ORIGINAL / ARTICLE ORIGINAL / ORIGINALE Epidemiological aspects os tuberculosis in Natal city. Aspectos epidemiológicos da tuberculose no município de Natal. Aspectos epidemiológicos de la tuberculosis en la ciudad de Natal.

Objective: To describe the epidemiology of tuberculosis in the city of Natal. Methods: We collected information SINAN Tuberculosis in the period from 2005 to 2010. Results: We recorded 2468 new cases of TB in the period, with the highest incidence in 2008. The fatality rate for the period was 2.59%; struck the highest percentage in male and aged 70 years or older; pulmonary form was the most frequent, the cure rate ranged from 59.22% to 73, 30%, with comorbid HIV in 5% of cases, with alcoholism in 15.96%. The highest incidences were observed in neighborhoods east and west of the district town. Conclusion: Natal city is characterized as an area endemic for TB, with rates lower than those recommended in the targets for disease control.