Tuberculous mortality in an urban complex in central India: a study of long-term trends

Abstract

In Nagpur city, during the 20 year period 1957-76, a total of 10 101 tuberculosis deaths occurred in institutions and 4133 at home. The overall mortality rates were 101.4, 81.5 and 92.1 per 100 000 for males, females and both sexes respectively. Tuberculous mortality declined from 125.4 in the first quinquennium (1957-61) to 76.7 in the last quinquennium (1972-76). Extra-pulmonary tuberculous deaths formed 32.8% of the total. In particular, tuberculous meningitis fatalities accounted for 18.6%, tuberculosis of intestines and abdomen for 9.2%, and bone tuberculosis for 1.0% of all the deaths. Tuberculous meningitis fatalities diminished from 23.6% in the first 5-year period to 14.5% in the last period and a similar fall was noted for abdominal tuberculosis. Contrary to previously held opinion, childhood tuberculosis forms a substantial proportion of the total tuberculosis problem in the community.