[Trends in the prevalence of tuberculosis among six-year-olds in Albacete (Spain)]

To analyze the prevalence and evolution of tuberculous infection among 6-year-olds in Albacete and its relation to socioeconomic status of the family.

A tuberculin test (2UT RT-23 Tween 80) was given to 6-year-old school children in and around Albacete in 1992 and 1999. We calculated the prevalence of tuberculosis and the relation to family socioeconomic level as assessed by the parents' level of education of the area of residence.

The tuberculin test was given to 2,783 children, 1,532 in 1992 (8% bacille-Calmette-Guerin-vaccinated) and 1,251 in 1999. The prevalence of tuberculosis infection among non-vaccinated children was 0.78% in 1992 (3.37% among vaccinated children, p = 0.012) and 0.72% in 1999. No significant differences between the two screenings were found except for the vaccinated and non-vaccinated children. The annual decline was 1.1% and the annual decrease in risk of tuberculosis infection was 0.12%. No significant differences related to level of parental education or area of residence were detected.

The prevalence of tuberculosis infection among 6-year-old school children in Albacete is low, although there is a very slight non-significant downward trend, which may be biased by the inclusion of bacille-Calmette-Guerin-vaccinated children. No differences related to family socioeconomic level were found.