Abstract Infection disease caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) have been increasingly reported and often manifest with the same symptoms of tuberculosis (TB). The identification of the causative agent is fundamental for the determination of an appropriate therapy, since each species of mycobacteria requires a specific treatment. Thus, rapid and accurate tests to identify mycobacteria of medical interest, such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) and Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), are necessary in the clinical routine. The present study evaluated an in-house multiplex PCR to detect, in reference and clinical strains, the genus Mycobacterium and also M. tuberculosis and MAC. To identify the Mycobacterium genus, M. tuberculosis and MAC, it was amplified a fragment of hsp65 gene, esat-6 gene, and the internal transcribed spacer between the 16S and 23S rRNA genes, respectively. In total, 87 mycobacteria strains were used, being 10 reference and 77 clinical strains, previously identified as MTBC (n = 66), M. avium (n = 8) or other NTM specie (n = 13). The hsp65 gene fragment was amplified for all mycobacteria strains evaluated (87/87). This multiplex PCR presented sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 95.2% for M. tuberculosis detection, and sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 100% for MAC detection. The multiplex PCR evaluated is an important tool for the differentiation between M. tuberculosis and NTM, as well as for the identification of MAC, a complex composed by species with high prevalence in the world.

Resumo A tuberculose (TB) apresenta incidências elevadas em todo o mundo, sendo ainda mais grave em pessoas privadas de liberdade (PPL). Foi avaliada a completude das notificações de TB de PPL no SINAN realizadas por equipes de atenção primária prisional (eAPP) ou por outros estabelecimentos de saúde do RS. Estudo descritivo, transversal, utilizando dados de notificações de PPL feitas no SINAN TB pelas eAPP ou por outros estabelecimentos de saúde, de janeiro de 2014 a novembro de 2018. Foi analisado o percentual de completude das variáveis: sexo, raça/cor, escolaridade, HIV, tipo de entrada, baciloscopia de escarro, cultura do escarro, Aids, tratamento antirretroviral durante o tratamento para a TB, tratamento diretamente observado (TDO), baciloscopia de 6º mês e situação de encerramento. Praticamente 53% dos casos de TB em PPL foram notificados por eAPP, e 47,1% foram notificados por outros estabelecimentos de saúde. Oitenta por cento das variáveis foram classificadas na categoria 4 (75,1% a 100% de completude). No entanto, as variáveis TDO e baciloscopia de 6º mês foram classificadas na categoria 3 (50,1% e 75% de completude). Embora não comprometa a notificação da TB no SINAN, a ausência de dados pode prejudicar a qualidade das informações sobre a doença.

Abstract Tuberculosis (TB) has a high incidence in several countries and is even more severe in prisoners. We evaluated the completeness of prisoners TB notifications in the Notifiable Disease Information System (SINAN) carried out by prison primary care teams (eAPP) or by other health facilities in the state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS). This descriptive cross-sectional study used prisoners data notifications in the SINAN TB by the eAPP or other health facilities from January 2014 to November 2018. We analyzed the percentage of completeness of the variables: gender, ethnicity, schooling, HIV, entry type, sputum smear, sputum culture, AIDS, ART during TB treatment, directly observed treatment (DOT), sixth-month smear, and closure status. Around 52.9% of TB cases in prisoners were reported by eAPP, and other health facilities reported 47.1% of the cases. Eighty percent of the variables were classified in category 4 (75.1% to 100% completeness). However, the DOT and sixth-month smear variables were classified into category 3 (50.1% and 75% completeness). While it does not compromise the notification of TB in the SINAN, the lack of data can impair the quality of information about the disease.

ABSTRACT Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a serious public health problem, with approximately 10 million new cases reported annually. Knowledge about the quantitative evolution of theses and dissertations (T&Ds) examining human TB in Brazil can contribute to generating strategic planning for training professionals in this field and disease control. Therefore, this study highlights the role of T&Ds on TB in national scientific disclosures. Methods: An integrative review related to TB was performed, including T&Ds produced in Brazil and completed between 2013 and 2019. Results: A total of 559,457 T&Ds were produced, of which 1,342 were associated with TB, accounting for 0.24% of the total number of T&Ds in Brazil. This was evidenced by a predominance of themes such as attention/health care, epidemiology, and TB treatment, and 80.2% of the T&Ds on TB were related to the large areas of health and biological sciences. Only 19.7% of T&Ds were associated with groups of patients considered at risk for TB, and 50.9% were produced in southeastern Brazil. The 1,342 T&Ds on TB were developed in 416 postgraduate programs linked to 121 higher education institutions (HEIs). We highlight that 72.7% of T&Ds on TB were produced in federal HEIs, 27.4% in state HEIs, and 8.5% in private HEIs. Conclusions: Strategic themes, such as TB control, require public policies that aim to increase the number of doctors and masters with expertise in TB, with geographic uniformity, and in line with the priorities for disease control.

ABSTRACT Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious infectious disease, and its control is considered a challenge, especially among vulnerable populations such as prisoners. The occurrence of TB in prisons is an alarming public health problem in many countries. This integrative review aims to describe the epidemiology of TB and control strategies for this disease in countries with the largest prison populations. Studies have shown that it is essential to know the prevalence of TB in prisons of each country. This is because it can serve as an indication of the need for action in prisons to reduce TB rates, including improving the structure of prison environments, rapidly and accurately diagnosing new cases, identifying drug-resistant strains, and implementing effective and directly observed treatment for TB.

Abstract Tuberculosis (TB) has a high incidence in several countries and is even more severe in prisoners. We evaluated the completeness of prisoners TB notifications in the Notifiable Disease Information System (SINAN) carried out by prison primary care teams (eAPP) or by other health facilities in the state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS). This descriptive cross-sectional study used prisoners data notifications in the SINAN TB by the eAPP or other health facilities from January 2014 to November 2018. We analyzed the percentage of completeness of the variables: gender, ethnicity, schooling, HIV, entry type, sputum smear, sputum culture, AIDS, ART during TB treatment, directly observed treatment (DOT), sixth-month smear, and closure status. Around 52.9% of TB cases in prisoners were reported by eAPP, and other health facilities reported 47.1% of the cases. Eighty percent of the variables were classified in category 4 (75.1% to 100% completeness). However, the DOT and sixth-month smear variables were classified into category 3 (50.1% and 75% completeness). While it does not compromise the notification of TB in the SINAN, the lack of data can impair the quality of information about the disease.

Resumo A tuberculose (TB) apresenta incidências elevadas em todo o mundo, sendo ainda mais grave em pessoas privadas de liberdade (PPL). Foi avaliada a completude das notificações de TB de PPL no SINAN realizadas por equipes de atenção primária prisional (eAPP) ou por outros estabelecimentos de saúde do RS. Estudo descritivo, transversal, utilizando dados de notificações de PPL feitas no SINAN TB pelas eAPP ou por outros estabelecimentos de saúde, de janeiro de 2014 a novembro de 2018. Foi analisado o percentual de completude das variáveis: sexo, raça/cor, escolaridade, HIV, tipo de entrada, baciloscopia de escarro, cultura do escarro, Aids, tratamento antirretroviral durante o tratamento para a TB, tratamento diretamente observado (TDO), baciloscopia de 6º mês e situação de encerramento. Praticamente 53% dos casos de TB em PPL foram notificados por eAPP, e 47,1% foram notificados por outros estabelecimentos de saúde. Oitenta por cento das variáveis foram classificadas na categoria 4 (75,1% a 100% de completude). No entanto, as variáveis TDO e baciloscopia de 6º mês foram classificadas na categoria 3 (50,1% e 75% de completude). Embora não comprometa a notificação da TB no SINAN, a ausência de dados pode prejudicar a qualidade das informações sobre a doença.

ABSTRACT Background: Tuberculosis is a worldwide public health problem and is more prevalent in specific populations, such as prisoners. The aim of this study was to analyze the epidemiological and operational indicators of tuberculosis in prisoners in a southern region of Brazil. Methods: This was a descriptive, observational study, utilizing secondary data from the Notifiable Diseases Information System on tuberculosis cases diagnosed in prisoners in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil, from 2014 to 2018. Prisoner data used to calculate incidence were extracted from reports by the National Penitentiary Department. Results: From 2014 to 2018, 3,557 tuberculosis cases were reported in Rio Grande do Sul prisoners. The incidence rate of tuberculosis in prisoners was 1,235/100,000 individuals in 2014 and 1,430/100,000 individuals in 2018. The proportion of new TB cases tested for HIV was high, 83.4% in this period; among those tested, 12.9% were HIV coinfected. The proportion of new cases of pulmonary tuberculosis confirmed by laboratory criteria was 52.6% in this period. In total, 18.4% of new pulmonary tuberculosis cases were initiated on directly observed treatment in this period, and 36.4% of contacts of new cases of pulmonary tuberculosis with laboratory confirmation were examined. Among retreatment pulmonary tuberculosis cases, 82.4% were laboratory-confirmed. Conclusions: Tuberculosis incidence is increasing on a per-capita and absolute basis in Rio Grande do Sul. Laboratory confirmation, HIV testing, directly observed treatment, and contact investigation rates were all low, indicating the need to improve medical and public health measures for tuberculosis control in prisons.

Resumo Os produtos naturais têm sido apontados como ferramentas importantes devido ao seu vasto potencial para o desenvolvimento de compostos com atividade antimicrobiana e a possível atividade inibitória e/ou adjuvante de mecanismos de resistência. O própolis é utilizado empiricamente há muitos anos no tratamento de doenças, principalmente devido às suas atividades antioxidantes, anti-inflamatórias e antimicrobianas. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a atividade antimicobacteriana in vitro do extrato etanólico de própolis isoladamente e em associação com rifampicina (RIF), amicacina (AMI) e ciprofloxacina (CIP). O extrato etanólico de própolis mostrou atividade antibacteriana frente Mycobacterium chelonae e M. kansasii e foi capaz de aumentar a atividade de AMI, RIF e CIP em associação. Por outro lado, frente a M. absecessus, M. fortuitum e M. avium, o extrato não foi ativo a 200 µg/mL e não apresentou capacidade adjuvante pronunciada quando avaliado em associação com os fármacos. Com base nesses resultados, pode-se concluir que o extrato etanólico de própolis pode ser uma alternativa no desenvolvimento de novos fármacos e pode ser utilizado complementarmente com o atual tratamento das micobacterioses.

Abstract Natural products have been touted as important tools because of their vast potential for the development of compounds with antimicrobial activity and the possible inhibitory activity and/or adjuvant resistance mechanisms. Propolis has been empirically used for many years for the treatment of diseases, mainly due to its antioxidant, anti inflammatory and antimicrobial activities. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro antimycobacterial activity of the ethanol extract of propolis alone and in combination with rifampicin (RIF), amikacin (AMI) and ciprofloxacin (CIP). The ethanol extract of propolis showed antibacterial activity against Mycobacterium chelonae and M. kansasii and was capable of increasing AMI, RIF and CIP activity in combination. On the other hand, compared to M. absecessus, M. fortuitum and M. avium, the extract was not active at 200 µg/mL and did not show pronounced adjuvant capacity when evaluated in association with the drugs. Based on these results, it can be concluded that the ethanol extract of propolis could be an alternative in the development of new drugs and can be used complementary with the current mycobacteriosis treatment.

Resumo Duroia saccifera (Rubiaceae) ocorre na floresta Amazônica. Seus extratos apresentaram atividade antibacteriana. Para obter maiores quantidades de substâncias ativas, foram utilizados segmentos de folhas de plântulas in vitro de D. saccifera como explantes para indução de calos; os calos foram multiplicados através de múltiplos subcultivos, depois secos e extraídos com hexano, seguido por acetato de etila (AcOEt) e metanol (MeOH). Como D. macrophylla foi relatada como produtora de substâncias antimicobacterianas, os extratos de calos foram testados contra Mycobacterium tuberculosis (cepa H37Rv). O extrato AcOEt dos calos foi ativo, com uma concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) de ≤ 25 mg mL-1, IC90de 19,5 mg mL-1 e concentração bactericida mínima (MBC) de 200 mg mL-1. O extrato AcOEt foi analisado por cromatografia em camada delgada comparativa (CCDC) e Ressonância Magnética Nuclear (RMN) para determinar o seu perfil químico e mostrou ser rico em terpenos. O fracionamento cromatográfico do extrato AcOEt conduziu ao isolamento de uma mistura de dois esteroides, β-sitosterol e estigmasterol (na proporção de 2:1), os quais foram identificados por análises de RMN de 1H e bidimensionais. Pelo levantamento bibliográfico realizado, este é o primeiro relato da cultura de células in vitro de Duroia saccifera, da atividade antituberculose do extrato de calos e do isolamento de β-sitosterol e estigmasterol da cultura de células vegetais in vitro da espécie.

Abstract Duroia saccifera (Rubiaceae) occurs in the Amazon rainforest and their extracts showed antibacterial properties. To obtain greater quantities of active substances, leaf segments from in vitro D. saccifera seedlings were used as explants for calli induction; calli were multiplied via multiple subcultures, dried and extracted with hexane followed by ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and methanol (MeOH). As D. macrophylla had been reported to produce antimycobacterial substances, we assayed calli extracts against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (H37Rv strain). Calli EtOAc extract was active, with a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of ≤ 25 mg mL-1, IC90of 19.5 mg mL-1 and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 200 mg mL-1. EtOAc extract was analyzed by Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) to determine its chemical profile, and was found to be rich in terpenes. Chromatographic fractionation of the EtOAc extract yielded a mixture of two sterols, β-sitosterol and stigmasterol (in proportion of 2:1), which were identified by 1H and 13C NMR analysis. As far as we know, this is the first report of Duroia saccifera in vitro cell culture, antituberculosis activity of calli extract and β-sitosterol and stigmasterol isolation from in vitro plant cell culture.

RESUMO Objetivo: As micobactérias não tuberculosas (MNT) são um grupo heterogêneo de bactérias amplamente distribuídas na natureza e relacionadas com infecções oportunistas em seres humanos. Os objetivos deste estudo foram identificar MNT em pacientes com suspeita de tuberculose e culturas positivas e avaliar a diversidade genética de cepas identificadas como Mycobacterium avium. Métodos: Foram estudadas amostras pulmonares e extrapulmonares provenientes de 1.248 pacientes. As amostras que apresentaram resultado positivo em cultura e negativo para o complexo M. tuberculosis na identificação molecular foram avaliadas por meio da detecção dos genes hsp65 e rpoB e de sequenciamento de fragmentos conservados desses genes. Todas as cepas identificadas como M. avium foram genotipadas pelo método mycobacterial interspersed repetitive unit-variable-number tandem-repeat com oito loci. Resultados: Das 332 micobactérias isoladas, 25 (7,5%) eram MNT. Dessas 25, 18 (72%) eram M. avium, 5 (20%) eram M. abscessus, 1 (4%) era M. gastri e 1 (4%) era M. kansasii. As 18 cepas de M. avium apresentaram alta diversidade, e apenas duas eram geneticamente relacionadas. Conclusões: Esses resultados mostram a necessidade de considerar a investigação de MNT em pacientes com suspeita de tuberculose ativa e culturas positivas e de avaliar a diversidade genética de cepas de M. avium.

ABSTRACT Objective: Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are a heterogeneous group of bacteria that are widely distributed in nature and associated with opportunistic infections in humans. The aims of this study were to identify NTM in patients with suspected tuberculosis who presented positive cultures and to evaluate the genetic diversity of strains identified as Mycobacterium avium. Methods: We studied pulmonary and extrapulmonary samples obtained from 1,248 patients. The samples that tested positive on culture and negative for the M. tuberculosis complex by molecular identification techniques were evaluated by detection of the hsp65 and rpoB genes and sequencing of conserved fragments of these genes. All strains identified as M. avium were genotyped using the eight-locus mycobacterial interspersed repetitive unit-variable-number tandem-repeat method. Results: We found that NTM accounted for 25 (7.5%) of the 332 mycobacteria isolated. Of those 25, 18 (72%) were M. avium, 5 (20%) were M. abscessus, 1 (4%) was M. gastri, and 1 (4%) was M. kansasii. The 18 M. avium strains showed high diversity, only two strains being genetically related. Conclusions: These results highlight the need to consider the investigation of NTM in patients with suspected active tuberculosis who present with positive cultures, as well as to evaluate the genetic diversity of M. avium strains.

ABSTRACT In this study, we evaluated the mutations of Helicobacter pylori associated with resistance to clarithromycin and levofloxacin. Furthermore, based on the proposed interaction between antimicrobial resistance and pathogenicity, we correlated the mutation profiles of the strains with the presence of the pathogenicity gene cagA. We analyzed 80 gastric biopsy specimens from H. pylori-infected patients for point mutations in the 23S rRNA gene region and in the gyrA gene, which are related to clarithromycin and levofloxacin resistance, respectively, and investigated the presence of the cagA gene in these strains. We observed that in the assayed biopsies, 8.7% (7/80) had mutations in the 23S rRNA gene region at positions 2143 and 2142, while 22.5% (18/80) had mutations in gyrA at codons 87 and 91. Moreover, absence of the CagA-EPIYA pathogenicity factor was observed in 68% (17/25) of resistant samples. The knowledge of the local profile of antimicrobial resistance and the complex interplay involving resistance and pathogenicity can contribute to an appropriate clinical approach.

RESUMO Contexto Helicobacter pylori tem uma distribuição a nível mundial, e está associado a patogênese de várias doenças do sistema digestivo. O tratamento para a erradicação deste microrganismo envolve a utilização de uma combinação de agentes antimicrobianos, tais como amoxicilina, metronidazol, claritromicina e levofloxacino, combinados com inibidores da bomba de prótons. Embora a terapia atual seja eficaz, uma elevada taxa de fracasso de tratamento tem sido observada, principalmente devido à aquisição de mutações pontuais, um dos principais mecanismos de resistência desenvolvida por H. pylori, relacionado com o uso frequente e/ou inadequado dos antibióticos. Conclusão Esta revisão abordou uma visão geral da resistência às principais drogas utilizadas no tratamento de H. pylori, confirmando a hipótese de que a resistência bacteriana é um fenômeno altamente local e as características genéticas de uma dada população podem influenciar qual terapia é a mais apropriada.

ABSTRACT Background Helicobacter pylori has a worldwide distribution and is associated with the pathogenesis of various diseases of the digestive system. Treatment to eradicate this microorganism involves the use of a combination of antimicrobials, such as amoxicillin, metronidazole, clarithromycin, and levofloxacin, combined with proton pump inhibitors. Although the current therapy is effective, a high rate of treatment failure has been observed, mainly because of the acquisition of point mutations, one of the major resistance mechanisms developed by H. pylori. This phenomenon is related to frequent and/or inappropriate use of antibiotics. Conclusion This review reported an overview of the resistance to the main drugs used in the treatment of H. pylori, confirming the hypothesis that antibacterial resistance is a highly local phenomenon and genetic characteristics of a given population can influence which therapy is the most appropriate.

Resumo O estudo objetiva analisar o processo de detecção e tratamento de casos de tuberculose (TB) em um presídio do sul do Brasil. Realizou-se busca ativa e passiva para estimar a magnitude da TB entre uma população de 764 detentos. Simultaneamente às estratégias de detecção e ao seguimento clínico dos 41 casos confirmados, realizou-se observação participante e registros em diário de campo, o que possibilitou analisar potenciais e limitações das ações de detecção e tratamento da TB prisional. Discute-se o desenvolvimento das estratégias de busca, o uso de questionários para detecção de sintomáticos, a fragilidade do seguimento clínico dos casos de TB, o envolvimento de diferentes trabalhadores e a articulação entre presídio e serviços de saúde. São potencialidades para o controle da TB utilizar a busca ativa como indutora da detecção passiva e a triagem por sintomas que, mesmo interferida pelas percepções dos detentos sobre os sintomas de TB, permitiu aumentar a detecção. A dinâmica funcional do presídio dificulta a inserção de rotinas de saúde, podendo limitar ações de controle da TB e outras enfermidades. No processo de controle da TB em presídios, a exequibilidade de métodos de detecção eficazes é tão importante quanto planejá-lo a partir das condições de adoecimento, rede de serviços e trabalhadores envolvidos.

Abstract This study seeks to analyze the process of detection and treatment of cases of tuberculosis (TB) in a prison in the south of Brazil. An active and passive search for TB was conducted to estimate the scale of TB in a prison with 764 inmates. In conjunction with the detection strategies and clinical follow-up of the 41 TB cases, participant observation and records in field diaries were performed, making it possible to analyze the scope and limitations of detection and treatment of cases of TB in prison. The development of search strategies is discussed along with the use of questionnaires to detect symptomatic cases, as well as the inadequacy of the clinical follow-up of TB cases, involvement of different workers and coordination between prison and health services. There is clear potential for the control of TB using an active search to induce the passive detection and screening for symptoms that – even skewed by the perceptions of inmates regarding symptoms of TB – enabled an increase in detection. The functional dynamics of prison life hamper the inclusion of health routines and can restrict actions to control TB and other diseases. In the process of control of TB in prisons, the feasibility of effective detection methods is as important as planning based on disease conditions, network services and workers involved.

Resumo Tuberculosis in Brazilian prisons: an integrative review of the literature O objetivo deste estudo foi sistematizar o conhecimento produzido sobre tuberculose em presídios brasileiros. Foi realizada uma revisão integrativa nas bases Medline, Lilacs e biblioteca eletrônica SciELO, com os descritores: “Tuberculosis”, “Prisons” e “Brazil”. Entre os 61 registros encontrados, 33 foram avaliados (28 duplicados) e 21 incluídos na revisão (12 excluídos segundo critério). Verifica-se que os estudos contribuem efetivamente para conhecer a magnitude da doença entre detentos e para a escolha dos métodos de triagem e diagnóstico mais adequados ao cenário prisional. São fornecidos índices de incidência e prevalência de tuberculose ativa e latente, além de dados sobre o perfil de sensibilidade e genotípico dos isolados clínicos. O conhecimento dos dados apresentados reforça a necessidade da adoção de medidas voltadas à detecção, tratamento e acompanhamento de casos. Sugere-se que os novos desafios para a investigação científica, estejam vinculados ao desenvolvimento de saberes específicos acerca do manejo do problema num ambiente repleto de particularidades como o presídio.

Abstract The scope of this study was to organize the knowledge produced on tuberculosis in Brazilian prisons in a systematic manner. A comprehensive review was conducted in the Medline and Lilacs databases and the SciELO electronic library using the key words: “Tuberculosis,” “Prisons” and “Brazil.” Of the 61 records found, 33 were evaluated (28 duplicated records) and 21 included in the review (12 excluded according to the criteria adopted). These studies contribute effectively to improve the knowledge regarding the scale of the disease among inmates, as well as to the choice of screening and diagnostic methods most appropriate to the prison setting. The incidence rates and prevalence of active and latent tuberculosis are presented, in addition to data on the profile of drug and genotype susceptibility of the clinical results. Awareness of the data presented highlights the need to adopt measures aimed at case detection, treatment and follow-up. It is suggested that the new challenges for scientific research should be linked to the development of specific knowledge about dealing with the problem in an environment full of specificities such as a prison.

Resumo Tuberculosis in Brazilian prisons: an integrative review of the literature O objetivo deste estudo foi sistematizar o conhecimento produzido sobre tuberculose em presídios brasileiros. Foi realizada uma revisão integrativa nas bases Medline, Lilacs e biblioteca eletrônica SciELO, com os descritores: “Tuberculosis”, “Prisons” e “Brazil”. Entre os 61 registros encontrados, 33 foram avaliados (28 duplicados) e 21 incluídos na revisão (12 excluídos segundo critério). Verifica-se que os estudos contribuem efetivamente para conhecer a magnitude da doença entre detentos e para a escolha dos métodos de triagem e diagnóstico mais adequados ao cenário prisional. São fornecidos índices de incidência e prevalência de tuberculose ativa e latente, além de dados sobre o perfil de sensibilidade e genotípico dos isolados clínicos. O conhecimento dos dados apresentados reforça a necessidade da adoção de medidas voltadas à detecção, tratamento e acompanhamento de casos. Sugere-se que os novos desafios para a investigação científica, estejam vinculados ao desenvolvimento de saberes específicos acerca do manejo do problema num ambiente repleto de particularidades como o presídio.

Abstract The scope of this study was to organize the knowledge produced on tuberculosis in Brazilian prisons in a systematic manner. A comprehensive review was conducted in the Medline and Lilacs databases and the SciELO electronic library using the key words: “Tuberculosis,” “Prisons” and “Brazil.” Of the 61 records found, 33 were evaluated (28 duplicated records) and 21 included in the review (12 excluded according to the criteria adopted). These studies contribute effectively to improve the knowledge regarding the scale of the disease among inmates, as well as to the choice of screening and diagnostic methods most appropriate to the prison setting. The incidence rates and prevalence of active and latent tuberculosis are presented, in addition to data on the profile of drug and genotype susceptibility of the clinical results. Awareness of the data presented highlights the need to adopt measures aimed at case detection, treatment and follow-up. It is suggested that the new challenges for scientific research should be linked to the development of specific knowledge about dealing with the problem in an environment full of specificities such as a prison.