Determination of Positive Tuberculin Test and the Prevalence of Tuberculosis among Military Personnel of Land Forces of Islamic Revolutionary Guard in Tehran between 2000 and 2001

Aims. Tuberculosis is an infectious and contagious disease. In endemic societies, the young are more prone to this infection (<20 yrs). Military barracks, due to their special geographical locations and the congregation of different people with various social, economic and hygienic conditions, are regarded as high risk places. Tuberculin test or mantox is a common screening test of tuberculosis. The purpose of this research was to determine the prevalence of positive PPD among the military personnel located in Tehran Methods. In this study, 1000 soldiers selected from two different barracks in Tehran completed a special questionnaire before undergoing a standard PPD test. The PPD reaction was observed after 72 hrs. Additional clinical studies for those with pulmonary signs and symptoms were performed, too. Results. The mean age of the conscripts was 20.8 (SD 3.3). In 4% of the subjects, the PPD test was positive. 30% of them, who had a positive PPD test, had a history of coughs. The results of the smear and sputum culture were negative. Conclusion. Since all the cases had received a BCG vaccination program in childhood, we did not expect to have a positive PPD test with induration of over 10 mm. Yet, 4% had a positive PPD test with induration of over 10 mm. Whereas positive PPD with induration of less than 10mm and without the clinical signs of tuberculosis is an indicator of the level of immunity, a positive PPD with induration of over 10 mm is evidence of PPD conversion. Although more research is required, our findings underscore the necessity of control in this group.