[Tuberculosis in recent immigrants in Barcelona]

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases
• Immigration Health

Background:

• Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global health concern, particularly in immigrant populations.
• Geographic origin influences the prevalence of TB infection and disease.
• Antituberculin chemoprophylaxis is a key strategy for TB prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of TB infection and disease among immigrants in Barcelona, Spain.
• To assess the adherence to secondary antituberculin chemoprophylaxis based on immigrants' geographic origin.
• To identify factors influencing chemoprophylaxis completion rates.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive study of 1,489 immigrants under 35 years old.
• Data collected from the Tropical and Imported Disease Unit Drassanes, Barcelona (1989-1994).
• Analysis of Mantoux test results and chemoprophylaxis completion rates by geographic origin.

Main Results:

• High prevalence of positive Mantoux tests (>= 10 mm induration) observed, especially in immigrants from Subsaharan Africa (52%).
• Chemoprophylaxis completion rates were low (39% overall), with significant variation by origin (Africans 49%, Eastern Europeans 20%).
• Over half (56%) of patients abandoned treatment within three months; 18 cases of active TB were diagnosed.

Conclusions:

• Immigrant populations in Barcelona exhibit a high prevalence of tuberculous infection and active disease.
• Adherence to antituberculin chemoprophylaxis is low and treatment is frequently discontinued prematurely.
• Prevention and control programs require tailored strategies considering geographic origin and adherence challenges.