Abstract
Investigation on the family history of tuberculosis (TB) was conducted on 1782 patients admitted in the 12 sanatoriums between 1988 and 1989. Among them, 348 patients (19.5%) gave a history of TB in their families. The similar ratio (21.8%) of positive family history of TB was recognized among lung cancer patients in the same period suggesting that about 20% in the Japanese people generally have positive family history of TB. Nevertheless, young TB patients under 30 were distinguished by the higher ratio of positive family history (male 28.3%, female 27.0%).
It seems to indicate that the family contact of TB patients weighs heavily to the spread of TB in this age group. It may be desirable to shift toward more intensive or extensive examination and preventive treatment for family members of TB Patients.
