PREVALENCE OF TUBERCULOSIS INFECTION IN ABHA AND BAHA

An epidemiological survey on tuberculosis was conducted in the Abha and Baha areas of Saudi Arabia, to determine the prevalence of tuberculosis infection in 985 subjects. Individuals were interviewed and given a Mantoux test. Twenty six percent (26%) of all subjects who received no BCG vaccination had a positive Mantoux reaction (greater-than-or-equal-to 10 mm induration); the percentage was lower in age group 5-14 (4%) and higher in age group 45-64 (52%). The prevalence in age group 5-14 puts Abha and Baha cities between low prevalence (2%) and middle prevalence (14%) countries, according to the classification of the International Union Against Tuberculosis. Positive Mantoux reactions were significantly more common in males than in females (p < 0.05), urban residents compared to rural ones (p < 0.001), and non-Saudis compared to Saudis (p < 0.001). However, education and occupation had no significant effects. Similarly, no significant effects were produced by presence of cough, sputum production, fever, chest problems and family history of tuberculosis on this prevalence