Trends of tuberculosis in the Fifth Health Region, Buenos Aires Province, years 2000-2011

The aim of this study was to describe the trends in tuberculosis (TB) in the Fifth Health Region (RSV) in the Buenos Aires Province. A trend study allowed the evaluation of the average variation of change in the incidence rate (IR) using simple linear regression expressed as a mean annual variation (VAP). The number of reported TB cases and IR per 100 000 population of all TB cases, pulmonary TB (PTB) and bacteriologically confirmed PTB from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2011, were analyzed by age groups: 0-14; 15-29 and over 64 years of age. The decline in IR was less than 5% for all forms of TB and lower for bacteriologically confirmed PTB cases. The highest rate of PTB and IR was concentrated in the age group of 15-29 years with stable or slightly increasing trend of IR in bacteriologically confirmed PTB. There were similar trends for bacteriologically confirmed PTB in children. The fastest decline in PTB IR occurred in 0-14 age group, while for cases over 64 years of age the decline was sustained over time. TB continues to be a health risk in RSV, with cases in younger age groups. Therefore, it remains necessary to strengthen TB control activities in this region.