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[An epidemiological study of tuberculous infection]
A Gil Miguel1, O Martín Idoeta, J Rey Calero
1Departamento de Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid.
Atencion Primaria
|May 1, 1990
Summary
Tuberculosis infection prevalence in Madrid schoolchildren increased with age, with 13-year-olds showing a higher risk than 6-year-olds. Unvaccinated children faced a greater risk of infection.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Tuberculosis remains a significant global health concern.
- Understanding infection dynamics in school-aged children is crucial for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and risk factors of tuberculous infection in Madrid schoolchildren.
- To analyze the age-specific incidence and impact of vaccination on infection rates.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study of 1,450 schoolchildren aged 6-13 years in Madrid.
- Tuberculin skin testing using Purified Protein Derivative (PPD)-RT 23 (2UT), with reactions ≥10mm considered positive.
Main Results:
- Overall prevalence of tuberculous infection was 1.47% at age 6, rising to 4.3% at age 13.
- The annual infection increment was 0.14% in vaccinated children versus 0.64% in unvaccinated children.
- No significant differences were observed between genders or school types (public vs. private).
Conclusions:
- Tuberculous infection prevalence significantly increases with age in schoolchildren.
- Unvaccinated children, particularly older ones, are at a higher risk of acquiring tuberculosis infection.
- Longer-term studies are recommended to accurately calculate the Annual Risk of Infection (ARI) in Madrid.