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[Imported tuberculosis: an emerging disease in industrialised countries]
Xavier Vallès1, Francesca Sánchez, Helena Pañella
1Institut Municipal de Salut Pública. Servicio de Epidemiología. Programa de Tuberculosis de Barcelona. Unidad de Investigación en Tuberculosis de Barcelona. Spain.
Medicina Clinica
|April 10, 2002
Summary
Imported tuberculosis (TB) cases significantly increased among immigrants in Barcelona between 1999 and 2000, while native cases declined. This trend highlights the need to update current TB prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- This study aimed to characterize imported tuberculosis (TB) cases in Barcelona during 1999-2000.
- Investigated trends in TB incidence among native and immigrant populations.
Observation:
- Observed a 7.9% decrease in TB cases in the native population.
- Noted a 47.2% increase in TB cases among immigrants.
- Identified three TB outbreaks: an Indian community, Dominican families, and a city school.
Findings:
- In 2000, TB incidence was 29.5/100,000 for natives and 555.9/100,000 for immigrants.
- Tuberculosis strains from outbreaks showed varying resistance patterns: multisensitive, multidrug-resistant, and isoniazid-resistant.
Implications:
- The rise in imported TB cases necessitates a review of existing preventive guidelines.
- Highlights the importance of targeted surveillance and intervention for immigrant populations.
- Suggests potential challenges in controlling TB transmission due to drug-resistant strains.