Epidemiology of recurrent tuberculosis in the United States, 1993-2010

Int J Tuberc Lung Dis. 2013 Mar;17(3):357-60. doi: 10.5588/ijtld.12.0640. Epub 2013 Jan 14.

Abstract

Recurrent tuberculosis (TB) can result from reactivation of a previous TB episode or reinfection with a new Mycobacterium tuberculosis strain. A retrospective analysis of all recurrent TB cases reported in the United States during 1993-2010 was conducted. The proportion of recurrent cases remained stable during the study period (annual range 4.2-5.7%). Compared with persons without a previous diagnosis of TB, persons with recurrent TB experienced lower treatment completion within 12 months and higher mortality during the recurrent episode. Persons with recurrent TB have poorer outcomes, suggesting the need for targeted interventions to ensure treatment completion.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antitubercular Agents / therapeutic use
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Medication Adherence
  • Middle Aged
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis / pathogenicity
  • Recurrence
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risk Factors
  • Time Factors
  • Tuberculosis / drug therapy
  • Tuberculosis / epidemiology*
  • Tuberculosis / microbiology
  • Tuberculosis / mortality
  • United States / epidemiology
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antitubercular Agents