Incidence rates, clinical features, and case identification of pediatric tuberculosis in Alaska
Objective: To determine incidence rates, clinical features, and source of case identification for pediatric tuberculosis in Alaska.
Design: 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.
Conclusion: 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.
Keywords: Alaska; Alaska Native; epidemiology; pediatric; tuberculosis
Document Type: Regular Paper
Affiliations: Alaska Division of Public Health, Section of Maternal, Child, and Family Health, Epidemiology and Evaluation Unit, Anchorage, Alaska, USA
Publication date: 01 May 1998
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