The diagnosis of the pulmonary tuberculosis situation in Botucatu, Conchas, São Manuel and Avaré (State of S. Paulo) was based on the study of prevalence and risk of infection, in first grade school - children, during 1972, and on morbidity and specific mortality data gathered during a ten year period, 1963 to 1972. Tuberculin survey with PPD 23 RT-2TU was carried out in 2.913 school children; 718 records from the Botucatu Public Health Center and the death certificates of residents who died in these counties or in specialized hospitals were analysed. The prevalence rates of infection for the 4 counties were respectively 2.4, 6.8, 1.9 and 4.5%. The risks of infection for 7.5 year old school-children were 0.27, 0 32, 0.20 and 0.34%. The infection level characterized these counties as constituting a medium prevalence area of pulmonary tuberculosis. The prevalence rates of infection were directly related to the incidence of smear positive cases, in all these counties. Sixty two percent (62.0) of 530 patients submitted, to direct microscopy were smear positive cases. The predominance of moderately advanced and far advanced pulmonary lesions was observed in male young adults. A high default rate (39.5), a low proportion of cure (11.9%) and death (3.4%) were observed. Thirty two percent were under treatment. There were no statistically significant differences between default cases and county procedence of default cases and extent of pulmonary lesions. These findings were attributed to the present technical and administrative health organization. The average incidence of confirmed cases during this period was 35.4 in Conchas, 33.1 in Avaré., 23.7 in Botucatu and 18.5 in São Manuel (per 100,000). The rates of confirmed and suspected cases together were: 57.6. 48.8, 43.8 and, 35.3. The average annual mortality rates were: 7.6 in Botucatu, 12.1 in Conchas, 5.0 in São Manuel and 18.7 in Avaré (in 100,000). The decreased mortality rates during 1963 to 1972 were observed only in Botucatu. Specific mortality is still high among the young male adults, specifically in Conchas. The need to incorporate the anti-tuberculosis activities in local health services, for effective control of this disease was emphasized.
Tuberculosis pulmonary; Tuberculin survey; Morbidity and mortality; Epidemiology