[Social aspects in tuberculosis among mental patients].

A total of 206 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis and mental disorders from the Kirov Region were examined in 1997-1998. The results were compared with those obtained in 154 control patients with pulmonary tuberculosis without mental disorders. In both group males fell ill with tuberculosis in the prime of their life whereas females did at their old age. Males with mental disorders are more susceptible to tuberculosis than mentally healthy patients. In contrast, females with mental disorders are much less susceptible to tuberculosis than mentally healthy patients. Women of reproductive age are the least prone to tuberculosis particularly in the presence of mental disorders. The authors proposes to continue studies of the causes of female resistance to tuberculous infection, the specific features of the hormonal background in women having mental disorders and whether estrogens may be used in the therapy of tuberculosis.