[Dynamics of the risk of tuberculosis infection and invalidity in Romania]

Analysis of epidemiological indicators is of particular importance, and relevant for assessing the efficiency of the prevention and fighting programs against tuberculosis. The most relevant epidemiometric indicators are the incidence of the infection and that of the disease itself. The annual risk of infection with tuberculous bacilli is considered as the most valuable indicator of extension or limiting tendencies of endemia, and of the efficiency of anti-tuberculosis programs. The annual incidence of the infection at the age of 14 years established by various methods, and improper conditions determined by mass allergizing of the infantile population by mandatory B.C.G. vaccination has decreased from 3,5% in 1960 to 0.8-1.0% in 1980. The level is still high, as compared with other european countries, but the rate of decrease has accelerated over the last years, a fact which demonstrates the efficiency of fighting measures applied. The incidence of contracting tuberculosis should be dealt with separately with regard to children and adults, since in children it is mainly related to primary infection, while in adults it is related to the presence of minimal lesions with phtysiogenic potential which can be traced to the post-primary stage, as well as to immuno-depressing influence of some environmental factors. In this connection the incidence of tuberculosis in children has been reduced in our country in the last 25 years from 297.2% to 10.3%. The risk of developing the disease has fallen from 1/230 in 1950 to 1/9 700 in 1980. The risk of developing the disease has decreased more rapidly in older children (between 5 and 9 years) than in the younger ones (0 to 4 years). The incidence of tuberculosis in the population aged above 15 years has fallen from 352.6% in 1955 to 70.5% in 1980. The risk of developing the disease in adults was of 1/284 in 1956 and 1/1 418 in 1980. The authors also make an analysis of the dynamics of some demographic risk factors, such as sex, age and environment.