Introduction:

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease considered a serious public health problem in Brazil, with high prevalence in the North, Northeast and Midwest.

Objective:

To analyze time trends and describe the clinical and epidemiological features of tuberculosis cases in the city of Lagarto/SE, Northeast Brazil.

Methods:

We conducted a descriptive, retrospective and time series study, using secondary data of tuberculosis cases notified entre the period 2002 and 2012. The data sources used were the investigation chips of Information System of Notification of Diseases (SINAN). Temporal trends were analyzed by sex and age group by linear regression, considering p <0.05.

Results:

315 cases of tuberculosis were reported, and the average incidence rate of 30.15 cases per 100 thousand inhabitants. There was a decrease (31 %) the incidence rate ranging from 31.51 (2002) to 21.74 (2012). There was a predominance of males (65.4 %), young adults (61 %) new cases (84.1 %), pulmonary form (84.4 %), active tuberculosis (66.98 %) and the occurrence of 05 cases (1.59 %) coinfection with TB/HIV. Regarding the trend was observed a significant reduction for females (p = 0.015) and older (p = 0.04).

Conclusions:

Despite annual variations in rates, a downward trend in the incidence of tuberculosis cases in the city of Lagarto/SE was noticeable. It is important to maintain and intensify control interventions with strategic priorities focused on active search for respiratory symptoms, especially in difficult to access to health services locations.

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