Spatio-temporal distribution of pulmonary tuberculosis among students in Suzhou City from 2015 to 2023

Objective: To analyze the spatio-temporal distribution of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) among students in Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province from 2015 to 2023, so as to provide the evidence for the prevention and control of PTB in schools. Methods: Data of PTB cases among students in Suzhou City from 2015 to 2023 were collected from Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System and Suzhou Report of Investigation and Disposal of Tuberculosis in Schools. The seasonal incidence of PTB among students was analyzed using seasonal index (SI). The spatio-temporal clustering characteristics of PTB among students were analyzed using spatial autocorrelation and retrospective spatio-temporal permutation scanning. Results: Totally 1 374 PTB cases among students were reported in Suzhou City from 2015 to 2023. PTB cases were reported in each month, and the SIs were 100.69%, 124.38%, 108.98%, 135.04%, 106.61% and 106.61% in April, May, July, September, October and November, respectively, indicating the prevalence of PTB among students. Spatial autocorrelation analysis showed there was a positive spatial correlation of PTB among students in 2019 and 2020 (Moran's I=0.053 and 0.089, both P<0.05). From 2015 to 2023, there were high-high clustering sites mainly in Hengtang Street and Shishan Street. Retrospective spatio-temporal permutation scanning showed a primary cluster in Hengtang Street, with aggregation time in 2017, and 6 secondary clusters covering 25 towns (streets). Conclusion: From 2015 to 2023, the PTB cases among students in Suzhou City were mainly concentrated in summer and autumn, and were predominantly clustered in Hengtang Street and Shishan Street.