An investigation of leprosy in the German ethnic group of Colonia Tovar in Venezuela. IV. Clinical findings and variations in the Mantoux and Mitsuda reactions observed during five years after BCG vaccination of Mitsuda-negative contacts.

Five years of observation of the group of originally Mitsuda-negative contacts living with sources of infection of the lepromatous type in the rural area of Colonia Tovar have now been completed. It is therefore considered proper to report now on the clinical findings and the changes in the tuberculin and lepromin reactions since they were vaccinated with BCG in 1950. The group is believed to have been exposed to great danger of contagion both before and during the period of observation. The present communication extends a 'former one which was presented to the leprosy congress held in Madrid in 1953 (3), from which it differs by the longer period of observation.