The Importance of Heterogeneity to the Epidemiology of Tuberculosis.
Clin Infect Dis
; 69(1): 159-166, 2019 06 18.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-30383204
ABSTRACT
Although less well-recognized than for other infectious diseases, heterogeneity is a defining feature of tuberculosis (TB) epidemiology. To advance toward TB elimination, this heterogeneity must be better understood and addressed. Drivers of heterogeneity in TB epidemiology act at the level of the infectious host, organism, susceptible host, environment, and distal determinants. These effects may be amplified by social mixing patterns, while the variable latent period between infection and disease may mask heterogeneity in transmission. Reliance on notified cases may lead to misidentification of the most affected groups, as case detection is often poorest where prevalence is highest. Assuming that average rates apply across diverse groups and ignoring the effects of cohort selection may result in misunderstanding of the epidemic and the anticipated effects of control measures. Given this substantial heterogeneity, interventions targeting high-risk groups based on location, social determinants, or comorbidities could improve efficiency, but raise ethical and equity considerations.
Key words
Full text:
1
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Tuberculosis
/
Host-Pathogen Interactions
Type of study:
Diagnostic_studies
/
Etiology_studies
/
Prevalence_studies
/
Risk_factors_studies
/
Screening_studies
Limits:
Humans
Language:
En
Journal:
Clin Infect Dis
Journal subject:
DOENCAS TRANSMISSIVEIS
Year:
2019
Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Australia