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Tuberculosis case burden and treatment outcomes in children, adults and older adults, Vanuatu, 2007-2011

M Tagaro1, A D Harries2, B Kool3

  • 1National TB Control Programme, Port Vila, Vanuatu.

Public Health Action
|October 20, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Tuberculosis (TB) disproportionately affects children and older adults in Vanuatu, comprising 45% of cases. Older adults experience poorer treatment outcomes, highlighting the need for targeted public health interventions for TB management.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global health challenge, with varying disease burdens and outcomes across different age demographics.
  • Understanding the specific epidemiological patterns and treatment success rates in distinct age groups is crucial for effective TB control strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the tuberculosis (TB) case burden, disease patterns, and treatment outcomes across all age groups in Vanuatu.
  • To identify age-specific differences in TB presentation and response to treatment.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective cohort study was conducted using TB registers and treatment cards from all five DOTS centres in Vanuatu.
  • Data from 588 registered TB patients between 2007 and 2011 were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Children (0-14 years) and older adults (≥55 years) accounted for 45% of the total TB cases.
  • Children presented with a higher prevalence of extra-pulmonary TB (75%) and lower smear-positive pulmonary TB (11%) compared to adults.
  • Older adults (≥65 years) had a lower treatment success rate (67%) and a higher case fatality rate (18%) compared to other age groups.

Conclusions:

  • Children and older adults represent a substantial proportion of the TB burden in Vanuatu.
  • Significant differences in TB disease patterns and poorer treatment outcomes in older adults necessitate tailored public health policies and clinical practices for improved TB management.
Abstract

Keywords:
Vanuatuchildrenolder adultstreatment outcomestuberculosis

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