Abstract: Objective  To understand the results of purified-protein derivative (PPD) test of new students in Central University of Finance and Economics, and to provide scientific evidence for tuberculosis (TB) control and prevention in school. Methods  The PPD test results of 9702 college students enrolled from 2009 to 2012 were collected and analyzed with descriptive statistical method. Chi-square test was used for comparison between groups, and P<0.05 was set as the criteria of statistical difference. Results  The positive rate of college students investigated was 6.02% (584/9702), and the intensely positive rate in male (4.04%,145/3587) was significantly lower than that in female(7.18%,439/6115) (χ²=39.32, P<0.05). From 2009 to 2012, the intensively positive rate was 5.43% (136/2505), 10.44% (233/2231), 3.92% (99/2524) and 4.75% (116/2442) respectively. There were 4 pulmonary TB cases detected during the four years, and the detection rate was 0.14% (14/9702). Conclusion  PPD screening in college students is an necessary additional method for TB diagnosis, and can effectively control the spread of TB in colleges.

Key words: Students, Tuberculin test, Tuberculosis, pulmonary/prevention &, control, Mass screening