Organization of timely detection of pulmonary tuberculosis in an investigatory isolation ward

: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the efficiency of fluography (FLG) as a technique for the timely detection of cases of pulmonary tuberculosis in an investigatory isolation ward. According to the WHO data, at early detection stages the bacteria-discharging persons should constitute about 80% of all cases. Analysis of the first FLG films made in 22,973 prisoners in 2005-2007 revealed abnormalities in 7.6% of the convicts and tuberculosis-associated changes in 77% of cases. Sputum smear luminescence microscopy and culture for Mycobacterium tuberculosis in 115 patients showed that the persons who discharged bacteria were 72.2% of the patients. The data suggest that FLG is highly effective in timely identifying cases of pulmonary tuberculosis.