High rate of completion of preventive therapy for latent tuberculosis infection among asylum seekers in a Swiss Canton

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Serval ID
serval:BIB_9FB75C5AA1EE
Type
Article: article from journal or magazin.
Collection
Publications
Institution
Title
High rate of completion of preventive therapy for latent tuberculosis infection among asylum seekers in a Swiss Canton
Journal
Swiss Medical Weekly
Author(s)
Sarivalasis A. (co-first), Bodenmann P., Langenskiold E., Lutchmaya-Flick C., Daher O., Zellweger J.P. (co-last)
ISSN
1424-3997 (Electronic)
ISSN-L
0036-7672
Publication state
Published
Issued date
2013
Volume
143
Number
w13860
Pages
1-6
Language
english
Notes
Publication types: Journal ArticlePublication Status: epublish. PDF type: Original article
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Preventive treatment may avoid future cases of tuberculosis among asylum seekers. The effectiveness of preventive treatment depends in large part on treatment completion.
METHODS: In a prospective cohort study, asylum seekers of two of the Swiss Canton Vaud migration centres were screened with the Interferon Gamma Release Assay (IGRA). Those with a positive IGRA were referred for medical examination. Individuals with active or past tuberculosis were excluded. Preventive treatment was offered to all participants with positive IGRA but without active tuberculosis. The adherence was assessed during monthly follow-up.
RESULTS: From a population of 393 adult migrants, 98 (24.9%) had a positive IGRA. Eleven did not attend the initial medical assessment. Of the 87 examined, eight presented with pulmonary disease (five of them received a full course of antituberculous therapy), two had a history of prior tuberculosis treatment and two had contraindications to treatment. Preventive treatment was offered to 75 individuals (4 months rifampicin in 74 and 9 months isoniazid in one), of whom 60 (80%) completed the treatment.
CONCLUSIONS: The vulnerability and the volatility of this population make screening and observance of treatment difficult. It seems possible to obtain a high rate of completion using a short course of treatment in a closely monitored population living in stable housing conditions.
Pubmed
Web of science
Open Access
Yes
Create date
03/10/2013 16:59
Last modification date
21/11/2022 8:26
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