Getnet F, Demissie M, Worku A, et al. - Among 434 newly coming and verified pulmonary tuberculosis patients aged ≥ 15 years recruited in five facilities in the Somali pastoralist area, Ethiopia, researchers examined the likely influence of delay in diagnosis and treatment on infectiousness (cavitation and smear positivity) of patients at diagnosis in this cross-sectional analysis. By means of interview, record-review, anthropometry, Acid-fast bacilli and chest radiography techniques, data were acquired. Median diagnosis delay was 49 days (IQR = 33–70). A significant link of cavitation with a diagnosis delay was observed. Patients delayed over 49 days had significantly increased smear positivity. Age ≤ 35 years, chronic diseases and low mid-upper arm circumference^*female were identified as other factors related to cavitation. In pastoral settings of Ethiopia, a high delay in diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis was revealed, and increased infectiousness was observed in relation to delay in diagnosis. Therefore, targeting delay is recommended to ensure improved patient results and decrease transmission in such settings.