Tuberculosis screening and early diagnostics in adolescents in Primorsky Krai

Abstract

Aim. To define the objectives of phthisiatric service with respect to organizing screening for tuberculosis infection (TB) and early diagnostics among adolescents in Primorsky Krai.Material and Methods. The data of epidemiological monitoring conducted by the Primorsky Regional TB Dispensary in 1994–2021 were analyzed. The TB incidence, clinical structure of newly-diagnosed cases, phases of the tuberculosis process, as well as the presence of bacterial excretion were assessed. At a level of 0.95, the statistical hypothesis of equal shares was tested under an alternative hypothesis.Results. The implementation of mass immunodiagnostics using the recombinant tuberculosis allergen (TBA) by medical organizations, which are joint into a unified medical network, improves screening efficiency of TB among adolescents. This is confirmed by a decreased TB incidence rate and improved clinical structure of newly-diagnosed cases. The prevalence of secondary TB forms in the clinical structure of newly-diagnosed cases in adolescents justifies the importance of annual fluorographic examination. Annual RTA testing and fluorographic examination of the chest in adolescents once every six months should be a priority anti-tuberculosis measure.Conclusions. TB in adolescents remains to be a serious phthisiological problem. An effective system of screening and early detection of TB in adolescents should include mass immunodiagnostics and, with an interval of six months, fluorographic examination of the chest.