[Comparison of TB incidence of young and middle age groups between urban/suburban prefectures and other prefectures].

PURPOSE Comparison of TB incidence in young and middle age group between urban/surrounding area and other area. MATERIAL & METHODS TB incidence in young and middle age group by sex, nationality, labor status and prefecture is calculated with data of National Population Survey and TB surveillance in 2005. Risk factors of TB infection/break down such as public transportation, poverty, population density, diabetes, malignancy, HIV infection, foreigners are compared between urban/surrounding area and other area. RESULTS TB incidence of employees, jobless and housekeepers in urban/surrounding prefectures is higher than other prefectures, but TB incidence of housekeepers is low and difference is small. Utilization frequency of public transportation is correlated with prefectural level of TB incidence of male and female employees. There is no correlation with prevalence of other risk factors. DISCUSSION Public transportation and working in urban area is indicated as causes of difference of TB infection risk. Reinforcement of TB control program of working places in urban area is important and if necessary contact survey of TB outbreak at public transportation should be considered. Further analysis using more precise indicators is necessary to elucidate for influence of poverty.