Abstract: Objective To summarize and evaluate the way to find pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) patients and the effectiveness of TB treatment in Tianjin prison system between 2004 and 2006. Methods The PTB cases in prison were found through overall survey, passive case finding and physical examination. The confirmed cases were carried out standardized chemotherapy regimen under directly observed treatment, short-course (DOTS). The effectiveness of management and treatment for TB was assessed and analyzed at the end of the treatment. Results Within three years a number of PTB patients found by overall survey, passive case-finding and physical examination were 269, 111 and 113 respectively. The number of PTB cases increased by physical examination. The treatment success for new smear positive cases and re-treatment smear positive cases were 78.8% and 72.7% respectively. The uncured cases accounted for 60% of smear positive PTB cases because of the failure of treatment. The uncompleted cases accounted for 62.7% of smear negative PTB cases because of the release from the prison. Conclusion Through three kinds of case-findings and work of case management and surveillance, it improves case-finding and case management to prisoner, effectively controls source of infection and reduces transmission of TB in prison.

Key words: tuberculosis/prevention and control, prison