title: The outcome of contact procedures for tuberculosis in Edinburgh, Scotland 1982-1991.
abstract: We have reviewed the records of 632 (80%) of the 788 index cases of tuberculosis notified in Edinburgh from 1982-1991 to assess the value of contact procedures for tuberculosis. Screening was by tuberculin testing and radiological follow-up for 6 months. Fifty (7.9%) of 632 notifications were detected by contact procedures and a further 35 contacts had recent infection qualifying for chemoprophylaxis. Tuberculosis was diagnosed at the first clinic visit in 38 (76%) cases and a further 11 (22%) were diagnosed at 3 months. Twenty-seven (54%) contacts with tuberculosis were in the 0-14 year age group. BCG vaccination offered 59% protection. Forty-two (84%) cases of tuberculosis were in contacts of sputum smear-positive respiratory index cases. Contact procedures continue to be effective in identifying new cases of tuberculosis in Edinburgh. Most cases occur in children who are close contacts of smear-positive respiratory index cases and are identified within 3 months of initiating screening. Screening of close contacts other than those of smear-positive respiratory disease is usually unnecessary.
authors.affiliation: Royal Victoria Chest Clinic, Chalmers Hospital, Edinburgh, U.K.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rubilar
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Brochwicz-Lewinski
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Anderson
authors.forename: A G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Leitch
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001500:BCG Vaccine; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D016358:Contact Tracing; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D012606:Scotland / Q000453:epidemiology; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission*
chemical_list: D001500:BCG Vaccine