Applying a new strategy in investigating household contacts of pulmonary tuberculosis [Qaliub chest clinic, MOHP]

This study applies a new strategy for examination of household contacts of pulmonary TB cases attending to Qaliub chest clinic during the period of the study aiming at improving contact tracing. All household contacts were tuberculin skin tested [83 subjects], Chest radiography was done for tuberculin positive individuals and sputum culture if the x-ray picture was suspecting T.B. The results were compared with the data recorded during the year prior to the study in the period from 1[st] January to 31[st] December 2004. The results revealed that 74.7% had negative tuberculin skin test. Two primary T.B cases were detected among the investigated household contacts compared to none in the year prior to the study. This study recommends a new strategy for investigating household contacts for better case detection among them as well as protection of susceptibles