These results show the importance of the bacteriological diagnosis, since identification of the species enables early and appropriate treatment.

We report on M. tuberculosis detection among inmates in detention facilities in the region of São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo State, Brazil. From 2003 to 2006, 1,070 inmates from three prisons with suspicion of tuberculosis were evaluated. Mycobacterium sp. infection was tested using acid-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 three correctional facilities. Tuberculosis infection was identified in 6.9% of all prisoners and the drug susceptibility 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 from inmates with positive results by acid-fast bacilli, pointing to the possibility of intra-institutional transmission. These data will be useful for future studies to establish the level of tuberculosis in the São Paulo state penitentiary system and the drug resistance profile.

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