Abstract: Objective To explore the possible approaches of increasing case-detection of pulmonary tuberculosis patients. Methods TB data from internet-based communicable diseases reporting system and TB dispensaries was analysed in Zhejiang Province. Results The reported incidence rate from communicable diseases reporting system was higher than that of TB dispensaries, and the reported incidence rate of new smear-positive was lower than the rate in TB dispensaries , the difference was statistically significant (P＜0.01). 63.8% of patients registered and managed in TB dispensaries came from non-TB dispensaries. The proportion of referred cases and suspect cases from hospital reaching the dispensaries was 78.8%. Conclusion The process to overcome the constraints of referring TB cases from hospitals to TB dispensaries could be accelerated by utilizing the information of internet-based communicable diseases reporting system, it is possible to increase case-detection and cure rates further.

Key words: Pulmonary tuberculosis/prevention and control, Case-detection