Screening for tuberculosis in a primary school in Ankara

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Tuberculosis remains a significant global health challenge, particularly in developing nations.
• Active pulmonary tuberculosis in a primary school teacher prompted a public health investigation.
• School environments can be vulnerable settings for the transmission of infectious diseases like tuberculosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the extent of tuberculosis infection within a primary school following an index case diagnosis.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of screening and prophylaxis in a school-based tuberculosis outbreak.
• To highlight the importance of prompt intervention in controlling tuberculosis transmission.

Main Methods:

• Conducted tuberculosis screening for 341 students in the same building as an active pulmonary tuberculosis case.
• Administered tuberculin skin tests to identify individuals with latent or active tuberculosis infection.
• Provided isoniazid prophylaxis to students with positive tuberculin test results.

Main Results:

• 109 out of 341 students screened showed a positive tuberculin test reaction.
• A higher rate of tuberculin positivity was observed in students exposed to the infected teacher compared to BCG-vaccinated peers.
• Isoniazid prophylaxis was initiated for all students with positive test results.

Conclusions:

• Urgent investigation and management of index cases and their contacts are essential for tuberculosis control.
• School-based screening programs are vital for early detection and prevention of tuberculosis outbreaks.
• Prompt public health interventions, including prophylaxis, can mitigate the spread of tuberculosis in vulnerable populations.