Mycobacterium tuberculosis DETECTION IN THE PENITENTIARY SYSTEM

Abstract

We report on M. tuberculosis detection among inmates in detention facilities in the region of SãoJosé do Rio Preto, São Paulo State, Brazil. From 2003 to 2006, 1,070 inmates from three prisonswith suspicion of tuberculosis were evaluated. Mycobacterium sp. infection was tested usingacid-fast bacilli and/or culture. Statistical analysis was performed using EPI INFO and BioEstat.There were no significant differences in the frequencies of positive results between the threecorrectional facilities. Tuberculosis infection was identified in 6.9% of all prisoners and the drugsusceptibility profile showed that 4.2% of the prisoners had isoniazid-resistant isolates while 6.2%had rifampicin-resistant bacteria. Isoniazid and rifampicin resistant isolates were obtained frominmates with positive results by acid-fast bacilli, pointing to the possibility of intra-institutionaltransmission. These data will be useful for future studies to establish the level of tuberculosis in theSão Paulo state penitentiary system and the drug resistance profile.