Tuberculin testing in residential homes for the elderly.

摘要: BACKGROUND--Evidence from the United States has shown that tuberculin sensitivity increases with length of stay among residents in homes for elderly, implying an increasing risk infection. There is no evidence as to whether or not Kingdom have a similar risk. METHODS--A study was undertaken determine residence home elderly tuberculosis Over six month period all Liverpool received test. A health questionnaire completed by field team each resident. total 2665 were surveyed. RESULTS--Heaf test grade positivity declined age, odds ratio being 0.71 10 year period. Adjusting there change Heaf home. stronger smokers (odds 1.59) than ex-smokers 1.20) and non-smokers. directly related pack years. Allowing age smoking, men compared women positive 1.62 (95% confidence interval 1.32 1.99). CONCLUSIONS--Heaf declines age. Residence associated increased rate sensitivity. Smoking male gender positivity.