The incidence of tuberculosis in the UK has peaked in 30 years
Last reviewed: 16.05.2018
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Morbidity of UK residents with tuberculosis has peaked in the past 30 years, reports Physorg. These data were obtained in a study conducted by a team of specialists led by Alimuddin Zumla of University College London. According to the study, in 2009 in the UK, there were 9040 cases of tuberculosis. This is the maximum annual incidence rate recorded in the country for 30 years. The United Kingdom was the only Western European state where the incidence of tuberculosis is increasing. Scientists also found that the number of cases of drug-resistant form of infection in London has doubled in the last decade. In total, about 40 percent of all TB patients registered in the country live in the UK capital. The authors of the study noted that a significant proportion of new cases of infection were recorded among migrants. However, these cases are not imported. In particular, 85 percent of migrant patients live in the country for at least two years, about 50 percent for at least five years. According to Alimuddin Zumli, the main factors contributing to the spread of tuberculosis in London and its environs are overpopulation, poor housing conditions and insufficient ventilation of premises.