Preventive Treatment of Untreated, Nonactive Tuberculosis in an Eskimo Population

Abstract

Twelve years ago, a controlled trial of isonlazid prophylaxis was started in the Bethel area of Alaska. Six years ago, because of its demonstrated effectiveness, isoniazid prophylaxis was offered to the entire population. There were 1,349 persons in the controlled trial who were classified as having untreated, nonactive tuberculosis, and 1,567 such persons in the subsequent demonstration project. Over the six-year period after the controlled trial, persons with untreated, nonactive tuberculosis who took isoniazid well had 71% less tuberculosis than those who took it poorly. Following the subsequent demonstration program, the reduction among those who took isoniazid well was 89%. Preventive treatment of previously untreated, nonactive tuberculosis can make a major contribution to tuberculosis control among populations with a tuberculosis problem similar to that among Alaskan Eskimos.