Abstract

Identifying and treating tuberculosis infection (TBI) among refugees at elevated risk for developing TB disease is crucial for TB prevention and elimination in the United States (U.S.). However, current evidence is limited by small sample sizes, inclusion of refugees from only a single country, and/or reliance solely on the tuberculin skin test (TST). Refugees in a large cohort study from ten U.S. sites underwent evaluation for TBI using three available tests: the TST and two interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs). This study calculated TBI prevalence and assessed tuberculosis preventive treatment (TPT) completion among refugees, defining TBI prevalence as positive results on at least two tests. Among 8960 refugees enrolled July 2012 through May 2017, TBI prevalence was 23.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 22.4%-24.1%). Completion of TPT was 81.2% (95% CI: 79.6%-82.7%). Shorter treatment regimens of 3-month were associated with higher treatment completion compared to regimens of 6-month or longer. The high TBI prevalence among refugees is a concern, but their high TPT acceptance and completion rates offer an opportunity. IGRA-based tests are preferred in this population; however, limited resources underscore the need for more precise screening approaches to better identify high-risk individuals who truly require TPT.

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

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.