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Prevalence and annual risk of tuberculosis infection in Edirne, Turkey
1Public Health, Medical School, Trakya University, Edirne, Turkey. farukyorulmaz@hotmail.com
Abstract:
Tuberculosis is still an important problem in developing countries. A total of 3,774 students from primary schools in Edirne, Turkey were included in this study in order to determine the annual infection risk for the year 1994. Five tuberculin units of purified protein derivative were applied using a Mantoux test and evaluated. The mean induration diameter was 14.6 mm. A total of 51.6% of the students were found to be sensitive to tuberculin. The annual infection risk of tuberculosis was found to be 1.51%, lower than that found in 1987. Other studies from Turkey have reported lower values than ours. We did not diagnose any cases of tuberculosis. We revealed that the annual infection risk among primary schoolchildren in Edirne is close to the average for Turkey and thus tuberculosis is still a serious risk for these children. Tuberculosis remains an important public health problem in Turkey and is partially attributable to socioeconomic difficulties.
Insights
Tuberculosis infection risk in Edirne primary schoolchildren was 1.51% in 1994, lower than previous years but still a significant public health concern. This indicates ongoing tuberculosis risk for children in Turkey, influenced by socioeconomic factors.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global health challenge, particularly in developing nations.
- Socioeconomic factors contribute to the persistent burden of TB in endemic regions.
- Understanding regional infection rates is crucial for targeted public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the annual tuberculosis infection risk among primary schoolchildren in Edirne, Turkey, for the year 1994.
- To compare the findings with previous TB infection risk data from the same region and other Turkish studies.
- To assess the current public health implications of TB in the studied population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 3,774 primary schoolchildren in Edirne, Turkey.
- Administration and evaluation of the Mantoux tuberculin skin test using 5 tuberculin units of purified protein derivative.
- Calculation of the mean induration diameter and tuberculin sensitivity rates.
Main Results:
- The mean induration diameter from the Mantoux test was 14.6 mm.
- Tuberculin sensitivity was detected in 51.6% of the participating students.
- The estimated annual infection risk for tuberculosis was 1.51%, a decrease from 1987, but comparable to national averages for Turkey.
Conclusions:
- Despite a reduction in the annual infection risk compared to 1987, tuberculosis poses a continued serious risk to schoolchildren in Edirne.
- The observed infection risk aligns with the national average for Turkey, highlighting the persistent public health challenge of TB.
- Socioeconomic difficulties are implicated as a contributing factor to the ongoing prevalence of tuberculosis in Turkey.