Epidemiological trends of tubercolosis in Italy, 1990-2004.

摘要: Background : During the last two decades, tuberculosis (TB) has once again emerged as a significant public health problem in Western Countries. The aim of this study is to describe epidemiology TB Italy fifteen years. All routine information sources available (annual notifications, mortality and hospital discharges) were used, attempts investigate gender geographical differences made. Methods: Age-standardized annual notification, discharge rates calculated. Time trends discharges for modelled through Poisson regression, whenever necessary, negative binomial regression. Results analysis temporal trend using three indicators shows an increase until middle 1990s following decrease. more frequent men than women, with decremental. North South gradient. There are important decline Italy, since decrease frequency pronounced women it less evident central and, lesser extent, southern parts country. Discussion Italian guidelines control, which largely consistent international recommendations low-incidence countries, need be fully implemented throughout entire country order reach ultimate goal disease eradication. Given high number cases among foreignborn persons, strong commitment on control immigrants, includes screening, prophylaxis treatment, urgently needed.