title: Repeat tuberculin testing in BCG-vaccinated subjects in the United Kingdom. The booster effect varies with the time of reading.
abstract: The booster effect varies between populations, but has not been studied in the UK. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of repeat tuberculin tests at 1 wk in BCG-vaccinated healthy subjects (all hospital employees) in the UK; we have assessed whether a booster effect is present 48 and 72 h after injection. Twenty-six subjects received two tuberculin tests (both 10 units) administered by the Mantoux technique-Tests 1 and 2. At Test 2 there was a significant increase in induration at 48 h (mean, 7.8 mm; p < 0.001), no difference at 72 h (mean, 0.2 mm; p = 0.93), and a reduction at 96 h (mean, -4.2 mm; p = 0.02). There were more positive results (> 15 mm induration) at Test 2 compared with Test 1 at 48 h (19 vs. 9, respectively; p = 0.002), but similar numbers at 72 h (11 vs. 10, respectively). These results show that repeat tuberculin testing in this BCG-vaccinated population caused a booster effect that varied with the time of measurement and was maximal at 48 h.
authors.affiliation: North West Lung Research Centre, South Manchester University Hospital Trust, Wythenshawe, Manchester, UK. dave_sd@hotmail.com
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sutton
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Woodcock
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001500:BCG Vaccine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D006801:Humans; D007117:Immunization, Secondary; D008875:Middle Aged; D013997:Time Factors; D014374:Tuberculin Test; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006113:United Kingdom; D014611:Vaccination
chemical_list: D001500:BCG Vaccine