Burden of pulmonary tuberculosis in modern prison: A cross sectional prevalence survey from south India

The risk of spread of Pulmonary Tuberculosis (PTB) disease depends on several factors. One important factor is the situational and environmental vulnerabilities of the prison setting. Study was conducted in central prison in Chennai, south state, India to estimate the prevalence of PTB disease in 2013.

All inmates aged 15 years and above were available during survey period screened for symptoms suggestive of PTB and X-ray taken chest PA view. Two sputum specimens were collected for smear and culture examination. All culture positive samples were used for drug sensitivity testing for first line anti-TB drugs. Information on demographic, life style characteristics, past history of PTB treatment were collected through pre-coded interview schedule.

Of 1854 jail inmates were screened, prevalence of symptoms suggestive of PTB was 35% and it was dominated by males. Out of all screened 16 PTB cases are diagnosed and the estimated overall prevalence of PTB among prison inmates was 16/1854 (863/100,000 population).

Prevalence PTB was 2.5 times higher as compared to prevalence of PTB in general population in the same areas, and 3.4 times higher as compared to national average.