Abstract: Objective To analyze the source of the smear positive tuberculosis (TB) patients, and to provide scientific evidence for further promotion of case finding of smear positive TB patients in Chenzhou.MethodsThe data of the source of the smear positive TB patients from 2003 to 2007 in Chenzhou city was collected, the types of the source and the influencing factors were analyzed.Results11600 smear positive TB patients were detected from 2003 to 2007 in Chenzhou city, among whom 37.3% was care seeking, 52.3% was referring, 9.7% was recommended because of symptom and 0.7% for other reasons. The proportion of cases from referral increased year by year, and the difference among 5 years was statistically significant (χ²=279.8，P<0.01). ConclusionReferral has been an important source of the smear positive TB patients in Chenzhou city, which plays a dominant role in case finding of the smear positive TB patients. Strengthening TB case management, strengthening cooperation between hospital and TB control institution and promoting health education are effective measures of achievement of smear positive TB patients “high case detection”.

Key words: tuberculosis/prevention and control, Chenzhou City