[Experiences with the intracutaneous Mendel-Mantoux tuberculin test in routine screening in a public health office]

The intracutaneous tuberculin test according to Mendel-Mantoux is internationally recognised as a standard testing method in all countries of the globe. In routine everyday working of the Public Health Office of the German provincial capital Stuttgart the Mendel-Mantoux tuberculin test was examined in respect of practicability, acceptance and economy and was compared against the multipuncture-stamp test. 2,710 persons for whom the tuberculin test was prescribed according to the German infectious diseases law were tested for tuberculosis by the Stuttgart Public Health Office between August 1995 and February 1996, using the Mendel-Mantoux test with Behring 5 TE GT. Of these, 154 persons did not return for checking the result. Checking was effected on 2,556 persons. The tested persons were 28.4 years old on the average, the majority being female (59.5% against 40.5% males) and of German nationality (60.7% against 39.3% other nationals). A positive reaction was seen in 37% (induration > 6 mm), in 23.3% Germans against 57.5% other nationals. In 65% of the positive results the indurations had a diameter of more than 10 mm, in 29.2% more than 15 mm. 80 probands, i.e. 2.5% of all tested persons, had an excessive reaction; firmation of blisters with local necrosis. The intracutaneous test according to Mendel-Mantoux can be routinely performed by Public Health offices, is well accepted by the persons concerned, and is also economic if 3 tests are conducted per bottle. The proportion of positive findings is similar to that obtained with the multipuncture-stamp test, whereas the significance of the results is more differentiated. The indication should be in accordance with the objective.