[Incidence of tuberculosis and BCG inoculation (author's transl)]

The incidence of tuberculosis in childhood has declined throughout the world during the last decades. It is difficult to evaluate the role of BCG inoculation in achieving a decrease in incidence of the disease. The practice of administering BCG to children in general is thus a matter which is still under discussion and in which unanimity has not yet been achieved. However, it is generally agreed to recommend BCG inoculation in areas with a high incidence of active cases. This study was initiated in order to elicit the necessity of BCG inoculation in the city of Graz and, more widely, in the province of Styria (Austria). The incidence of active tuberculosis was investigated in children and adults over the past 12 years period. The incidence of active tuberculosis in children proved to be higher in rural areas than in Graz. The incidence of active tuberculosis in adults showed only a slight decrease during this 12-year period, the decrease being definitely more pronounced in Graz than in the rural areas. Considering the incidence rates of active tuberculosis it is advisable to continue BCG inoculation in infants and children, not only in the rural areas of Styria, but also in the city of Graz.