Patterns and characteristics of TB among key risk groups in Canada, 1993-2018

BACKGROUND: Canada has a low incidence of TB, although certain groups are disproportionately affected.OBJECTIVE: To describe and compare the epidemiology, trends and characteristics of TB in Quebec, Canada, among all patients reported during 1993-2018.METHODS: Demographics and risk factors were compared for the three groups accounting for most TB diagnoses reported in Quebec (foreign-born, Canadian-born non-Indigenous and Inuit). Average annual incidence and incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were estimated and compared using Poisson regression.RESULTS: Of 6,941 persons with a first episode of TB, 4,077 (59%) were foreign-born, 2,314 (33%) were Canadian-born non-Indigenous and 389 (6%) were Inuit. The average annual incidence for foreign-born, Canadian-born non-Indigenous and Inuit was respectively 17.0, 1.4 and 137.1 per 100,000 population. Compared to Canadian-born non-Indigenous, the IRR for foreign-born and Inuit was respectively 12.3 (95% CI 11.6-12.9) and 98.7 (95% CI 88.6-109.9). There was evidence of community transmission among the Inuit, with more than 80% of patients having a TB contact (2012-2018 data) and 65% (251/389) of diagnoses in those aged <25 years.CONCLUSION: Although TB rates among the Canadian-born non-Indigenous are extremely low, there are persistent and distinct TB epidemics among the foreign-born and Inuit. Tailored approaches to TB prevention and care are needed to address TB among high-risk populations in low TB incidence settings.