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[Preliminary study on tuberculin sensitivity in north Lebanon]

M Hamze1, M Lagha, H al-Atem

  • 1Université libanaise, Faculté de Santé publique, Section III, Tripoli, Liban.

Sante (Montrouge, France)
|November 1, 1996
PubMed

Insights

Tuberculin sensitivity was investigated in 1,405 Lebanese school children. A 4.3% prevalence of tuberculosis infection was found, with higher rates in lower socio-economic groups and older children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Context:

  • Tuberculosis (TB) poses a significant global health challenge, particularly impacting vulnerable populations.
  • North Lebanon faces a substantial burden of childhood disease attributed to TB.
  • This study focuses on a deprived suburb of Tripoli, Lebanon, to assess TB infection markers.

Purpose:

  • To determine the prevalence of tuberculin sensitivity in school children in North Lebanon.
  • To analyze the relationship between socio-economic status, age, sex, and tuberculin sensitivity.
  • To evaluate the clinical status of children with positive tuberculin reactions.

Summary:

  • A cross-sectional study assessed tuberculin sensitivity using the Intra-Dermal Reaction (IDR) technique in 1,405 BCG-unvaccinated school children (ages 2-15).
  • The overall prevalence of tuberculin sensitivity was 4.3%, significantly higher in the lowest socio-economic group (5.7%) compared to the middle group (2.4%).
  • Prevalence increased with age (over 10 years), and induration diameters exceeded 10 mm in 83.6% of positive cases. Chest X-rays and sputum tests for Acid Fast Bacilli (AFB) were negative in all children with positive reactions.

Impact:

  • Highlights the significant prevalence of tuberculosis infection in school-aged children in a deprived area of North Lebanon.
  • Identifies socio-economic status and age as key factors associated with higher tuberculin sensitivity.
  • Suggests the need for targeted public health interventions and further investigation into latent tuberculosis infection in this population.

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