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Tuberculosis in Far North Queensland, Australia
1Department of Thoracic Medicine and Tuberculosis Control, Cairns Base Hospital, Queensland, Australia. marjo@iig.com.au
Summary
Tuberculosis is common in Far North Queensland, disproportionately affecting Indigenous people who face higher risks of death and relapse. Control efforts are challenged by vast distances and poor treatment compliance.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant public health concern, particularly in specific populations and geographic regions.
- Understanding the epidemiology of TB is crucial for effective control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document the recent experience with tuberculosis (TB) in Far North Queensland, Australia.
- To specifically examine the burden of TB among Indigenous populations in the region.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective survey was conducted.
- Data were collected on all tuberculosis cases in Far North Queensland from January 1993 to December 1997.
Main Results:
- 87 cases of TB were identified, with 54 pulmonary cases (67% sputum smear-positive).
- Indigenous people had a crude annual TB incidence of 35.9/100,000, significantly higher than non-Indigenous people (2.32/100,000).
- High rates of relapse (9/11) and avoidable deaths (7/15) were observed in Aboriginal individuals. Initial drug resistance was noted in six cases, four imported.
- Contact tracing identified four active cases and 102 infected contacts, but preventive treatment completion was low (41%) due to poor compliance, linked to alcohol consumption.
Conclusions:
- Tuberculosis remains prevalent in Far North Queensland, with a disproportionate impact on the Indigenous population.
- Aboriginal individuals are at elevated risk for TB-related death and disease relapse.
- Effective tuberculosis control in remote Indigenous communities is challenging, with current outcomes being suboptimal.