Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiologia Clinica
Volume 33, Issue 3, 2015, Pages 166-172

Characteristics of tuberculosis in the immigrant population in South Granada Health Area [Características de la tuberculosis en la población inmigrante en el Área de Salud Sur de Granada] (Article)

Morales-García C.* , Parra-Ruiz J. , Valero-Aguilera B. , Sanbonmatsu-Gámez S. , Sánchez-Martínez J.A. , Hernández-Quero J.
  • a Servicio de Neumología, Hospital Universitario Virgen de Las Nieves, E-Granada, Spain
  • b Servicio de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Hospital Universitario San Cecilio, E-Granada, Spain
  • c Área de Estadística y Metodología, Hospital Universitario Virgen de Las Nieves, E-Granada, Spain
  • d Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario Virgen de Las Nieves, E-Granada, Spain
  • e Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Santa Ana, Motril, Spain
  • f Servicio de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Hospital Universitario San Cecilio, E-Granada, Spain

Abstract

Introduction The incidence of tuberculosis (TB) among the native population in Spain continues to decrease, resulting in a higher proportion of foreign-born cases. The aim of this study was to identify the differential TB characteristics within the immigrant population with respect to the native population in the South Granada Health Area, Spain. Methods This was a descriptive study, including all cases of TB diagnosed during the period 2003-2010. Cases were identified through a prospective database. A logistic regression analysis was performed to determine differential characteristics. Results From 319 TB cases diagnosed, 247 were natives and 72 (22.6%) immigrants, and 272 were pulmonary tuberculosis. The following variables were significantly associated with immigrant TB cases: age < 35 years (OR = 4.75, CI: 2.72-8.31), higher percentage of cavitated chest X-ray (OR = 2.26, CI: 1.20-4.20), higher percentage of smear-positive cases (OR = 1.80, CI: 1.02-3.16), longer diagnostic delay in smear-positive pulmonary TB (median 32 days vs. 21 days P =.043), and lower total lethality (OR = 0.12; CI: 0.01-0.89). Conclusions The incidence of TB has remained constant in the South Granada Health Area due to the increase in cases among immigrants. Compared with native TB patients, immigrant patients were younger and had more advanced disease (higher percentage of smear-positive cases and higher percentage of cavitated chest X-ray) and longer diagnostic delay in smear-positive pulmonary TB, indicating poorer TB control. Strategies for earlier diagnosis of TB in immigrants are essential. © 2015 Elsevier España, S.L.U.

Author Keywords

tuberculosis Smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis Foreign-born Immigration Diagnostic delay

Index Keywords

descriptive research prospective study immigrant lethality logistic regression analysis Prospective Studies human middle aged Aged Young Adult Humans migrant lung tuberculosis Adolescent male Emigrants and Immigrants Spain preschool child female tuberculosis Infant Child, Preschool clinical article population research Incidence Article major clinical study adult thorax radiography tuberculosis control age distribution early diagnosis Child
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84924288387&doi=10.1016%2fj.eimc.2014.04.013&partnerID=40&md5=087c4ab8687fb0b87592318f0b78f382
DOI: 10.1016/j.eimc.2014.04.013
ISSN: 0213005X
Cited by: 4
Original Language: Spanish