[Preventing TB among immigrants; aiming for an integrated approach to infectious diseases]

Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2020 Jul 16:164:D4538.
[Article in Dutch]

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) still occurs frequently in the Netherlands among immigrants from countries where the disease is highly endemic, despite the mandatory TB screening upon settling in the Netherlands. The TB-ENDPoint study shows that immigrants from populations at risk for TB are prepared to be screened for latent TB infection (LTBI) and to complete preventative treatment. Cost-effectiveness analysis will have to determine whether and in which target groups screening can replace the present X-ray screening for TB. A targeted approach, in which LTBI screening is combined with screening for other infectious diseases such as hepatitis B and C and HIV, could favourably influence cost-effectiveness. Further research into implementation, involving all stakeholders, would be useful to optimize combined screening.

MeSH terms

  • Communicable Disease Control / economics
  • Communicable Disease Control / methods*
  • Communicable Diseases / diagnosis
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
  • Delivery of Health Care, Integrated / economics
  • Delivery of Health Care, Integrated / methods*
  • Emigrants and Immigrants / statistics & numerical data*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Latent Tuberculosis / diagnosis*
  • Latent Tuberculosis / prevention & control
  • Male
  • Mass Screening / economics
  • Mass Screening / methods*
  • Netherlands
  • Tuberculin Test / economics