Men account for nearly two thirds of global tuberculosis cases, but the reasons behind this disparity have long puzzled scientists. A new study led by researchers at University College London suggests the difference stems from greater exposure to the bacteria rather than biological factors affecting disease progression. The findings, published in *Nature Communications*, could reshape public health strategies to reduce TB transmission among high risk groups.
Tuberculosis remains one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases, with men disproportionately affected. Globally, men represent about 64% of all TB cases, a trend observed across regions and age groups. Until now, researchers debated whether this disparity resulted from biological differences in disease progression or behavioral and social factors influencing exposure.
The new study, published in *Nature Communications*, analyzed data from over 200,000 individuals in 18 countries. Researchers found no evidence that men’s immune systems respond differently to TB infection or that the disease progresses faster in men once contracted. Instead, the data pointed to higher rates of exposure as the primary driver of the gender gap.
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