On World Tuberculosis Day, Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) invites anyone who has previously had tuberculosis and is currently experiencing breathing difficulties, struggling with a persistent cough, or has similar symptoms to contact their nearest tuberculosis and lung disease clinic or a pulmonologist to learn about the possibility of participating in a lung health study. Participation in the study provides an opportunity to undergo an in‑depth health examination while also contributing to science by helping to improve the diagnosis and treatment of lung diseases now and in the future.
To better understand how tuberculosis affects the lungs in the long term, Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) launched in 2025 a fundamental and applied research project titled Markers of Lung Damage Associated with Tuberculosis‑Induced Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (TRACE COPD). The study examines whether lung damage caused by tuberculosis may contribute to the development of chronic lung disease and how such damage differs from that caused by smoking.
Participation and examinations
The study invites residents of Latvia aged 18 and over who have previously had tuberculosis and continue to experience respiratory symptoms or have been found to have changes in lung examinations. Individuals are encouraged to contact their nearest tuberculosis clinic or a pulmonologist. More than 20 such clinics operate across major cities and regional centres in Latvia, where patients can receive consultations and the necessary initial examinations.
Further in‑depth examinations for the study are carried out at the Tuberculosis and Lung Disease Centre of RAKUS in Upeslejas, Stopiņi Parish, Ropaži Municipality.
Collaboration and patient involvement
Professor Iveta Ozere of the RSU Department of Infectology and pulmonologist at the Tuberculosis and Lung Disease Centre of the Eastern University Hospital emphasises that close cooperation with regional tuberculosis clinics and pulmonologists is essential for the success of this research. She notes that, so far, most participants have been recruited from Rīga and the surrounding area. To fully assess the long‑term effects of tuberculosis and ensure a sufficiently broad dataset, it is important to reach patients in all regions of Latvia.
What is tuberculosis? The situation in Latvia
Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria. It most commonly affects the lungs but can also involve other parts of the body, such as the kidneys, spine, or brain. Tuberculosis spreads through the air—an infected person can transmit it by coughing, sneezing, or speaking. In some cases, a person may spread the disease even without obvious symptoms.
According to data from the Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, tuberculosis remains a significant public health issue in Latvia. In 2024, 281 cases were registered—19% fewer than the previous year—yet the incidence remains almost twice as high as the average in the European Union and EEA countries. Most cases occur among people of working age, and around 70% of all patients are men. Each year, more than 60 people in Latvia die from tuberculosis or related complications.
