Effect of latitude on seasonality of tuberculosis, Australia, 2002-2011

Emerg Infect Dis. 2012 Nov;18(11):1879-81. doi: 10.3201/eid1811.120456.

Abstract

Seasonal variation in tuberculosis diagnoses recently has been reported in various populations. In Australia, seasonality of tuberculosis diagnoses was more pronounced in areas where UV exposure is reduced and vitamin D deficiency is more prevalent. Our findings suggest vitamin D deficiency as a factor in disease activation.

MeSH terms

  • Australia / epidemiology
  • Geography, Medical
  • Humans
  • Population Surveillance
  • Prevalence
  • Seasons*
  • Sunlight
  • Tuberculosis / epidemiology*
  • Tuberculosis / etiology
  • Vitamin D Deficiency