Tuberculosis in Nazilli District Prison, Turkey, 1997-2001

Abstract

SETTING: Nazilli District Prison, Turkey. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the tuberculosis situation in a Turkish prison. DESIGN: Data obtained between 1997 and 2001 during the systematic annual tuberculosis screening programme undertaken in Nazilli District Prison were evaluated retrospectively. The screening programme consisted of yearly miniature chest radiography, and clinical and bacteriological evaluation of prisoners with abnormalities. Active tuberculosis cases among prisoners diagnosed passively at any time during the period were also studied. RESULTS: Over the 5-year period, 99.8% of the prisoners were screened. The mean point prevalence of tuberculosis in Nazilli District Prison was 341 per 100 000 prisoners. The total number of active tuberculosis cases was 13; five were symptomatic, of whom three were detected during screening. The remaining eight cases were determined only by screening. Treatment outcomes were treatment completion for six cases and cure for seven cases. CONCLUSION: Because tuberculosis prevalence is high among prisoners, it is necessary to continue screening for tuberculosis in prison in addition to passive case-finding activities. Treatment success is satisfactory in Nazilli District Prison. Screening of prison staff, contact examination and preventive approaches need further investigation.