[CONTROLLING TUBERCULOSIS IN FOREIGN-BORN PERSONS IN JAPAN]

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Disease Epidemiology
• Immigration Health

Background:

• Tuberculosis (TB) control is a significant public health concern in Japan.
• There is a notable increase in TB cases among foreign-born individuals, contrasting with a decrease in native-born patients.
• A portion of foreign-born individuals arrive in Japan with active TB, often due to insufficient pre-immigration medical evaluations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the growing issue of tuberculosis in Japan's foreign-born population.
• To emphasize the need for enhanced strategies to control the importation and spread of TB.
• To inform healthcare providers about TB as a potential imported infection.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of trends in tuberculosis incidence among foreign-born versus Japan-born populations.
• Examination of the prevalence of TB in younger foreign-born demographics.
• Review of current challenges and potential strategies for TB control in foreign-born individuals.

Main Results:

• The number of foreign-born TB patients is rising annually, while cases among Japan-born individuals are declining.
• A significant percentage (up to 43%) of TB cases in foreign-born individuals are found in younger age groups, especially those in their 20s.
• While multidrug-resistant TB is currently infrequent in Japan, the risk of importation from high-burden countries remains a concern.

Conclusions:

• Tuberculosis in Japan is increasingly an imported infection, primarily affecting the foreign-born population.
• A comprehensive strategy is required, including pre-immigration screening, targeted checkups, chemoprophylaxis, and improved patient support systems.
• Physician awareness and policy discussions regarding medical checkups, insurance, and support are essential for effective TB control.