Evaluation of surveillance of contacts of new tuberculosis cases in the state of Mato Grosso - Brazil.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate surveillance of contacts of new tuberculosis cases in the state of Mato Grosso from 1999 to 2004.


METHODS
This was a descriptive epidemiological study based on data from the Tuberculosis Case Registry Database. The number of new tuberculosis cases, the number of contacts (estimated, investigated, and uninvestigated), and the tuberculosis incidence rate were analyzed by age bracket. The mean rate of contacts investigated for each case of tuberculosis by age bracket was calculated per year of study. The cases of pulmonary tuberculosis with and without contacts investigated were analyzed by sputum smear microscopy results.


RESULTS
In 2004, there were 41.3 cases of tuberculosis per 100,000 inhabitants in the state of Mato Grosso. The south-central region presented the highest incidence rate (57 cases/100,000 inhabitants) and a 15% rate of contacts investigated. Among those younger than 15 years, 63 contacts (60.5%) were investigated, whereas among those aged 15 or older, 389 (8.9%) were investigated. In 1999, the mean rate of contacts investigated statewide was 0.02 (0.5%), and, in 2004, it reached 0.42 (10.5%). The percentage of contacts investigated was 40% higher among the contacts of contagious cases (OR = 1.4; 95% CI: 1.08-1.83).


CONCLUSIONS
The percentage of contacts investigated is very low, principally among adults. The adoption of the standards for investigation of tuberculosis contacts proposed by the Brazilian National Ministry of Health Department of Health Surveillance has not ensured that this group at highest risk of developing active tuberculosis be given priority at health care facilities in the state of Mato Grosso.
PROBIC/UNEMAT, Young Investigator Grant Program/State University of Mato Grosso - Cáceres, Brazil.
Shaiana Vilella
SV
Hartwig
Eliane
E
Ignotti
Beatriz Fátima Alves de
BF
Oliveira
Hellen Caroline de Oliveira
HC
Pereira
João Henrique
JH
Scatena
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D003710:Demography; D018563:Disease Notification; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008875:Middle Aged; D011159:Population Surveillance; D014397:Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / Q000453:epidemiology*