Evaluating a 24-year tuberculosis screening in first-grade elementary schoolers in a low-burden area
E Trachanatzi1, F Ladomenou2, E Galanakis3
1Department of General Medicine, Venizeleion General Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion, Greece.
Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|April 30, 2019
Summary
Universal tuberculosis screening in low-burden areas like Crete is questioned. Tuberculin skin test (TST) trends show declining rates, suggesting selective screening of high-risk groups is more effective for tuberculosis control.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Disease Control
Background:
- Early diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) is crucial for disease control.
- Tuberculosis screening strategies require evaluation, especially in low-prevalence settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze trends in tuberculin skin test (TST) positivity over 24 years (1990-2013).
- To assess the effectiveness of universal TB screening in a low-burden area.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of all first graders who underwent TST on Crete, Greece, from 1990 to 2013.
- Analysis of TST results, focusing on positivity rates and trends over time.
Main Results:
- A total of 82,402 children were tested; 0.41% had positive TST results.
- The tuberculin index significantly declined from 0.67 (1990-1994) to 0.26 (2010-2013).
- Immigrant children showed significantly higher positive TST rates (0.66%) compared to native children (0.24%).
Conclusions:
- Universal tuberculin skin testing in low-burden areas may not be cost-effective.
- Selective screening of high-risk populations is recommended for efficient tuberculosis control.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:19Graded Potential
6.9K
Graded potentials are localized fluctuations in the cell membrane's electrical charge, commonly found in the dendrites of neurons. The magnitude of these potential changes depends on the strength of the initiating stimulus. In a membrane at its resting potential, a graded potential signifies a voltage shift either above -70 mV or below -70 mV.
Graded potentials fall into two categories: depolarizing and hyperpolarizing. Depolarizing graded potentials typically occur when sodium (Na+) or...
Graded potentials fall into two categories: depolarizing and hyperpolarizing. Depolarizing graded potentials typically occur when sodium (Na+) or...
6.9K
01:15Types of Aggregate Grading
1.4K
Aggregate grading is crucial in economically obtaining a concrete mix with adequate strength, reasonable workability, and minimal segregation. There are four types of aggregate gradation: well-graded, uniformly (or one-sized) graded, gap-graded, and open-graded.
Well-graded aggregates include a complete range of necessary size fractions that fit together to create a dense matrix with minimal voids, represented by a smooth, continuous gradation curve. This type of grading ensures good...
Well-graded aggregates include a complete range of necessary size fractions that fit together to create a dense matrix with minimal voids, represented by a smooth, continuous gradation curve. This type of grading ensures good...
1.4K
01:23Holter Monitor: 24-Hour Monitoring
2.3K
Holter monitoring is a continuous electrocardiography (ECG) recording that tracks the heart's electrical activity over an extended period, generally 24 to 48 hours. This noninvasive diagnostic tool detects irregular heart rhythms that may not be captured during a standard ECG performed in a clinical setting.DeviceThe Holter monitor is a portable, small device connected to several electrodes on the patient's chest. These electrodes detect the heart's electrical signals and transmit them to the...
2.3K
01:29Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
883
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...
883
01:28Pulmonary Tuberculosis II
1.4K
Tuberculosis, or TB, is a bacterial infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While its primary impact is on the lungs, leading to pulmonary tuberculosis, it can also affect various other organs, a condition referred to as extrapulmonary tuberculosis.
Here is a detailed explanation of its pathophysiology:
Transmission: The process begins when a person inhales droplet nuclei containing M. tuberculosis. These are typically released into the air when an individual with pulmonary or...
Here is a detailed explanation of its pathophysiology:
Transmission: The process begins when a person inhales droplet nuclei containing M. tuberculosis. These are typically released into the air when an individual with pulmonary or...
1.4K
01:28Pulmonary Tuberculosis V
563
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...
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...
563