Active Case-Finding: An Effective Solution for Tuberculosis Detection in Vulnerable Groups - The Romanian Experience

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Tuberculosis (TB) presents a persistent global health issue.
• Enhanced active case finding (ACF) strategies are vital for TB detection.
• Vulnerable populations often bear a disproportionate TB burden.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of ACF in identifying TB cases within vulnerable groups.
• To analyze TB detection rates and socio-economic factors in Romania.
• To inform public health strategies for TB control.

Main Methods:

• Utilized computer-aided detection for chest X-ray analysis.
• Employed GeneXpert testing for TB diagnosis.
• Examined TB detection rates across Romanian counties, focusing on vulnerable populations.

Main Results:

• TB detection rates in vulnerable groups (homeless, drug users, prisoners, rural residents) were five times higher than the national average.
• Significant regional disparities in TB detection rates were observed.
• Vulnerable populations exhibited a TB incidence of 250.85 per 100,000, compared to the national rate of 46.1.

Conclusions:

• ACF is highly effective in detecting TB in underserved populations.
• Integration of ACF into National TB Programs is essential for tailored interventions.
• Findings support targeted public health initiatives to address TB in vulnerable groups.