[Tuberculosis in the Czech Republic in 1998]

In Czech Republic (CR) the epidemiological situation in tuberculosis (TB) was evaluated in 1998 using the notification TB into the TB register. 1805 new TB cases and relapses were notified (17.5/100,000 citizens). Majority TB cases, 1535 (14.9/100,000 citizens) were of the respiratory system and 270 TB cases were in other localized Two thirds (988 cases = 9.6/100,000 citizens) of the respiratory system TB, were bacteriologically verified thereout 564 direct smear positive. Patients with lung TB only were 10% less frequent than those with respiratory system TB. 69 TB cases were identified in foreigners. Relapse of TB was found in 66 patients. Among the notified TB cases were 62.9% of males and 37.1% females. In both sexes patients over 70 predominated. In the medium age category males also prevailed. Due to subjective troubles of patients TB was passively identified in 72.2%, actively by the physician 12.9% were identified. Late TB diagnosis during section occurred at 5.4% of patients. During the last 9 years annual number of notified patients has not changed. Only the number of bacteriologically verified cases of the respiratory system TB decreased and number of not verified cases increased. Decease due to TB was notified in 73 (0.7/100,000 citizens) usually old patients. In 67 patients TB was diagnosed premortally or at section. Differences in TB prevalence were found in different regions. Higher numbers of the TB patients than in average for the whole state were found in Prague, northern and western Bohemia and in northern Moravia. 112 new cases and relapses of MOTT were reported in 1998. Notification of TB in CR was on a good level. State of TB morbidity was stabilised and under control. However, the decrease of numbers of bacteriologically verified cases and increase of not verified ones, causes of occurrence of microscopically positive diseases will be necessary to analyse and groups which will require higher dispensary care have to be recognised.