Pune Leads Maharashtra in Extra-Pulmonary TB Cases

The Pune region has reported the highest concentration of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) cases in Maharashtra, making it a major concern. In 2025, the Pune Municipal Corporation alone recorded 3,795 EPTB cases, the highest among all municipal corporations in the state. Pune district as a whole accounted for 6,486 EPTB cases, the highest for any district in Maharashtra during that year.

Nationally, EPTB's share of total TB cases has been increasing, reaching nearly 40% in 2025, up from 36% in 2023. This rise is observed even as the total number of TB cases in Maharashtra declined to 1.92 lakh in 2025 from 2.16 lakh in 2024. Officials attribute the increased detection to active screening and enhanced diagnostic facilities, which are crucial for preventing complications and improving patient outcomes.

Extra-pulmonary TB, which affects parts of the body other than the lungs, can be challenging to diagnose and is often identified late. However, improved diagnostic capacity, updated treatment protocols, and greater awareness among healthcare professionals and the public have led to timely identification. As a result, authorities report minimal to no deaths among EPTB patients, underscoring the effectiveness of current public health efforts in managing the disease.