Tuberculosis from Mycobacterium bovis in Binational Communities, United States
Author Information
Author(s): Rodwell Timothy C., Moore Marisa, Moser Kathleen S., Brodine Stephanie K., Strathdee Steffanie A.
Primary Institution: University of California San Diego School of Medicine
Hypothesis
The study investigates the changing epidemiology of tuberculosis (TB) in binational communities, particularly focusing on the role of Mycobacterium bovis in TB incidence.
Conclusion
The incidence of tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium bovis is increasing in San Diego, particularly among children and individuals of Hispanic ethnicity.
Supporting Evidence
- M. bovis accounted for 45% of all culture-positive TB cases in children under 15 years of age.
- M. bovis incidence increased significantly while M. tuberculosis incidence declined.
- Persons with M. bovis were 2.55 times as likely to die during treatment than those with M. tuberculosis.
Takeaway
This study found that more kids in San Diego are getting sick from a type of tuberculosis that comes from cows, especially those who eat unpasteurized dairy products.
Methodology
The study conducted a retrospective analysis of TB case surveillance data from 1994 through 2005 in San Diego County, focusing on culture-positive TB cases.
Potential Biases
Potential sampling bias due to increased awareness of M. bovis as a cause of TB since 1980.
Limitations
The study may underestimate the total incidence of M. bovis, particularly in children, due to the exclusion of non-culture-positive cases.
Participant Demographics
The majority of M. bovis cases were found in persons of Hispanic ethnicity, with 60% of cases among those of known Mexican origin.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.002
Confidence Interval
95% CI not provided
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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