RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Study of the incidence and change the number of cases of tuberculosis within the Alava Medical Care Area from 1990-1993 and comparison with reported cases. METHOD: Active research of tuberculosis cases diagnosed in hospitals located in the Area. All cases reported to the Epidemiological Unit of the Alava Territorial Health Delegation via the System of Compulsory Declaration of Diseases (EDO) were also included. RESULTS: 756 cases of tuberculosis were detected, representing an average incidence of 69.4 cases/100,0000 inhabitants. There was an increase from 57.3 in 1990 to 86.6 cases/100,000 inhabitants in 1993, in particular amongst people over the age of 80. People under the age of 20 not only showed the lowest rate (7.1 cases/100,000 inhabitants) but also remained stable over the period analysed. The greatest number of cases were males (71.3%) aged from 20-39 (48.9%). 22% of all cases were patients suffering from AIDS. The annual increase in the total number of patients was 23.3% as opposed to 12.3% of AIDS patients. A deficient level of declaration was observed over the 4 year period, gradually decreasing from 28.9% in 1991 to 16.9% in 1993. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of cases of tuberculosis within the Alava Medical Care Area is extremely high, showing an increasing trend during the period not covered by EDOs, which should be confirmed by a study carried out over a longer period of time.