Epidemiology of tuberculosis in Spain. Results obtained by the National Epidemiological Surveillance Network in 2015

Abstract

The epidemiological surveillance data for tuberculosis in Spain in 2015 is analysed in this report. This information was gathered through cases reported to the Red Nacional de Vigilancia Epidemiológica [National Epidemiological Surveillance Network]. In addition, the update of the treatment of the cases reported in 2014 is included. The incidence rate of tuberculosis in 2015 was 10.59 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, 10% less than in 2014. This decrease was mainly due to the sustained decreased trend of pulmonary tuberculosis rates, from other locations and in adults, while for cases of tuberculous meningitis and in children the decrease is less marked, with a tendency to stabilization. The percentage of cases born in other countries remains stable (approximately 30% of the total). Information on HIV status is available in 63% of cases, of which 7% were HIV-positive. Regarding the treatment results, 77% of the new lung cases confirmed by culture reported in 2014 had a satisfactory result, 6% died, and 11% did not have this information.