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[Study on familial attacks of pulmonary tuberculosis in Sapporo City]
1Sapporo City Shiroishi Health Center, Japan.
Abstract:
We studied familial attacks of pulmonary tuberculosis in Sapporo City from 1987 to 1990. There were 146 sources of infection. Two hundred twenty three were infected secondly. Chemotherapy was given to the 75 out of 223 patients. Chemoprophylaxis was given to the total of 148 children. The average ages of the sources, those who were infected secondly and those who had given chemoprophylaxis were 44.8, 32.2 and 7.7 years of age respectively. The ratio of male vs female was 1:0.4 among the sources. The main routes of transmission of this disease were from husbands to wives, from fathers to children, and from grandfathers to grandchildren. The patients who did not have health examination in the preceding one year of their present diagnoses had more severe state of disease as well as higher Gaffky degrees and were treated for more than one year. The infectious patients accounted for more than 50% of the active pulmonary tuberculosis in Sapporo City in 1990. Tuberculin skin test has been performed in almost cases of family examination and the period of chemoprophylaxis has been standardized along the guideline for the chemoprophylaxis by Japan Tuberculosis Association and the Ministry of Health and Welfare. Family and relatives of the patient who expectorates tuberculosis bacilli should take at least one examination annually. Younger people should take it more frequently and chemoprophylaxis should be given to the child whose reaction of Tuberculin skin test is strongly positive.
Insights
Familial pulmonary tuberculosis transmission was studied in Sapporo. Early detection through annual check-ups and chemoprophylaxis for children with positive tuberculin skin tests are crucial for controlling infectious tuberculosis.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
Context:
- Familial transmission of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) poses a significant public health challenge.
- Understanding transmission patterns within households is vital for effective control strategies.
- Sapporo City data from 1987-1990 provides insights into TB epidemiology in a specific urban setting.
Purpose:
- To analyze the characteristics and transmission routes of familial pulmonary tuberculosis.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of chemotherapy and chemoprophylaxis in managing TB cases.
- To identify risk factors associated with disease severity and treatment duration.
Summary:
- A study in Sapporo (1987-1990) identified 146 TB infection sources and 223 secondary infections.
- Primary transmission occurred within families (spouses, parents, grandparents).
- Patients with delayed diagnosis showed more severe disease; over 50% of active TB cases in 1990 were infectious.
Impact:
- Highlights the importance of regular health examinations, especially for individuals with a history of TB exposure.
- Emphasizes the role of tuberculin skin testing and chemoprophylaxis in preventing TB spread among children.
- Informs public health policies for TB control, particularly regarding family screening and preventive measures.