Risk Factors for Tuberculosis Development in Patients with Comorbidities: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Comorbid conditions worsen TB outcomes, increasing mortality risk through immune system impairment and making treatment more challenging. his review aims to examine the various risk factors associated with TB in patients suffering from comorbid diseases. A systematic review was conducted, focusing on seven national and international articles selected using the PRISMA method. The databases utilized for the literature search included ProQuest, PubMed, and Google Scholar. The articles reviewed were published between 2020 and 2025 and met specific inclusion criteria. Studies show that male gender is the most dominant risk factor. Most TB respondents may experience nutritional intake deficits and weight loss. TB patients with HIV are mostly unmarried, have low education levels, and have a history of opportunistic infections, while patients with stage 3 to 5 CKD have a higher risk of TB. TB patients require integrated care to detect and manage TB alongside comorbidities. Additionally, TB sufferers should undergo regular screenings to monitor their health status and detect the emergence of comorbidities. This also serves as an intervention to prevent the transmission of pulmonary TB in the community, especially among close contacts.