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Tuberculosis epidemiology and control in Veracruz, Mexico
M L García-García1, P M Small, C Garcia-Sancho
1Instituto Nacional de Salud Publica, Cuernavaca, Mor., Mexico.
International Journal of Epidemiology
|April 9, 1999
Summary
High tuberculosis rates persist in Southern Mexico despite a national program. Lower cure rates in retreatment cases suggest drug resistance, highlighting challenges in TB control.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Tuberculosis (TB) rates remain high in Southern Mexico.
- Challenges in TB control exist in developing countries.
Purpose of the Study:
- Understand TB epidemiology in Southern Mexico.
- Improve TB control strategies.
- Identify challenges in TB control.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of treatment control cards.
- Study period: 1991-1994.
- Location: Five municipalities in Southern Mexico.
Main Results:
- High TB rate (42.6 per 100,000) remained stable.
- Cure rates: 79% for new cases, 62% for retreatment cases.
- Drug resistance suspected in uncured retreatment cases.
Conclusions:
- DOT-based TB control program achieves 77% overall cure rate.
- Lower cure rates in retreatment cases pose a risk for drug-resistant TB dissemination.
- Focusing on chronic cases may improve efficacy.