To investigate the epidemic characteristics of pulmonary tuberculosis in Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous region from 2012 to 2022, and to provide theoretical basis for the prevention and control of pulmonary tuberculosis in Guilin.

The relevant information of pulmonary tuberculosis cases reported by China Disease Prevention and Control Information system (Tuberculosis Surveillance and Report Management system) from 2012 to 2022 in Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous region was collected. The distribution characteristics and incidence trend of pulmonary tuberculosis in Guilin from 2012 to 2022 were analyzed by chi-square and chi-square trend, and the average annual reported incidence and etiological positive rate of pulmonary tuberculosis were visually analyzed.

From 2012 to 2022, a total of 32 319 cases of pulmonary tuberculosis were reported in Guilin, with an average annual incidence of 59.40/100 000. The reported incidence of tuberculosis decreased from 68.59/100 000 in 2012 to 45.99/100 000 in 2022, with an annual decline rate of 4.08%. In total 12 132 cases were etiologically positive, accounting for 37.53%. The incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis decreased in all age groups in Guilin. The incidence increased with age (Z=21.017, P < 0.001). The reported incidence of males and females was basically stable at 3:1, and the reported incidence of males was higher than that of females (χ²=25.87, P < 0.001). Farmers were the main occupations of patients (23 375 cases), accounting for 72.32%. The reported incidence rate of pulmonary tuberculosis in more than half of the counties (districts) in Guilin was higher than the annual average level of the whole city, with Lipu county (88.96/100 000) being the highest. The etiological positive rate of most counties (districts) was higher than the average annual level of the whole city, with Pingle county (31.65/100 000) being the highest.

The reported incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis in Guilin shows an overall downward trend from 2012 to 2022. The high incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis is characterized by age 65 and above, male, occupation as farmer, and the place of residence in the south of Guilin.