Incidence Rate of Bovine and Human Tuberculosis in Five Regions of Iran During One Decade (1999-2009): An Ecological Study

Background: Mycobacterium bovis is responsible for 5-10 % human tuberculosis all around the world. It especially infects children and people living in weak health-care regions. Currently, 25% of people with tuberculosis in Iran are afflicted by extrapulmonary tuberculosis (often related to M. bovis) that has exceeded standard amount. This investigation is an effort for studying human tuberculosis and bovine tuberculosis in Sistanobalouchestan province that has the maximum incidence rate of human tuberculosis in Iran.

Methods: In this ecological study, human tuberculosis data were provided from Tuberculosis and Leprosy Office of Ministry of Health and Medical Education. The bovine tuberculosis data were received from Veterinary Organization of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Results: Among all studied towns in Sistanobalouchestan province, “Zabol” had the highest amount of extrapulmonary tuberculosis and total human tuberculosis for each year and “Zahedan” had the highest incidence rate of bovine tuberculosis. Meanwhile, all types of tuberculosis have been decreased within this ten years period.

Conclusions: This study has shown in all towns of Sistanobalouchestan province human tuberculosis has a high incidence rate. Bovine tuberculosis had an indeterminate way and in last 4 years, the incidence rate has not been reported. Further studies including microbiological experiments and detection of precise species of infecting bacteria are strongly recommended for upcoming researches.