Tuberculin Test (Mantoux) Reactions in an Ado lescent Population in Lagos.

Abstract

Summary: As a component of secondary school entry medical examination, Mantoux tests were performed on 310 apparently healthy adolescents. Three groups of chil dren were identified: the first group of 132 (42.6 percent) were Mantoux nega tive and were presumed to be at risk of developing tuberculosis if exposed, the second group of 89 (28.7 percent) had positive Mantoux reactions large enough to arouse suspicion of active disease, while the third group of 89 (28.7 percent) seemed to have adequately sero-converted. The findings suggest that more than two-thirds (71.3 percent) of the study population was at risk of contracting tuberculosis and/or might have established infection. The results indicate that there may be a need to re-evaluate the present national policy on tuberculosis prevention.