[Tuberculous infection in schoolchildren of Les Borges Blanques]

The results of the study carried out with tuberculin skin test in primary school students from Les Borges Blanques are reported, so as to characterize the epidemiologic pattern of tuberculosis in this community. The overall prevalence of tuberculous infection was 3.6%. A 27.27% of the vaccinated and 2.32% of the nonvaccinated population, respectively, had a positive reaction. The prevalence of individuals vaccinated with BCG was 5.18%. The influence of vaccination on the PPD result was apparent. The incidence rates, excepting the 1981 cohort where it was 0, ranged from 0.61 (1976 cohort) and 1.01 (1978 cohort). The calculated RAI was 0.35%, with a yearly decline of infection of 29%. We emphasize the low yield of the investigation of contacts. Forty-three people living with 11 converters were investigated. No instance of active infection was found and only four of them were candidates to chemoprophylaxis.