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Vasiliu A, Martinez L, Gupta RK, Hamada Y, Ness T, Kay A, Bonnet M, Sester M, Kaufmann SHE, Lange C, Mandalakas AM. Tuberculosis prevention: current strategies and future directions. Clin Microbiol Infect 2024; 30:1123-1130. [PMID: 37918510 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2023.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An estimated one fourth of the world's population is infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and 5-10% of those infected develop tuberculosis in their lifetime. Preventing tuberculosis is one of the most underutilized but essential components of curtailing the tuberculosis epidemic. Moreover, current evidence illustrates that tuberculosis manifestations occur along a dynamic spectrum from infection to disease rather than a binary state as historically conceptualized. Elucidating determinants of transition between these states is crucial to decreasing the tuberculosis burden and reaching the END-TB Strategy goals as defined by the WHO. Vaccination, detection of infection, and provision of preventive treatment are key elements of tuberculosis prevention. OBJECTIVES This review provides a comprehensive summary of recent evidence and state-of-the-art updates on advancements to prevent tuberculosis in various settings and high-risk populations. SOURCES We identified relevant studies in the literature and synthesized the findings to provide an overview of the current state of tuberculosis prevention strategies and latest research developments. CONTENT We present the current knowledge and recommendations regarding tuberculosis prevention, with a focus on M. bovis Bacille-Calmette-Guérin vaccination and novel vaccine candidates, tests for latent infection with M. tuberculosis, regimens available for tuberculosis preventive treatment and recommendations in low- and high-burden settings. IMPLICATIONS Effective tuberculosis prevention worldwide requires a multipronged approach that addresses social determinants, and improves access to tuberculosis detection and to new short tuberculosis preventive treatment regimens. Robust collaboration and innovative research are needed to reduce the global burden of tuberculosis and develop new detection tools, vaccines, and preventive treatments that serve all populations and ages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anca Vasiliu
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Global TB Program, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Leonardo Martinez
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rishi K Gupta
- Institute of Health Informatics, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yohhei Hamada
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tara Ness
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Global TB Program, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Alexander Kay
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Global TB Program, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Maryline Bonnet
- University of Montpellier, TransVIHMI, IRD, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Martina Sester
- Department of Transplant and Infection Immunology, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Stefan H E Kaufmann
- Department of Immunology, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany; Systems Immunology (Emeritus Group), Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany; Hagler Institute for Advanced Study, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Christoph Lange
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Global TB Program, Houston, TX, USA; Division of Clinical Infectious Diseases, Research Center Borstel, Borstel, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Borstel, Germany; Respiratory Medicine and International Health, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Anna M Mandalakas
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Global TB Program, Houston, TX, USA; Division of Clinical Infectious Diseases, Research Center Borstel, Borstel, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Borstel, Germany
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2
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Arvidsson Å, Lafta G, Sönnerbrandt M, Sundelin K, Paues J. The cascade of care for pregnant women with latent tuberculosis infection in a high-income country. Infect Dis (Lond) 2023; 55:635-645. [PMID: 37389825 DOI: 10.1080/23744235.2023.2228406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pregnant women have an increased risk of developing active tuberculosis (TB). The Public Health Agency of Sweden recommends screening of active TB and latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) among pregnant women from countries with high TB incidence at Maternal Health Care (MHC) clinics. In Östergötland County, Sweden, a screening program has been active since 2013. The aim of this study was to evaluate this screening program and the cascade of care for LTBI among pregnant women in Östergötland county. METHODS Data were obtained from pregnant women screened for TB at MHC clinics and subsequently referred to the pulmonary medicine clinic or the clinic of infectious diseases in Östergötland County between 2013 and 2018. The Public Health Agency of Sweden's national database for active TB was used to analyse if any women developed active TB up to two years after the screening process. RESULTS A total of 439 women were included. Nine cases of active TB were discovered during the screening process and two developed active TB afterward. 177 women were recommended LTBI treatment and variables significantly associated with a decreased likelihood of being recommended treatment were increasing age, time in Sweden, and parity. 137 women received and 112 (82%) completed treatment. 14 women discontinued treatment due to adverse effects. CONCLUSION Screening of pregnant women from countries with high TB incidence at MHC clinics led to the discovery of several cases of active TB. The completion rate of LTBI treatment was high and few discontinued due to adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Åsa Arvidsson
- Division of Inflammation and Infection, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Gihan Lafta
- Division of Inflammation and Infection, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | | | - Karin Sundelin
- Department for Infectious Diseases, Region Östergötland, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Jakob Paues
- Division of Inflammation and Infection, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Department for Infectious Diseases, Region Östergötland, Linköping, Sweden
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3
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Campbell JR, Schwartzman K. Invited Commentary: The Role of Tuberculosis Screening Among Migrants to Low-Incidence Settings in (Not) Achieving Elimination. Am J Epidemiol 2022; 191:271-274. [PMID: 34216207 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwab193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The cost-effectiveness of migrant tuberculosis prevention programs is highly relevant to many countries with low tuberculosis incidence as they attempt to eliminate the disease. Dale et al. (Am J Epidemiol. 2022;191(2):255-270) evaluated strategies for tuberculosis infection screening and treatment among new migrants to Australia. Screening for infection before migration, and then administering preventive treatment after arrival, was more cost-effective than performing both screening and treatment after arrival. From the Australian health payer perspective, the improved cost-effectiveness of premigration screening partly reflected the shift of screening costs to migrants, which may raise ethical concerns. Key sensitivity analyses highlighted the influence of health disutility associated with tuberculosis preventive treatment, and of posttreatment sequelae of tuberculosis disease. Both considerations warrant greater attention in future research. For all strategies, the impact on tuberculosis incidence among migrants was modest (<15%), suggesting enhanced migrant screening will not achieve tuberculosis elimination in low-incidence settings. This emphasizes the need to increase investment and effort in global tuberculosis prevention and care, which will ultimately reduce the prevalence of tuberculosis infection and therefore the risk of tuberculosis disease among migrants. Such efforts will benefit high and low tuberculosis incidence countries alike, and advance all countries further toward tuberculosis elimination.
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Wahedi K, Biddle L, Bozorgmehr K. Cost-effectiveness of targeted screening for active pulmonary tuberculosis among asylum-seekers: A modelling study with screening data from a German federal state (2002-2015). PLoS One 2020; 15:e0241852. [PMID: 33151980 PMCID: PMC7644037 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0241852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Screening asylum-seekers for active pulmonary tuberculosis is common practice among many European countries with low incidence of tuberculosis. The reported yields vary substantially, partly due to the heterogeneous and dynamic nature of asylum-seeking populations. Rather than screening all new arrivals (indiscriminate screening), a few countries apply targeted screening based on incidence of tuberculosis in asylum-seekers' country of origin. However, evaluations of its cost-effectiveness have been scarce. The aim of this modelling study was to assess whether the introduction of a screening threshold based on the tuberculosis incidence in the country of origin is sensible from an economic perspective. To this end, we compare the current, indiscriminate screening policy for pulmonary tuberculosis in Germany with a hypothetical targeted screening programme using several potential screening thresholds based on WHO-reported incidence of tuberculosis in countries of origin. Screening data is taken from a large German federal state over 14 years (2002-2015). Incremental cost-effectiveness is measured as cost per case found and cost per case prevented. Our analysis shows that incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) of screening asylum-seekers from countries with an incidence of 50 to 250/100,000 range between 15,000€ and 17,000€ per additional case found when compared to lower thresholds. The ICER for screening asylum-seekers from countries with an incidence <50/100,000 is 112,000€ per additional case found. Costs per case prevented show a similar increase in costs. The high cost per case found and per case prevented at the <50/100,000 threshold scenario suggests this threshold to be a sensible cut-off for targeted screening. Acknowledging that no screening measure can find all cases of tuberculosis, and that reactivation of latent infections makes up a large proportion of foreign-born cases, targeting asylum-seekers from countries with an incidence above 50/100,000 is likely to be a more reasonable screening measure for the prevention and control of tuberculosis than indiscriminate screening measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Wahedi
- Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Louise Biddle
- Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kayvan Bozorgmehr
- Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Population Medicine and Health Services Research, School of Public Health, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
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5
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Campbell JR, Johnston JC, Cook VJ, Sadatsafavi M, Elwood RK, Marra F. Cost-effectiveness of Latent Tuberculosis Infection Screening before Immigration to Low-Incidence Countries. Emerg Infect Dis 2019; 25:661-671. [PMID: 30882302 PMCID: PMC6433018 DOI: 10.3201/eid2504.171630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Prospective migrants to countries where the incidence of tuberculosis (TB) is low (low-incidence countries) receive TB screening; however, screening for latent TB infection (LTBI) before immigration is rare. We evaluated the cost-effectiveness of mandated and sponsored preimmigration LTBI screening for migrants to low-incidence countries. We used discrete event simulation to model preimmigration LTBI screening coupled with postarrival follow-up and treatment for those who test positive. Preimmigration interferon-gamma release assay screening and postarrival rifampin treatment was preferred in deterministic analysis. We calculated cost per quality-adjusted life-year gained for migrants from countries with different TB incidences. Our analysis provides evidence of the cost-effectiveness of preimmigration LTBI screening for migrants to low-incidence countries. Coupled with research on sustainability, acceptability, and program implementation, these results can inform policy decisions.
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6
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Greenaway C, Pareek M, Abou Chakra CN, Walji M, Makarenko I, Alabdulkarim B, Hogan C, McConnell T, Scarfo B, Christensen R, Tran A, Rowbotham N, Noori T, van der Werf MJ, Pottie K, Matteelli A, Zenner D, Morton RL. The effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of screening for active tuberculosis among migrants in the EU/EEA: a systematic review. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 23. [PMID: 29637888 PMCID: PMC5894252 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2018.23.14.17-00542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
: The foreign-born population make up an increasing and large proportion of tuberculosis (TB) cases in European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA) low-incidence countries and challenge TB elimination efforts. Methods: We conducted a systematic review to determine effectiveness (yield and performance of chest radiography (CXR) to detect active TB, treatment outcomes and acceptance of screening) and a second systematic review on cost-effectiveness of screening for active TB among migrants living in the EU/EEA. Results: We identified six systematic reviews, one report and three individual studies that addressed our aims. CXR was highly sensitive (98%) but only moderately specific (75%). The yield of detecting active TB with CXR screening among migrants was 350 per 100,000 population overall but ranged widely by host country (110–2,340), migrant type (170–1,192), TB incidence in source country (19–336) and screening setting (220–1,720). The CXR yield was lower (19.6 vs 336/100,000) and the numbers needed to screen were higher (5,076 vs 298) among migrants from source countries with lower TB incidence (≤ 50 compared with ≥ 350/100,000). Cost-effectiveness was highest among migrants originating from high (> 120/100,000) TB incidence countries. The foreign-born had similar or better TB treatment outcomes than those born in the EU/EEA. Acceptance of CXR screening was high (85%) among migrants. Discussion: Screening programmes for active TB are most efficient when targeting migrants from higher TB incidence countries. The limited number of studies identified and the heterogeneous evidence highlight the need for further data to inform screening programmes for migrants in the EU/EEA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Greenaway
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology of the Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Canada.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Manish Pareek
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Claire-Nour Abou Chakra
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Université de Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Moneeza Walji
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology of the Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Canada
| | - Iuliia Makarenko
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology of the Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Canada
| | - Balqis Alabdulkarim
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology of the Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Canada
| | - Catherine Hogan
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology of the Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Canada.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Ted McConnell
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology of the Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Canada
| | - Brittany Scarfo
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology of the Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Canada
| | - Robin Christensen
- Musculoskeletal Statistics Unit, The Parker Institute, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anh Tran
- National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Nick Rowbotham
- National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Teymur Noori
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Kevin Pottie
- C.T. Lamont Primary Health Care Research Centre, Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alberto Matteelli
- Clinic of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University of Brescia and Brescia Spedali Civili General Hospital, World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for TB/HIV and TB Elimination, Brescia, Italy
| | - Dominik Zenner
- Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,Respiratory Diseases Department, Centre for Infectious Disease Surveillance and Control (CIDSC), Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rachael L Morton
- National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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7
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Greenaway C, Pareek M, Abou Chakra CN, Walji M, Makarenko I, Alabdulkarim B, Hogan C, McConnell T, Scarfo B, Christensen R, Tran A, Rowbotham N, van der Werf MJ, Noori T, Pottie K, Matteelli A, Zenner D, Morton RL. The effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of screening for latent tuberculosis among migrants in the EU/EEA: a systematic review. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 23. [PMID: 29637889 PMCID: PMC5894253 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2018.23.14.17-00543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Migrants account for a large and growing proportion of tuberculosis (TB) cases in low-incidence countries in the European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA) which are primarily due to reactivation of latent TB infection (LTBI). Addressing LTBI among migrants will be critical to achieve TB elimination. Methods: We conducted a systematic review to determine effectiveness (performance of diagnostic tests, efficacy of treatment, uptake and completion of screening and treatment) and a second systematic review on cost-effectiveness of LTBI screening programmes for migrants living in the EU/EEA. Results: We identified seven systematic reviews and 16 individual studies that addressed our aims. Tuberculin skin tests and interferon gamma release assays had high sensitivity (79%) but when positive, both tests poorly predicted the development of active TB (incidence rate ratio: 2.07 and 2.40, respectively). Different LTBI treatment regimens had low to moderate efficacy but were equivalent in preventing active TB. Rifampicin-based regimens may be preferred because of lower hepatotoxicity (risk ratio = 0.15) and higher completion rates (82% vs 69%) compared with isoniazid. Only 14.3% of migrants eligible for screening completed treatment because of losses along all steps of the LTBI care cascade. Limited economic analyses suggest that the most cost-effective approach may be targeting young migrants from high TB incidence countries. Discussion: The effectiveness of LTBI programmes is limited by the large pool of migrants with LTBI, poorly predictive tests, long treatments and a weak care cascade. Targeted LTBI programmes that ensure high screening uptake and treatment completion will have greatest individual and public health benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Greenaway
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology of the Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Canada.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Manish Pareek
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | | | - Moneeza Walji
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology of the Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Canada
| | - Iuliia Makarenko
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology of the Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Canada
| | - Balqis Alabdulkarim
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology of the Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Canada
| | - Catherine Hogan
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology of the Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Canada.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Ted McConnell
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology of the Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Canada
| | - Brittany Scarfo
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology of the Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Canada
| | - Robin Christensen
- Department of Rheumatology, Odense University Hospital, Denmark.,Musculoskeletal Statistics Unit, The Parker Institute, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anh Tran
- National Health and Medical Research Council, NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Nick Rowbotham
- National Health and Medical Research Council, NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Teymur Noori
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kevin Pottie
- Bruyere Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alberto Matteelli
- Clinic of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University of Brescia and Brescia Spedali Civili General Hospital, World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for TB/HIV and TB Elimination, Brescia, Italy
| | - Dominik Zenner
- Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,Respiratory Diseases Department, Centre for Infectious Disease Surveillance and Control (CIDSC), Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rachael L Morton
- National Health and Medical Research Council, NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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8
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Bua A, Cubeddu M, Piras D, Delogu R, Zanetti S, Molicotti P. Tuberculosis screening among asylum seekers in Sardinia. J Public Health (Oxf) 2018; 38:760-764. [PMID: 28158527 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdv215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- A Bua
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sassari, Sassari 07100, Italy
| | - M Cubeddu
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sassari, Sassari 07100, Italy
| | - D Piras
- Public Health of Sassari, Azienda Sanitaria Locale, Sassari 07100, Italy
| | - R Delogu
- Public Health of Sassari, Azienda Sanitaria Locale, Sassari 07100, Italy
| | - S Zanetti
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sassari, Sassari 07100, Italy
| | - P Molicotti
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sassari, Sassari 07100, Italy
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9
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Kaushik N, Lowbridge C, Scandurra G, Dobler CC. Post-migration follow-up programme for migrants at increased risk of developing tuberculosis: a cohort study. ERJ Open Res 2018; 4:00008-2018. [PMID: 30018973 PMCID: PMC6043723 DOI: 10.1183/23120541.00008-2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2018] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Following pre-migration screening for tuberculosis (TB), migrants who are deemed to be at a high risk of developing TB must attend post-entry follow-up in Australia. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of post-migration TB follow-up in the state of New South Wales to diagnose TB in these high-risk migrants. In this retrospective cohort study, we assessed the risk of TB in migrants who arrived in New South Wales between 2000 and 2015 and were referred for post-migration follow-up. Clinical notes were examined for a nested cohort to determine whether TB was diagnosed via the follow-up programme or via passive case finding. Of the 32 550 migrants referred for follow-up, 428 (1.3%) developed TB. The incidence of TB was 436 per 100 000 person-years (95% CI 384-491 per 100 000 person-years) in the first 2 years after arrival and 128 per 100 000 person-years (95% CI 116-140 per 100 000 person-years) over the mean study observation period of 10.3 years. An estimated 63% of cases were diagnosed via follow-up. TB notifications occurred 0.55 years earlier since time of arrival in Australia in migrants who attended follow-up than in those who did not. Post-migration follow-up detected 63% of TB cases in high-risk migrants and potentially prevented delay of TB diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nishta Kaushik
- South Western Sydney Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,Dept of Respiratory Medicine, Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Gabriella Scandurra
- Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Claudia C Dobler
- South Western Sydney Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,Dept of Respiratory Medicine, Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, Australia.,Evidence-Based Practice Center, Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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10
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Heffernan C, Doroshenko A, Egedahl ML, Barrie J, Senthilselvan A, Long R. Predicting pulmonary tuberculosis in immigrants: a retrospective cohort study. ERJ Open Res 2018; 4:00170-2017. [PMID: 29692996 PMCID: PMC5909047 DOI: 10.1183/23120541.00170-2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 02/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Our objective was to investigate whether pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) can be predicted from features of a targeted medical history and basic laboratory investigations in immigrants. A retrospective cohort of 391 foreign-born adults referred to the Edmonton Tuberculosis Clinic (Edmonton, AB, Canada) was studied using multiple logistic regression analysis to predict PTB. Seven characteristics of disease were used as explanatory variables. Cross-validation assessed performance. Each predictor was tested on two outcomes: “culture-positive” and “smear-positive”. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was quantified. Symptoms, subacute duration of symptoms, risk factors for reactivation of latent TB infection and anaemia were all associated with a positive culture (adjusted OR 1.79, 2.24, 1.72 and 2.28, respectively; p<0.05). Symptoms, inappropriate prescription of broad-spectrum antibiotics and a “typical” chest radiograph were associated with smear-positive PTB (adjusted OR 2.91, 1.55 and 12.34, respectively; p<0.05). ROC curve analysis was used to test each model, yielding AUC=0.91 for the outcome “culture-positive” disease and AUC=0.94 for the outcome “smear-positive” disease. PTB among the foreign-born can be predicted from a targeted medical history and basic laboratory investigations, raising the threshold of suspicion in settings where the disease is relatively rare. In high-income, low tuberculosis incidence countries, certain clinical characteristics should raise the threshold of suspicion to confirm a timely diagnosishttp://ow.ly/bRDZ30iPurz
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney Heffernan
- Tuberculosis Program Evaluation and Research Unit, Dept of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Alexander Doroshenko
- Tuberculosis Program Evaluation and Research Unit, Dept of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Division of Preventive Medicine, Dept of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Mary Lou Egedahl
- Tuberculosis Program Evaluation and Research Unit, Dept of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - James Barrie
- Dept of Radiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | - Richard Long
- Tuberculosis Program Evaluation and Research Unit, Dept of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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11
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Heuvelings CC, de Vries SG, Greve PF, Visser BJ, Bélard S, Janssen S, Cremers AL, Spijker R, Shaw B, Hill RA, Zumla A, Sandgren A, van der Werf MJ, Grobusch MP. Effectiveness of interventions for diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis in hard-to-reach populations in countries of low and medium tuberculosis incidence: a systematic review. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2017; 17:e144-e158. [PMID: 28291722 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(16)30532-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2016] [Revised: 10/11/2016] [Accepted: 11/03/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Tuberculosis is over-represented in hard-to-reach (underserved) populations in high-income countries of low tuberculosis incidence. The mainstay of tuberculosis care is early detection of active tuberculosis (case finding), contact tracing, and treatment completion. We did a systematic review with a scoping component of relevant studies published between 1990 and 2015 to update and extend previous National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) reviews on the effectiveness of interventions for identifying and managing tuberculosis in hard-to-reach populations. The analyses showed that tuberculosis screening by (mobile) chest radiography improved screening coverage and tuberculosis identification, reduced diagnostic delay, and was cost-effective among several hard-to-reach populations. Sputum culture for pre-migration screening and active referral to a tuberculosis clinic improved identification. Furthermore, monetary incentives improved tuberculosis identification and management among drug users and homeless people. Enhanced case management, good cooperation between services, and directly observed therapy improved treatment outcome and compliance. Strong conclusions cannot be drawn because of the heterogeneity of evidence with regard to study population, methodology, and quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte C Heuvelings
- Center of Tropical Medicine and Travel Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Division of Internal Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sophia G de Vries
- Center of Tropical Medicine and Travel Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Division of Internal Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Patrick F Greve
- Center of Tropical Medicine and Travel Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Division of Internal Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Benjamin J Visser
- Center of Tropical Medicine and Travel Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Division of Internal Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sabine Bélard
- Center of Tropical Medicine and Travel Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Division of Internal Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Saskia Janssen
- Center of Tropical Medicine and Travel Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Division of Internal Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Anne L Cremers
- Center of Tropical Medicine and Travel Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Division of Internal Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - René Spijker
- Medical Library, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Cochrane Netherlands, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Beth Shaw
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, Piccadilly Plaza, Manchester, UK
| | - Ruaraidh A Hill
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, Piccadilly Plaza, Manchester, UK; Health Services Research, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Alimuddin Zumla
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK; National Institute for Health Research University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Andreas Sandgren
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Solna, Sweden
| | | | - Martin P Grobusch
- Center of Tropical Medicine and Travel Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Division of Internal Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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12
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Heuvelings CC, de Vries SG, Grobusch MP. Tackling TB in low-incidence countries: improving diagnosis and management in vulnerable populations. Int J Infect Dis 2017; 56:77-80. [PMID: 28062228 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2016.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2016] [Revised: 12/22/2016] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In low tuberculosis incidence regions, tuberculosis is mainly concentrated among hard-to-reach populations like migrants, homeless people, drug or alcohol abusers, prisoners and people living with HIV. To be able to eliminate tuberculosis from these low incidence regions tuberculosis screening and treatment programs should focus on these hard-to-reach populations. Here we discuss the barriers and facilitators of health care-seeking, interventions improving tuberculosis screening uptake and interventions improving treatment adherence in these hard-to-reach populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- C C Heuvelings
- Center of Tropical Medicine and Travel Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Division of Internal Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - S G de Vries
- Center of Tropical Medicine and Travel Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Division of Internal Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - M P Grobusch
- Center of Tropical Medicine and Travel Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Division of Internal Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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13
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Pareek M, Greenaway C, Noori T, Munoz J, Zenner D. The impact of migration on tuberculosis epidemiology and control in high-income countries: a review. BMC Med 2016; 14:48. [PMID: 27004556 PMCID: PMC4804514 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-016-0595-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2016] [Accepted: 03/08/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) causes significant morbidity and mortality in high-income countries with foreign-born individuals bearing a disproportionate burden of the overall TB case burden in these countries. In this review of tuberculosis and migration we discuss the impact of migration on the epidemiology of TB in low burden countries, describe the various screening strategies to address this issue, review the yield and cost-effectiveness of these programs and describe the gaps in knowledge as well as possible future solutions.The reasons for the TB burden in the migrant population are likely to be the reactivation of remotely-acquired latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) following migration from low/intermediate-income high TB burden settings to high-income, low TB burden countries.TB control in high-income countries has historically focused on the early identification and treatment of active TB with accompanying contact-tracing. In the face of the TB case-load in migrant populations, however, there is ongoing discussion about how best to identify TB in migrant populations. In general, countries have generally focused on two methods: identification of active TB (either at/post-arrival or increasingly pre-arrival in countries of origin) and secondly, conditionally supported by WHO guidance, through identifying LTBI in migrants from high TB burden countries. Although health-economic analyses have shown that TB control in high income settings would benefit from providing targeted LTBI screening and treatment to certain migrants from high TB burden countries, implementation issues and barriers such as sub-optimal treatment completion will need to be addressed to ensure program efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Pareek
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK. .,Department of Infection and HIV Medicine, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK.
| | - Christina Greenaway
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Teymur Noori
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Solna, Sweden
| | - Jose Munoz
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Dominik Zenner
- Centre for Infectious Disease Surveillance and Control, Public Health England, London, UK.,Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, University College London, London, UK
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14
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Akkerman OW, de Lange WCM, Schölvinck EH, Wolters B, Aartsma Y, van der Werf TS, van Hest R. Implementing tuberculosis entry screening for asylum seekers: the Groningen experience. Eur Respir J 2016; 48:261-4. [PMID: 27009172 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.00112-2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2016] [Accepted: 02/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Onno W Akkerman
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Tuberculosis Center Beatrixoord, Haren, The Netherlands University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Dept of Pulmonary Diseases and Tuberculosis, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Wiel C M de Lange
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Tuberculosis Center Beatrixoord, Haren, The Netherlands University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Dept of Pulmonary Diseases and Tuberculosis, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Elisabeth H Schölvinck
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Dept of Pediatrics, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Bert Wolters
- Regional Public Health Service Groningen, Dept of Tuberculosis Control, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Yvonne Aartsma
- Regional Public Health Service Groningen, Dept of Tuberculosis Control, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Tjip S van der Werf
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Dept of Pulmonary Diseases and Tuberculosis, Groningen, The Netherlands University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Dept of Internal Medicine, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Rob van Hest
- Regional Public Health Service Groningen, Dept of Tuberculosis Control, Groningen, The Netherlands Regional Public Health Service Rotterdam-Rijnmond, Dept of Tuberculosis Control, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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15
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Woodland L, Kang M, Elliot C, Perry A, Eagar S, Zwi K. Evaluation of a school screening programme for young people from refugee backgrounds. J Paediatr Child Health 2016; 52:72-9. [PMID: 26416315 DOI: 10.1111/jpc.12989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIM To describe the development of the Optimising Health and Learning Program, guided by the only available published framework for the delivery of health services to newly arrived refugee children and report on the evaluation of the programme. METHODS We conducted process and impact evaluation using a mixed methods approach. The sample was 294 refugee young people enrolled in two Intensive English Centres in New South Wales. We collected quantitative data (demographic and clinical information) as well as qualitative data via focus groups, key informant interviews, surveys and programme documentation. Qualitative data were subjected to thematic analysis; programme documents underwent document review. RESULTS There were high levels of programme participation (90%), and the yield from routine health screening was high (80% of participants screened positive for two or more health conditions). All identified programme development strategies were implemented; programme partners and participants reported satisfaction with the programme. Sixteen programme partners were identified with a high level of intersectoral collaboration reported. Significant in-kind contributions and seed funding enabled the uptake of the programme to increase from one to five Intensive English Centres over a 4-year period. CONCLUSION Process and impact evaluation identified that the programme was well implemented and met its stated objectives of increasing the detection of health conditions likely to impact on student health and learning; linkage of newly arrived students and their families with primary health care; and coordination of care across primary health and specialist services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Woodland
- Multicultural Health Service, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Melissa Kang
- General Practice, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Christopher Elliot
- Community Child Health, Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Astrid Perry
- Multicultural Health Service, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sandy Eagar
- New South Wales Refugee Health Service, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Karen Zwi
- Community Child Health, Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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16
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Aiona K, Lowenthal P, Painter JA, Reves R, Flood J, Parker M, Fu Y, Wall K, Walter ND. Transnational Record Linkage for Tuberculosis Surveillance and Program Evaluation. Public Health Rep 2015; 130:475-84. [PMID: 26327726 DOI: 10.1177/003335491513000511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Pre-immigration tuberculosis (TB) screening, followed by post-arrival rescreening during the first year, is critical to reducing TB among foreign-born people in the United States. However, existing U.S. public health surveillance is inadequate to monitor TB among immigrants during subsequent years. We developed and tested a novel method for ascertaining post-U.S.-arrival TB outcomes among high-TB-risk immigrant cohorts to improve surveillance. METHODS We used a probabilistic record linkage program to link pre-immigration screening records from U.S.-bound immigrants from the Philippines (n=422,593) and Vietnam (n=214,401) with the California TB registry during 2000-2010. We estimated sensitivity using Monte Carlo simulations to account for uncertainty in key inputs. Specificity was evaluated by using a time-stratified approach, which defined false-positives as TB records linked to pre-immigration screening records dated after the person had arrived in the United States. RESULTS TB was reported in 4,382 and 2,830 people born in the Philippines and Vietnam, respectively, in California during the study period. Of these TB cases, records for 973 and 452 cases of people born in the Philippines and Vietnam, respectively, were linked to pre-immigration screening records. Sensitivity and specificity of linkage were 89% (90% credible interval [CrI] 83, 97) and 100%, respectively, for the Philippines, and 90% (90% CrI 83, 98) and 99.9%, respectively, for Vietnam. CONCLUSION Electronic linkage of pre-immigration screening records to a domestic TB registry was feasible, sensitive, and highly specific in two high-priority immigrant cohorts. Transnational record linkage can be used for program evaluation and routine monitoring of post-U.S.-arrival TB risk among immigrants, but requires interagency data sharing and collaboration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaylynn Aiona
- Denver Public Health Department, Denver Metro Tuberculosis Control Program, Denver, CO
| | - Phillip Lowenthal
- California Department of Public Health, Center for Infectious Diseases, Division of Communicable Disease Control, Tuberculosis Control Branch, Richmond, CA
| | - John A Painter
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, Immigrant, Refugee, and Migrant Health Branch, Atlanta, GA
| | - Randall Reves
- Denver Public Health Department, Denver Metro Tuberculosis Control Program, Denver, CO
| | - Jennifer Flood
- California Department of Public Health, Center for Infectious Diseases, Division of Communicable Disease Control, Tuberculosis Control Branch, Richmond, CA
| | - Matthew Parker
- Denver Public Health Department, Denver Metro Tuberculosis Control Program, Denver, CO
| | - Yunxin Fu
- University of Texas Health Science Center, School of Public Health, Human Genetics Center and Division of Biostatistics, Houston, TX
| | - Kirsten Wall
- Denver Public Health Department, Denver Metro Tuberculosis Control Program, Denver, CO
| | - Nicholas D Walter
- Denver Public Health Department, Denver Metro Tuberculosis Control Program, Denver, CO ; University of Colorado Denver, Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, Aurora, CO
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17
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Diel R, Lampenius N, Nienhaus A. Cost Effectiveness of Preventive Treatment for Tuberculosis in Special High-Risk Populations. PHARMACOECONOMICS 2015; 33:783-809. [PMID: 25774015 DOI: 10.1007/s40273-015-0267-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In view of the goal of eliminating tuberculosis (TB) by 2050, economic evaluations of interventions against the development of TB are increasingly requested. Little research has been published on the incremental cost effectiveness of preventative therapy (PT) in groups at high risk for progression from latent TB infection (LTBI) with Mycobacterium TB (MTB) to active disease. A systematic review of studies with a primary focus on model-driving inputs and methodological differences was conducted. METHODS A search of MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library and EMBASE to July 2014 was undertaken, and reference lists of eligible articles and relevant reviews were examined. RESULTS A total of 876 citations were retrieved, with a total of 24 studies being eligible for inclusion, addressing six high-risk groups other than contact persons. Results varied considerably between studies and countries, and also over time. Although the selected studies generally demonstrated cost effectiveness for PT in HIV-infected subjects and healthcare workers (HCWs), the outcome of these analyses can be questioned in light of recent epidemiologic data. For immigrants from high TB-burden countries, patients with end-stage renal disease, and the immunosuppressed, now defined as further vulnerable groups, no consistent recommendation can be taken from the literature with respect to cost effectiveness of screening and treating LTBI. When the concept of a fixed willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold as a prerequisite for final categorization was used, the sums ranged between 'no specification' and US$100,000 per quality-adjusted life-year. CONCLUSIONS To date, incremental cost-effectiveness analyses on PT in groups at high risk for TB progression, other than contacts, are surprisingly scarce. The variation found between studies likely reflects variations in the major epidemiologic factors, particularly in the estimates on the accuracy of the tuberculin skin test (TST) and interferon-gamma release assays (IGRA) as screening methods used before considering PT. Further research, including explicit evaluation of local epidemiological conditions, test accuracy, and methodology of WTP thresholds, is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland Diel
- Institute for Epidemiology, University Medical Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (Member of the German Center for Lung Research [ARCN]), Niemannsweg 11, 24015, Kiel, Germany,
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18
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Wingate LT, Coleman MS, Posey DL, Zhou W, Olson CK, Maskery B, Cetron MS, Painter JA. Cost-Effectiveness of Screening and Treating Foreign-Born Students for Tuberculosis before Entering the United States. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0124116. [PMID: 25924009 PMCID: PMC4414530 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0124116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2014] [Accepted: 03/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is considering implementation of overseas medical screening of student-visa applicants to reduce the numbers of active tuberculosis cases entering the United States. Objective To evaluate the costs, cases averted, and cost-effectiveness of screening for, and treating, tuberculosis in United States-bound students from countries with varying tuberculosis prevalence. Methods Costs and benefits were evaluated from two perspectives, combined and United States only. The combined perspective totaled overseas and United States costs and benefits from a societal perspective. The United States only perspective was a domestic measure of costs and benefits. A decision tree was developed to determine the cost-effectiveness of tuberculosis screening and treatment from the combined perspective. Results From the United States only perspective, overseas screening programs of Chinese and Indian students would prevent the importation of 157 tuberculosis cases annually, and result in $2.7 million in savings. From the combined perspective, screening programs for Chinese students would cost more than $2.8 million annually and screening programs for Indian students nearly $440,000 annually. From the combined perspective, the incremental cost for each tuberculosis case averted by screening Chinese and Indian students was $22,187 and $15,063, respectively. Implementing screening programs for German students would prevent no cases in most years, and would result in increased costs both overseas and in the United States. The domestic costs would occur because public health departments would need to follow up on students identified overseas as having an elevated risk of tuberculosis. Conclusions Tuberculosis screening and treatment programs for students seeking long term visas to attend United States schools would reduce the number of tuberculosis cases imported. Implementing screening in high-incidence countries could save the United States millions of dollars annually; however there would be increased costs incurred overseas for students and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- La’Marcus T. Wingate
- Division of Global Migration and Quarantine; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Margaret S. Coleman
- Division of Global Migration and Quarantine; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Drew L. Posey
- Division of Global Migration and Quarantine; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Weigong Zhou
- Division of Global Migration and Quarantine; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Christine K. Olson
- Division of Global Migration and Quarantine; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Brian Maskery
- Division of Global Migration and Quarantine; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Martin S. Cetron
- Division of Global Migration and Quarantine; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - John A. Painter
- Division of Global Migration and Quarantine; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
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19
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Ang M, Nguyen HV, Kiew SY, Chen S, Chee SP, Finkelstein E. Cost-effectiveness of alternative strategies for interferon-γ release assays and tuberculin skin test in tuberculous uveitis. Br J Ophthalmol 2015; 99:984-9. [DOI: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2014-306285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2014] [Accepted: 12/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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20
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Walter ND, Painter J, Parker M, Lowenthal P, Flood J, Fu Y, Asis R, Reves R. Persistent latent tuberculosis reactivation risk in United States immigrants. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2014; 189:88-95. [PMID: 24308495 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.201308-1480oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Current guidelines limit latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) evaluation to persons in the United States less than or equal to 5 years based on the assumption that high TB rates among recent entrants are attributable to high LTBI reactivation risk, which declines over time. We hypothesized that high postarrival TB rates may instead be caused by imported active TB. OBJECTIVES Estimate reactivation and imported TB in an immigrant cohort. METHODS We linked preimmigration records from a cohort of California-bound Filipino immigrants during 2001-2010 with subsequent TB reports. TB was likely LTBI reactivation if the immigrant had no evidence of active TB at preimmigration examination, likely imported if preimmigration radiograph was abnormal and TB was reported less than or equal to 6 months after arrival, and likely reactivation of inactive TB if radiograph was abnormal but TB was reported more than 6 months after arrival. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Among 123,114 immigrants, 793 TB cases were reported. Within 1 year of preimmigration examination, 85% of TB was imported; 6 and 9% were reactivation of LTBI and inactive TB, respectively. Conversely, during Years 2-9 after U.S. entry, 76 and 24% were reactivation of LTBI and inactive TB, respectively. The rate of LTBI reactivation (32 per 100,000) did not decline during Years 1-9. CONCLUSIONS High postarrival TB rates were caused by detection of imported TB through active postarrival surveillance. Among immigrants without active TB at baseline, reported TB did not decline over 9 years, indicating sustained high risk of LTBI reactivation. Revised guidelines should support LTBI screening and treatment more than 5 years after U.S. arrival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas D Walter
- 1 Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado
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Abarca Tomás B, Pell C, Bueno Cavanillas A, Guillén Solvas J, Pool R, Roura M. Tuberculosis in migrant populations. A systematic review of the qualitative literature. PLoS One 2013; 8:e82440. [PMID: 24349284 PMCID: PMC3857814 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0082440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2013] [Accepted: 10/24/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The re-emergence of tuberculosis (TB) in low-incidence countries and its disproportionate burden on immigrants is a public health concern posing specific social and ethical challenges. This review explores perceptions, knowledge, attitudes and treatment adherence behaviour relating to TB and their social implications as reported in the qualitative literature. METHODS Systematic review in four electronic databases. Findings from thirty selected studies extracted, tabulated, compared and synthesized. FINDINGS TB was attributed to many non-exclusive causes including air-born transmission of bacteria, genetics, malnutrition, excessive work, irresponsible lifestyles, casual contact with infected persons or objects; and exposure to low temperatures, dirt, stress and witchcraft. Perceived as curable but potentially lethal and highly contagious, there was confusion around a condition surrounded by fears. A range of economic, legislative, cultural, social and health system barriers could delay treatment seeking. Fears of deportation and having contacts traced could prevent individuals from seeking medical assistance. Once on treatment, family support and "the personal touch" of health providers emerged as key factors facilitating adherence. The concept of latent infection was difficult to comprehend and while TB screening was often seen as a socially responsible act, it could be perceived as discriminatory. Immigration and the infectiousness of TB mutually reinforced each another exacerbating stigma. This was further aggravated by indirect costs such as losing a job, being evicted by a landlord or not being able to attend school. CONCLUSIONS Understanding immigrants' views of TB and the obstacles that they face when accessing the health system and adhering to a treatment programme-taking into consideration their previous experiences at countries of origin as well as the social, economic and legislative context in which they live at host countries- has an important role and should be considered in the design, evaluation and adaptation of programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Abarca Tomás
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Christopher Pell
- Centre for International Health Research (CRESIB), Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centre for Social Science and Global Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Aurora Bueno Cavanillas
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Service of Preventive Medicine, San Cecilio University Hospital, Granada, Spain
- Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Epidemiología y Salud Públic, (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - José Guillén Solvas
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Service of Preventive Medicine, San Cecilio University Hospital, Granada, Spain
- Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Epidemiología y Salud Públic, (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Robert Pool
- Centre for International Health Research (CRESIB), Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centre for Social Science and Global Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - María Roura
- Centre for International Health Research (CRESIB), Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Mor Z, Leventhal A, Diacon AH, Finger R, Schoch OD. Tuberculosis screening in immigrants from high-prevalence countries: interview first or chest radiograph first? A pro/con debate. Respirology 2013; 18:432-8. [PMID: 23336500 DOI: 10.1111/resp.12054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2012] [Accepted: 01/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Immigration from high tuberculosis (TB) prevalence countries has a substantial impact on the epidemiology of TB in receiving countries with low TB incidence. Cross-border migration offers an ideal opportunity for active case finding that will result in a lower caseload in the host country and a reduced spread of disease to both the indigenous and migrant populations. Screening strategies can start 'offshore', thereby indirectly assisting and empowering public health systems in the source countries, or be performed at ports of entry with or without long-term engagement of 'onshore' facilities and systems to provide either preventive therapy or surveillance for reactivation of latent TB. The chest radiograph seems to be playing a key role in this process, but questions remain regarding when, where and in whom radiographs are best done for optimal yield and cost-effectiveness, and with what other tests they might best be combined to further increase the usefulness of transborder TB control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zohar Mor
- Ramla Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Ramla, Israel
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23
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Steffen RE, Caetano R, Pinto M, Chaves D, Ferrari R, Bastos M, de Abreu ST, Menzies D, Trajman A. Cost-effectiveness of Quantiferon®-TB Gold-in-Tube versus tuberculin skin testing for contact screening and treatment of latent tuberculosis infection in Brazil. PLoS One 2013; 8:e59546. [PMID: 23593145 PMCID: PMC3617186 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0059546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2012] [Accepted: 02/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is a reservoir for new TB cases. Isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) reduces the risk of active TB by as much as 90%, but LTBI screening has limitations. Unlike tuberculin skin testing (TST), interferon-gamma release assays are not affected by BCG vaccination, and have been reported to be cost-effective in low-burden countries. The goal of this study was to perform a cost-effectiveness analysis from the health system perspective, comparing three strategies for LTBI diagnosis in TB contacts: tuberculin skin testing (TST), QuantiFERON®-TB Gold-in-Tube (QFT-GIT) and TST confirmed by QFT-GIT if positive (TST/QFT-GIT) in Brazil, a middle-income, high-burden country with universal BCG coverage. Methodology/Principal Findings Costs for LTBI diagnosis and treatment of a hypothetical cohort of 1,000 adult immunocompetent close contacts were considered. The effectiveness measure employed was the number of averted TB cases in two years. Health system costs were US$ 105,096 for TST, US$ 121,054 for QFT-GIT and US$ 101,948 for TST/QFT-GIT; these strategies averted 6.56, 6.63 and 4.59 TB cases, respectively. The most cost-effective strategy was TST (US$ 16,021/averted case). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was US$ 227,977/averted TB case for QFT-GIT. TST/QFT-GIT was dominated. Conclusions Unlike previous studies, TST was the most cost-effective strategy for averting new TB cases in the short term. QFT-GIT would be more cost-effective if its costs could be reduced to US$ 26.95, considering a TST specificity of 59% and US$ 18 considering a more realistic TST specificity of 80%. Nevertheless, with TST, 207.4 additional people per 1,000 will be prescribed IPT compared with QFT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Ewbank Steffen
- Internal Medicine Post-Graduation Program, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Mahomed H, Ehrlich R, Hawkridge T, Hatherill M, Geiter L, Kafaar F, Abrahams DA, Mulenga H, Tameris M, Geldenhuys H, Hanekom WA, Verver S, Hussey GD. Screening for TB in high school adolescents in a high burden setting in South Africa. Tuberculosis (Edinb) 2013; 93:357-62. [PMID: 23477938 DOI: 10.1016/j.tube.2013.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2012] [Revised: 01/24/2013] [Accepted: 02/04/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Screening for tuberculosis (TB) disease is important for TB control and TB vaccine efficacy trials but this has not been evaluated in adolescents. We conducted a study to determine the prevalence of active TB and performance of specific screening tests for TB in adolescents in a high burden setting. Adolescents aged 12-18 years were recruited from high schools in a rural town in South Africa. Participants were screened for active TB using symptoms, household TB contact, positive interferon gamma release assay (IGRA) and positive tuberculin skin test (TST). Of 6363 adolescents recruited, 21 were newly diagnosed with TB of whom 19 were culture positive. After exclusions, the derived prevalence of smear positive TB was 16/5682 = 3/1000 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1-4/1000). The sensitivity of TST and IGRA for active TB were 85% (95% CI 62-100%) and 94% (95% CI 79-100%) respectively. None of the methods alone or in combination had positive predictive values greater than 2%. The screening tools evaluated in this study may not be practical for routine use owing to low positive predictive values but may be useful in TB vaccine clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Mahomed
- South African Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
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Pooran A, Pieterson E, Davids M, Theron G, Dheda K. What is the cost of diagnosis and management of drug resistant tuberculosis in South Africa? PLoS One 2013; 8:e54587. [PMID: 23349933 PMCID: PMC3548831 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0054587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2012] [Accepted: 12/14/2012] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) is undermining TB control in South Africa. However, there are hardly any data about the cost of treating DR-TB in high burden settings despite such information being quintessential for the rational planning and allocation of resources by policy-makers, and to inform future cost-effectiveness analyses. METHODOLOGY We analysed the comparative 2011 United States dollar ($) cost of diagnosis and treatment of drug sensitive TB (DS-TB), MDR-TB and XDR-TB, based on National South African TB guidelines, from the perspective of the National TB Program using published clinical outcome data. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Assuming adherence to national DR-TB management guidelines, the per patient cost of XDR-TB was $26,392, four times greater than MDR-TB ($6772), and 103 times greater than drug-sensitive TB ($257). Despite DR-TB comprising only 2.2% of the case burden, it consumed ~32% of the total estimated 2011 national TB budget of US $218 million. 45% and 25% of the DR-TB costs were attributed to anti-TB drugs and hospitalization, respectively. XDR-TB consumed 28% of the total DR-TB diagnosis and treatment costs. Laboratory testing and anti-TB drugs comprised the majority (71%) of MDR-TB costs while hospitalization and anti-TB drug costs comprised the majority (92%) of XDR-TB costs. A decentralized XDR-TB treatment programme could potentially reduce costs by $6930 (26%) per case and reduce the total amount spent on DR-TB by ~7%. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE Although DR-TB forms a very small proportion of the total case burden it consumes a disproportionate and substantial amount of South Africa's total annual TB budget. These data inform rational resource allocation and selection of management strategies for DR-TB in high burden settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anil Pooran
- Lung Infection and Immunity Unit, Division of Pulmonology and UCT Lung Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Elize Pieterson
- Lung Infection and Immunity Unit, Division of Pulmonology and UCT Lung Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Malika Davids
- Lung Infection and Immunity Unit, Division of Pulmonology and UCT Lung Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Grant Theron
- Lung Infection and Immunity Unit, Division of Pulmonology and UCT Lung Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Keertan Dheda
- Lung Infection and Immunity Unit, Division of Pulmonology and UCT Lung Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Danno K, Komukai J, Yoshida H, Matsumoto K, Koda S, Terakawa K, Iso H. Influence of the 2009 financial crisis on detection of advanced pulmonary tuberculosis in Osaka city, Japan: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2013; 3:bmjopen-2012-001489. [PMID: 23558729 PMCID: PMC3641501 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2012-001489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the association between the economic recession and the detection of advanced cases of pulmonary tuberculosis in Osaka city from 2007 to 2009. DESIGN A repeated cross-sectional study. SETTING Osaka city has been the highest tuberculosis burden area in Japan. After the previous global financial crisis, the unemployment rate in Osaka prefecture has deteriorated from 5.3% in 2008 to 6.6% in 2009. PARTICIPANTS During the study period, 3406 pulmonary tuberculosis cases were enrolled: 2530 males and 876 females; 1546 elderly cases (65 years and above) and 1860 young cases (under 65 years); 417 homeless cases and 2989 non-homeless cases. OUTCOME MEASURES Patients' information included the sex, age, registry, health insurances, places of detection, sputum smear test results, patients' delay, doctors' delay and the grade of chest x-ray findings. They were statistically analysed between 2007 and 2008, two years before and just before the financial crisis, and between 2008 and 2009, just before and after the financial crisis. RESULTS The total numbers of pulmonary tuberculosis cases were 1172 in 2007, 1083 in 2008 and 1151 in 2009. In health examinations for non-homeless people, higher number of cases in 2009 were sputum smear positive, had respiratory symptoms and showed advanced disease in chest x-rays than those in 2008, with a longer patients' delay. On the contrary, in health examination for homeless people, fewer cases of advanced pulmonary tuberculosis were found in 2009 than in 2008, with a shorter patients' delay. In clinical examinations, there was no trend towards a difference between non-homeless and homeless people. CONCLUSIONS Although homeless people might be protected by public assistance, tuberculosis prevention and control need to be reinforced for the non-homeless population after the financial crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katsura Danno
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Osaka City Public Health Office, Osaka City, Japan
- Public Health, Department of Social and Environmental Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita City, Japan
| | - Jun Komukai
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Osaka City Public Health Office, Osaka City, Japan
| | - Hideki Yoshida
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Osaka City Public Health Office, Osaka City, Japan
| | - Kenji Matsumoto
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Osaka City Public Health Office, Osaka City, Japan
| | - Shinichi Koda
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Osaka City Public Health Office, Osaka City, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Terakawa
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Osaka City Public Health Office, Osaka City, Japan
| | - Hiroyasu Iso
- Public Health, Department of Social and Environmental Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita City, Japan
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del Campo MT, Fouad H, Solís-Bravo MM, Sánchez-Uriz MA, Mahíllo-Fernández I, Esteban J. Cost-effectiveness of different screening strategies (single or dual) for the diagnosis of tuberculosis infection in healthcare workers. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2012; 33:1226-34. [PMID: 23143360 DOI: 10.1086/668436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of a dual strategy of tuberculin skin test (TST) and QuantiFERON-TB Gold (QFT-G) for screening of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in healthcare workers (HCWs) and, as a secondary objective, to study relationships between TST results, QFT-G results, and sociodemographic factors. DESIGN Cross-sectional prospective study. SETTING University hospital in Madrid. PARTICIPANTS A total of 103 HCWs. METHODS QFT-G was requested for all positive TST results; QFT-G results were compared with TST results, and their relationships with sociodemographic factors were analyzed. A cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted for the dual strategy (TST/QFT-G) and for TST or QFT alone, taking into account the indication of and compliance with isoniazid, the risk of hepatotoxicity, and postexposure tuberculosis. RESULTS Of all HCWs studied, 42.3% showed a positive result by QFT-G, and 49.5% had received bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination; no significant association was detected between BCG and QFT-G results. Increased TST was linked to higher positive QFT-G values (TST of 5-9.9 mm, 27.6%; TST of 15 mm or more, 56.5%; P=.03). The probability of positive QFT-G results was 1.04 times higher for each year of age (odds ratio, 1.04 [95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.09]; P=.0257). The incremental cost per active TB case prevented was lower for TST/QFT-G than for the other strategies studied (€14,211 per 1,000 HCWs). The number of people treated for LTBI per case of active TB prevented (number needed to treat) for TST/QFT-G was lower than for TST alone (17.2 vs 95.3 and 88.7 with the 5- and 10-mm cutoff value, respectively) or QFT-G alone (69.6). CONCLUSIONS Dual strategy with TST/QFT-G is more cost-effective than TST or QFT-G alone for the diagnosis of LTBI in HCWs.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Teresa del Campo
- Department of Occupational Health and Prevention, Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
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Atif M, Sulaiman SAS, Shafie AA, Ali I, Asif M. Tracing contacts of TB patients in Malaysia: costs and practicality. SPRINGERPLUS 2012; 1:40. [PMID: 23961366 PMCID: PMC3725910 DOI: 10.1186/2193-1801-1-40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2012] [Accepted: 10/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Tuberculin skin testing (TST) and chest X-ray are the conventional methods used for tracing suspected tuberculosis (TB) patients. The purpose of the study was to calculate the cost incurred by Penang General Hospital on performing one contact tracing procedure using an activity based costing approach. Contact tracing records (including the demographic profile of contacts and outcome of the contact tracing procedure) from March 2010 until February 2011 were retrospectively obtained from the TB contact tracing record book. The human resource cost was calculated by multiplying the mean time spent (in minutes) by employees doing a specific activity by their per-minute salaries. The costs of consumables, Purified Protein Derivative vials and clinical equipment were obtained from the procurement section of the Pharmacy and Radiology Departments. The cost of the building was calculated by multiplying the area of space used by the facility with the unit cost of the public building department. Straight-line deprecation with a discount rate of 3% was assumed for the calculation of equivalent annual costs for the building and machines. Out of 1024 contact tracing procedures, TST was positive (≥10 mm) in 38 suspects. However, chemoprophylaxis was started in none. Yield of contact tracing (active tuberculosis) was as low as 0.5%. The total unit cost of chest X-ray and TST was MYR 9.23 (2.90 USD) & MYR 11.80 (USD 3.70), respectively. The total cost incurred on a single contact tracing procedure was MYR 21.03 (USD 6.60). Our findings suggest that the yield of contact tracing was very low which may be attributed to an inappropriate prioritization process. TST may be replaced with more accurate and specific methods (interferon gamma release assay) in highly prioritized contacts; or TST-positive contacts should be administered 6H therapy (provided that the chest radiography excludes TB) in accordance with standard protocols. The unit cost of contact tracing can be significantly reduced if radiological examination is done only in TST or IRGA positive contacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Atif
- Discipline of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
- Department of Pharmacy, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Syed Azhar Syed Sulaiman
- Discipline of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Asrul Akmal Shafie
- Discipline of Social and Administrative Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Irfhan Ali
- Respiratory Department, Penang General Hospital, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Asif
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
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Ghotbi N, Nishimura S, Takatsuka N. Japan's national tuberculosis control strategies with economic considerations. Environ Health Prev Med 2012; 10:213-8. [PMID: 21432142 DOI: 10.1007/bf02897713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2004] [Accepted: 05/02/2005] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
We made a bibliographic search for Japanese and non-Japanese literature on tuberculosis control programs to study the current public health policies for tuberculosis control in Japan especially in regard to cost-effectiveness. Then, we compared the Japanese, strategies for tuberculosis control with those in other countries including the United States, and those recommended by World Health Organization (WHO). The current trend of tuberculosis incidence in the Japanese community demonstrates major differences from the situation that had prompted installation of tuberculosis control measures several decades ago. The tuberculosis control measures should be targeted to the elderly people (over 65 years old) because of the following three aspects. (1) A continuing decline of tuberculosis in the young Japanese population, particularly children who might attain benefits from BCG immunization; (2) The enhancement of the prevalence among the elderly people who are not covered by a uniform national surveillance strategy; (3) Cost-ineffectiveness of Mass Miniature Radiography (MMR) being used as a means to screen for tuberculosis. The cost-effectiveness issue must be considered more seriously, and the WHO recommendations especially in regard with the DOTS (directly-observed treatment, short course) strategy need to be incorporated more effectively into the national program since the incidence of drug resistant tuberculosis in Japan has been recently increasing. Finally, we propose to limit BCG immunization further and to discontinue annual MMR in the young population, and instead to develop effective strategies of both active and passive case finding in the elderly through public and community health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nader Ghotbi
- Graduate School of Economics, Kyoto University, Yoshida, Honmachi, Sakyo-ku, 606-8501, Kyoto, Japan
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Pareek M, Bond M, Shorey J, Seneviratne S, Guy M, White P, Lalvani A, Kon OM. Community-based evaluation of immigrant tuberculosis screening using interferon γ release assays and tuberculin skin testing: observational study and economic analysis. Thorax 2012; 68:230-9. [PMID: 22693179 DOI: 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2011-201542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND UK tuberculosis (TB) notifications are rising due to disease in the immigrant population. National screening guidelines have been revised but cost-effectiveness analyses are hampered by the lack of data on the comparative performance of tuberculin skin tests (TSTs) and interferon γ release assays (IGRAs) in immigrants. METHODS Three-way evaluation of TSTs and two IGRAs (QuantiFERON Gold in-tube (QFN-GIT) and T-SPOT.TB) in immigrants aged ≥16 years to quantify test positivity, concordance and factors associated with positivity. Yields were computed at different incidence thresholds and the relative cost-effectiveness of screening was estimated using different latent TB infection (LTBI) screening modalities at varying incidence thresholds with or without port-of-arrival chest x-ray (CXR). RESULTS 231 immigrants were included; median age 29 (IQR 24-37). TSTs were accepted by 80.9%, read in 93.5% and 30.3% were positive - QFN-GIT and T-SPOT.TB positive in 16.6% and 22.5% respectively. Positive TSTs, QFN-GIT and T-SPOT.TB were independently associated with increasing TB incidence in immigrants' countries of origin (p=0.007, 0.007, 0.037 respectively). Implementing current guidance (threshold 40/100 000 per year) would identify 98-100% of LTBIs (depending on test) but entail testing 97-99% of the cohort; screening at 150/100 000 per year would identify 49-71% of LTBIs but only entail screening half the cohort. The two most cost-effective screening strategies were no port-of-entry chest radiography and screen with single-step QFN-GIT at 250/100 000 per year (incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER)) £21 565.3/case averted); and no port-of-entry CXR and screen with single-step QFN-GIT at 150/100 000 per year (averted additional 7.8 TB cases; ICER £31 867.1/case averted). CONCLUSIONS UK immigrant screening could cost-effectively and safely eliminate mandatory CXR on arrival by emphasising systematic screening for LTBI with single-step IGRA. Intermediate incidence thresholds balance the need to identify as many imported LTBIs as possible against limited service capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Pareek
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Tuberculosis Research Unit, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
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The changing face of Canadian immigration: Implications for infectious diseases. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES & MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY 2011; 19:270-2. [PMID: 19436506 DOI: 10.1155/2008/321969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2008] [Accepted: 07/08/2008] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Tafuri S, Martinelli D, Melpignano L, de Palma M, Quarto M, Prato R, Germinario C. Tuberculosis screening in migrant reception centers: results of a 2009 Italian survey. Am J Infect Control 2011; 39:495-9. [PMID: 21570737 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2010.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2010] [Revised: 09/27/2010] [Accepted: 10/01/2010] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tuberculosis (TB) is a social disease that is common in immigrants who are forced to live in difficult circumstances. In Italy, the guidelines for preventing TB include X-ray screening and application of the Mantoux test for migrants from high-TB-endemic countries as soon as possible after admission to Italy. This article describes a field survey conducted in the reception center for asylum seekers in Bari Palese in southern Italy following the death of a center resident from pulmonary TB. METHODS A Mantoux screening test, followed by chest X-ray, was carried out in March 2009 on 982 immigrants, representing 97.5% of the residents of the center. RESULTS A positive Mantoux test result was seen in 60.7% of the residents screened. The chest X-rays were performed on 92.9% of cuti-positive patients and on cuti-negative patients who were recent contacts of the deceased TB case and/or with symptoms suspicious for TB. Eight residents were diagnosed with active TB (0.8% of residents), and 117 residents (11.9%) had TB sequelae. In our survey, the Mantoux test demonstrated 88% sensitivity, 17% specificity, and a positive predictive value of 1% for active TB. CONCLUSION The survey results suggest that residents in asylum centers are a special type of immigrant. Specific risk factors, such as overcrowding, may expose these residents to a greater risk for infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvio Tafuri
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Hygiene, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy.
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Rethinking Immigrant Tuberculosis Control in Canada: From Medical Surveillance to Tackling Social Determinants of Health. J Immigr Minor Health 2011; 14:6-13. [DOI: 10.1007/s10903-011-9506-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Preemployment screening for tuberculosis in a large health care setting: comparison of the tuberculin skin test and a whole-blood interferon-γ release assay. J Occup Environ Med 2011; 53:290-3. [PMID: 21346634 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0b013e31820c91c5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Determine the performance of an interferon-γ release assay in a health care occupational surveillance program. METHODS From January 11, 2005, through January 31, 2006, all new employees (n = 652) undergoing standard, preemployment evaluation at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota were evaluated for tuberculosis using a standard process of symptom screening combined with tuberculin skin test (TST) and QuantiFERON-TB Gold test (QFT-G). RESULTS Comparing the results of QFT-G directly to TST, QFT-G showed an overall agreement of 92.5%. CONCLUSIONS False-positive TST were the most significant issue affecting agreement, and in a low-tuberculosis prevalence population, the need for an effective strategy offering low false-positive results may be best met by combining the TST with QFT-G.
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Pareek M, Watson JP, Ormerod LP, Kon OM, Woltmann G, White PJ, Abubakar I, Lalvani A. Screening of immigrants in the UK for imported latent tuberculosis: a multicentre cohort study and cost-effectiveness analysis. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2011; 11:435-44. [PMID: 21514236 PMCID: PMC3108102 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(11)70069-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Background Continuing rises in tuberculosis notifications in the UK are attributable to cases in foreign-born immigrants. National guidance for immigrant screening is hampered by a lack of data about the prevalence of, and risk factors for, latent tuberculosis infection in immigrants. We aimed to determine the prevalence of latent infection in immigrants to the UK to define which groups should be screened and to quantify cost-effectiveness. Methods In our multicentre cohort study and cost-effectiveness analysis we analysed demographic and test results from three centres in the UK (from 2008 to 2010) that used interferon-γ release-assay (IGRA) to screen immigrants aged 35 years or younger for latent tuberculosis infection. We assessed factors associated with latent infection by use of logistic regression and calculated the yields and cost-effectiveness of screening at different levels of tuberculosis incidence in immigrants' countries of origin with a decision analysis model. Findings Results for IGRA-based screening were positive in 245 of 1229 immigrants (20%), negative in 982 (80%), and indeterminate in two (0·2%). Positive results were independently associated with increases in tuberculosis incidence in immigrants' countries of origin (p=0·0006), male sex (p=0·046), and age (p<0·0001). National policy thus far would fail to detect 71% of individuals with latent infection. The two most cost-effective strategies were to screen individuals from countries with a tuberculosis incidence of more than 250 cases per 100 000 (incremental cost-effectiveness ratio [ICER] was £17 956 [£1=US$1·60] per prevented case of tuberculosis) and at more than 150 cases per 100 000 (including immigrants from the Indian subcontinent), which identified 92% of infected immigrants and prevented an additional 29 cases at an ICER of £20 819 per additional case averted. Interpretation Screening for latent infection can be implemented cost-effectively at a level of incidence that identifies most immigrants with latent tuberculosis, thereby preventing substantial numbers of future cases of active tuberculosis. Funding Medical Research Council and Wellcome Trust.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Pareek
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Woodland L, Burgner D, Paxton G, Zwi K. Health service delivery for newly arrived refugee children: a framework for good practice. J Paediatr Child Health 2010; 46:560-7. [PMID: 20626581 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1754.2010.01796.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM To propose a framework for good practice to promote improved access, equity and quality of care in service delivery for newly arrived refugee children. METHODS Development of a framework based on national and international literature and current service models in Australian paediatric refugee health. RESULTS Ten elements of a framework for good practice were identified: comprehensive health screening; coordination of initial and ongoing health care; integration of physical, developmental and psychological health care; consumer participation; culturally and linguistically appropriate service provision; intersectoral collaboration; accessible and affordable services and treatments; data collection and evaluation to inform evidence-based practice; capacity building and sustainability; and advocacy. CONCLUSIONS High-quality care can be achieved through a range of service models. The elements identified provide a framework for evaluating current services and for planning future service development. The framework for good practice can be applied to facilitate improvements in refugee health care and to reduce the gap between health needs and currently available services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Woodland
- South Eastern Sydney Illawarra Area Health Service, Multicultural Health, Sydney, New South Wales.
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Pooran A, Booth H, Miller RF, Scott G, Badri M, Huggett JF, Rook G, Zumla A, Dheda K. Different screening strategies (single or dual) for the diagnosis of suspected latent tuberculosis: a cost effectiveness analysis. BMC Pulm Med 2010; 10:7. [PMID: 20170555 PMCID: PMC2837635 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2466-10-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2008] [Accepted: 02/22/2010] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous health economic studies recommend either a dual screening strategy [tuberculin skin test (TST) followed by interferon-gamma-release assay (IGRA)] or a single one [IGRA only] for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI), the former largely based on claims that it is more cost-effective. We sought to examine that conclusion through the use of a model that accounts for the additional costs of adverse drug reactions and directly compares two commercially available versions of the IGRA: the Quantiferon-TB-Gold-In-Tube (QFT-GIT) and T-SPOT.TB. METHODS A LTBI screening model directed at screening contacts was used to perform a cost-effectiveness analysis, from a UK healthcare perspective, taking into account the risk of isoniazid-related hepatotoxicity and post-exposure TB (2 years post contact) using the TST, QFT-GIT and T-SPOT.TB IGRAs. RESULTS Examining costs alone, the TST/IGRA dual screening strategies (TST/T-SPOT.TB and TST/QFT-GIT; 162,387 pounds and 157,048 pounds per 1000 contacts, respectively) cost less than their single strategy counterparts (T-SPOT.TB and QFT-GIT; 203,983 pounds and 202,921 pounds per 1000 contacts) which have higher IGRA test costs and greater numbers of persons undergoing LTBI treatment. However, IGRA alone strategies direct healthcare interventions and costs more accurately to those that are truly infected.Subsequently, less contacts need to be treated to prevent an active case of TB (T-SPOT.TB and QFT-GIT; 61.7 and 69.7 contacts) in IGRA alone strategies. IGRA single strategies also prevent more cases of post-exposure TB. However, this greater effectiveness does not outweigh the lower incremental costs associated with the dual strategies. Consequently, when these costs are combined with effectiveness, the IGRA dual strategies are more cost-effective than their single strategy counterparts. Comparing between the IGRAs, T-SPOT.TB-based strategies (single and dual; 39,712 pounds and 37,206 pounds per active TB case prevented, respectively) were more cost-effective than the QFT-GIT-based strategies (single and dual; 42,051 pounds and 37,699 pounds per active TB case prevented, respectively). Using the TST alone was the least cost-effective (47,840 pounds per active TB case prevented). Cost effectiveness values were sensitive to changes in LTBI prevalence, IGRA test sensitivities/specificities and IGRA test costs. CONCLUSION A dual strategy is more cost effective than a single strategy but this conclusion is sensitive to screening test assumptions and LTBI prevalence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anil Pooran
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Centre for Infectious Diseases and International Health, University College London Medical School, University College London, 43 Cleveland Street, London W1T 4JF, UK
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Xu Y, Schwartzman K. Referrals for positive tuberculin tests in new health care workers and students: a retrospective cohort study. BMC Public Health 2010; 10:28. [PMID: 20089163 PMCID: PMC3091546 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-10-28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2009] [Accepted: 01/20/2010] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Documentation of test results for latent tuberculosis (TB) infection is important for health care workers and students before they begin work. A negative result provides a baseline for comparison with future tests. A positive result affords a potential opportunity for treatment of latent infection when appropriate. We sought to evaluate the yield of the referral process for positive baseline tuberculin tests, among persons beginning health care work or studies. METHODS Retrospective cohort study. We reviewed the charts of all new health care students and workers referred to the Montreal Chest Institute in 2006 for positive baseline tuberculin skin tests (> or =10 mm). Health care workers and students evaluated for reasons other than positive baseline test results were excluded. RESULTS 630 health care students and workers were evaluated. 546 (87%) were foreign-born, and 443 (70%) reported previous Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination. 420 (67%) were discharged after their first evaluation without further treatment. 210 (33%) were recommended treatment for latent TB infection, of whom 165 (79%) began it; of these, 115 (70%) completed adequate treatment with isoniazid or rifampin. Treatment discontinuation or interruption occurred in a third of treated subjects, and most often reflected loss to follow-up, or abdominal discomfort. No worker or student had active TB. CONCLUSIONS Only a small proportion of health care workers and students with positive baseline tuberculin tests were eligible for, and completed treatment for latent TB infection. We discuss recommendations for improving the referral process, so as to better target workers and students who require specialist evaluation and treatment for latent TB infection. Treatment adherence also needs improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yining Xu
- Montreal Chest Institute, 3650 St. Urbain Street, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Lavender CJ, Brown LK, Johnson PDR. Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in Victoria: a 10-year review. Med J Aust 2009; 191:315-8. [PMID: 19769553 DOI: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2009.tb02814.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2009] [Accepted: 04/30/2009] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe demographic and clinical characteristics of patients residing in Victoria who were diagnosed with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) during the period 1 January 1998 to 31 December 2007. DESIGN, SETTING AND PATIENTS Retrospective review of Victorian Department of Health data on laboratory-confirmed cases of MDR-TB for the period 1998-2007. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Age, sex, country of birth, time between arrival in Australia and notification of TB, residency status, site of disease, and treatment period and outcome. RESULTS From 1998 to 2007, 31 patients who resided in Victoria were diagnosed with MDR-TB. The median age of patients was 27 years, most patients were born overseas, and more than half were full-time students. The median time between arrival in Australia and notification of TB was 2 years, and 24 patients were notified to the Department within 5 years of arrival. Twenty patients had pulmonary disease; in 12 of these patients, sputum was smear-positive for acid-fast bacilli. The median treatment period for patients who completed treatment was 22 months. CONCLUSIONS The number of patients diagnosed with MDR-TB per year increased during the period 1998-2007. If sustained, this increase will have important implications for public health policy and planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline J Lavender
- Mycobacterium Reference Laboratory, Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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Kik SV, Olthof SPJ, de Vries JTN, Menzies D, Kincler N, van Loenhout-Rooyakkers J, Burdo C, Verver S. Direct and indirect costs of tuberculosis among immigrant patients in the Netherlands. BMC Public Health 2009; 9:283. [PMID: 19656370 PMCID: PMC2734849 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-9-283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2009] [Accepted: 08/05/2009] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In low tuberculosis (TB) incidence countries TB affects mostly immigrants in the productive age group. Little empirical information is available about direct and indirect TB-related costs that patients face in these high-income countries. We assessed the direct and indirect costs of immigrants with TB in the Netherlands. METHODS A cross-sectional survey at 14 municipal health services and 2 specialized TB hospitals was conducted. Interviews were administered to first or second generation immigrants, 18 years or older, with pulmonary or extrapulmonary TB, who were on treatment for 1-6 months. Out of pocket expenditures and time loss, related to TB, was assessed for different phases of the current TB illness. RESULTS In total 60 patients were interviewed. Average direct costs spent by households with a TB patient amounted euro353. Most costs were spent when being hospitalized. Time loss (mean 81 days) was mainly due to hospitalization (19 days) and additional work days lost (60 days), and corresponded with a cost estimation of euro2603. CONCLUSION Even in a country with a good health insurance system that covers medication and consultation costs, patients do have substantial extra expenditures. Furthermore, our patients lost on average 2.7 months of productive days. TB patients are economically vulnerable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra V Kik
- Research Unit, KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation, The Hague, the Netherlands.
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Dandoulakis M, Roussos N, Karageorgopoulos DE, Yatromanolakis N, Falagas ME. Trends of tuberculin skin test positivity rate among schoolchildren in Attica, Greece. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 41:195-200. [DOI: 10.1080/00365540902721392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Menzies D, Lewis M, Oxlade O. Costs for tuberculosis care in Canada. Canadian Journal of Public Health 2009. [PMID: 19009923 DOI: 10.1007/bf03405248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We have estimated tuberculosis (TB)-related expenditures by governments and other third parties in Canada in 2004, in order to compare spending on different activities, by various jurisdictions, and in different regions. METHODS To ascertain health system costs (including public health costs), a self-administered questionnaire was completed by all federal, provincial, and territorial health departments and laboratories involved in TB activities and a sample of local health departments. Hospitalization information was obtained from the Canadian Institute for Health Information, while costs for care were derived from published literature. Costs borne by patients and families were not included. All costs were ascertained for 2004 and expressed in Canadian dollars. RESULTS In 2004, total TB-related expenditures in Canada were $74 million, equivalent to $47,290 for every active TB case diagnosed in that year. Research accounted for $4.5 million (or 6% of the total). Non-research-related federal spending accounted for $16.3 million (22%) and provincial/territorial expenditures accounted for $53.1 million (72%). Active tuberculosis accounted for $31 million or 59% of provincial/territorial expenditures. There were substantial regional differences in TB-related expenditures; the highest expenditures were in the Northern Territories ($72,441 per active TB case), followed by the four Western provinces ($35,914), and lowest in the Atlantic provinces ($28,259). CONCLUSIONS Total TB-related expenditures in Canada in 2004 were considerable, of which almost 60% were for curative services and only 40% for prevention and control activities. Regional differences likely reflect differences in accessibility of the populations to health care services, and greater interventions in communities with ongoing TB transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dick Menzies
- Montreal Chest Institute, 3650 St-Urbain, Rm K1.24, Montreal, QC.
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Guo N, Marra CA, Marra F, Moadebi S, Elwood RK, Fitzgerald JM. Health state utilities in latent and active tuberculosis. VALUE IN HEALTH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR PHARMACOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2008; 11:1154-1161. [PMID: 18489493 DOI: 10.1111/j.1524-4733.2008.00355.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health threat worldwide. Numerous cost-effectiveness analyses of TB screening and treatment strategies have been recently published, but none have utilized quality-adjusted life-years as recommended because of the lack of utilities for TB health states. OBJECTIVE To characterize and compare utility scores from either active TB or latent TB infection (LTBI) participants. METHODS Consenting patients attending a population-based screening and treatment clinic were administered the Short Form 36 (SF-36), the Health Utilities Index 2/3 (HUI2/3), and a general health visual analog scale (VAS) along with demographic questions. SF-36 scores were converted to Short Form 6D (SF-6D) utility scores using an accepted algorithm. Utility results were compared across scales, and construct validity was assessed. RESULTS A total of 162 TB patients (78 LTBI and 84 active TB) with available SF-36 and all four utility scores (Health Utilities Index 2, Health Utilities Index 3, SF-6D and VAS) were included in the analysis. Those with active TB had significantly lower SF-36 and utility scores than those with LTBI. Although all appeared to exhibit construct validity, the HUI2/3 and the VAS appeared to have significant ceiling effects, whereas the SF-6D had significant floor effects. CONCLUSIONS Health state utility values for active TB and LTBI have been determined using different instruments. The three measures did not generate identical utility scores. The HUI2/3 was limited by ceiling effects, whereas the SF-6D appeared to display floor effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Guo
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Tan MC, Marra CA, Sadatsafavi M, Marra F, Morán-Mendoza O, Moadebi S, Elwood RK, FitzGerald JM. Cost-effectiveness of LTBI treatment for TB contacts in British Columbia. VALUE IN HEALTH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR PHARMACOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2008; 11:842-852. [PMID: 18489519 DOI: 10.1111/j.1524-4733.2008.00334.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Contacts of patients with active tuberculosis ("TB contacts") with a tuberculin skin test (TST) size > or = 5 mm are currently recommended treatment for latent TB infection (LTBI). Knowing the cost-effectiveness of LTBI therapy for specific TB contact subpopulations may improve the use of limited resources by reducing the treatment of persons at low TB risk. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of LTBI therapy for different TB contact populations defined by important risk factors, and to propose an optimal policy based on different recommendation for each subgroup of contacts. METHODS A 6-year Markov decision analytic model simulating the quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), number of active TB cases prevented, and costs for hypothetical cohorts of Canadian TB contacts defined by TST size, age group (< 10 y/o or above), ethnicity, closeness of contact, and Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination status. RESULTS For the majority of subgroups, the current policy of preventive therapy in those with positive TST was the most cost-effective. Nevertheless, our analysis determined that LTBI treatment is not cost-effective in nonhousehold Canadian-born (nonaboriginal) or foreign-born contacts age > or = 10 y/o. On the other hand, empirical treatment without screening of all non-BCG-vaccinated household contacts age < 10 y/o appeared cost-effective. Such an optimal approach would result in an incremental net monetary benefit of $25 for each contact investigated for a willingness-to-pay of $50,000/QALY. Results were robust to several alternative assumptions considered in sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSIONS The current practice of LTBI treatment for TB contacts with a TST size > or = 5 mm is cost-effective. A customized approach based on excluding low risk groups from screening and providing treatment to high risk contacts without screening could improve the performance of the program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael C Tan
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Tan M, Menzies D, Schwartzman K. Tuberculosis screening of travelers to higher-incidence countries: a cost-effectiveness analysis. BMC Public Health 2008; 8:201. [PMID: 18534007 PMCID: PMC2443799 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-8-201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2008] [Accepted: 06/05/2008] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Travelers to countries with high tuberculosis incidence can acquire infection during travel. We sought to compare four screening interventions for travelers from low-incidence countries, who visit countries with varying tuberculosis incidence. Methods Decision analysis model: We considered hypothetical cohorts of 1,000 travelers, 21 years old, visiting Mexico, the Dominican Republic, or Haiti for three months. Travelers departed from and returned to the United States or Canada; they were born in the United States, Canada, or the destination countries. The time horizon was 20 years, with 3% annual discounting of future costs and outcomes. The analysis was conducted from the health care system perspective. Screening involved tuberculin skin testing (post-travel in three strategies, with baseline pre-travel tests in two), or chest radiography post-travel (one strategy). Returning travelers with tuberculin conversion (one strategy) or other evidence of latent tuberculosis (three strategies) were offered treatment. The main outcome was cost (in 2005 US dollars) per tuberculosis case prevented. Results For all travelers, a single post-trip tuberculin test was most cost-effective. The associated cost estimate per case prevented ranged from $21,406 for Haitian-born travelers to Haiti, to $161,196 for US-born travelers to Mexico. In all sensitivity analyses, the single post-trip tuberculin test remained most cost-effective. For US-born travelers to Haiti, this strategy was associated with cost savings for trips over 22 months. Screening was more cost-effective with increasing trip duration and infection risk, and less so with poorer treatment adherence. Conclusion A single post-trip tuberculin skin test was the most cost-effective strategy considered, for travelers from the United States or Canada. The analysis did not evaluate the use of interferon-gamma release assays, which would be most relevant for travelers who received BCG vaccination after infancy, as in many European countries. Screening decisions should reflect duration of travel, tuberculosis incidence, and commitment to treat latent infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Tan
- Respiratory Epidemiology Unit, Montreal Chest Institute, 3650 St, Urbain St,, Montreal, Quebec, H2X 2P4, Canada.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE The foreign-born population has been growing in Taiwan. Most foreign-born persons come from countries with a high burden of tuberculosis (TB). Monitoring the trend and characteristics of TB in this population is essential for TB control in Taiwan. METHODS Information about foreign-born persons residing in Taiwan and data of all foreign-born TB cases notified during 2002-2005 were obtained from the national authorities and analyzed. RESULTS A total of 2,444 foreign-born TB cases were notified during 2002-2005, which accounted for 3.6% of all notified TB cases during that period in Taiwan. The proportion of foreign-born TB cases was constant, without any significant yearly variation. The average annual TB notification rate in the foreign-born population was higher than that in the Taiwan-born population (94.0/100,000 vs. 72.0/100,000). There were significant differences in age, sex and regional distribution between foreign-born and Taiwan-born TB cases (p < 0.001). Foreign-born cases were predominantly female (65.4%) and aged 25-44 years (70.9%), whereas the majority of cases among the Taiwan-born population were male (69.4%) and aged > or = 65 years (49.6%). Most foreign-born TB patients (62.7%) lived in northern Taiwan but only about one-third (36.1%) of Taiwan-born TB cases were notified from that region. Among foreign-born TB cases whose original countries were recorded, the majority came from Mainland China and Vietnam, which accounted for 73.0% of all cases, followed by the Philippines (7.4%), Thailand (7.3%) and Indonesia (6.0%). CONCLUSION Foreign-born TB patients have different profiles and a higher case rate compared to Taiwan-born patients. Monitoring the epidemiologic trend of TB among foreign-born persons, especially those who come from high TB-burden countries, is essential in the fight against TB in Taiwan.
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Domínguez-Castellano A, Del Arco A, Canueto-Quintero J, Rivero-Román A, Kindelán JM, Creagh R, Díez-García F. Guía de práctica clínica de la Sociedad Andaluza de Enfermedades Infecciosas (SAEI) sobre el tratamiento de la tuberculosis. Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin 2007; 25:519-34. [PMID: 17915111 DOI: 10.1157/13109989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The therapeutic scheme for initial pulmonary tuberculosis recommended by the SAEI is as follows: Initial phase, isoniazid, rifampin and pyrazinamide given daily for 2 months. In HIV(+) patients and immigrants from areas with a rate of primary resistance to isoniazid > 4%, ethambutol should be added until susceptibility studies are available. Second phase (continuation phase): rifampin and isoniazid, given daily or intermittently for 4 months in the general population. HIV(+) patients (< or = 200 CD4) and culture-positive patients after 2 months of treatment should receive a 7-month continuation phase. A 6-month regimen is recommended for extrapulmonary tuberculosis, with the exception of tuberculous meningitis, which should be treated for a minimum of 12 months and bone/joint tuberculosis, treated for a minimum of 9 months. Treatment regimens for multidrug resistant tuberculosis are based on expert opinion. These would include a combination of still-useful first-line drugs, injectable agents, and alternative agents, such as quinolones. Patients who present a special risk of transmitting the disease or of non-adherence should be treated with directly observed therapy.
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Joshi R, Patil S, Kalantri S, Schwartzman K, Menzies D, Pai M. Prevalence of abnormal radiological findings in health care workers with latent tuberculosis infection and correlations with T cell immune response. PLoS One 2007; 2:e805. [PMID: 17726535 PMCID: PMC1950085 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0000805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2007] [Accepted: 08/02/2007] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background More than half of all health care workers (HCWs) in high TB-incidence, low and middle income countries are latently infected with tuberculosis (TB). We determined radiological lesions in a cohort of HCWs with latent TB infection (LTBI) in India, and determined their association with demographic, occupational and T-cell immune response variables. Methodology We obtained chest radiographs of HCWs who had undergone tuberculin skin test (TST) and QuantiFERON-TB Gold In Tube (QFT), an interferon-γ release assay, in a previous cross-sectional study, and were diagnosed to have LTBI because they were positive by either TST or QFT, but had no evidence of clinical disease. Two observers independently interpreted these radiographs using a standardized data form and any discordance between them resolved by a third observer. The radiological diagnostic categories (normal, suggestive of inactive TB, and suggestive of active TB) were compared with results of TST, QFT assay, demographic, and occupational covariates. Results A total of 330 HCWs with positive TST or QFT underwent standard chest radiography. Of these 330, 113 radiographs (34.2%) were finally classified as normal, 206 (62.4%) had lesions suggestive of inactive TB, and 11 (3.4%) had features suggestive of active TB. The mean TST indurations and interferon-γ levels in the HCWs in these three categories were not significantly different. None of the demographic or occupational covariates was associated with prevalence of inactive TB lesions on chest radiography. Conclusion/Significance In a high TB incidence setting, nearly two-thirds of HCWs with latent TB infection had abnormal radiographic findings, and these findings had no clear correlation with T cell immune responses. Further studies are needed to verify these findings and to identify the causes and prognosis of radiologic abnormalities in health care workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajnish Joshi
- Division of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Sevagram, Maharashtra, India
| | - Samir Patil
- Parmanand D. Hinduja Hospital and Medical Research Center, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Shriprakash Kalantri
- Department of Medicine, Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Sevagram, Maharashtra, India
| | - Kevin Schwartzman
- Respiratory Epidemiology and Clinical Research Unit, Montreal Chest Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Dick Menzies
- Respiratory Epidemiology and Clinical Research Unit, Montreal Chest Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Madhukar Pai
- Respiratory Epidemiology and Clinical Research Unit, Montreal Chest Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- * To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail:
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Dahle UR, Eldholm V, Winje BA, Mannsåker T, Heldal E. Impact of immigration on the molecular epidemiology of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in a low-incidence country. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2007; 176:930-5. [PMID: 17673698 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.200702-187oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Programs to prevent the incidence rate of tuberculosis (TB) from increasing in many low-incidence countries are challenged by international travel and immigration from high-burden countries. OBJECTIVES The current study aimed to determine the effect of such immigration on the genetic diversity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates in an entire nation's population during 1994-2005. METHODS A total of 3,131 patients were notified with TB during the 12-year period. Of these, 2,284 (73%) had TB verified by culture, and isolates from 2,173 (96%) of these were analyzed by IS6110 restriction fragment length polymorphism. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Only 31% of the included strains were isolated from nonimmigrants, the remaining 69% were isolated from immigrants. Although the incidence increased throughout the period, the genetic diversity remained high. A total of 135 clusters were identified; the percentage of recent disease was reduced among nonimmigrants, and remained stable among the immigrants during the study period. Although 69% of the isolates originated from immigrants from high-incidence countries, the established TB control program in the receiving country was adequate for the prevention of disease transmission. On average per year, only 2 nonimmigrants and 13 immigrants developed disease as a result of infection within the country by imported M. tuberculosis. CONCLUSIONS Twelve years of M. tuberculosis importation as a result of immigration from high-incidence countries had little influence on the transmission of this pathogen in the receiving low-incidence country. To prevent future increase of transmission of TB, the current control strategies of low-incidence countries are adequate but must be maintained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulf R Dahle
- Division of Infectious Disease Control, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.
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Harling R, Pearce M, Chandrakumar M, Mueller K, Hayward A. Tuberculosis screening of asylum seekers: 1 years' experience at the Dover Induction Centres. Public Health 2007; 121:822-7. [PMID: 17645899 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2007.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2006] [Revised: 02/02/2007] [Accepted: 02/23/2007] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe the uptake and outcomes of a service for tuberculosis screening of asylum seekers. STUDY DESIGN Descriptive study. METHODS A tuberculosis screening service was established at the Dover Induction Centres for all asylum seekers entering the UK through ports in Kent. This study describes the uptake and completion of tuberculosis screening, the results of tuberculin skin testing and follow-up, and the cost of the service during its first year. RESULTS In 1 year, 8258 asylum seekers were screened: 94% of 8799 who were eligible. A total of 2.2% of those with completed screens were positive (on the basis of symptoms requiring further investigation or positive Heaf reaction). Eleven cases of active respiratory disease were diagnosed on the basis of symptoms, Heaf reaction plus chest X-ray, or both; three were confirmed microbiologically. One-quarter of Heaf tests were not read because of the rapid dispersal of asylum seekers. The follow-up of those requiring further investigations at their destinations was largely unknown. The service cost was 350,000 pounds. CONCLUSIONS Induction centre tuberculosis screening services for asylum seekers can achieve a high uptake, but their cost-effectiveness is questionable, particularly where the yield of active disease is low. Tuberculin skin testing is not an ideal screening procedure in this setting because it may be uncompleted and the benefit of detecting latent infections is uncertain.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Harling
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Department of Primary Care and Population Science, University College London, Royal Free Campus, Rowland Hill Street, London NW3 2PF, UK.
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