A tuberculosis treatment survey in Singapore: results at five-years

A National Tuberculosis Treatment Survey was instituted in the Republic of Singapore in 1969 with the aim of evaluating the Tuberculosis Treatment Services in Singapore. This five-year follow-up study of the 1969 survey was based on the assessment of the first 1000 consecutive patients who were registered for treatment during the year. Two hundred and forty-six cases were excluded for various reasons, leaving 754 cases for analysis. At the end of 5 years, only 2 (0.3%) were culture positive, 677 (89.8%) were culture negative, 48 cases (6.4%) had died from tuberculosis and 27 cases (3.6%) were lost. The most notable factor which influenced bacteriological positivity was lack of co-operation leading to interruption of chemotherapy. It is concluded that with an efficient organisation highly satisfactory results can be achieved by routine treatment services and prolonged observation of adequately treated patient is not necessary.