Tuberculin reactions and B.C.G. vaccination in old age

Abstract

Tuberculin testing by the multiple puncture method of 1,000 geriatric patients showed that there is no waning of tuberculin sensitivity with increasing age. Clinical diagnosis does not affect the tuberculin reaction. Increased population density produces a higher percentage of positive reactors. One hundred and one B.C.G. vaccinations were carried out on negative reactors using Danish liquid vaccine and British freeze-dried vaccine. The procedure in geriatric patients is found to be safe and effective in producing Mantoux conversion.