Incidence rates, clinical features, and case identification of pediatric tuberculosis in Alaska.
METHODS
The population of Alaska.


OBJECTIVE
To determine incidence rates, clinical features, and source of case identification for pediatric tuberculosis in Alaska.


METHODS
A state-wide, population-based, retrospective analysis of all cases of tuberculosis among children 0 to 14 years of age reported to the Alaska Division of Public Health during 1987-1994.


RESULTS
Seventy children with tuberculous disease were identified for an incidence rate of 5.8/100000/year. Compared to whites, Alaska Natives (relative risk [RR], 65; 95% confidence interval [CI], 20 to 207) and people of other races (RR, 21; 95% CI, 5.6 to 79) had an increased risk of tuberculosis. Clinical features did not differ by race. Twenty-three of 45 persons with at least one specimen collected had a positive culture result, including three with isoniazid-resistant strains. While most cases were identified through contact investigations, 23% were identified through required school screening.


CONCLUSIONS
Alaska has a high rate of pediatric tuberculosis, with non-white race identified as a risk factor. Required school screening proved useful for case identification.
Gessner
B D
BD
Alaska Division of Public Health, Section of Maternal, Child, and Family Health, Epidemiology and Evaluation Unit, Anchorage 99501, USA. gess100w@wonder.em.cdc.gov
D000293:Adolescent; D000413:Alaska / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D004930:Inuit; D008297:Male; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000208:ethnology; D044465:White People