[Tuberculosis surveillance in the Czech Republic in 1990]

The authors evaluated data on the extent of the problem of tuberculosis and the effectiveness of control measures in the surveillance of TB in the Czech Republic (CR) in 1990. The data are assembled and monitored by the same method for a period of 10 years. The incidence of respiratory TB confirmed bacteriologically was 11.3/100,000 population, incl. 5.7/100,000 already direct smear positive cases. Since 1988 the incidence did not change, in 1990 it increased slightly. The mortality from TB remained low. A total of 0.8/100,000 patients died, mostly old people not treated for TB before death. The so-called risk factors which may have participated in the development of TB were analyzed. Two thirds of the patients were men. For advanced TB was more frequent in young and middle-aged men, while in old men less advanced TB, positive only on cultivation, predominated. In women the majority of patients was older than 65 years. As to risk factors in young patients lack of cooperation was proved, e. g. alcohol abuse in two thirds amount of other serious diseases. Treatment of TB patients was successful in 96%. Causes of therapeutic failures were lack of cooperation and complications of antituberculotic treatment. In-patient treatment lasted on average three months, treatment with antituberculotics a total of 9 months. In 1990 TB in the CR was supervised, the epidemiological situation was favourable and comparable with advanced European countries. TB remains, however, a serious health problem in the CR. It is important to define, screen and ensure intensive supervision of subjects with various so-called risk factors.