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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.

144 patients with bacteriologically positive results were analysed out of 258 relapses of pulmonary tuberculosis within one year (1979/80) to find the causes which are favouring relapses. It has been found that in 28% an inadequate chemotherapy, in 16% uncontrolled use of drugs, and in 13% of cases uncooperative attitude of patients were supposed causes of relapse. Causes of relapse could not be established in 23% of patients. Silicosis and chronic alcoholism were observed in 22% of patients with relapse.

In 3,296 school-leavers (girls and boys aged 16 years with preceding BCG-vaccination as newborns and without boosting by tuberculin-testing or revaccination during the meantime) simultaneously with compulsory BCG-revaccination tuberculin testing with 2 TU PPD Dessau + Tween 80 was performed in 3 regions of the GDR (Cottbus, Erfurt, Neubrandenburg) in the 2nd half of 1985 and in the 1st quarter of 1986. Sensitivity to tuberculin was found in 7.3% considering reactions with greater than or equal to 6 mm induration as positive, and in 2.9% considering reactions with greater than or equal to 10 mm only. Positive reactions greater than or equal to 6 mm include remaining allergy caused by BCG and non-specific tuberculin sensitivity while a reaction limit greater than or equal to 10 mm is suitable to define tuberculosis infection prevalence. In contrast to studies performed 1973 and 1979 in the same territories a significant decrease in tuberculin sensitivity was evident (43.8% positive reactions (greater than or equal to 6 mm) in 1973 and 11.7% in 1979). The acceptability of "direct" BCG-revaccination has been estimated by evaluation of local reactions 4 weeks after vaccination in 2,123 school-leavers. The ulceration rate in tuberculin positive adolescents was significantly higher than in tuberculin negative. It showed highly significant decrease in comparison with 1979.