Tuberculin sensitivity in rural Gambian children

Ann Trop Paediatr. 1985 Dec;5(4):185-9. doi: 10.1080/02724936.1985.11748389.

Abstract

A tuberculin survey was undertaken in 480 Gambian children under the age of 10 years, resident in a group of villages where BCG vaccination, shortly after birth, has been widely practised for about 5 years. Ten tuberculin units of purified protein derivative were given by needle and syringe; reactions of 3 mm or greater were considered positive. An overall tuberculin positivity rate of 59% was found which varied little with age, sex or village size. Among children who had probably not had BCG vaccination the positivity rate was about 20% with an annual increase of approximately 5%. Among children who had probably been vaccinated with BCG the positivity rate was between 60% and 80%. There was a fall in the prevalence of positivity of about 10-20% during the first year after vaccination. Thereafter, positivity rates were well maintained for at least another 5 years.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • BCG Vaccine
  • Body Weight
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Ethnicity
  • Female
  • Gambia
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
  • Rural Health
  • Sex Factors
  • Tuberculin Test*

Substances

  • BCG Vaccine