Taiwan Epidemiology Bulletin


Taiwan Epidemiology Bulletin

vol.40 No.5

PublishTime:2024/03/12
The latest volume download: vol.40 No.5.pdf(open new tab)
Subscribe

Search

Original Article

Bovine Tuberculosis in Taiwan, 2008–2020

DOI: 10.6524/EB.202403_40(5).0002

Tai-Hua Chan, Ruwen Jou*

2024 Vol.40 No.5

Correspondence Author: Ruwen Jou*

  • Center for Diagnostics and Vaccine Development, Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taiwan

Abstract:

        Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a zoonosis caused by Mycobacterium bovis biovar bovis (M. bovis). The impact of bTB on global tuberculosis (TB) control has been underestimated. The pathogen is intrinsically resistant to pyrazinamide (PZA), which poses challenges to TB treatment and management. In this study, of the 24,717 culture-confirmed human TB cases reported during 2008–2020, there were 251 (1%) cases of bTB. Among these, 77.7% were male; 71.8% were aged over 45 years; 85.7% were new cases; 83.3% had pulmonary TB; and cases came mainly from central (51.0%) and southern (25.5%) Taiwan. Only 19.5% of bTB patients had known animal contacts. Among them, 49.0% had direct or indirect contact with deer. Of the human PZA-resistant M. bovis isolates, 29.1% were concurrently resistant to isoniazid (INH), and 1.6% were multidrug-resistant (defined as being resistant to at least INH and rifampin). The predominant genotype, SB0265/ MIRU 5-2-2-3-4-2-3-2-11-5-3, was prevalent in both human and livestock populations. Diagnosing bTB and detect its drug resistance are crucial for TB control. Comprehensive surveillance and integrated human-animal investigations are needed to align with the One Health approach.

Keywords:Bovine tuberculosis, Mycobacterium bovis, One Health, drug resistance, genotype

Outbreak Investigation

A Tuberculosis Family Cluster in an Aboriginal Township, Eastern Taiwan, 2019

DOI: 10.6524/EB.202403_40(5).0001

Feng-Jung Lee*, Li-Chun Huang, Pei-Ching Huang, Chin-Yu Wang, Yi-Fen Chen, Ta-Jen Chien

2024 Vol.40 No.5

Correspondence Author: Feng-Jung Lee*

  • Eastern Regional Center, Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taiwan

Abstract:

        During April 3 to 11, 2019, three confirmed tuberculosis (TB) cases were reported from a township in Hualien County. All three were retreatment cases and were highly infectious. Epidemiologic investigation determined these cases to be a family cluster.
        Through contact investigation, four children aged < 5 years were diagnosed with TB. A total of seven cases were confirmed in this cluster; five were of identical genotype. Risk factors contributing to this TB family cluster included high infectivity, refusal of screening, having comorbidities, poor compliance with medication, low socioeconomic status, poor home ventilation, and young age. High infectivity, refusal of screening, having comorbidities, poor compliance with medication, low socioeconomic status, poor ventilation at home, and young age were risk factors that contributed to this TB family cluster.
        Control strategies included expanding screening among high-risk groups, treating latent tuberculosis infections, and enhancing health education. Assistance was sought from non-governmental organizations and social welfare groups to address the economic problems of the cases and improve sanitation and ventilation of the family’s residence. As of April 2021, there have been no additional TB cases in this family. 

Keywords:mountainous township, tuberculosis, cluster

HISTORICAL EPIDEMIOLOGY ARTICLES

Title Volume Date
Find nothing