The Prevalence Of Typhoid Fever Among The Population Living In Uranium Biogeochemical Area.

Abstract

Objective: To study the impact of radionuclide pollution on the incidence of typhoid fever (TF) among the local population. Materials and methods: Statistical, archival data on 1595 human cases of TF reported in Kyrgyzstan during 2001-2013 and the data obtained during the implementation of the project were analyzed. Population living in uranium biogeochemical area of the town of Mayluusuu and 365 people from the areas located downstream the Mayluusuu River were screened during 1997-2014; the 522 people living in Burgandy and Mombekov villages of the Nooken region were screened in 2001-2014. The total number of patients with TF screened was 887. Results: TF cases have been reported among the population living in uranium biochemical area in the town of Mayluusuu since 1997. A total of 138 patients with suspected TF were hospitalized in 1997. Twenty (14.5%) patients were culture positive. The number of suspected TF patients hospitalized in 1998 was 80. Of them, 16 (20%) patients were culture positive. TF cases have been annually recorded in the areas located downstream the Mayluusuu River since 2001. Since 2005, TF cases have been reported in October. Unlike the other areas, TF cases are regularly reported in winter leading to the marked increase in the incidence rate in the area. The number of patients with TF reported in Kyrgyzstan during 2001-2005 was 967. Of them, 240 (24.8%) patients were the residents of the areas located near the Mayluusuu River. The number of typhoid fever cases recorded in the Republic in 2006-2013 was 877. Of them, 595 (67.84%) patients were the residents of the areas located near the Mayluusuu River. The incidence rate has increased by more than 2.5 times. Thus, the proportion of patients with TF in uranium biogeochemical area of Mayluusuu and Mayluusuu River Valley tends to increase (from 24.8% in 2001-2005 to 67.84% in 2006-2013). But this issue requires further comprehensive studies.