PREVENTION AND EARLY DETECTION OF TUBERCULOSIS

1,570 subjects with known TB contacts (active TB, old TB and primary i nfection) and individuals with no known contacts but belonging to 'def ined TB risk groups' were screened at the Department of Tuberculosis P revention at the La Fe Hospital in Valencia. The total infection rate was 40.13% and active TBC was diagnosed in 2.23% of the population scr eened. Infection and disease rates were significant in all the groups examined, showing the need for correct screening not only for active T B contacts but also for child primary infection contacts, old TB cases not previously screened and subjects with no known contacts but belon ging to a 'TB risk group'.