Related Experiment Videos
[Active tuberculosis case finding among immigrants in Barcelona]
J Alcaide Megías1, M N Altet Gómez, M L de Souza Galvao
1Centro de Prevención y Control de la Tuberculosis, CAP Drassanes, Institut Català de la Salut, Barcelona, Spain. 4862jam@comb.es
Archivos De Bronconeumologia
|October 20, 2004
Summary
Tuberculosis infection is more prevalent in economic immigrants in Barcelona than in the local population. Tuberculosis vaccination can interfere with diagnosis, so chest X-rays are recommended alongside tuberculin tests.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Context:
- Economic immigration is increasing in Spain.
- Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global health concern.
- Understanding TB prevalence in migrant populations is crucial for public health strategies.
Purpose:
- To determine the prevalence of tuberculous infection and disease among recent economic immigrants in Barcelona.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of tuberculin tests (TTs) in this population.
- To identify factors associated with tuberculous infection.
Summary:
- A study examined 3151 economic immigrants in Barcelona using tuberculin tests.
- Tuberculosis was diagnosed in 18 individuals (571.2 per 100,000).
- Over 50% tested positive for TB infection, with significant influence from prior BCG vaccination.
- Factors like age, male sex, origin, poverty, and country of origin prevalence were linked to infection.
Impact:
- Active case-finding for tuberculosis in immigrants is effective.
- Tuberculosis vaccination status significantly impacts TT results, necessitating careful interpretation.
- Integrating chest radiographs with TTs is recommended for improved accuracy.
- Immigration trends will alter the epidemiology of tuberculosis in Spain, requiring adapted control strategies.