Objective  To analyze changing trends in incidence and mortality of reported pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (Xinjiang) between 2006 and 2016 and to provide references for the control of tuberculosis epidemic in the region.

  Methods  We collected data on TB incidence and mortality reported in Xinjiang between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2016.The registered morbidity and mortality rate of smear-positive and smear-negative TB and their changing trend were analyzed.

  Results  During the 11-year period, the mean annual registered incidence rate of smear-positive and smear-negative TB were 50.47/100 000 and 100.62/100 000. The annual registered incidence rate of smear-positive TB declined from 68.65/100 000 in 2006 to 34.98/100 000 in 2016, with a significant decreasing trend (χ² = 4 338.12, P < 0.001), but that of smear-negative TB went up from 74.82/100 000 in 2006 to 133.50/100 000 in 2016, with a significant increasing trend (χ² = 6 522.70, P < 0.001). During the period, the mean annual registered mortality rate of smear-positive and smear-negative TB were 0.40/100 000 and 0.46/100 000; the annual registered mortality rate of smear-positive TB was 0.50/100 000 in 2006, then decreased to 0.28/100 000 in 2011 and increased slowly to 0.56/100 000 in 2016, without significant variation trend (χ² = 0.26, P = 0.873); the annual registered mortality rate of smear-negative TB rose from 0.22/100 000 in 2006 to 0.76/100 000, with a significant increasing trend (χ² = 82.64, P < 0.001).

  Conclusion  The registered incidence rate and mortality rate of smear-negative TB presented an increasing trend in Xinjiang during the period from 2006 to 2016, suggesting that management on diagnosis and treatment of smear-negative TB need to be strengthened.