Tuberculosis infections and the use of oral and intradermic BCG in school children from Laranjal Paulista, S. Paulo, Brazil

Abstract

The rate of tuberculosis infections was studied in 92.1% of all the 7 to 15 years old school children from the District of Laranjal Paulista, Sp. Tests were made with PPd-RT23 with 2UP (0.04mcg), as recomended by the "Serviço Nacional de Tuberculose". Strong positive reactions (10 or more mm in diameter) were obtained in 8% of the tested children, an indication of the necessity of improvement in the local efforts to control tuberculosis. Positive results were significantly (P 0,05) more frequent in non whites as well as in the 11 - 15 years old group; no significant differences were observed related to sex. Samples of PPd negatives received oral or intradermic BCG; positives PPd's atfer intradermic BCG were almost two times more frequent than oral BCG. No sex or age influence were observed, altering the response to BCG but non were more reactive. Pos vaccinal reactions were not statistically evaluated. Intradremic BCG was accepted by the children as well as were other parenteral vaccines.