Research Information System
EURASIAN JOURNAL OF PULMONOLOGY, vol.7, no.2, pp.64-69, 2005 (ESCI)
Two thousand six hundred and twenty seven workers chosen randomly were screened for tuberculosis in a prospective study in Karaman. One thousand and eighty eight workers (41,42%) were female (avarage age 26,26 +/- 9,55years), 1539 (58,58%) were male (avarage age 40 +/- 8,59years). There was a statistical difference between the mean ages of males and females (t-test p=0.000). Microfilms were obtained for all people participated in this study. While 2543 (96,8%) microfilms were found to be normal, in 45 microfilm increased cardiothoracic index, in 23-increased bronchovascular shadows, in 3 -tuberculosis seqeula, in 4-suspected active pulmonary tuberculosis and in 2-dextrocardia were evaluated. There was a statistical difference about radiologic findings between male and females (X=19,1 p=0.014). 84 workers whose radiologic findings were suspicious were further investigated. Only one active tuberculosis was found and antituberculosis treatment was started. Contact examination for tuberculosis was performed for workers working with him and his family. The nonspecific cases were sent to centers for further examinations. In conclusion; although it is useful to determine the unknown collected cases by microfilms, the idea to find out tuberculosis in early stages and to prevent it before activation with microfilm screening does not seem to be real. While it is useful to find out tuberculosis in highly risk groups by microfilm screening, the examination of symptomatic patients and their contacts is the economic and significant way to find out tuberculosis in our country.