Analysis of extrapulmonary tuberculosis in Spain: 2007-2012 National Study / Análisis de la tuberculosis extrapulmonar en España: Estudio Nacional 2007-2012

INTRODUCTION: This study sought to study the epidemiological characteristics of the extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) in relation to pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) from 2007 to 2012 in Spain, and plot its trend across the same period. METHODS: We conducted an analytical cross-sectional study in which the following variables were analysed: age; sex; disease site; history of antituberculosis treatment; country of birth; presence of HIV infection; and culture results. Age-related differences were ascertained using the test of comparison of proportions, and crude and adjusted ORs were calculated using linear regression models. RESULTS: Of the total of 44,050 cases of tuberculosis reported in the period 2007-2012 and included in the study, 31,508 (71.53%) were pulmonary tuberculosis and 12,542 (28.47%) were EPTB. EPTB rates decreased across all age groups. The main EPTB risk factor was presence of HIV infection (OR 1.39). Persons aged under 65 years had a lower risk of EPTB. CONCLUSIONS: Although persons aged over 65 years displayed the highest incidence, there was nevertheless a downward trend across all age groups. Whereas children showed a significant decrease in tuberculous meningitis, this was not so for all extrapulmonary forms. EPTB rates among persons born outside Spain were much higher than those among the Spanish population

INTRODUCCIÓN: Estudiamos las características epidemiológicas de la tuberculosis extrapulmonar (TBEP) en comparación con la tuberculosis pulmonar del 2007 al 2012 en España, y argumentamos las tendencias durante el mismo período. MÉTODOS: Realizamos un estudio transversal analítico en el cual analizamos las siguientes variables: edad, sexo, lugar de la tuberculosis, historia de tratamiento antituberculosis, país de nacimiento, presencia de infección por VIH y resultados de cultivo. Se realizó el test de comparación de proporciones para determinar los diferentes grupos de edad y calcular las OR brutas y ajustadas usando modelos de regresión lineal. RESULTADOS: De un total de 44,050 casos de tuberculosis reportados en el período 2007-2012 e incluidos en el estudio, 31,508 (71.53%) fueron tuberculosis pulmonar y 12,542 (28.47%) fueron TBEP. Las tasas de TBEP disminuyeron en todos los grupos de edad. El principal factor de riesgo para TBEP fue la presencia de infección por VIH (OR 1.39). El grupo de edad de menores de 65 años tuvo un menor riesgo de TBEP. CONCLUSIONES: Aunque las personas mayores de 65 años mostraron una mayor incidencia, en general en todos los grupos de edad hubo una tendencia al descenso. Mientras en los niños se observó un descenso significativo en la meningitis tuberculosa, dicha tendencia no se observó en el resto de las formas de tuberculosis extrapulmonar. La tasa de TBEP entre las personas nacidas fuera de España fue mucho mayor que entre las personas nacidas en España

Analysis of extrapulmonary tuberculosis in Spain: 2007-2012 National Study.

INTRODUCTION: This study sought to study the epidemiological characteristics of the extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) in relation to pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) from 2007 to 2012 in Spain, and plot its trend across the same period. METHODS: We conducted an analytical cross-sectional study in which the following variables were analysed: age; sex; disease site; history of antituberculosis treatment; country of birth; presence of HIV infection; and culture results. Age-related differences were ascertained using the test of comparison of proportions, and crude and adjusted ORs were calculated using linear regression models. RESULTS: Of the total of 44,050 cases of tuberculosis reported in the period 2007-2012 and included in the study, 31,508 (71.53%) were pulmonary tuberculosis and 12,542 (28.47%) were EPTB. EPTB rates decreased across all age groups. The main EPTB risk factor was presence of HIV infection (OR 1.39). Persons aged under 65 years had a lower risk of EPTB. CONCLUSIONS: Although persons aged over 65 years displayed the highest incidence, there was nevertheless a downward trend across all age groups. Whereas children showed a significant decrease in tuberculous meningitis, this was not so for all extrapulmonary forms. EPTB rates among persons born outside Spain were much higher than those among the Spanish population.

La infección por virus Zika: una nueva emergencia de salud pública con gran impacto mediático / Zika virus infection: a new public health emergency with great media impact

La infección por virus Zika (VZ) está afectando intensamente a los países latinoamericanos y se ha convertido en una nueva epidemia mediática. Su posible asociación con microcefalia y síndrome de Guillain-Barré motivó que la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) declarase el 1 de febrero de 2016 que esta epidemia constituye una emergencia de salud pública de importancia internacional. Los datos epidemiológicos muestran una incidencia creciente en países como Brasil y Colombia, y que la epidemia sigue expandiéndose por muchos otros países. Desde enero de 2007 hasta el 27 de abril de 2016, la OMS ha detectado transmisión autóctona en 55 países (en 42 de ellos ha sido el primer brote de Zika), y 1198 microcefalias y otros trastornos neurológicos en Brasil. Así mismo, durante 2015 y 2016, 13 países detectaron un incremento de los casos de síndrome de Guillain-Barré y de confirmación de VZ asociado a este. En relación a las microcefalias y otras graves alteraciones cerebrales en recién nacidos de madres afectadas por VZ, las investigaciones ya evidencian una relación causal. Clínicamente muchos casos son asintomáticos y el diagnóstico ofrece dificultades con otras arbovirosis. El control de vectores en España es prioritario, dada la existencia de Aedes albopictus (mosquito tigre). También se recomienda el diagnóstico precoz, evitar viajes a zonas endémicas, mantener relaciones sexuales protegidas y procurar que la prioridad política, que puede evitar que esta epidemia se convierta en una enfermedad endémica de alta prevalencia, no nos haga olvidar otros problemas de salud (AU)

Infection with Zika virus (ZV) has become a new epidemic, with great impact on the media, and is having a strong effect in Latin American countries. Its possible association with microcephaly and Guillain-Barré syndrome prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare on 1 February 2016 that this epidemic is a public health emergency of international concern. Epidemiological data show an increasing incidence in countries like Brazil and Colombia, and that the epidemic is still expanding in many other countries. Between January 2007 and 27 April 2016, the WHO detected transmission in 55 countries (in 42 of these, this was the first outbreak of Zika) and 1,198 microcephalies and other neurological disorders in Brazil. Also, during 2015-2016, 13 countries detected an increase in Guillain-Barré syndrome and/or confirmation of ZV associated with Guillain-Barré syndrome. Research has already demonstrated a causal relationship between microcephaly and other serious brain disorders in newborns and ZV infection in the mother. Clinically, many cases are asymptomatic and it can be difficult to distinguish this diagnosis from that of other arboviruses. Vector control in Spain is a priority because of the presence of the Aedes albopictus (tiger mosquito). Early diagnosis is recommended, as is avoiding travel to endemic areas and unprotected sex, and ensuring that the high political profile, which can prevent this epidemic from becoming a high prevalence endemic disease, does not cause us to forget about other health problems (AU)

[Zika virus infection: a new public health emergency with great media impact]. / La infección por virus Zika: una nueva emergencia de salud pública con gran impacto mediático.

Infection with Zika virus (ZV) has become a new epidemic, with great impact on the media, and is having a strong effect in Latin American countries. Its possible association with microcephaly and Guillain-Barré syndrome prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare on 1 February 2016 that this epidemic is a public health emergency of international concern. Epidemiological data show an increasing incidence in countries like Brazil and Colombia, and that the epidemic is still expanding in many other countries. Between January 2007 and 27 April 2016, the WHO detected transmission in 55 countries (in 42 of these, this was the first outbreak of Zika) and 1,198 microcephalies and other neurological disorders in Brazil. Also, during 2015-2016, 13 countries detected an increase in Guillain-Barré syndrome and/or confirmation of ZV associated with Guillain-Barré syndrome. Research has already demonstrated a causal relationship between microcephaly and other serious brain disorders in newborns and ZV infection in the mother. Clinically, many cases are asymptomatic and it can be difficult to distinguish this diagnosis from that of other arboviruses. Vector control in Spain is a priority because of the presence of the Aedes albopictus (tiger mosquito). Early diagnosis is recommended, as is avoiding travel to endemic areas and unprotected sex, and ensuring that the high political profile, which can prevent this epidemic from becoming a high prevalence endemic disease, does not cause us to forget about other health problems.

[Risk Factors for Potentially Unsuccessful Results and Mortality during Tuberculosis Treatment in Spain]. / Factores de riesgo asociados a los resultados potencialmente insatisfactorios y a la mortalidad durante el tratamiento antituberculoso en España.

BACKGROUND: Successful result of treatment in 85% of cases is the target of a Tuberculosis (TB) Control Programme. The aim of this study is to determine the risk factors for unsuccessful completion of treatment and deaths of TB cases in Spain. METHODS: Data from the National Surveillance Epidemiological Network. Retrospective study including 5,880 TB cases reported in 2012. Outcomes were classified as: successful (S: cured and treatment completed), potentially unsuccessful (PU: failed, transferred, defaulted, still on treatment and unknown) and deaths. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the association between epidemiological and clinical factors with PU and deaths as outcome variables. Two different models for nationals and foreigners were adjusted. RESULTS: Successful outcome was 81% in nationals and 79% in foreigners. Spanish TB cases had higher mortality rates than foreigners (8% vs. 2%), and lower percentage of transfers (2% vs. 6%). At multivariate level the risk factors for PU in nationals were: HIV coinfection (OR 1.6 CI95% 1.09-2.29) and previous treatment (OR 2.4 CI95% 1.67-3.53); and HIV coinfection (OR 1.7 CI95% 1.15-2.60), male sex (OR 1.4 CI95% 1.11-1.83) and pulmonary TB (OR 1.6 CI95% 1.22-2.09) in foreigners. Risk factors for death in nationals were: HIV coinfection (OR 2.7 CI95% 1.63-4.54), male sex (OR 1.4 CI95% 1.09-1.89), pulmonary TB (OR 1.5 CI95% 1.13-1.95) and an increasing risk with age (OR 8.9 CI95% 5.16-15.67 in over 45 years group.).; and HIV coinfection (OR 3.2 CI95% 1.53-6.76), male sex (OR 2.2 CI95% 1.01-4.60) and older age (OR 3.4 CI95% 1.81-6.48 in over 45 years group.) in foreigners. CONCLUSION: The rate of successful treatment in Spain does not meet the international target, especially in foreigners. To reduce unsuccessful treatment and deaths it is necessary to improve management in TB-HIV co-infected cases, and those with previous treatment story, pulmonary TB, males and older age.

Factores de riesgo asociados a los resultados potencialmente insatisfactorios y a la mortalidad durante el tratamiento antituberculoso en España / Risk factors for potentially unsuccessful results and mortality during tuberculosis treatment in Spain

Fundamentos: la curación del 85% de los casos de tuberculosis (TB) es uno de los retos de los programas de control de la enfermedad. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar los factores que influyen en los resultados insatisfactorios y la mortalidad durante el tratamiento antituberculoso en España. Métodos: estudio retrospectivo que incluyó 5.880 casos de TB declarados en 2012. Los resultados del tratamiento se clasificaron en: satisfactorios (RS: curación y tratamiento completo), potencialmente insatisfactorios (RPI: fracaso, traslado, abandono, tratamiento prolongado, desconocido) y fallecimiento. Se analizó la asociación del RPI y mortalidad con variables clínicas y epidemiológicas, mediante regresión logística. Se ajustaron dos modelos según el origen de los casos (español/extranjero). Resultados: los RS fueron 81% en españoles y 79% en extranjeros. Los españoles presentaron una mortalidad del 8% vs al 2% en los extranjeros) y menos traslados (2% vs 6%). A nivel multivariado los factores de riesgo asociados a RPI en españoles fueron la coinfección TB-VIH (OR 1,6 IC95% 1,09-2,29) y el tratamiento previo (OR 2,4 IC95% 1,67-3,53). En las personas extranjeras fueron la coinfección TB-VIH (OR 1,7 IC95% 1,15-2,60), ser hombre (OR 1,4 IC95% 1,11-1,83) y la localización pulmonar (OR 1,6 IC95% 1,22-2,09). Los predictores de mortalidad en españoles fueron la coinfección TB-VIH (OR 2,7 IC95% 1,63-4,54), ser hombre (OR 1,4 IC95% 1,09-1,89), la localización pulmonar (OR 1,5 IC95% 1,13-1,95) y la edad (OR 8,9 IC95% 5,16-15,67 en mayores de 45 años). Y en extranjeros la coinfección TB-VIH (OR 3,2 IC95% 1,53-6,76), ser hombre (OR 2,2 IC95% 1,01-4,60) y la edad (OR 3,4 IC95% 1,81-6,48 en mayores de 45 años). Conclusiones: el porcentaje de resultados satisfactorios del tratamiento antituberculosos en España no alcanza los objetivos internacionales, especialmente en las personas extranjeras. Para disminuir los resultados insatisfactorios y la mortalidad es necesario mejorar el manejo de los sujetos coinfectados TB-VIH, los casos previamente tratados, las localizaciones pulmonares, a los hombres y a las personas de edad avanzada (AU)

Background: successful result of treatment in 85% of cases is the target of a Tuberculosis (TB) Control Programme. The aim of this study is to determine the risk factors for unsuccessful completion of treatment and deaths of TB cases in Spain. Methods: data from the National Surveillance Epidemiological Network. Retrospective study including 5,880 TB cases reported in 2012. Outcomes were classified as: successful (S: cured and treatment completed), potentially unsuccessful (PU: failed, transferred, defaulted, still on treatment and unknown) and deaths. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the association between epidemiological and clinical factors with PU and deaths as outcome variables. Two different models for nationals and foreigners were adjusted. Results: successful outcome was 81% in nationals and 79% in foreigners. Spanish TB cases had higher mortality rates than foreigners (8% vs. 2%), and lower percentage of transfers (2% vs. 6%). At multivariate level the risk factors for PU in nationals were: HIV coinfection (OR 1.6 CI95% 1.09-2.29) and previous treatment (OR 2.4 CI95% 1.67-3.53); and HIV coinfection (OR 1.7 CI95% 1.15-2.60), male sex (OR 1.4 CI95% 1.11-1.83) and pulmonary TB (OR 1.6 CI95% 1.22-2.09) in foreigners. Risk factors for death in nationals were: HIV coinfection (OR 2.7 CI95% 1.63-4.54), male sex (OR 1.4 CI95% 1.09-1.89), pulmonary TB (OR 1.5 CI95% 1.13-1.95) and an increasing risk with age (OR 8.9 CI95% 5.16-15.67 in over 45 years group.).; and HIV coinfection (OR 3.2 CI95% 1.53-6.76), male sex (OR 2.2 CI95% 1.01-4.60) and older age(OR 3.4 CI95% 1.81-6.48 in over 45 years group.) in foreigners. Conclusion: the rate of successful treatment in Spain does not meet the international target, especially in foreigners. To reduce unsuccessful treatment and deaths it is necessary to improve management in TB-HIV coinfected cases, and those with previous treatment story, pulmonary TB, males and older age (AU)

Tularemia Outbreaks and Common Vole (Microtus arvalis) Irruptive Population Dynamics in Northwestern Spain, 1997-2014.

During the last decades, large tularemia outbreaks in humans have coincided in time and space with population outbreaks of common voles in northwestern Spain, leading us to hypothesize that this rodent species acts as a key spillover agent of Francisella tularensis in the region. Here, we evaluate for the first time a potential link between irruptive vole numbers and human tularemia outbreaks in Spain. We compiled vole abundance estimates obtained through live-trapping monitoring studies and official reports of human tularemia cases during the period 1997-2014. We confirm a significant positive association between yearly cases of tularemia infection in humans and vole abundance. High vole densities during outbreaks (up to 1000 voles/hectare) may therefore enhance disease transmission and spillover contamination in the environment. If this ecological link is further confirmed, the apparent multiannual cyclicity of common vole outbreaks might provide a basis for forecasting the risk of tularemia outbreaks in northwestern Spain.

Epidemiología de las hospitalizaciones por tuberculosis en España: análisis del conjunto mínimo básico de datos 1999-2009 / Epidemiology of hospitalizations for tuberculosis in Spain: analysis of minimum data set 1999-2009

INTRODUCCIÓN: El conjunto mínimo básico de datos es una base clínico-administrativa sobre altas hospitalarias, de mucha utilidad en el nivel autonómico como fuente complementaria a la vigilancia. Existen escasos estudios de ámbito nacional sobre tuberculosis (TB) con el conjunto mínimo básico de datos, por lo que se consideró de interés estudiar las características y la tendencia de los casos hospitalizados por tuberculosis en España. MÉTODOS: Estudio descriptivo de las principales variables del conjunto mínimo básico de datos (sexo, edad, diagnóstico principal, tipo de alta, tiempo de estancia), y análisis de tendencia de las tasas de hospitalización por 100.000 habitantes, según diagnóstico principal, por sexo, grupo de edad y tipo de TB (TB pulmonar [TBP]/TB extrapulmonar [TBEP]), para el periodo 1999-2009 en España. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron en el estudio 65.609 hospitalizaciones (66% hombres, 66% TBP, 52% entre 15-44 años). La tasa global de TB para todo el periodo fue de 13,93 hospitalizaciones por 100.000 habitantes, siendo de 18,83 en hombres y de 9,18 en mujeres. Las tasas de hospitalización por TBP y TBEP disminuyeron en el periodo 1999-2009 en ambos sexos (TBP en hombres, de 18 a 13, y en mujeres, de 8 a 6; TBEP en hombres, de 4 a 3, y en mujeres, de 3 a 2 hospitalizaciones/100.000 habitantes). En TBP, los niños son los que presentan un menor descenso, y en la TBEP, en hombres hay un incremento en todos los grupos de edad desde 2005. CONCLUSIONES: Los resultados obtenidos son coherentes con los procedentes de la vigilancia. La lenta disminución de las tasas en niños y el aumento de las formas extrapulmonares en hombres podrían estar relacionados con la inmigración, por lo que es necesario mejorar el control de la TB en estos grupos

INTRODUCTION: The National Hospital Discharge Registry is a clinical-administrative database on hospital discharges, which is very useful at a regional level as a complementary source for surveillance. There are few national studies on tuberculosis (TB) using the National Hospital Discharge Registry, thus it was considered of interest to study the characteristics and trends of hospital discharges for TB in Spain. METHODS: A descriptive study was performed using the main variables in the National Hospital Discharge Registry (sex, age, main diagnosis, type of discharge, length of stay), and trend analysis of hospitalization rates per 100,000 population, as well as primary diagnosis, by sex, age group, and type of TB (pulmonary [TBP]/extrapulmonary [TBEP]), for the period 1999-2009 in Spain. RESULTS: A total of 65,609 hospital discharges were included in the study (66% male, 66% TBP, and 52% between 15-44 years). The overall rate of TB for the entire hospitalization period was 13.93 per 100,000 inhabitants, being 18.83 in males and 9.18 in females. The hospitalization rates for TBP and TBEP decreased in the period 1999-2009 in both sexes (TBP in males, from 18 to 13, and in females, from 8 to 6; TBEP in males from 4 to 3, and from 3 to 2 in female hospitalizations/100,000 habitants). In TBP, children are those with a smallest decline, and in TBEP there is an increase in males in all age groups from 2005. CONCLUSIONS: The results are consistent with those from surveillance. The slow decline in rates in children and the increase in extrapulmonary forms in males may be related to immigration, so it is necessary to improve TB monitoring in these groups

[Epidemiology of hospitalizations for tuberculosis in Spain: analysis of minimum data set 1999-2009]. / Epidemiología de las hospitalizaciones por tuberculosis en España: análisis del conjunto mínimo básico de datos 1999-2009.

INTRODUCTION: The National Hospital Discharge Registry is a clinical-administrative database on hospital discharges, which is very useful at a regional level as a complementary source for surveillance. There are few national studies on tuberculosis (TB) using the National Hospital Discharge Registry, thus it was considered of interest to study the characteristics and trends of hospital discharges for TB in Spain. METHODS: A descriptive study was performed using the main variables in the National Hospital Discharge Registry (sex, age, main diagnosis, type of discharge, length of stay), and trend analysis of hospitalization rates per 100,000 population, as well as primary diagnosis, by sex, age group, and type of TB (pulmonary [TBP]/extrapulmonary [TBEP]), for the period 1999-2009 in Spain. RESULTS: A total of 65,609 hospital discharges were included in the study (66% male, 66% TBP, and 52% between 15-44 years). The overall rate of TB for the entire hospitalization period was 13.93 per 100,000 inhabitants, being 18.83 in males and 9.18 in females. The hospitalization rates for TBP and TBEP decreased in the period 1999-2009 in both sexes (TBP in males, from 18 to 13, and in females, from 8 to 6; TBEP in males from 4 to 3, and from 3 to 2 in female hospitalizations/100,000 habitants). In TBP, children are those with a smallest decline, and in TBEP there is an increase in males in all age groups from 2005. CONCLUSIONS: The results are consistent with those from surveillance. The slow decline in rates in children and the increase in extrapulmonary forms in males may be related to immigration, so it is necessary to improve TB monitoring in these groups.

[Epidemiology of childhood tuberculosis in Spain: 2005-2009]. / Epidemiología de la tuberculosis pediátrica en España, 2005-2009.

BACKGROUND: European recent data about paediatric tuberculosis point out the importance of evaluate the trends of the disease to study the recent transmission, as well as the necessity of improving the microbiological diagnosis in paediatric cases. The aim of this paper is to study the epidemiology and trend evolution of paediatric tuberculosis in Spain during the period 2005-2009 and to establish the epidemiological differences between adult and paediatric tuberculosis. METHODS: Data reported to the National Surveillance Net (Red Nacional de Vigilancia Epidemiológica) in Spain was checked. Lineal regression was developed to establish the trend of the disease in all, adult and paediatric cases. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to compare paediatric and adult cases reported in 2009 and estimate the influence of different factors in the development of the disease. RESULTS: A total 39775, 2690 paediatrics (6.76%) cases of tuberculosis were reported during 2005-2009 period. Paediatric tuberculosis rates showed a slight increasing tendency (y=0.15x+7.8), while adult rates decrease during the period (y=-0.28x+20.2). In 2009, rates were 8.1 and 18.3 cases/100,000 inhab. for children and adults respectively. Paediatric cases presented higher proportion of pulmonary locations (84% vs. 76% in adults) and lower percentages of cases confirmed by culture (51% vs. 82% in adults) and of cases in non-Spanish population (25% vs. 34%). CONCLUSIONS: Paediatric tuberculosis rates showed a slight increasing tendency, while global and adult rates decrease slightly during the period. Tuberculosis disease shows different epidemiology in children and adults, what it is important to take into account to design public heh interventions.

Epidemiología de la tuberculosis pediátrica en España, 2005-2009 / Epidemiology of childhood tuberculosis in Spain: 2005-2009

Fundamentos: Los últimos datos europeos sobre tuberculosis pediátrica señalan la utilidad de evaluar las tendencias para estudiar la transmisión así como la necesidad de mejorar el diagnóstico microbiológico en estas edades. El objetivo es estudiar la epidemiología de la tuberculosis pediátrica en España, su evolución durante el periodo 2005- 2009, y las diferencias respecto con la epidemiología de los adultos. Métodos: Se utilizaron los datos de la declaración individualizada de tuberculosis a la Red Nacional de Vigilancia Epidemiológica en 2005-2009. Se estudió la tendencia de las tasas en niños y adultos mediante modelos de regresión lineal. Para estudiar los riesgos asociados a la tuberculosis en niños en relación a la de los adultos, se realizó un análisis bivariado y otro multivariado por regresión logística, empleando los datos de 2009. Resultados: En el periodo de estudio se declararon 39.775 casos de tuberculosis, 2.690 de ellos pediátricos (6,76%). La tendencia en las tasas de tuberculosis fue ascendente para la edad pediátrica (y=0,15x+7,8) y descendente para los adultos (y=-0,28x+20,2). En 2009 las tasas fueron 8,1 casos/100.000 en niños y 18,3/100.000 en adultos. Se encontró en niños una mayor proporción de localizaciones pulmonares (84% frente a 76%), menor porcentaje de confirmaciones por cultivo (51% frente a 82%) y de casos extranjeros (25% frente a 34%). Conclusiones: En el periodo de estudio las tasas de tuberculosis pediátrica mostraron una tendencia ligeramente ascendente, mientras que las tasas globales y en adultos la tuvieron descendente . La tuberculosis muestra escenarios diferentes en niños y adultos, lo que hay que tener en cuenta para dirigir las acciones de salud pública(AU)

Background: European recent data about paediatric tuberculosis point out the importance of evaluate the trends of the disease to study the recent transmission, as well as the necessity of improving the microbiological diagnosis in paediatric cases. The aim of this paper is to study the epidemiology and trend evolution of paediatric tuberculosis in Spain during the period 2005-2009 and to establish the epidemiological differences between adult and paediatric tuberculosis. Methods: Data reported to the National Surveillance Net (Red Nacional de Vigilancia Epidemiológica) in Spain was checked. Lineal regression was developed to establish the trend of the disease in all, adult and paediatric cases. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to compare paediatric and adult cases reported in 2009 and estimate the influence of different factors in the development of the disease. Results: A total 39775, 2690 paediatrics (6.76%) cases of tuberculosis were reported during 2005-2009 period. Paediatric tuberculosis rates showed a slight increasing tendency (y=0.15x+7.8), while adult rates decrease during the period (y=-0.28x+20.2). In 2009, rates were 8.1 and 18.3 cases/100,000 inhab. for children and adults respectively. Paediatric cases presented higher proportion of pulmonary locations (84% vs. 76% in adults) and lower percentages of cases confirmed by culture (51% vs. 82% in adults) and of cases in non-Spanish population (25% vs. 34%). Conclusions: Paediatric tuberculosis rates showed a slight increasing tendency, while global and adult rates decrease slightly during the period. Tuberculosis disease shows different epidemiology in children and adults, what it is important to take into account to design public health interventions(AU)

Long-term molecular surveillance of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in Spain.

The data presented here span 11 years (1998-2008) of monitoring of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) clustering through molecular typing techniques in Spain. The molecular and epidemiological data of 480 multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex isolates were analyzed. Thirty-one clusters involving 157 (32.7%) patients were identified. The proportion of immigrants increased substantially over the study period reaching 65% in 2008; however, the clustering rate remained stable indicating that local transmission was little influenced by imported MDR-TB. The three major clusters respond to the persistence of two autochthonous strains throughout the study period and an extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Mycobacterium bovis outbreak with only two cases was reported since 2002. Molecular and epidemiological evidence for the importation of new strains and their spread within the community was found. Immigrant-only clusters most often grouped patients infected abroad with strains belonging to rare spoligotypes. Conversely, widespread spoligotypes of the Latin-American and Mediterranean (LAM) and Haarlem families were responsible for the majority of the MDR-TB local transmission. The demonstration of clusters spanning several Spanish regions that have been ongoing throughout the study period makes it advisable to maintain a continuous molecular surveillance in order to monitor the spread of MDR-TB.

Distribución espacial de la tuberculosis en España mediante métodos geoestadísticos / Space distribution of tuberculosis in Spain by geostatistical methods

Fundamentos: La incidencia de tuberculosis (TB) se haasociado a factores, epidemiológicos y sociales. En España, laTB es una enfermedad de declaración obligatoria e individualizada.Las tasas de TB respiratoria experimentan un descensoconstante en los últimos años. El objetivo es valorar la asociaciónentre la morbilidad por TB respiratoria y variables socioeconómicasy epidemiológicas así como su distribución espacialmediante métodos geoestadísticos.Método: Las tasas de incidencia se estandarizaron poredad y sexo con datos de la Red Nacional de Vigilancia (2006).Las variables socioeconómicas incluidas son: condiciónsocioeconómica, nivel de estudios, tasa de hacinamiento, densidadde población, tasa de inmigración estandarizada porsexo, tasa de analfabetismo, tasa de paro, gasto medio en eurospor persona. Las variables epidemiológicas incluidas han sidola tasa de SIDA y la tasa de incidencia de gripe. Se realizó unanálisis multivariable mediante un Modelo Lineal Generalizadopoisson. Se aplicó la técnica geoestadística Cokringingajustada por las variables estadísticamente significativas paraver la distribución espacial de riesgo.Resultados: Las variables estadísticamente significativasson la tasa de hacinamiento, tasa de inmigración, tasa de analfabetismo,tasa de paro, gasto medio euros por persona, tasa degripe y tasa de sida. La técnica geoestadística muestra unavariabilidad espacial del riesgo y una concentración del riesgoen el noroeste y sureste de la península.Conclusiones: Los resultados permiten afirmar que elmétodo Cokriging es una herramienta útil para representar ladistribución espacial del riesgo. Existe asociación entre variablessocioeconómicas , epidemiológicas y TB en España(AU)

Background: Tuberculosis incidence has been associatedwith many factors, both epidemiological and social. In Spain,tuberculosis is a statutorily notifiable disease requiringindividualised reporting. During the last few years rates ofrespiratory tuberculosis show a steady decline. This study soughtto assess respiratory tuberculosis morbidity and mortality inassociation to socio-economic and epidemiological covariatesand estimate its spatial distribution across the country, using geostatisticalmethods.Methods: Respiratory tuberculosis incidence rates werestandardised by age and sex with the data of the NationalEpidemiological Surveillance Network (RENAVE, RedNacional de Vigilancia Epidemiológica) for 2006. Thefollowing socio-economic variables were included in thestudy: socio-economic status, educational level, overcrowdingrate, population density, standardised immigration rate by sex,unemployment rate and average spending per person in euros.The epidemiological variables included were, such as, AIDSrate and the influenza incidence rate. To assess the associationof covariables a multivariate analysis was performed using aGeneralised Linear Model assuming Poisson distribution. Thegoestatistical method Co-kriging was adjusted with thesignificant variables to built the spatial distribution of risk.Results: The statistically significant covariates wereovercrowding rate, standardised immigration rate by sex,educational level, unemployment rate, average spending perperson in euros, AIDS rate and the influenza incidence rate. Thegeostatistical method shows spatial variability of the risk withhigher risks in the northwest and southeast of the peninsula.Conclusion: Results prove that the Co-kriging method is auseful tool to show the spatial distribution of risk. Alternatively,tuberculosis is associated with both social and epidemiologicalcovariates(AU)

[Space distribution of tuberculosis in Spain by geostatistical methods]. / Distribución espacial de la tuberculosis en España mediante métodos geoestadísticos.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis incidence has been associated with many factors, both epidemiological and social. In Spain, tuberculosis is a statutorily notifiable disease requiring individualised reporting. During the last few years rates of respiratory tuberculosis show a steady decline. This study sought to assess respiratory tuberculosis morbidity and mortality in association to socio-economic and epidemiological covariates and estimate its spatial distribution across the country, using geo-statistical methods. METHODS: Respiratory tuberculosis incidence rates were standardised by age and sex with the data of the National Epidemiological Surveillance Network (RENAVE, Red Nacional de Vigilancia Epidemiológica) for 2006. The following socio-economic variables were included in the study: socio-economic status, educational level, overcrowding rate, population density, standardised immigration rate by sex, unemployment rate and average spending per person in euros. The epidemiological variables included were, such as, AIDS rate and the influenza incidence rate. To assess the association of covariables a multivariate analysis was performed using a Generalised Linear Model assuming Poisson distribution. The goestatistical method co-kriging was adjusted with the significant variables to built the spatial distribution of risk. RESULTS: The statistically significant covariates were overcrowding rate, standardised immigration rate by sex, educational level, unemployment rate, average spending per person in euros, AIDS rate and the influenza incidence rate. The geostatistical method shows spatial variability of the risk with higher risks in the northwest and southeast of the peninsula. CONCLUSION: Results prove that the co-kriging method is a useful tool to show the spatial distribution of risk. Alternatively, tuberculosis is associated with both social and epidemiological covariates.