A tuberculosis project in Ecuador
Engelsbel, S.; Kuijper, E.J.; Dankert, J.; Braat, M.C.; Egas, J.
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde 135(51): 2428-2432
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0028-2162 PMID: 1758504 Document Number: 377732
The frequency of pulmonary tuberculosis was determined in the Indian community of Guamote (Chimborazo province) in Ecuador, comprising 30 000 inhabitants. Sputum samples were collected from 241 subjects suspected of having tuberculosis or their contacts (134 female, 97 male; 10 unrecorded) aged 7-89 years and were examined for the presence of acid-fast rods using direct Ziehl-Neelsen staining and similar staining after concentration. Of the 241 subjects, 65 (27%) were sputum-positive for acid-fast rods. Of these 65 individuals, 41% were aged 20-34 years. Investigations into the 82 subjects in contact with positive individuals showed 19 (23.2%) to be positive. Culture of the organisms was poor (the Lowenstein-Jensen medium employed was past its expiration date). The frequency of pulmonary tuberculosis in this community was considered higher than officially recognized. The need to trace subjects in contact with infected individuals is emphasized.William Houston.