BMC Public Health
Volume 10, 2010

The role of entry screening in case finding of tuberculosis among asylum seekers in Norway (Article) (Open Access)

Harstad I.* , Jacobsen G.W. , Heldal E. , Winje B.A. , Vahedi S. , Helvik A.-S. , Steinshamn S.L. , Garåsen H.
  • a Department of Public Health and General Practice, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, MTFS, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
  • b Department of Public Health and General Practice, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, MTFS, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
  • c Norwegian Institute of Public Health, PO box 4404 Nydalen, NO-0403 Oslo, Norway
  • d Norwegian Institute of Public Health, PO box 4404 Nydalen, NO-0403 Oslo, Norway
  • e Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Ullevål University Hospital, NO-0407 Oslo, Norway
  • f Department of Public Health and General Practice, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, MTFS, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
  • g Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway, Department of Pulmonary Medicine, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, NO-7006 Trondheim, Norway
  • h Department of Public Health and General Practice, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, MTFS, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway, City of Trondheim, Department of Health and Social Welfare, NO-7004 Trondheim, Norway

Abstract

Background. Most new cases of active tuberculosis in Norway are presently caused by imported strains and not transmission within the country. Screening for tuberculosis with a Mantoux test of everybody and a chest X-ray of those above 15 years of age is compulsory on arrival for asylum seekers. We aimed to assess the effectiveness of entry screening of a cohort of asylum seekers. Cases detected by screening were compared with cases detected later. Further we have characterized cases with active tuberculosis. Methods. All asylum seekers who arrived at the National Reception Centre between January 2005 - June 2006 with an abnormal chest X-ray or a Mantoux test 6 mm were included in the study and followed through the health care system. They were matched with the National Tuberculosis Register by the end of May 2008. Cases reported within two months after arrival were defined as being detected by screening. Results. Of 4643 eligible asylum seekers, 2237 were included in the study. Altogether 2077 persons had a Mantoux 6 mm and 314 had an abnormal chest X-ray. Of 28 cases with tuberculosis, 15 were detected by screening, and 13 at 4-27 months after arrival. Abnormal X-rays on arrival were more prevalent among those detected by screening. Female gender and Somalian origin increased the risk for active TB. Conclusion. In spite of an imperfect follow-up of screening results, a reasonable number of TB cases was identified by the programme, with a predominance of pulmonary TB. © 2010 Harstad et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

Afghanistan Europe, Eastern refugee mass screening Norway human Refugees middle aged Iraq Eastern Europe ethnology Young Adult Humans Adolescent male female tuberculosis Article adult Somalia
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-78049402858&doi=10.1186%2f1471-2458-10-670&partnerID=40&md5=697de9535ff62feaed20fc0ed0325a8b
DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-10-670
ISSN: 14712458
Cited by: 15
Original Language: English