RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TUBERCULOSIS AND SILICOSIS

Abstract

Clinical and epidemiologic studies have documented the frequent occurrence of tuberculosis among miners, especially those with silicosis, although the reported prevalence of tuberculosis among such persons varies considerably from one study to another. The frequency of silicotuberculosis in the USA at the present time is unknown, but exposure to silica and the risk of silicosis and silicotuberculosis apparently continue for a large number of workers. Nationally, the incidence of silicotuberculosis may be low. However, in selected groups of workers the incidence may be quite high. Because of previous reports of high incidence of tuberculosis among patients with silicosis, it is recommeded that such persons receive isoniazed [INH] preventive therapy if there is reason to believe that they are infected (i.e., have a positive skin-test reaction) and if the presence of progressive disease has been excluded. Patients placed on preventive therapy should be carefully monitored for adverse reactions. Because INH preventive therapy may be less efficacious among patients with silicosis, however, continued follow-up of these patients after completion of therapy may be justified.