Epidemiology of tuberculosis in France in 2003.

Tuberculosis is still a concern in France, especially in the Paris region and among people originating front highly endemic countries. In 2003, 6098 cases of tuberculosis were notified in France (10.2 per 100 000). The patients' median age was 42 years, and 61 % of patients were male. Most cases involved pulmonary tuberculosis (71.7 %), but there were also 113 cases of tubercular meningitis (1.9 %). Among documented cases, 43.9 % were of foreign origin and 47.8 % of patients were born abroad. The incidence among people born inFrance declined year on year until 2003, but has increased in the last two years in the 0- to 14-year age group. At the same time the incidence of tuberculosis has been increasing among young people born in sub-Saharan Africa, and the number of cases due to multidrug-resistant strains is also increasing. Official guidelines have been updated in order to improve the prevention and control of tuberculosis. Enhanced surveillance and appropriately funded public health initiatives are needed to reinforce the fight against tuberculosis in France.