Abstract:
A total of 705 individuals of both sexes were tested. 5TU in 0.1 ml quantity was injected and an induration of 9 mm or more in diameter was considered as positive. It was found that, besides a high incidence of PPD-S sensitivity, reaction to atypical antigens was also very common which indicated a high prevalence of infection due to mycobacteria other than M. tuberculosis. The incidence of positive reaction to PPD-S as well as the average size of reaction was found highest in urban population while overall tuberculin sensitivity was found lower in rural forested areas and the lowest in villages in the plains. The geographic difference in the tuberculin sensitivity was more marked in the case of atypical antigens. Among atypical antigens, generally, sensitivity to PPD-A and PPD-G was more common. The incidence of PPD-Y sensitivity was found even higher in the high altitude area. There was a reciprocal relationship between sensitivity to PPD-S and to other atypical antigen.
Page(s):
11-24
DOI:
DOI not available
Published:
Journal: Pakistan Journal of Medical Research, Volume: 12, Issue: 1--2, Year: 1973