Characteristics of non-clustered tuberculosis in a low burden country
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Molecular genotyping studies often focus on clustered tuberculosis and recent transmission. Less attention has been paid to non-clustered tuberculosis. However, non-clustered cases also contribute significantly to the tuberculosis burden, especially in low-incidence countries. The objective of this study is to characterize non-clustered tuberculosis cases in Denmark and point out potential implications for tuberculosis control. The study is based on nationwide IS6110-RFLP genotyping of tuberculosis cases from 1992 through 2004, corresponding to 98% of culture verified cases. Of 3988 cases, 45% were non-clustered. Both Danes and immigrants had a peak incidence of non-clustered tuberculosis at older ages, 80-89 years (4.3 cases/10 5 population/year) and 60-69 years (28.8 cases/10 5 population/year), respectively. In addition, immigrants had a peak at 20-29 years (43.2 cases/10 5 inhabitants/year). In Danes, the incidence of non-clustered tuberculosis decreased during the study period and was predominantly found in elderly persons, presumably reactivating infection acquired during 1910-40, when tuberculosis incidence was high. In immigrants, the incidence was high at all ages, presumably reflecting reactivation of imported infections. In the future, the number of non-clustered tuberculosis cases will decrease, as older Danes die, and as time since primary infection increases for immigrants residing in Denmark. TB control should include focus on non-clustered cases.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Tuberculosis |
Volume | 92 |
Issue number | 3 |
Pages (from-to) | 226-231 |
Number of pages | 6 |
ISSN | 1472-9792 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 May 2012 |
- Genotyping, IS6110-RFLP, Non-clustered, Reactivation, Tuberculosis
Research areas
ID: 203868705