[Analysis on the spatial clustering of tuberculosis based on provincial level in China from 2008 to 2010].

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To study the tuberculosis clustering areas and the changing trend, from 2008 to 2010, so as to provider the reference for tuberculosis control. METHODS: Global spatial autocorrelation and SaTScan methods were used to detect and analyse the spatial clustering of total tuberculosis notification rate and the new smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis notification rate, at the provincial level from 2008 to 2010. RESULTS: The spatial clustering (SC) phenomenon was significant on total notification rate and new smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis notification rate from 2008 to 2010 (P < 0.01). The coverages of clustering areas on total notification rate showed a reduction from 19 provinces to 14 provinces, distributed in the south, west and north-east areas of China. The coverages of clustering areas on new smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis notification rate concentrated in 14 provinces which covered the south and north-east of China. CONCLUSION: The disease burden and the risk of transmission in the clustering areas of tuberculosis both located in the south and the north-east of China. The disease burden of tuberculosis was high in the west of China, but not the areas with high risk of transmission.