The social parameters of tuberculous infection among children in the Transkei

A survey of tuberculin sensitivity among children under 14 years of age was carried out in one location of the Transkei. The results were analysed to estimate the association between Heaf test conversion and two social factors, per capita income and overcrowded sleeping quarters. While poverty was found to be associated with a high prevalence of tuberculin sensitivity, overcrowding was not. The methods used and the results are discussed.