Finding and outcome of pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Hanzhong, Shaanxi, 2008-2013

Objective To analyze the finding and outcomes of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) patients in Hanzhong, Shaanxi province from 2008 to 2013 and provide evidence for the prevention and control of TB. Methods The information of active pulmonary TB patients in Hanzhong from 2008 to 2013,including registration time, current address, occupation, age, gender, sputum negative conversion, treatment outcomes, were collected and analyzed with software SPSS 13.0. Results A total of 58 271 suspected cases of tuberculosis were registered during this period, in which 15 503 were active pulmonary TB cases. The average annual registration rate was 74.30/lakh, showing a declining trend. No seasonality was observed, but more cases were registered in March and September (2=201.489, P0.05). Most cases were farmers, accounting for 77.95% (12 084/15 503). The male to female ratio of the cases was 2.41:1, and the incidence in age grou P65 years was highest (2=632.551, P0.05). In new smear positive cases and retreated smear positive cases, the sputum negative conversion rates at the end of 2nd months and 3rd months were all above 95% and the average cure rates were 89.99% and 85.09% respectively. Conclusion The case-finding of pulmonary tuberculosis was improved in Hanzhong during the past 4 years. It is necessary to further strengthen the TB surveillance and control in farmers and old people to reduce retreated TB cases and prevent multi drug resistant TB.