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Prevalence of positive tuberculin skin tests in foreign-born children

Kristine Fortin1, Ana Carceller, Monique Robert

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, CHU Sainte-Justine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada.

Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health
|September 7, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Latent tuberculosis is common in foreign-born children, with higher rates in immigrants due to older arrival ages. Tuberculin skin tests (TST) revealed significant prevalence in this population.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric infectious diseases
  • Global health epidemiology
  • Immigration health

Background:

  • Internationally adopted and immigrant children represent diverse populations with unique health considerations.
  • Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global health concern, particularly in endemic regions from which these children often originate.
  • Screening for latent tuberculosis infection is crucial in high-risk pediatric groups.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of positive tuberculin skin tests (TST) among internationally adopted and immigrant children.
  • To identify specific risk factors associated with positive TST results in these pediatric populations.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective medical record review of children seen at a specialized pediatric clinic from 1998-2001.
  • Inclusion criteria: children evaluated at the International Adoption and Immigrant Health Clinic.
  • Data analyzed included demographics, BCG vaccination status, TST results (induration ≥ 10 mm), and chest X-ray findings.

Main Results:

  • The study cohort comprised 670 children (112 immigrants, 558 adoptees).
  • Overall positive TST incidence was 12.2%, with significantly higher rates in immigrants (31%) compared to adoptees (8%).
  • Older age at arrival in Canada and prior BCG vaccination were identified as independent risk factors for positive TST.

Conclusions:

  • Latent tuberculosis infection is a frequent issue among foreign-born children in Canada.
  • The elevated TST positivity in immigrant children is likely linked to their older age upon arrival.
  • Targeted screening and risk factor identification are essential for managing TB in this vulnerable pediatric group.
Abstract

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