[The incidence of respiratory tuberculosis in the province of Leon according to the system of notification of disease mandatory declaration, 1992-1999].

Background: Tuberculosis continues to be a major public health problem. Knowing the incidence, trend and geographical spread of reported tuberculosis may serve to evaluate the prevention and control measures implemented and point to further needs.

Methods: Retrospective study of the reported cases of tuberculosis in the province of Leon, broken down by years, Health Care Areas and Basic Health Care Districts for the 1992-1999 period.

Results: The average annual incidence rates were 40.3, 38.6 and 44.4 per 100,000 inhabitants/year (10(5) inhabitants/year) for the province of Leon, Leon Health Care Area and Bierzo Health Care Area, respectively. Seventy percent (70%) were males and thirty percent (30%) females. The specific rates by sex in the province of Leon were 55.5 for males and 22.9 per 10(5) for females. The specific rates by age and sex were similar for males and females up to age 25, the incidence among males being much greater as of this age. The geographical spread of tuberculosis in the province of Leon was heterogeneous, the highest incidence being in mining areas. In the Leon Health Care Area, cases among the oldest adults prevailed, no differences being found among young adults and adults over age 55 in the Basic Health Care District.

Conclusions: The province of Leon has an incidence of tuberculosis greater than that estimated for Spain as a whole. It would be necessary to step up epidemiological surveillance and control measure systems as directly-monitored cases detected and systematic study of contacts in order to achieve a greater efficiency regarding the control of this disease.