Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 5, 2025

Analysis of 18FDG PET/CT Imaging as a Tool for Studying Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection and Treatment in Non-human Primates
Published on: September 5, 2017
Associations between mental illness, TB risk and migrant status
S E Hayward1,2, K L Kristensen3,4, A Deal1,2
1Institute for Infection and Immunity, School of Health and Medical Sciences, City St George's, University of London, London, UK.
Individuals with mental disorders, especially those with substance use or psychosis, face a significantly higher risk of tuberculosis (TB). This highlights the need for integrated mental health care and targeted TB screening for this vulnerable population.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Tuberculosis (TB) and mental illnesses are significant public health concerns, frequently co-occurring.
- Migrants in high-income nations are disproportionately affected by both conditions.
- Understanding the interplay between mental health and TB risk is crucial for effective public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of mental illness on tuberculosis risk.
- To examine how migration status affects the relationship between mental illness and TB.
- To identify specific mental disorders associated with elevated TB risk.
Main Methods:
- A nationwide prospective cohort study was conducted in Denmark from 1994 to 2015.
- The study included a large cohort of migrants and matched Danish-born individuals.
- Cox regression models were employed to analyze the association between mental disorders and TB risk, adjusting for relevant covariates.
Main Results:
- Individuals with mental disorders exhibited a substantially higher incidence of TB compared to those without.
- The risk of TB was significantly elevated in Danish-born individuals with mental disorders (HR 15.51) compared to migrants (HR 1.37).
- Specific mental disorders, including substance use disorders (HR 5.49) and psychosis (HR 4.19), were strongly associated with increased TB risk.
Conclusions:
- People with mental illnesses, particularly those with psychotic and substance use disorders, represent a high-risk group for TB.
- Targeted TB screening and treatment strategies are essential for individuals with mental disorders.
- Integrating comprehensive mental health care into TB programs is recommended for a holistic approach to patient well-being.
More Related Videos
09:02An Experimental Model to Study Tuberculosis-Malaria Coinfection upon Natural Transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Plasmodium berghei
Published on: February 17, 2014
23:06The MODS method for diagnosis of tuberculosis and multidrug resistant tuberculosis
Published on: August 11, 2008
Related Concept Videos
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
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...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis III
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV
Several diagnostic approaches are used to detect TB. The conventional method is the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), also known as the Mantoux test. However, this method has...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis II
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...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis V
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...
Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia