Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 19, 2026
09:57
System for Efficacy and Cytotoxicity Screening of Inhibitors Targeting Intracellular Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Published on: April 5, 2017
Evaluation of immigrant tuberculosis screening in industrialized countries
Manish Pareek1, Iacopo Baussano, Ibrahim Abubakar
1Imperial College London, London, UK.
Emerging Infectious Diseases
|August 31, 2012
Summary
Industrialized nations often screen immigrants for tuberculosis (TB) but rarely for latent TB infection (LTBI). Screening policies for LTBI vary widely, necessitating cost-effectiveness research for immigrant health.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Immigration Health
Background:
- Tuberculosis (TB) cases in industrialized nations are increasingly concentrated among immigrants.
- Reactivation of imported latent TB infection (LTBI) is a primary driver of TB incidence in these populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the mechanisms used by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries to screen immigrants for TB and LTBI.
- To identify variations in screening approaches, targeted populations, and diagnostic methods.
Main Methods:
- An anonymous 18-point questionnaire was distributed to 31 OECD member countries.
- Data on active TB and LTBI screening practices, targeted demographics, and diagnostic tools were collected and analyzed.
Main Results:
- 29 countries responded, with 25 screening for active TB and only 16 screening for LTBI.
- Significant variations were observed in age targeting and the TB incidence thresholds used to define high-risk immigrant groups.
- Tuberculin skin test (TST) was the most common LTBI screening tool, with interferon-γ release assays (IGRAs) used primarily for confirmation.
Conclusions:
- Industrialized countries infrequently screen immigrants for LTBI, and screening policies exhibit wide variation.
- There is an urgent need to establish cost-effective strategies for LTBI screening among immigrant populations to improve public health outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV
Tuberculosis, more commonly referred to as TB, is an infectious disease stemming from Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While it primarily impacts the lungs, TB can also affect other body areas. Given its severity and global impact, timely and accurate diagnosis is crucial for controlling its spread and improving patient outcomes.
Several diagnostic approaches are used to detect TB. The conventional method is the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), also known as the Mantoux test. However, this method has...
Several diagnostic approaches are used to detect TB. The conventional method is the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), also known as the Mantoux test. However, this method has...
01:28Pulmonary Tuberculosis V
Medical management of tuberculosis (TB) patients involves a comprehensive approach that includes diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring. The specific strategies can vary depending on the type of tuberculosis (latent or active), the patient's overall health status, and other considerations.
Latent tuberculosis infection occurs when TB bacteria are present in a person's body, but are not causing illness or symptoms. It is not contagious, and preventive treatment is crucial to avoid the progression...
Latent tuberculosis infection occurs when TB bacteria are present in a person's body, but are not causing illness or symptoms. It is not contagious, and preventive treatment is crucial to avoid the progression...
01:31Pulmonary Tuberculosis III
Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious infection primarily affecting the lung parenchyma but which can also affect other body parts. TB can be classified based on disease development, presentation, and the affected anatomical site.
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
01:29Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
Tuberculosis, often called TB, is a contagious illness primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lung parenchyma but can also impact other body parts.
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
01:24Automated Microbial Diagnostics
Automated diagnostic analyzers have transformed clinical microbiology by providing rapid and reliable methods for pathogen identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing. Among these systems, the Vitek 2 is widely used because it automates the traditionally labor-intensive processes of microbial identification (ID) and antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST), delivering standardized and timely results that are essential for effective patient care.Microbial Identification with ID CardsThe...