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[Tuberculosis in Italy: available data and open questions]
M L Moro1, P Malfait, G Salamina
1Lab. Epidemiologia e Biostatistica, ISS, Roma.
Epidemiologia E Prevenzione
|June 5, 1999
Summary
Tuberculosis incidence in Italy has stopped decreasing, with rising extrapulmonary cases and a concerning undernotification among persons with AIDS. This trend highlights evolving challenges in tuberculosis control.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Context:
- Tuberculosis (TB) mortality and incidence in Italy have been monitored since the mid-20th century.
- Changes in TB case definitions and the emergence of HIV/AIDS have impacted epidemiological trends.
- Understanding these shifts is crucial for effective public health interventions.
Purpose:
- To describe the epidemiological trends of tuberculosis in Italy from 1955 to 1995.
- To analyze changes in TB incidence, mortality, and case demographics.
- To identify factors influencing current TB trends, including co-infection with AIDS and immigration.
Summary:
- TB mortality decreased significantly from 1955 to 1993.
- While overall TB incidence declined, pulmonary TB decrease halted in 1980, with a rise in extrapulmonary TB.
- In 1995, incidence peaked in the elderly and young adults (25-34 years), with a notable proportion of cases among persons with AIDS and foreign-born individuals.
Impact:
- The study reveals a plateauing of TB incidence, challenging previous declines.
- Increased incidence of extrapulmonary TB and specific demographic peaks require targeted public health strategies.
- Undernotification of TB among persons with AIDS indicates a need for improved surveillance and diagnostic practices.