Journal Information
Review Article
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Pre-proof, online 6 October 2025
Charting the Course in Post-Tuberculosis Lung Disease: From Inflammation to Intervention
Win Pa Pa Thu1, Hu Ting Huey1, Lia D’ Ambrosio2, Rosella Centis3, Catherine WM Ong1,4,5,
, Giovanni Battista Migliori3
1 Infectious Diseases Translational Research Programme, Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
2 Public Health Consulting Group, Lugano, Switzerland
3 Servizio di Epidemiologia Clinica delle Malattie Respiratorie, Istituti Clinici Sceinetifici Maugeri IRCCS, Tradate, Italy
4 Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore
5 Institute for Health Innovation and Technology (iHealthtech), National University of Singapore, Singapore
Article information
Abstract

Post-Tuberculosis Lung Disease (PTLD), a persistent sequelae of Tuberculosis (TB) in which TB survivors continue to experience respiratory symptoms and diminished lung function after microbiological cure, poses a significant and growing public health challenge. Its prevalence vary widely due to differences in treatment adequacy, comorbidities, and environmental exposures and afflicts particularly high TB-burden countries. Recent advances in fundamental science, clinical investigations and exploratory trials have expanded our understanding of PTLD pathogenesis and progression. Yet, critical questions remain unanswered: Which patients are most at risk? How can we intervene early to prevent or mitigate disability? And how should healthcare systems adapt to monitor, manage, and support the growing population of TB survivors?

This review aims to inform ongoing efforts in clinical care, research, and policy. We summarize recent evidence on PTLD—specifically disease mechanisms, clinical manifestations, diagnostic approaches, risk factors, and treatment strategies. It also highlights key knowledge gaps and implementation challenges and proposes research priorities to steer future inquiry and practice. Greater research investment and stronger global collaboration are needed to mitigate the long-term burden of PTLD and improve outcomes for TB survivors.

Keywords:
Post-Tuberculosis Lung Disease
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Lung Impairment
Lung Damage
Long-Term Outcomes
TB Survivors
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