Characteristics of tuberculosis patients in Yazd province, Islamic Republic of Iran, 1997-99

ABSTRACT

We determined the incidence of tuberculosis and some demographic characteristics among 604 patients in a 3-year period [1997-99] in Yazd province, Islamic Republic of Iran. The average annual rate of tuberculosis was 26.8 per 100 000 [22.9 in males and 31.0 per 100 000 in females]. The highest rate of tuberculosis was in the > 50 years age group [111.1 per 100 000]. The average annual proportion of pulmonary and extra-pulmonary tuberculosis cases was 75.8% and 24.2% respectively. On average 66.7% of TB patients were cured, 8.4% transferred to a different catchment area, 17.7% were treatment failures and 7.1% died. Of the total, 63.2% were Iranian, 36.1% Afghan refugees. Despite efforts in prevention, diagnosis and treatment of patients and refugees, tuberculosis is still an important problem in this province