The impact of the war in Ukraine on the prevalence of MDR/RR-TB in Poland.

Background: The 2022 invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation triggered a refugee crisis, affecting the multidrug-/rifampicin-resistant TB (MDR/RR-TB) prevalence in neighbouring countries. This study examines the epidemiological trends and characteristics of MDR/RR-TB patients in Poland, focusing on the relative contribution of Ukrainian refugees.

Methods: Data from the Polish National Tuberculosis Registry and EPIC Project database, covering MDR/RR-TB cases reported between 2010 and Q1 2024, were analysed.