Mayurnath, S and Anantharaman, D S and Baily, G V J and Radhamani, M P and Vallishayee , R S and Venkataraman, P and Tripathy, S P
(1984)
Tuberculosis prevalence survey in Kashmir valley.
Indian Journal of Medical Research, 80 (2).
pp. 129-140.
ISSN 0971-5916
Abstract
A tuberculosis prevalence survey was conducted in about 18,000 persons in
Kashmir valley situated about 1650 m above the mean sea level. All persons
were tested with 3 IU of PPD-S and 10 units of PPD-B. Persons aged 5 yr
and above were X-rayed (70 mm X-ray), and from such persons whose photofluorograms
were interpreted as abnormal two specimens of sputum were
collected and bacteriologically examined. In addition, a large X-ray of the
chest was taken for children aged 0-4 yr who had reactions of 10 mm or more
to PPD-S. They were then clinically examined by a paediatrician, taking into
account all available data, for evaluation for any evidence of tuberculosis.
The results of the survey showed that the prevalence of non-specific sensitivity
(59%) in the Kashmir valley is significant. The prevalence of tuberculous infection
was 38 per cent. The prevalence of culture positive tuberculous patients
(3 per 1000) and that of abacillary X-ray positive patients (14 per 1000) were
found to be similar in the two sexes contrary to the usual experience of a
higher prevalence among males. Results from studies of phage typing, susceptibility
to thiophen-2-carbonic acid hydrazide (TCH) and virulence in the
guineapig of strains obtained from patients diagnosed in the survey showed
that most of these strains belonged to phage type A, were resistant to TCH
and were not of low virulence. Regional variations in the prevalence rates
were seen, the- problem of tuberculosis appeared to he more in the Baramulla
district as compared to Srinagar and Anantnag districts. A comparison of results
obtained from the present survey with those obtained from the BCG trial
in Chingleput (Tamil Nadu) revealed that the tuberculosis situation in the
two areas was quite different.
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