Tuberculosis in the Transkei

Abstract

An epidemiological survey to estimate the prevalence of infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and other mycobacteria, was conducted in the Transkei; 3155 persons from 9 sites were randomly selected. Tuberculin tests were performed on 1 487 children over the age of 3 months. The multiple-puncture method and 2 simultaneous Mantoux tests were employed, using 2 units of human tuberculin PPD and avian tuberculin PPD. Chest radiographs were made of 1 506 out of 1 570 eligible adults. In the age group 0 - 4 years 15,8% of the children were positive to the Mantoux test using 2 units and 10 mm induration as lower limits. A low prevalence of avian tuberculin reactors was demonstrated in 8 of the 9 sites. Double infection by M. tuberculosis and other mycobacteria appears to be widespread. Due to the poor quality of radiographic films taken under difficult field conditions, the great variability of results did not permit an exact estimation of the incidence of tuberculosis-like lung abnormalities. The incidence was 8% if agreement between the 2 readers was taken as the criterion. Correlation between multiple-puncture and intradermal tests, and between radiographic findings and tuberculin status, is discussed.

S. Afr. Med. J., 48, 149 (1974).