[Specific and nonspecific tuberculin sensitivity in school children in East Germany. East German draft report of a multinational epidemiologic study of the prevalence of specific and nonspecific tuberculin sensitivity in Europe].

By means of dual-testing with tuberculin (2 TU PPD RT 23 and 2 TE PPD Dessau) and sensitin Scrophulaceum (5 TU PPD scroph.) evidence and degree of specific and non-specific tuberculin sensitivity in schoolchildren aged 7-14 years was examined under the conditions of preceding BCG-vaccination as newborns in the counties of Cottbus, Erfurt and Neubrandenburg. In a cohort of 2,792 children sensitivity to tuberculin was found in 5.98% considering positive reactions with greater than or equal to 6 mm induration and in 1.50% considering reactions with greater than or equal to 10 mm only. Reactions with induration of 6 mm and more comprehend remaining allergy caused by BCG while the limit greater than or equal to 10 mm seems to be suitable to define tuberculosis infection prevalence. Tuberculin sensitivity shows frequencies corresponding with the epidemiology of tuberculosis. Sensitivity to PPD scroph. increases from north to south with significant difference between the counties of Neubrandenburg and Erfurt. Nonspecific tuberculin sensitivity is partly prevalent in the counties of Cottbus and Erfurt.