Objective  To explore prevalence characteristics and spatial aggregation of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) in Qiqihar municipality and to provide evidences for TB prevention and control.

  Methods  We extracted data on TB cases newly reported between 2008 and 2016 in Qiqihar municipality from TB Information Management System and municipal demographic data of the same period were also collected. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze prevalence characteristics and seasonal variation of TB; global and local spatial autocorrelation analysis on TB incidence among 117 township regions was performed.

  Results  The average annual TB incidence rate was 95.42/100 000; the annual rate increased significantly during the period (Z_trend = 13.696 3, P < 0.001). The TB prevalence rate was significantly higher among the male residents than among the female residents (χ² = 4 960.66, P < 0.001); the male to female ratio for the total number of TB cases was about 2 : 1. Of all the reported TB cases, 23.32% were aged 40 – 49 years and 89.43% were farmers and housekeepers. Spatial correlation analysis revealed a positive spatial autocorrelation in TB incidence between 2014 – 2016 (Moran's I > 0, P < 0.001) and high-high clustering of reported TB incidents was found in 7 township regions of the municipality.

  Conclusion  The incidence rate of pulmonary tuberculosis in Qigihar municipality increased gradually and showed a spatial clustering between 2008 and 2016. The results suggest that surveillance and management on pulmonary tuberculosis should be strengthened and targeted prevention and control strategies should be developed among high risk populations and high clustering regions.