Abstract

DEL PILAR HURTADO, María; BRUZUAL, Elizabeth; BRITO, Ana  and  DE LA PARTE, María Antonia. Tuberculin skin test interpretation in adults vaccinated with BCG. Rev. Soc. Ven. Microbiol. [online]. 2006, vol.26, n.2, pp.108-112. ISSN 1315-2556.

The Mantoux test is the only proven diagnostic method for latent tuberculosis in our country. The targeted tuberculin test is an strategic component for TB control, as it permits identifying high risk subjects for developing the disease and once detected can be treated. We included 80 students from our Nursing School. Clinical examination and case history was performed and the Mantoux test was applied following the standard techniques. From the subjects included 85% were females and 15% males. The age group predominant was between 15 and 24 years old. The Mantoux results were as follows: induration values between 0 and 4 mm 36%; 5 to 9 mm 34%; 10 to 14 mm 16% and 15 to 20 mm 14%. The Mantoux test is the best method for diagnosing latent TB and previous vaccination with BCG does not invalidate the test for this purpose.

Keywords : M. tuberculosis; Mantoux test; PPD; Latent tuberculosis.