A Controlled Evaluation Of A Selective Method Of Tuberculosis Case Finding: A Study Performed In A Navajo Community

The degree of accuracy of a selective TB case-finding method based on the use of Index-reactor children was measured by comparing its results with those obtained by comprehensive mass roentgenography of the same community during the same period of time. In this controlled evaluation, it was found that the selective method led to the detection of 82% of the cases of tuberculous disease of all forms and of 79% of the cases of reinfection pulmonary TB. As the Navajo community in which the study was conducted resembled a rural economically underdeveloped society in most important particulars, it is believed that this selective case-finding method should have considerable usefulness in developing societies. This is especially true as the demographic pattern in such societies is usually one in which children comprise a large proportion of the total population. Preliminary report presented in 1958 to the Epidemiology Section of the 86th annual conf of the Am Public Health Assn in St. Louis. Tables. Line graphs. Bibliography.