Abstract
Background: Immigrants from countries with a high prevalence of Tuberculosis (TB) may constitute a source of infection. Objective: The aim of the present study was to describe a Tuberculosis (TB) screening programme at a primary health care centre directed at immigrants from countries with a high prevalence of TB. Methods: This was a descriptive study conducted at a primary health centre in Barcelona between 2009 and 2012 for immigrants from countries with a TB incidence > 100/100,000. They were invited to join the TB detection programme on registering at the primary health care centre when a reference nurse conducted a survey on socio-health data, performed a Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) and requested a chest X-ray. Interferon Gamma Release Assays (IGRA) were applied in individuals with positive TST or an abnormal X-ray. Results: Ninety-one (70.5%) of 129 individuals, aged 29.8 ± 9.8 years, who entered the programme, were men, 60 (46.5%) were from Pakistan and 3 reported previous TB. Eighty-six (66.7%) immigrants completed the study protocol. Three cases (2.3%) of TB were diagnosed and 29 (30.5%) had latent TB infection. Seven chest X-rays yielded other non-TB radiological changes. Conclusion: This TB screening programme should aid early detection of TB and LTBI among immigrants from high-TB prevalence countries on first registering at the primary health care centre.
Highlights
A decrease in the overall rate of Tuberculosis (TB) has been reported in the countries of the European Union and the European Economic Area in the last 15 years
The aim of the present study was to describe a Tuberculosis (TB) screening programme at a primary health care centre directed at immigrants from countries with a high prevalence of TB
Clinical evidence suggests that a significant rate of TB among immigrants developed from an infection acquired in their country of origin [3, 4]
Summary
A decrease in the overall rate of Tuberculosis (TB) has been reported in the countries of the European Union and the European Economic Area in the last 15 years. Infection (LTBI) acquired in their country of origin or to disease acquired after their arrival in a new country to establish TB control strategies. Clinical evidence suggests that a significant rate of TB among immigrants developed from an infection acquired in their country of origin [3, 4]. The fact that the country of origin can accurately predict the number of cases that will arise later together with the number of cases from which an immigrant could be identified as at risk, are additional challenges [5]. There is a long-standing demand to develop strategies for the early detection of TB and LTBI among immigrants from countries with a high-TB prevalence to prevent progression of the disease [6]. Immigrants from countries with a high prevalence of Tuberculosis (TB) may constitute a source of infection
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
