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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
Joint Authors
Rennert-May, Elissa
Hansen, Elisabeth
Zadeh, Toktam
Krinke, Valerie
Houston, Stan
Cooper, Ryan
Source
Issue
Vol. 2016, Issue 2016 (31 Dec. 2016), pp.1-6, 6 p.
Publisher
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Publication Date
2016-02-24
Country of Publication
Egypt
No. of Pages
6
Main Subjects
Abstract EN
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.
American Psychological Association (APA)
Rennert-May, Elissa& Hansen, Elisabeth& Zadeh, Toktam& Krinke, Valerie& Houston, Stan& Cooper, Ryan. 2016. A Step toward Tuberculosis Elimination in a Low-Incidence Country: Successful Diagnosis and Treatment of Latent Tuberculosis Infection in a Refugee Clinic. Canadian Respiratory Journal،Vol. 2016, no. 2016, pp.1-6.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1103244
Modern Language Association (MLA)
Rennert-May, Elissa…[et al.]. A Step toward Tuberculosis Elimination in a Low-Incidence Country: Successful Diagnosis and Treatment of Latent Tuberculosis Infection in a Refugee Clinic. Canadian Respiratory Journal No. 2016 (2016), pp.1-6.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1103244
American Medical Association (AMA)
Rennert-May, Elissa& Hansen, Elisabeth& Zadeh, Toktam& Krinke, Valerie& Houston, Stan& Cooper, Ryan. A Step toward Tuberculosis Elimination in a Low-Incidence Country: Successful Diagnosis and Treatment of Latent Tuberculosis Infection in a Refugee Clinic. Canadian Respiratory Journal. 2016. Vol. 2016, no. 2016, pp.1-6.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1103244
Data Type
Journal Articles
Language
English
Notes
Includes bibliographical references
Record ID
BIM-1103244