I Margalit1, C Block2, Z Mor3. 1. The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem. 2. The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Department of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Centre, Jerusalem. 3. Ramla Department of Health, Ministry of Health, Ramla, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Several studies have suggested that the incidence of tuberculosis (TB) varies with the seasons. OBJECTIVE: To determine the seasonality of TB in Israel and to explore possible associations with climatic variables. METHODS: Laboratory-confirmed TB cases reported between 2001 and 2011 in individuals resident in Israel for at least 1 year before diagnosis were included in the study. Climatic variables included average temperature and average ultraviolet radiation. The mean serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level of the population was also recorded. RESULTS: Of all 2653 TB cases, incidence peaked during spring (n = 712) and reached its nadir during the fall (n = 577), with a case proportion amplitude (CPA) of 5.1% (P = 0.036). Individuals born in the Horn of Africa exhibited a CPA of 9.5% (P = 0.077). Mean population 25-hydroxyvitamin D level was significantly correlated with the seasonal pattern of the disease. Southern Israel had the highest global radiation and, counter-instinctively, the highest TB incidence. CONCLUSIONS: TB exhibited a seasonal tendency in Israel, with the spring peak/fall nadir pattern found elsewhere. Vitamin D is suspected to be an explanatory variable for this seasonal phenomenon. The finding that the highest incidence is in the area receiving the highest global radiation suggests population-related vulnerability to vitamin D deficiency.
BACKGROUND: Several studies have suggested that the incidence of tuberculosis (TB) varies with the seasons. OBJECTIVE: To determine the seasonality of TB in Israel and to explore possible associations with climatic variables. METHODS: Laboratory-confirmed TB cases reported between 2001 and 2011 in individuals resident in Israel for at least 1 year before diagnosis were included in the study. Climatic variables included average temperature and average ultraviolet radiation. The mean serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level of the population was also recorded. RESULTS: Of all 2653 TB cases, incidence peaked during spring (n = 712) and reached its nadir during the fall (n = 577), with a case proportion amplitude (CPA) of 5.1% (P = 0.036). Individuals born in the Horn of Africa exhibited a CPA of 9.5% (P = 0.077). Mean population 25-hydroxyvitamin D level was significantly correlated with the seasonal pattern of the disease. Southern Israel had the highest global radiation and, counter-instinctively, the highest TB incidence. CONCLUSIONS: TB exhibited a seasonal tendency in Israel, with the spring peak/fall nadir pattern found elsewhere. Vitamin D is suspected to be an explanatory variable for this seasonal phenomenon. The finding that the highest incidence is in the area receiving the highest global radiation suggests population-related vulnerability to vitamin D deficiency.
Authors: Z Gashu; D Jerene; D G Datiko; N Hiruy; S Negash; K Melkieneh; D Bekele; G Nigussie; P G Suarez; A Hadgu Journal: PLoS One Date: 2018-11-26 Impact factor: 3.240
Authors: Amir Kirolos; Deus Thindwa; McEwen Khundi; Rachael M Burke; Marc Y R Henrion; Itaru Nakamura; Titus H Divala; Marriott Nliwasa; Elizabeth L Corbett; Peter MacPherson Journal: Sci Rep Date: 2021-02-25 Impact factor: 4.379
Authors: Doris Uwamahoro; Aly Beeman; Vinay K Sharma; Michael B Henry; Stephanie Chow Garbern; Joseph Becker; Fairuz Despujos Harfouche; Alexis Perez Rogers; Kayla Kendric; Mindi Guptill Journal: Trop Med Health Date: 2021-05-12
Authors: Marie Ballif; Kathrin Zürcher; Stewart E Reid; Andrew Boulle; Matthew P Fox; Hans W Prozesky; Cleophas Chimbetete; Marcel Zwahlen; Matthias Egger; Lukas Fenner Journal: BMJ Open Date: 2018-01-11 Impact factor: 2.692