antibiotic era, the mortality rate of TB exceeded 50%, but TB became a treatable disease with the advent of antibiotics. In the US in 2020 (the most recent data available), there were 602 deaths out of 7870 reported cases (a case fatality rate of 7.6%). Risk factors for death include increased age, delay in diagnosis of TB, extent of TB involvement, the need for mechanical ventilation, and concomitant diagnosis of end-stage renal disease, diabetes, and immunosuppression, particularly HIV infection.[109][110] One meta-analysis found that 3.5% of HIV-uninfected and 18.8% of HIV-infected individuals died during TB treatment.[111]

TB meningitis has a mortality rate of 35% and potentially permanent neurological sequelae. Children with advanced disease and neurological complications have particularly poor outcomes.[24]

In the setting of delayed therapy (more than 6 weeks), mortality from TB peritonitis approaches 60%.[15]

In disseminated TB the mortality rate has been reported as high as 38%. Delay in diagnosis and treatment is associated with higher mortality.[112]

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