PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

E J Perez-Stable

Publications and source records attributed to E J Perez-Stable.

23 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1986

Tuberculin reactivity in United States and foreign-born Latinos: results of a community-based screening program.

Because of the concern that we were underestimating the prevalence of tuberculosis within the Latino community in San Francisco, we undertook a community-based screening program directed largely towards recent immigrants. Of 1,871 intermediate-strength (5 TU) tuberculin tests applied and read, 37 per cent of the reactions were greater than or equal to 10 mm. Significant reactions were found in 53 per cent of foreign-born persons compared to 7 per cent of those born in the United States. Persons older than 20 years of age were more likely to have significant reactions compared to younger Latinos. Among the foreign-born, the frequency of significant reactions was not influenced by the length of stay in the US or a history of BCG (bacille Calmette-Guérain) vaccination. Two foreign-born children were found to have current tuberculosis. The prevalence of tuberculin reactors among US-born Latino children was 3 per cent, which suggests that undetected transmission of tuberculosis may be occurring. We conclude that Latino immigrants should be systematically screened for tuberculosis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1985

A demonstration of lack of variability among six tuberculin skin test readers.

The variability of tuberculin skin test readings among six trained and experienced readers was evaluated using a modified sliding caliper method. Each of 537 tests were read independently by two readers. There were 23 disagreements between paired readers resulting in an overall interobserver reliability of 95.7 per cent. In 82 per cent of the paired readings the results were different by 2 mm or less. The observer lack of variability was likely due to the training and experience of the readers.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Tuberculin skin test reactivity and conversions in United States- and foreign-born Latino children.

The rate of positive tuberculin skin tests for Latino children was examined to help define high risk groups. We reviewed 330 charts of subjects, 18 years of age or younger, with one or more tuberculin (5 tuberculin units, purified protein derivative) skin test readings in a 5-year period. Overall 9% of United States-born and 53% of foreign-born Latinos had positive tuberculin tests (P less than 0.01). Repeat applications identified 35 converters and a greater proportion of United States-born Latinos were in this group (P less than 0.05). Radiographic changes on chest films consistent with active tuberculous disease were found in four of the foreign-born converters. The calculated tuberculin conversion rate of these Latinos is 15 to 30 times that of the United States general population. Unsuspected transmission of tuberculosis may be one possible explanation. We recommend that: clinicians should perform routine tuberculin skin tests in healthy Latino children whether born in the United States or in a foreign country; and active screening for tuberculosis of Latino immigrants by local health departments be conducted with appropriate funding support.

Adolescent↗