Tuberculosis Eradication in Theory and Practice

Abstract

A review of the literature reveals that certain high-risk groups can be selected from tuberculin reactors based on frequency of breakdown with tuberculosis. Such groups would obviously have high priority in any prophylactic program. The factors involved in setting up high risk groups are the size of tuberculin reaction and the age of sex of the individual. On this basis priority lists may be set up to estimate the numbers that may be expected to need prophylactic treatment. In Martin County, Kentucky, where a prophylactic program is presently under way, approximately 14.5% of the population would fall into such high-risk groups, excluding those with tuberculosis provable by X-ray examination or bacteriologic study. This group is being placed under prophylactic therapy.