Epidemiological characteristics of pulmonary tuberculosis patients aged 60 years in Ningbo, Zhejiang, 2010-2015

Objective To understand the epidemiological characteristics of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) patients aged 60 years in Ningbo, Zhejiang province. Methods A retrospective study was performed in pulmonary TB patients aged 60 years, who were registered in the tuberculosis management information system, from 2010 to 2015. Results A total of 4417 TB patients aged 60 years were reported in Ningbo during 2010-2015, accounting for 17.1% of the total. The annual incidence was stable with the average of 68.3/100 000. The male to female ratio of the cases was 2.6:1, and smear-positive patients accounted for 51.6%and retreat patients accounted for 13.5% respectively, higher than those in overall population. The time distribution analysis showed that most cases occurred during March-October (71.5%). Conclusion The prevalence of TB in people aged 60 years is serious in Ningbo. It is necessary to take targeted prevention and control measures.