Netherlands Journal of Medicine
Volume 56, Issue 2, 2000, Pages 63-71

Tuberculosis screening among immigrants in The Netherlands: What is its contribution to public health? (Review)

Bwire R.* , Nagelkerke N. , Keizer S.T. , Année-v. Bavel J.A.C.M. , Sijbrant J. , Van Burg J.L. , Borgdorff M.W.
  • a Royal Netherlands Tuberculosis Association (KNCV), P.O. Box 146, 2501 CC Den Haag, Netherlands
  • b Royal Netherlands Tuberculosis Association (KNCV), P.O. Box 146, 2501 CC Den Haag, Netherlands, National Institute of Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, Netherlands
  • c Tuberculosis Department, Municipal Health Service, Amsterdam, Netherlands
  • d Tuberculosis Department, Municipal Health Service, Midden Brabant, Tilburg, Netherlands
  • e Tuberculosis Department, Municipal Health Service, Flevoland, Lelystad, Netherlands
  • f Agency for Reception of Asylum Seekers, Rijswijk, Netherlands
  • g Royal Netherlands Tuberculosis Association (KNCV), P.O. Box 146, 2501 CC Den Haag, Netherlands

Abstract

Understanding the epidemiology of tuberculosis in migrant communities and designing adequate and comprehensive control strategies is a major challenge facing public health authorities in many low-prevalence countries. In The Netherlands, screening immigrants from tuberculosis high prevalence countries has been conducted since 1966. In this paper, we review risk factors for tuberculosis in migrant populations, the public health importance of tuberculosis and the current screening policy in The Netherlands. TB treatment outcome in migrant populations and operational considerations that ought to be taken into account to optimize current screening practices are also reviewed. The article recommends the setting-up of an information system to evaluate the effectiveness of screening immigrants in The Netherlands, and adjustment of screening policies where needed.

Author Keywords

Control strategies Migration Infectious diseases Epidemiology

Index Keywords

Netherlands immigrant mass screening health care policy demography human screening Humans Treatment Outcome male female tuberculosis risk factor Risk Factors Review prevalence isoniazid information system thorax radiography Emigration and Immigration drug resistance rifampicin public health
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-0033985236&doi=10.1016%2fS0300-2977%2899%2900118-7&partnerID=40&md5=2b6ea84e2ff85a6f6857a66b0abc3392
DOI: 10.1016/S0300-2977(99)00118-7
ISSN: 03002977
Cited by: 29
Original Language: English