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Tuberculosis among Migrant Populations in Sicily: A Field Report
Tullio Prestileo1,2, Giuseppe Pipitone1,3, Adriana Sanfilippo1
1Infectious Disease Unit & Centre for Migration and Health, ARNAS Civico Di Cristina Benfratelli Hospital, Palermo, Italy.
Journal of Tropical Medicine
|April 16, 2021
Summary
Tuberculosis screening in migrants found a 13.5% infection rate, with 1.6% active tuberculosis. Early detection through screening is crucial for managing TB in vulnerable populations.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Tuberculosis (TB) disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including migrants in the European Union.
- A study assessed TB and latent TB infection (LTBI) prevalence among migrants in western Sicily between 2014-2017.
- The ITaCA network hosted migrants in 41 reception centers for this evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the frequency of tuberculosis and latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) among migrants in western Sicily.
- To identify the prevalence of active TB and LTBI within this specific migrant population.
Main Methods:
- Screening involved physical examination, Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), and Interferon-Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) on 3,710 migrants.
- Screening occurred 4-8 weeks post-arrival in Sicily.
- Positive screening results led to chest X-rays and smear examinations to confirm active TB or LTBI.
Main Results:
- Tuberculosis infection was diagnosed in 13.5% (501/3,710) of migrants.
- Latent TB infection (LTBI) was identified in 11.8% (440/3,710) and active TB in 1.6% (61/3,710).
- Pulmonary TB was the most common form of active TB (59 cases), with no drug-resistant cases observed.
Conclusions:
- Tuberculosis screening is essential for the early diagnosis and treatment of TB in migrant populations.
- Prompt identification and management can mitigate TB transmission within reception centers and the wider community.
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