Trends in tuberculosis incidence in the Auckland region, 1974-1983

The trends in incidence of tuberculosis in the three Auckland health districts were examined comparing the rates among Maoris, Pacific Islanders and Europeans. There was a continued falling incidence during the period 1974 to 1983, particularly in Maoris and Pacific Islanders. The age-specific rates were studied and related to case finding activities and BCG vaccination. Neonatal BCG vaccination offered to Maoris and Pacific Islanders was not shown to have any impact on incidence rates. Most childhood cases of tuberculosis were discovered by active public health screening activities, while the majority of adult cases were detected by routinely available general practitioner and hospital medical services.