B D Gessner1. 1. Alaska Division of Public Health, Section of Maternal, Child, and Family Health, Epidemiology and Evaluation Unit, Anchorage 99501, USA. gess100w@wonder.em.cdc.gov
Abstract
SETTING: The population of Alaska. OBJECTIVE: To determine incidence rates, clinical features, and source of case identification for pediatric tuberculosis in Alaska. DESIGN: A state-wide, population-based, retrospective analysis of all cases of tuberculosis among children 0 to 14 years of age reported to the Alaska Division of Public Health during 1987-1994. RESULTS: Seventy children with tuberculous disease were identified for an incidence rate of 5.8/100000/year. Compared to whites, Alaska Natives (relative risk [RR], 65; 95% confidence interval [CI], 20 to 207) and people of other races (RR, 21; 95% CI, 5.6 to 79) had an increased risk of tuberculosis. Clinical features did not differ by race. Twenty-three of 45 persons with at least one specimen collected had a positive culture result, including three with isoniazid-resistant strains. While most cases were identified through contact investigations, 23% were identified through required school screening. CONCLUSION: Alaska has a high rate of pediatric tuberculosis, with non-white race identified as a risk factor. Required school screening proved useful for case identification.
SETTING: The population of Alaska. OBJECTIVE: To determine incidence rates, clinical features, and source of case identification for pediatric tuberculosis in Alaska. DESIGN: A state-wide, population-based, retrospective analysis of all cases of tuberculosis among children 0 to 14 years of age reported to the Alaska Division of Public Health during 1987-1994. RESULTS: Seventy children with tuberculous disease were identified for an incidence rate of 5.8/100000/year. Compared to whites, Alaska Natives (relative risk [RR], 65; 95% confidence interval [CI], 20 to 207) and people of other races (RR, 21; 95% CI, 5.6 to 79) had an increased risk of tuberculosis. Clinical features did not differ by race. Twenty-three of 45 persons with at least one specimen collected had a positive culture result, including three with isoniazid-resistant strains. While most cases were identified through contact investigations, 23% were identified through required school screening. CONCLUSION: Alaska has a high rate of pediatric tuberculosis, with non-white race identified as a risk factor. Required school screening proved useful for case identification.
Authors: Sumi J Sun; Diane E Bennett; Jennifer Flood; Ann M Loeffler; Steve Kammerer; Barbara A Ellis Journal: Emerg Infect Dis Date: 2002-11 Impact factor: 6.883