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Harwood-Johnson E, Leis KS, Hanson J, Olfert J, Blonde Y, Brindamour M. Community treatment of latent tuberculosis in child and adult refugee populations: outcomes and successes. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1225217. [PMID: 37942244 PMCID: PMC10629593 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1225217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Tuberculosis (TB) is the world's leading infectious cause of death, killing millions every year. In Canada, considered a low-incidence country for TB, the burden of the disease is unequally distributed, with most cases of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) experienced by newcomers from endemic regions. The purpose of this study was to measure LTBI treatment acceptance and completion outcomes of LTBI treatment at the REACH clinic in Saskatoon, a local refugee clinic providing primary care-based LTBI management. Methods A retrospective case series by sampling methodology was applied to review patients who visited the REACH clinic between January 2017 and June 2021 and who had an interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) or tuberculin skin test (TST) done for LTBI screening. Those with positive results were retained for analysis. The LTBI treatment acceptance and completion groups were compared according to demographic variables, WHO regions of origin, year of arrival to Canada, and LTBI treatment regimen. Results A total of 523 patients were screened for LTBI, of whom 125 tested positive, leading to a test positivity of 23.9%. The treatment acceptance rate was 84.8%, and the treatment completion rate was 93.3%. All of those who declined treatment were more than 18 years of age (p = 0.02). Otherwise, treatment acceptance and completion rates did not vary significantly in association with gender, categories of refugees, WHO region of origin, year of arrival to Canada, or LTBI treatment regimen used. Discussion The refugee clinic acceptance and completion rates in this study are high and meet Canadian TB standards of care. The multidisciplinary clinic model and community support are important facilitators, which, in combination with shorter treatment regimens, offer a path forward for LTBI management among refugees resettling in low-incidence countries.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Karen S. Leis
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Jacelyn Hanson
- Department of Family Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Jordan Olfert
- Department of Respirology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Yvonne Blonde
- Department of Academic Family Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Mahli Brindamour
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
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Wahedi K, Zenner D, Flores S, Bozorgmehr K. Mandatory, voluntary, repetitive, or one-off post-migration follow-up for tuberculosis prevention and control: A systematic review. PLoS Med 2023; 20:e1004030. [PMID: 36719863 PMCID: PMC9888720 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1004030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Post-migration follow-up of migrants identified to be at-risk of developing tuberculosis during the initial screening is effective, but programmes vary across countries. We aimed to review main strategies applied to design follow-up programmes and analyse the effect of key programme characteristics on reported coverage (i.e., proportion of migrants screened among those eligible for screening) or yields (i.e., proportion of active tuberculosis among those identified as eligible for follow-up screening). METHODS AND FINDINGS We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies reporting yields of follow-up screening programmes. Studies were included if they reported the rate of tuberculosis disease detected in international migrants through active case finding strategies and applied a post-migration follow-up (defined as one or more additional rounds of screening after finalising the initial round). For this, we retrieved all studies identified by Chan and colleagues for their systematic review (in their search until January 12, 2017) and included those reporting from active follow-up programmes. We then updated the search (from January 12, 2017 to September 30, 2022) using Medline and Embase via Ovid. Data were extracted on reported coverage, yields, and key programme characteristics, including eligible population, mode of screening, time intervals for screening, programme providers, and legal frameworks. Differences in follow-up programmes were tabulated and synthesised narratively. Meta-analyses in random effect models and exploratory analysis of subgroups showed high heterogeneity (I2 statistic > 95.0%). We hence refrained from pooling, and estimated yields and coverage with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs), stratified by country, legal character (mandatory versus voluntary screening), and follow-up scheme (one-off versus repetitive screening) using forest plots for comparison and synthesis. Of 1,170 articles, 24 reports on screening programmes from 7 countries were included, with considerable variation in eligible populations, time intervals of screening, and diagnostic protocols. Coverage varied, but was higher than 60% in 15 studies, and tended to be lower in voluntary compared to compulsory programmes, and higher in studies from the United States of America, Israel, and Australia. Yield varied within and between countries and ranged between 53.05 (31.94 to 82.84) in a Dutch study and 5,927.05 (4,248.29 to 8,013.71) in a study from the United States. Of 15 estimates with narrow 95% CIs for yields, 12 were below 1,500 cases per 100,000 eligible migrants. Estimates of yields in one-off follow-up programmes tended to be higher and were surrounded by less uncertainty, compared to those in repetitive follow-up programmes. Yields in voluntary and mandatory programmes were comparable in magnitude and uncertainty. The study is limited by the heterogeneity in the design of the identified screening programmes as effectiveness, coverage and yields also depend on factors often underreported or not known, such as baseline incidence in the respective population, reactivation rate, educative and administrative processes, and consequences of not complying with obligatory measures. CONCLUSION Programme characteristics of post-migration follow-up screening for prevention and control of tuberculosis as well as coverage and yield vary considerably. Voluntary programmes appear to have similar yields compared with mandatory programmes and repetitive screening apparently did not lead to higher yields compared with one-off screening. Screening strategies should consider marginal costs for each additional round of screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Wahedi
- Section for Health Equity Studies & Migration, Department of General Practice & Health Services Research, Heidelberg University Hospital, Marsilius-Arkaden, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dominik Zenner
- Clinical Reader in Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sergio Flores
- Department of Public Healthy and Caring Sciences, Child Health and Parenting (CHAP), Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Kayvan Bozorgmehr
- Section for Health Equity Studies & Migration, Department of General Practice & Health Services Research, Heidelberg University Hospital, Marsilius-Arkaden, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Population Medicine and Health Services Research, School of Public Health, Bielefeld University, Germany, Bielefeld, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Antonio-Arques V, Franch-Nadal J, Moreno-Martinez A, Real J, Orcau À, Mauricio D, Mata-Cases M, Julve J, Navas Mendez E, Puig Treserra R, Barrot de la Puente J, Millet JP, Del Val García JL, Vlacho B, Caylà JA. Subjects With Diabetes Mellitus Are at Increased Risk for Developing Tuberculosis: A Cohort Study in an Inner-City District of Barcelona (Spain). Front Public Health 2022; 10:789952. [PMID: 35677764 PMCID: PMC9168433 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.789952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tuberculosis is the leading cause of mortality from lung infectious disease worldwide in recent years, and its incidence has re-emerged in large cities in low-incidence countries due to migration and socioeconomic deprivation causes. Diabetes mellitus and tuberculosis are syndemic diseases, with diabetes being considered a risk factor for developing tuberculosis. Objective To investigate whether diabetic patients were at increased risk of tuberculosis living in an inner-district of a large city of northeastern Spain. Methods Observational matched retrospective cohort study based on clinical records from the population of the lowest socioeconomic status in Barcelona (Ciutat Vella district). A cohort including patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus in 2007 and new cases until 2016 (8004 subjects), matched 1:1 by sex and age with a non-diabetic cohort. Follow-up period was until December 31st 2018. We evaluated the risk of developing tuberculosis in diabetic patients compared to non-diabetic patients during the follow up period. We used time-to-event analysis to estimate the incidence of tuberculosis, and competing risks regression by clusters and conditional Cox regression models to calculate the hazard ratio (HR) and its 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results Among the 16,008 included subjects, the median follow-up was 8.7 years. The mean age was 57.7 years; 61.2% men and 38.8% women in both groups. The incidence of tuberculosis was 69.9 per 100,000 person-years in diabetic patients, and 40.9 per 100,000 person-years in non-diabetic patients (HR = 1.90; CI: 1.18-3.07). After adjustment for the country of origin, chronic kidney disease, number of medical appointments, BMI, alcoholism and smoking, the risk remained higher in diabetic patients (1.66: CI 0.99-2.77). Additionally, subjects from Hindustan or with a history of alcohol abuse also showed a higher risk of developing tuberculosis (HR = 3.51; CI:1.87-6.57, and HR = 2.73; CI:1.22-6.12 respectively). Conclusion People with diabetes mellitus were at higher risk of developing tuberculosis in a large cohort recruited in an inner-city district with a high incidence for this outcome, and low socioeconomic conditions and high proportion of migrants. This risk was higher among Hindustan born and alcohol abusers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Violeta Antonio-Arques
- DAP-Cat Group, Unitat de Suport a la Recerca Barcelona, Fundació Institut Universitari per a la Recerca a l'Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina (IDIAPJGol), Barcelona, Spain
- Primary Health Care Center Bordeta Magòria, Gerència d'Atenció Primària Barcelona Ciutat, Institut Català de la Salut, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Franch-Nadal
- DAP-Cat Group, Unitat de Suport a la Recerca Barcelona, Fundació Institut Universitari per a la Recerca a l'Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina (IDIAPJGol), Barcelona, Spain
- Primary Health Care Center Raval Sud, Gerència d'Atenció Primària Barcelona Ciutat, Institut Català de la Salut, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER of Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Diseases (CIBERDEM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Moreno-Martinez
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jordi Real
- DAP-Cat Group, Unitat de Suport a la Recerca Barcelona, Fundació Institut Universitari per a la Recerca a l'Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina (IDIAPJGol), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER of Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Diseases (CIBERDEM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Àngels Orcau
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- Epidemiology Service, Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Didac Mauricio
- DAP-Cat Group, Unitat de Suport a la Recerca Barcelona, Fundació Institut Universitari per a la Recerca a l'Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina (IDIAPJGol), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER of Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Diseases (CIBERDEM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Hospital Universitari de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Medicine, University of Vic—Central University of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Manel Mata-Cases
- DAP-Cat Group, Unitat de Suport a la Recerca Barcelona, Fundació Institut Universitari per a la Recerca a l'Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina (IDIAPJGol), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER of Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Diseases (CIBERDEM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- Primary Health Care Center La Mina, Gerència d'Atenció Primària Barcelona Ciutat, Institut Català de la Salut, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Julve
- CIBER of Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Diseases (CIBERDEM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry, Institut de Recerca de l'Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elena Navas Mendez
- Fundació Institut Universitari per a la Recerca a l'Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina (IDIAPJGol), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rai Puig Treserra
- DAP-Cat Group, Unitat de Suport a la Recerca Barcelona, Fundació Institut Universitari per a la Recerca a l'Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina (IDIAPJGol), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joan Barrot de la Puente
- DAP-Cat Group, Unitat de Suport a la Recerca Barcelona, Fundació Institut Universitari per a la Recerca a l'Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina (IDIAPJGol), Barcelona, Spain
- Primary Health Care Center Doctor Jordi Nadal, Gerència d'Atenció Primària Girona Ciutat, Institut Catala de la Salut, Salt, Spain
| | - Joan Pau Millet
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- Epidemiology Service, Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jose Luis Del Val García
- Fundació Institut Universitari per a la Recerca a l'Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina (IDIAPJGol), Barcelona, Spain
- Unitat d'Avaluació, Sistemes d'informació i Qualitat, Gerència d'Àmbit d'Atenció Primària Barcelona Ciutat, Institut Català de la Salut, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Bogdan Vlacho
- DAP-Cat Group, Unitat de Suport a la Recerca Barcelona, Fundació Institut Universitari per a la Recerca a l'Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina (IDIAPJGol), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joan A. Caylà
- Foundation of the Tuberculosis Research Unit of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Pépin J, Desjardins F, Carignan A, Lambert M, Vaillancourt I, Labrie C, Mercier D, Bourque R, LeBlanc L. Impact and benefit-cost ratio of a program for the management of latent tuberculosis infection among refugees in a region of Canada. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0267781. [PMID: 35587499 PMCID: PMC9119458 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0267781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction
The identification and treatment of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) among immigrants from high-incidence regions who move to low-incidence countries is generally considered an ineffective strategy because only ≈14% of them comply with the multiple steps of the ‘cascade of care’ and complete treatment. In the Estrie region of Canada, a refugee clinic was opened in 2009. One of its goals is LTBI management.
Methods
Key components of this intervention included: close collaboration with community organizations, integration within a comprehensive package of medical care for the whole family, timely delivery following arrival, shorter treatment through preferential use of rifampin, and risk-based selection of patients to be treated. Between 2009–2020, 5131 refugees were evaluated. To determine the efficacy and benefit-cost ratio of this intervention, records of refugees seen in 2010–14 (n = 1906) and 2018–19 (n = 1638) were reviewed. Cases of tuberculosis (TB) among our foreign-born population occurring before (1997–2008) and after (2009–2020) setting up the clinic were identified. All costs associated with TB or LTBI were measured.
Results
Out of 441 patients offered LTBI treatment, 374 (85%) were compliant. Adding other losses, overall compliance was 69%. To prevent one case of TB, 95.1 individuals had to be screened and 11.9 treated, at a cost of $16,056. After discounting, each case of TB averted represented $32,631, for a benefit-cost ratio of 2.03. Among nationals of the 20 countries where refugees came from, incidence of TB decreased from 68.2 (1997–2008) to 26.3 per 100,000 person-years (2009–2020). Incidence among foreign-born persons from all other countries not targeted by the intervention did not change.
Conclusions
Among refugees settling in our region, 69% completed the LTBI cascade of care, leading to a 61% reduction in TB incidence. This intervention was cost-beneficial. Current defeatism towards LTBI management among immigrants and refugees is misguided. Compliance can be enhanced through simple measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacques Pépin
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | - France Desjardins
- Clinique des Réfugiés, Centre Local de Services Communautaires, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Alex Carignan
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Michel Lambert
- Clinique des Réfugiés, Centre Local de Services Communautaires, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Isabelle Vaillancourt
- Clinique des Réfugiés, Centre Local de Services Communautaires, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Christiane Labrie
- Clinique des Réfugiés, Centre Local de Services Communautaires, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Dominique Mercier
- Clinique des Réfugiés, Centre Local de Services Communautaires, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Rachel Bourque
- Clinique des Réfugiés, Centre Local de Services Communautaires, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Louiselle LeBlanc
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
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Antonio-Arques V, Franch-Nadal J, Caylà JA. Diabetes and tuberculosis: A syndemic complicated by COVID-19. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 157:288-293. [PMID: 34541325 PMCID: PMC8433042 DOI: 10.1016/j.medcle.2021.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) is the leading cause of infectious mortality in the world, affecting mainly developing countries (DC), while diabetes (DM) is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases. This review analyzes the fact that diabetes is currently an important risk factor for developing TB, also presenting more complicated TB, more relapses and higher mortality. The DCs and the fourth world of the large cities are those with the highest incidence of TB and an increase in DM, which will make it difficult to control tuberculosis disease. At the same time, the COVID-19 pandemic is complicating the management of both diseases due to the difficulty of access to control and treatment and the worsening of socioeconomic inequalities. It is necessary to establish a bidirectional screening for TB and DM and promote recommendations for the joint management of both diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Violeta Antonio-Arques
- Institut Universitari per a la Recerca en Atenció Primària (IDIAP) Jordi Gol, Barcelona, Spain.,Equip d'Atenció Primària (EAP) Bordeta Magòria, Institut Català de la Salut, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Franch-Nadal
- Institut Universitari per a la Recerca en Atenció Primària (IDIAP) Jordi Gol, Barcelona, Spain.,Equip d'Atenció Primària (EAP) Raval Sud - Drassanes, Institut Català de la Salut, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joan A Caylà
- Fundación de la Unidad de Investigación en Tuberculosis de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Antonio-Arques V, Franch-Nadal J, Caylà JA. Diabetes and tuberculosis: a syndemic complicated by COVID-19. Med Clin (Barc) 2021; 157:288-293. [PMID: 34049681 PMCID: PMC8101986 DOI: 10.1016/j.medcli.2021.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) is the leading cause of infectious mortality in the world, affecting mainly developing countries (DC), while diabetes (DM) is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases. This review analyzes the fact that diabetes is currently an important risk factor for developing TB, also presenting more complicated TB, more relapses and higher mortality. The DCs and the fourth world of the large cities are those with the highest incidence of TB and an increase in DM, which will make it difficult to control tuberculosis disease. At the same time, the COVID-19 pandemic is complicating the management of both diseases due to the difficulty of access to control and treatment and the worsening of socioeconomic inequalities. It is necessary to establish a bidirectional screening for TB and DM and promote recommendations for the joint management of both diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Violeta Antonio-Arques
- Institut Universitari per a la Recerca en Atenció Primària (IDIAP) Jordi Gol, Barcelona, España; Equip d'Atenció Primària (EAP) Bordeta Magòria, Institut Català de la Salut, Barcelona, España
| | - Josep Franch-Nadal
- Institut Universitari per a la Recerca en Atenció Primària (IDIAP) Jordi Gol, Barcelona, España; Equip d'Atenció Primària (EAP) Raval Sud - Drassanes, Institut Català de la Salut, Barcelona, España.
| | - Joan A Caylà
- Fundación de la Unidad de Investigación en Tuberculosis de Barcelona, Barcelona, España
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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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Biermann O, Lönnroth K, Caws M, Viney K. Factors influencing active tuberculosis case-finding policy development and implementation: a scoping review. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e031284. [PMID: 31831535 PMCID: PMC6924749 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-031284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Revised: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore antecedents, components and influencing factors on active case-finding (ACF) policy development and implementation. DESIGN Scoping review, searching MEDLINE, Web of Science, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and the World Health Organization (WHO) Library from January 1968 to January 2018. We excluded studies focusing on latent tuberculosis (TB) infection, passive case-finding, childhood TB and studies about effectiveness, yield, accuracy and impact without descriptions of how this evidence has/could influence ACF policy or implementation. We included any type of study written in English, and conducted frequency and thematic analyses. RESULTS Seventy-three articles fulfilled our eligibility criteria. Most (67%) were published after 2010. The studies were conducted in all WHO regions, but primarily in Africa (22%), Europe (23%) and the Western-Pacific region (12%). Forty-one percent of the studies were classified as quantitative, followed by reviews (22%) and qualitative studies (12%). Most articles focused on ACF for tuberculosis contacts (25%) or migrants (32%). Fourteen percent of the articles described community-based screening of high-risk populations. Fifty-nine percent of studies reported influencing factors for ACF implementation; mostly linked to the health system (eg, resources) and the community/individual (eg, social determinants of health). Only two articles highlighted factors influencing ACF policy development (eg, politics). Six articles described WHO's ACF-related recommendations as important antecedent for ACF. Key components of successful ACF implementation include health system capacity, mechanisms for integration, education and collaboration for ACF. CONCLUSION We identified some main themes regarding the antecedents, components and influencing factors for ACF policy development and implementation. While we know much about facilitators and barriers for ACF policy implementation, we know less about how to strengthen those facilitators and how to overcome those barriers. A major knowledge gap remains when it comes to understanding which contextual factors influence ACF policy development. Research is required to understand, inform and improve ACF policy development and implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Biermann
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Knut Lönnroth
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maxine Caws
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Birat Nepal Medical Trust, Kathmandu, Lazimpat, Nepal
| | - Kerri Viney
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Research School of Population Health, College of Health and Medicine, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
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Silva SYBE, Pinto ESG, Medeiros ERD, Rebouças DGDC, Paiva ACDS, Nascimento CPAD, Souza NLD. Strategies for the evaluation of interventions for the control of tuberculosis: integrative review. Rev Bras Enferm 2019; 72:1370-1377. [DOI: 10.1590/0034-7167-2017-0922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Objective: Identifying the available evidence in the scientific literature about the strategies used in the evaluations of interventions for the control of tuberculosis. Method: Integrative review with searches in databases Lilacs, CINAHL and PubMed in August 2017. Thirty-three articles were selected and the theoretical referential of health assessment was used for analysis. Results: The prevalent interventions were health programs (60.7%), 69.7% focusing on results and 81.9% having quantitative character (81.9%). Final considerations: The evaluation of interventions for the control of tuberculosis is beneficial for the health services’ users and aids in the decision making of managers and health professionals.
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Ronald LA, Campbell JR, Balshaw RF, Romanowski K, Roth DZ, Marra F, Cook VJ, Johnston JC. Demographic predictors of active tuberculosis in people migrating to British Columbia, Canada: a retrospective cohort study. CMAJ 2019; 190:E209-E216. [PMID: 29483329 DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.170817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Canadian tuberculosis (TB) guidelines recommend targeting postlanding screening for and treatment of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in people migrating to Canada who are at increased risk for TB reactivation. Our objectives were to calculate robust longitudinal estimates of TB incidence in a cohort of people migrating to British Columbia, Canada, over a 29-year period, and to identify groups at highest risk of developing TB based on demographic characteristics at time of landing. METHODS We included all individuals (n = 1 080 908) who became permanent residents of Canada between Jan. 1, 1985, and Dec. 31, 2012, and were resident in BC at any time between 1985 and 2013. Multiple administrative databases were linked to the provincial TB registry. We used recursive partitioning models to identify populations with high TB yield. RESULTS Active TB was diagnosed in 2814 individuals (incidence rate 24.2/100 000 person-years). Demographic factors (live-in caregiver, family, refugee immigration classes; higher TB incidence in country of birth; and older age) were strong predictors of TB incidence in BC, with elevated rates continuing many years after entry into the cohort. Recursive partitioning identified refugees 18-64 years of age from countries with a TB incidence greater than 224/100 000 population as a high-yield group, with 1% developing TB within the first 10 years. INTERPRETATION These findings support recommendations in Canadian guidelines to target postlanding screening for and treatment of LTBI in adult refugees from high-incidence countries. Because high-yield populations can be identified at entry via demographic data, screening at this point may be practical and high-impact, particularly if the LTBI care cascade can be optimized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa A Ronald
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine (Ronald, Cook, Johnston), University of British Columbia; BC Centre for Disease Control (Ronald, Balshaw, Romanowski, Roth, Cook, Johnston); Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Campbell, Marra), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
| | - Jonathon R Campbell
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine (Ronald, Cook, Johnston), University of British Columbia; BC Centre for Disease Control (Ronald, Balshaw, Romanowski, Roth, Cook, Johnston); Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Campbell, Marra), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
| | - Robert F Balshaw
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine (Ronald, Cook, Johnston), University of British Columbia; BC Centre for Disease Control (Ronald, Balshaw, Romanowski, Roth, Cook, Johnston); Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Campbell, Marra), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
| | - Kamila Romanowski
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine (Ronald, Cook, Johnston), University of British Columbia; BC Centre for Disease Control (Ronald, Balshaw, Romanowski, Roth, Cook, Johnston); Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Campbell, Marra), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
| | - David Z Roth
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine (Ronald, Cook, Johnston), University of British Columbia; BC Centre for Disease Control (Ronald, Balshaw, Romanowski, Roth, Cook, Johnston); Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Campbell, Marra), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
| | - Fawziah Marra
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine (Ronald, Cook, Johnston), University of British Columbia; BC Centre for Disease Control (Ronald, Balshaw, Romanowski, Roth, Cook, Johnston); Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Campbell, Marra), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
| | - Victoria J Cook
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine (Ronald, Cook, Johnston), University of British Columbia; BC Centre for Disease Control (Ronald, Balshaw, Romanowski, Roth, Cook, Johnston); Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Campbell, Marra), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
| | - James C Johnston
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine (Ronald, Cook, Johnston), University of British Columbia; BC Centre for Disease Control (Ronald, Balshaw, Romanowski, Roth, Cook, Johnston); Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Campbell, Marra), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
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11
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Guthrie JL, Ronald LA, Cook VJ, Johnston J, Gardy JL. The problem with defining foreign birth as a risk factor in tuberculosis epidemiology studies. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0216271. [PMID: 31039191 PMCID: PMC6490926 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0216271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine how stratifying persons born outside Canada according to tuberculosis (TB) incidence in their birth country and other demographic factors refines our understanding of TB epidemiology and local TB transmission. BACKGROUND Population-level TB surveillance programs and research studies in low incidence settings often report all persons born outside the country in which the study is conducted as "foreign-born"-a single label for a highly diverse population with variable TB risks. This may mask important TB epidemiologic trends and not accurately reflect local transmission patterns. METHODS We used population-level data from two large cohorts in British Columbia (BC), Canada: an immigration cohort (n = 337,492 permanent residents to BC) and a genotyping cohort (n = 2290 culture-confirmed active TB cases). We stratified active TB case counts, incidence rates, and genotypic clustering (an indicator of TB transmission) in BC by birth country TB incidence, age at immigration, and years since arrival. RESULTS Persons from high-incidence countries had a 12-fold higher TB incidence than those emigrating from low-incidence settings. Estimates of local transmission, as captured by genotyping, versus reactivation of latent TB infection acquired outside Canada varied when data were stratified by birthplace TB incidence, as did patient-level characteristics of individuals in each group, such as age and years between immigration and diagnosis. CONCLUSION Categorizing persons beyond simply "foreign-born", particularly in the context of TB epidemiologic and molecular data, is needed for a more accurate understanding of TB rates and patterns of transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L. Guthrie
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Lisa A. Ronald
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Victoria J. Cook
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - James Johnston
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Jennifer L. Gardy
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, Canada
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12
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Long R, Asadi L, Heffernan C, Barrie J, Winter C, Egedahl ML, Paulsen C, Kunimoto B, Menzies D. Is there a fundamental flaw in Canada's post-arrival immigrant surveillance system for tuberculosis? PLoS One 2019; 14:e0212706. [PMID: 30849130 PMCID: PMC6407769 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0212706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background New immigrants to Canada with a history of tuberculosis or evidence of old healed tuberculosis on chest radiograph are referred to public health authorities for medical surveillance. This ostensible public health protection measure identifies a subgroup of patients (referrals) who are at very low risk (compared to non-referrals) of transmission. Methods To assess whether earlier diagnosis or a different phenotypic expression of disease explains this difference, we systematically reconstructed the immigration and transmission histories from a well-defined cohort of recently-arrived referral and non-referral pulmonary tuberculosis cases in Canada. Incident case chest radiographs in all cases and sequential past radiographs in referrals were re-read by three experts. Change in disease severity from pre-immigration radiograph to incident radiograph was the primary, and transmission of tuberculosis, the secondary, outcome. Results There were 174 cohort cases; 61 (35.1%) referrals and 113 (64.9%) non-referrals. Compared to non-referrals, referrals were less likely to be symptomatic (26% vs. 80%), smear-positive (15% vs. 50%), or to have cavitation (0% vs. 35%) or extensive disease (15% vs. 59%) on chest radiograph. After adjustment for referral status, time between films, country-of-birth, age and co-morbidities, referrals were less likely to have substantial changes on chest radiograph; OR 0.058 (95% CI 0.018–0.199). All secondary cases and 82% of tuberculin skin test conversions occurred in contacts of non-referrals. Conclusions Phenotypically different disease, and not earlier diagnosis, explains the difference in transmission risk between referrals and non-referrals. Screening, and treating high-risk non-referrals for latent tuberculosis is necessary to eliminate tuberculosis in Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Long
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | - Leyla Asadi
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Courtney Heffernan
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - James Barrie
- Department of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Christopher Winter
- Department of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Mary Lou Egedahl
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Catherine Paulsen
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Brenden Kunimoto
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Dick Menzies
- Montreal Chest Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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13
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Boggild AK, Geduld J, Libman M, Yansouni CP, McCarthy AE, Hajek J, Ghesquiere W, Mirzanejad Y, Vincelette J, Kuhn S, Plourde PJ, Chakrabarti S, Greenaway C, Hamer DH, Kain KC. Spectrum of illness in migrants to Canada: sentinel surveillance through CanTravNet. J Travel Med 2019; 26:5159662. [PMID: 30395252 DOI: 10.1093/jtm/tay117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Revised: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 11/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Due to ongoing political instability and conflict in many parts of the world, migrants are increasingly seeking asylum and refuge in Canada. METHODS We examined demographic and travel correlates of illnesses among migrants to Canada to establish a detailed epidemiologic framework of this population for Canadian practitioners. Data on ill-returned Canadian travellers presenting to a CanTravNet site between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2015 were analyzed. RESULTS During the study period, 2415 ill travellers and migrants presented to a CanTravNet site, and of those, 519 (21.5%) travelled for the purpose of migration. Sub-Saharan Africa (n = 160, 30.8%), southeast Asia (n = 84, 16.2%) and south central Asia (n = 75, 14.5%) were the most common source regions for migrants, while the top specific source countries, of 98 represented, were the Philippines (n = 45, 8.7%), China (n = 36, 6.9%) and Vietnam (n = 31, 6.0%). Compared with non-migrant travellers, migrants were more likely to have a pre-existing immunocompromising medical condition, such as HIV or diabetes mellitus (P < 0.0001), and to require inpatient management of their illness (P < 0.0001). Diagnoses such as tuberculosis (n = 263, 50.7%), hepatitis B and C (n = 78, 15%) and HIV (n = 11, 2.1%) were over-represented in the migrant population compared with non-migrant travellers (P < 0.0001). Most cases of tuberculosis in the migrant population (n = 263) were latent (82% [n = 216]); only 18% (n = 47) were active. CONCLUSIONS Compared with non-migrant travellers, migrants were more likely to present with a communicable infectious disease, such as tuberculosis, potentially complicated by an underlying immunosuppressing condition such as HIV. These differences highlight the divergent healthcare needs in the migrant population, and underscore the importance of surveillance programmes to understand their burden of illness. Intake programming should be adequately resourced to accommodate the medical needs of this vulnerable population of new Canadians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea K Boggild
- Tropical Disease Unit, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University Health Network and the University of Toronto, Toronto ON, Canada.,Public Health Ontario Laboratories, Public Health Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jennifer Geduld
- Office of Border and Travel Health, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Michael Libman
- The J.D. MacLean Centre for Tropical Diseases, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Cedric P Yansouni
- The J.D. MacLean Centre for Tropical Diseases, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Anne E McCarthy
- Tropical Medicine and International Health Clinic, Division of Infectious Diseases, Ottawa Hospital and the University of Ottawa, Ottawa ON, Canada
| | - Jan Hajek
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver British Columbia, Canada
| | - Wayne Ghesquiere
- Infectious Diseases, Vancouver Island Health Authority, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Yazdan Mirzanejad
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver British Columbia, Canada.,Fraser Health, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jean Vincelette
- Hôpital Saint-Luc du CHUM, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Susan Kuhn
- Section of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Departments of Pediatrics and Medicine, Alberta Children's Hospital and the University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Pierre J Plourde
- Travel Health and Tropical Medicine Services, Population and Public Health Program, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Sumontra Chakrabarti
- Tropical Disease Unit, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University Health Network and the University of Toronto, Toronto ON, Canada.,Trillium Health Partners, Mississauga, ON, Canada
| | - Christina Greenaway
- The J.D. MacLean Centre for Tropical Diseases, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Davidson H Hamer
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kevin C Kain
- Tropical Disease Unit, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University Health Network and the University of Toronto, Toronto ON, Canada.,SAR Laboratories, Sandra Rotman Centre for Global Health, Toronto, ON Canada
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14
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Yang C, Yasseen AS, Stimec J, Rea E, Waters V, Lam R, Morris SK, Kitai I. Prevalence of tuberculosis infection and disease in children referred for tuberculosis medical surveillance in Ontario: a single-cohort study. CMAJ Open 2018; 6:E365-E371. [PMID: 30154220 PMCID: PMC6182122 DOI: 10.9778/cmajo.20180043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are few data about the utility of the Canadian tuberculosis medical surveillance system for detecting tuberculosis in children and adolescents. We sought to assess the prevalence of tuberculosis infection and disease in children and adolescents referred by the tuberculosis medical surveillance program who were evaluated at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) tuberculosis program. METHODS We retrospectively studied clinical records, radiographic findings and results of interferon-γ release assays (IGRAs) of all children less than 18 years of age referred by the tuberculosis medical surveillance program and evaluated at SickKids between November 2012 and June 2016. RESULTS The median age of the 216 children was 10.0 years. Most were born in the Philippines (157 [72.7%]) or India (39 [18.0%]). Of the 216, 166 (76.8%) had a history of prior treatment for tuberculosis, and 34 (15.7%) were federal-sponsored refugees from settings with a high tuberculosis burden. Negative IGRA results were found in 110/130 (84.6%) of those with prior tuberculosis treatment. Thirty-one children (14.4%) had any chest radiographic abnormality, of whom 4 had changes thought to be due to tuberculosis. No child received a diagnosis of active tuberculosis at assessment or during follow-up; 3 (1.4%) were treated for latent tuberculosis infection following IGRA testing at SickKids. A positive IGRA result was associated with contact with infectious tuberculosis (odds ratio [OR] 5.97, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.06-17.52) and older age at first clinic visit (OR 2.98, 95% CI 1.24-8.30) but not with radiographic abnormalities or history of prior tuberculosis treatment. INTERPRETATION Most children were referred because of a history of prior treatment for tuberculosis; few had clinical or laboratory evidence of infection or prior disease. The tuberculosis medical surveillance process did not identify any children who required treatment for active disease and requires improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Yang
- Faculty of Medicine (Yang), Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Yasseen, Rea), Department of Pediatrics (Waters, Morris, Kitai) and Faculty of Nursing (Lam), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute (Yasseen), Ottawa, Ont.; Department of Diagnostic Imaging (Stimec) and Division of Infectious Diseases (Waters, Morris, Kitai), The Hospital for Sick Children; Toronto Public Health (Rea), Toronto, Ont
| | - Abdool S Yasseen
- Faculty of Medicine (Yang), Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Yasseen, Rea), Department of Pediatrics (Waters, Morris, Kitai) and Faculty of Nursing (Lam), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute (Yasseen), Ottawa, Ont.; Department of Diagnostic Imaging (Stimec) and Division of Infectious Diseases (Waters, Morris, Kitai), The Hospital for Sick Children; Toronto Public Health (Rea), Toronto, Ont
| | - Jennifer Stimec
- Faculty of Medicine (Yang), Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Yasseen, Rea), Department of Pediatrics (Waters, Morris, Kitai) and Faculty of Nursing (Lam), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute (Yasseen), Ottawa, Ont.; Department of Diagnostic Imaging (Stimec) and Division of Infectious Diseases (Waters, Morris, Kitai), The Hospital for Sick Children; Toronto Public Health (Rea), Toronto, Ont
| | - Elizabeth Rea
- Faculty of Medicine (Yang), Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Yasseen, Rea), Department of Pediatrics (Waters, Morris, Kitai) and Faculty of Nursing (Lam), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute (Yasseen), Ottawa, Ont.; Department of Diagnostic Imaging (Stimec) and Division of Infectious Diseases (Waters, Morris, Kitai), The Hospital for Sick Children; Toronto Public Health (Rea), Toronto, Ont
| | - Valerie Waters
- Faculty of Medicine (Yang), Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Yasseen, Rea), Department of Pediatrics (Waters, Morris, Kitai) and Faculty of Nursing (Lam), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute (Yasseen), Ottawa, Ont.; Department of Diagnostic Imaging (Stimec) and Division of Infectious Diseases (Waters, Morris, Kitai), The Hospital for Sick Children; Toronto Public Health (Rea), Toronto, Ont
| | - Ray Lam
- Faculty of Medicine (Yang), Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Yasseen, Rea), Department of Pediatrics (Waters, Morris, Kitai) and Faculty of Nursing (Lam), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute (Yasseen), Ottawa, Ont.; Department of Diagnostic Imaging (Stimec) and Division of Infectious Diseases (Waters, Morris, Kitai), The Hospital for Sick Children; Toronto Public Health (Rea), Toronto, Ont
| | - Shaun K Morris
- Faculty of Medicine (Yang), Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Yasseen, Rea), Department of Pediatrics (Waters, Morris, Kitai) and Faculty of Nursing (Lam), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute (Yasseen), Ottawa, Ont.; Department of Diagnostic Imaging (Stimec) and Division of Infectious Diseases (Waters, Morris, Kitai), The Hospital for Sick Children; Toronto Public Health (Rea), Toronto, Ont
| | - Ian Kitai
- Faculty of Medicine (Yang), Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Yasseen, Rea), Department of Pediatrics (Waters, Morris, Kitai) and Faculty of Nursing (Lam), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute (Yasseen), Ottawa, Ont.; Department of Diagnostic Imaging (Stimec) and Division of Infectious Diseases (Waters, Morris, Kitai), The Hospital for Sick Children; Toronto Public Health (Rea), Toronto, Ont.
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15
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Essue BM, Milinkovic D, Birch S. Better data to drive more effective care for people with latent tuberculosis infection in Canada. CMAJ 2018; 190:E700-E701. [PMID: 29891473 PMCID: PMC5995594 DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.180488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Beverley M Essue
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact (Essue, Milinkovic, Birch), and Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis (Essue, Milinkovic), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.; School of Public Health (Essue), The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Centre for the Business and Economics of Health (Birch), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; University of Manchester (Birch), Manchester, UK
| | - Deborah Milinkovic
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact (Essue, Milinkovic, Birch), and Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis (Essue, Milinkovic), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.; School of Public Health (Essue), The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Centre for the Business and Economics of Health (Birch), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; University of Manchester (Birch), Manchester, UK
| | - Stephen Birch
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact (Essue, Milinkovic, Birch), and Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis (Essue, Milinkovic), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.; School of Public Health (Essue), The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Centre for the Business and Economics of Health (Birch), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; University of Manchester (Birch), Manchester, UK
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16
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Campbell JR, Johnston JC, Sadatsafavi M, Cook VJ, Elwood RK, Marra F. Cost-effectiveness of post-landing latent tuberculosis infection control strategies in new migrants to Canada. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0186778. [PMID: 29084227 PMCID: PMC5662173 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0186778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 10/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The majority of tuberculosis in migrants to Canada occurs due to reactivation of latent TB infection. Risk of tuberculosis in those with latent tuberculosis infection can be significantly reduced with treatment. Presently, only 2.4% of new migrants are flagged for post-landing surveillance, which may include latent tuberculosis infection screening; no other migrants receive routine latent tuberculosis infection screening. To aid in reducing the tuberculosis burden in new migrants to Canada, we determined the cost-effectiveness of using different latent tuberculosis infection interventions in migrants under post-arrival surveillance and in all new migrants. METHODS A discrete event simulation model was developed that focused on a Canadian permanent resident cohort after arrival in Canada, utilizing a ten-year time horizon, healthcare system perspective, and 1.5% discount rate. Latent tuberculosis infection interventions were evaluated in the population under surveillance (N = 6100) and the total cohort (N = 260,600). In all evaluations, six different screening and treatment combinations were compared to the base case of tuberculin skin test screening followed by isoniazid treatment only in the population under surveillance. Quality adjusted life years, incident tuberculosis cases, and costs were recorded for each intervention and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were calculated in relation to the base case. RESULTS In the population under surveillance (N = 6100), using an interferon-gamma release assay followed by rifampin was dominant compared to the base case, preventing 4.90 cases of tuberculosis, a 4.9% reduction, adding 4.0 quality adjusted life years, and saving $353,013 over the ensuing ten-years. Latent tuberculosis infection screening in the total population (N = 260,600) was not cost-effective when compared to the base case, however could potentially prevent 21.8% of incident tuberculosis cases. CONCLUSIONS Screening new migrants under surveillance with an interferon-gamma release assay and treating with rifampin is cost saving, but will not significantly impact TB incidence. Universal latent tuberculosis infection screening and treatment is cost-prohibitive. Research into using risk factors to target screening post-landing may provide alternate solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathon R. Campbell
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - James C. Johnston
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Mohsen Sadatsafavi
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Victoria J. Cook
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - R. Kevin Elwood
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Fawziah Marra
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- * E-mail:
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17
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Sotgiu G, Migliori GB. Prevention of tuberculosis transmission through medical surveillance systems. LANCET PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 2:e439-e440. [PMID: 29253422 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-2667(17)30179-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Sotgiu
- Clinical Epidemiology and Medical Statistics Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari 07100, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Battista Migliori
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases, Maugeri Care and Research Institute, IRCCS, Tradate, Italy
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18
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Effectiveness of Canada's tuberculosis surveillance strategy in identifying immigrants at risk of developing and transmitting tuberculosis: a population-based retrospective cohort study. LANCET PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 2:e450-e457. [PMID: 29253429 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-2667(17)30161-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Revised: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Canada, tuberculosis disproportionately affects the foreign-born population. The national tuberculosis medical surveillance programme aims to prevent these cases. Individuals referred for further in-country surveillance (referrals) have a history of active tuberculosis or have features of old, healed tuberculosis on chest radiograph; those not referred (non-referrals) do not undergo surveillance. We aimed to examine the risk of transmission arising from referrals versus non-referrals. METHODS We did this population-based retrospective cohort study of foreign-born migrants (aged 15-64 years) to Alberta, Canada, between Jan 1, 2002, and Dec 31, 2013. We obtained information about year of arrival and country of citizenship from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, and data for tuberculosis cases and their contacts from the Alberta Tuberculosis Registry. The outcome of interest was culture-positive pulmonary tuberculosis. We compared the incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis and the odds of transmission among referrals versus non-referrals. By use of conventional and molecular epidemiological techniques, we defined transmission as either a secondary case or a tuberculin skin-test (TST) conversion among close contacts. We used multivariate logistic regression to determine the independent association between referral for tuberculosis surveillance and transmission. FINDINGS Between 2002 and 2013, there were 223 225 foreign-born migrants to Alberta, of whom 5500 (2%) were referrals and 217 657 (98%) were non-referrals. 3805 (69%) referrals and 115 226 (53%) non-referrals were from countries with a tuberculosis incidence of more than 150 per 100 000 populations, or sub-Saharan Africa. 234 foreign-born individuals were diagnosed with culture-positive pulmonary tuberculosis between Jan 1, 2004, and Dec 31, 2013. The incidence of culture-positive pulmonary disease was nine times higher in referrals (n=50) than all non-referrals (n=184; incidence rate ratio 9·1, 95% CI 6·7-12·5) and five times higher in referrals than non-referrals from high-risk countries (n=167; 5·0, 3·6-6·8). 71 total transmission events arose from the individuals with culture-positive pulmonary tuberculosis-three (4%) from referrals and 68 (96%) from non-referrals. No secondary cases were attributable to a referral source case, whereas 18 secondary cases were attributable to 11 different non-referral source cases. Three TST conversions were attributable to three different referral source cases compared with 50 conversions from 31 different non-referral source cases. That is, three (6%) referrals transmitted tuberculosis compared with 42 (22%) non-referrals (adjusted odds ratio of 0·19, 95% CI 0·054-0·66; p=0·009). INTERPRETATION Despite a much higher incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis in referrals than non-referrals, referrals were 80% less likely to transmit tuberculosis. Rather than a focus on referrals, Canada could consider screening and treatment of latent tuberculosis in all migrants from high-risk countries-a group that accounted for 100% of secondary cases. FUNDING Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
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Chan IHY, Kaushik N, Dobler CC. Post-migration follow-up of migrants identified to be at increased risk of developing tuberculosis at pre-migration screening: a systematic review and meta-analysis. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2017; 17:770-779. [PMID: 28410979 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(17)30194-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2017] [Revised: 02/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Post-migration follow-up of migrants considered at increased risk of developing tuberculosis based on pre-migration screening abnormalities (high-risk migrants) is implemented in several low-incidence countries. We aimed to determine the rate of tuberculosis in this population to inform cross-border tuberculosis control policies. METHODS We searched MEDLINE and Embase (since inception to Jan 12, 2017) for studies evaluating post-migration follow-up of high-risk migrants. Outcomes evaluated were the number of tuberculosis cases occurring post-migration, expressed as the tuberculosis incidence per 100 000 person-years of follow-up, as cumulative incidence of tuberculosis per 100 000 persons, and the cumulative incidence of tuberculosis at the first post-migration follow-up visit. Random-effects models were used to summarise outcomes across studies. FINDINGS We identified 20 publications (describing 23 study cohorts) reporting the pre-migration screening outcomes of 8 355 030 migrants processed between Jan 1, 1981, and May 1, 2014, with 222 375 high-risk migrants identified. The pooled cumulative incidence of tuberculosis post-migration in our study population from 22 cohorts was 2794 per 100 000 persons (95% CI 2179-3409; I2=99%). The pooled cumulative incidence of tuberculosis at the first follow-up visit from ten cohorts was 3284 per 100 000 persons (95% CI 2173-4395; I2=99%). The pooled tuberculosis incidence from 15 cohorts was 1249 per 100 000 person-years of follow-up (95% CI 924-1574; I2=98%). INTERPRETATION The high rate of tuberculosis in high-risk migrants suggests that tuberculosis control measures in this population, including more sensitive pre-migration screening, preventive treatment of latent tuberculosis infection, or post-migration follow-up, are potentially effective cross-border tuberculosis control strategies in low-incidence countries. FUNDING Australian National Health and Medical Research Council.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac H Y Chan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, Sydney, NSW, Australia; South Western Sydney Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Nishta Kaushik
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, Sydney, NSW, Australia; South Western Sydney Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Claudia C Dobler
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, Sydney, NSW, Australia; South Western Sydney Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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20
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Herzmann C, Golakov M, Malekzada F, Lonnroth K, Kranzer K. Radiological screening of refugees in Germany. Eur Respir J 2017; 49:49/5/1602487. [PMID: 28546271 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.02487-2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2016] [Accepted: 02/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Manja Golakov
- University of Lübeck, Medical Faculty, Lübeck, Germany
| | | | - Knut Lonnroth
- Global TB Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland.,Dept of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Katharina Kranzer
- Research Center Borstel, National Reference Center for Mycobacteria, Borstel, Germany
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Ronald LA, Campbell JR, Balshaw RF, Roth DZ, Romanowski K, Marra F, Cook VJ, Johnston JC. Predicting tuberculosis risk in the foreign-born population of British Columbia, Canada: study protocol for a retrospective population-based cohort study. BMJ Open 2016; 6:e013488. [PMID: 27888179 PMCID: PMC5168543 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-013488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2016] [Revised: 10/04/2016] [Accepted: 10/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Improved understanding of risk factors for developing active tuberculosis (TB) will better inform decisions about diagnostic testing and treatment for latent TB infection (LTBI) in migrant populations in low-incidence regions. We aim to examine TB risk factors among the foreign-born population in British Columbia (BC), Canada, and to create and validate a clinically relevant multivariate risk score to predict active TB. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This retrospective population-based cohort study will include all foreign-born individuals who acquired permanent resident status in Canada between 1 January 1985 and 31 December 2013 and acquired healthcare coverage in BC at any point during this period. Multiple administrative databases and disease registries will be linked, including a National Immigration Database, BC Provincial Health Insurance Registration, physician billings, hospitalisations, drugs dispensed from community pharmacies, vital statistics, HIV testing and notifications, cancer, chronic kidney disease and dialysis treatment, and all TB and LTBI testing and treatment data in BC. Extended proportional hazards regression will be used to estimate risk factors for TB and to create a prognostic TB risk score. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval for this study has been obtained from the University of British Columbia Clinical Ethics Review Board. Once completed, study findings will be presented at conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals. An online TB risk score calculator will also be created.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa A Ronald
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jonathon R Campbell
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Robert F Balshaw
- BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - David Z Roth
- BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Fawziah Marra
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Victoria J Cook
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - James C Johnston
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Amaratunga KR, Alvarez GG. Primary care pearls to help eliminate tuberculosis in Canada. CANADA COMMUNICABLE DISEASE REPORT = RELEVE DES MALADIES TRANSMISSIBLES AU CANADA 2016; 42:63-67. [PMID: 29770006 PMCID: PMC5864284 DOI: 10.14745/ccdr.v42i03a03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Although Canada has a low incidence of tuberculosis (TB), certain populations, including the foreign-born and Canadian-born Indigenous peoples, continue to be disproportionately represented among reported cases. The overall incidence rates of active TB in Canada have not significantly changed in the past decade and work still needs to be done to reach TB elimination goals set by the World Health Organization (WHO). In trying to achieve TB elimination in Canada, primary care clinicians, with the support of public health professionals and TB experts, can help by focusing on 1) targeted screening and treatment of latent TB infection (LTBI) and 2) timely diagnosis and referral of active TB disease. The following article focuses on some key primary care considerations to keep in mind in day-to-day patient care. To help conduct targeted screening and treatment for LTBI, several key populations, including immigrants from high TB burden countries, Indigenous peoples and several other at-risk groups, are outlined. Reactivation of LTBI plays a significant role in TB burden and is likely an area of major potential impact in achieving TB elimination. Advancement in LTBI treatment, including short course therapy, is also described. In addition, to help make a timely diagnosis of active TB, several key risk factors, including several co-morbidities which increase the risk of developing TB disease, can be considered. Being front-line in patient care, keeping in mind some of these key pearls may aid primary care providers to have potential impact on eliminating TB in Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- KR Amaratunga
- Centre for Communicable Diseases and Infection Control, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, ON
- University of Ottawa, Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Ottawa, ON
| | - GG Alvarez
- University of Ottawa, Departments of Medicine, Epidemiology and Community Medicine, Divisions of Respirology and Infectious Diseases, Ottawa, ON
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON
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23
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A Step toward Tuberculosis Elimination in a Low-Incidence Country: Successful Diagnosis and Treatment of Latent Tuberculosis Infection in a Refugee Clinic. Can Respir J 2016; 2016:7980869. [PMID: 27445565 PMCID: PMC4904499 DOI: 10.1155/2016/7980869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2015] [Accepted: 11/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives. Approximately 65 percent of tuberculosis (TB) cases in Canada each year occur from reactivation in foreign-born individuals. Refugees are at high risk after immigration. Routine screening of this population for latent TB infection (LTBI) is generally considered infeasible. We evaluated the outcome of LTBI screening and treatment amongst refugees. Methods. Government-sponsored refugees in Edmonton are seen at the New Canadians' Clinic and screened for TB and LTBI. We reviewed records of patients between 2009 and 2011. Completeness of initial assessment, diagnosis of latent infection, and completion of LTBI treatment were evaluated. Treatment for LTBI was offered when patients had a positive Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) and risk factors for progression to TB. An Interferon-Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) was performed on all other TST positives; treatment is only offered if it was positive. Results. 949 refugees were evaluated. 746 TSTs were read, with 265 positive individuals. IGRA testing was performed in 203 TST positive individuals without other TB risk factors; 110 were positive. LTBI treatment was offered to 147 of 151 eligible patients, 141 accepted, and 103 completed a treatment course. Conclusion. We observed high proportions of patient retention, completion of investigations, and treatment. This care model promises to be a component of effective TB prevention in this high-risk population.
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