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Tuberculosis screening in Boston's homeless shelters.
Public Health Reports (Washington, D.C. : 1974)
|September 1, 1986
Summary
A Boston study found 26 tuberculosis (TB) cases in homeless individuals. Many cases involved drug-resistant TB, highlighting the need for targeted screening and intervention for this vulnerable population.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Homeless populations are at increased risk for tuberculosis (TB) due to various socioeconomic and health factors.
- Previous outbreaks in similar populations underscore the need for effective TB control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize tuberculosis cases among homeless individuals in Boston.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of screening methods in detecting TB within this high-risk group.
Main Methods:
- A screening program involving chest roentgenograms (CXR), skin tests, and sputum smears was implemented.
- Data on drug resistance patterns, previous TB history, and treatment outcomes were collected.
Main Results:
- Twenty-six cases of TB were confirmed in homeless persons between February 1984 and March 1985.
- Fifteen cases exhibited multidrug resistance (isoniazid and streptomycin), suggesting a common source exposure.
- Chest roentgenograms (CXR) proved to be the most effective screening tool for case detection.
Conclusions:
- Intensive intervention and outreach are crucial for detecting and treating TB in the homeless population.
- Multidrug-resistant TB poses a significant challenge, necessitating prompt identification and source control.
- Screening programs, particularly those utilizing CXR, are vital for managing TB in at-risk groups.