ABORIGINES AND TUBERCULOSIS - WHY THEY ARE AT RISK

Aborigines have higher rates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis than the re st of the community. There are insufficient contemporary data to asses s how much risk tuberculosis poses to the Aboriginal community. Tuberc ulosis is of particular concern because of its interaction with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). We aimed to ascertain the available data about tuberculosis in Australian Aborigines: to determine morbidity a nd mortality of tuberculosis in Australian Aborigines, to ascertain th e extent of known risk factors for tuberculosis in Australian Aborigin es and to consider the public health implications of our findings. Spa rse evidence suggests that Aborigines have higher rates of infection a nd of clinical tuberculosis than non-Aboriginal Australians, along wit h a high prevalence of known risk factors for tuberculosis. However, t here is a paucity of data about specific risk factors and tuberculosis in Aborigines. In addition, Aborigines have a high prevalence of risk factors for HN infection. The existence of concurrent risk factors fo r tuberculosis and I-In: in a population that already has a high rate of infection with tuberculosis is cause for grave: concern. Tuberculos is control is centred on correct and rapid diagnosis and appropriate t reatment, as well as efficient contact tracing. These are the most imp ortant strategies for control of tuberculosis among Aborigines, and ar e especially important when there is concurrence of other risk factors . Appropriate preventive therapy for infected people should also be co nsidered.