Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis and migration to Europe
File(s)
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in low-incidence countries in Europe is more prevalent among migrants than the native population. The impact of the recent increase in migration to EU and EEA countries with a low incidence of TB (fewer than 20 cases per 100,000 [1]) on MDR-TB epidemiology is unclear. This narrative review synthesises evidence on MDR-TB and migration identified through an expert panel and database search. A significant proportion of MDR-TB cases in migrants result from reactivation of latent infection. Refugees and asylum seekers may have a heightened risk of MDR-TB infection and worse outcomes. Although concerns have been raised around ‘health tourists’ migrating for MDR-TB treatment, numbers are probably small and data are lacking. Migrants experience significant barriers to testing and treatment for MDR-TB, exacerbated by increasingly restrictive health systems. Screening for latent MDR-TB is highly problematic since current tests cannot distinguish drug-resistant latent infection, and evidence-based guidance for treatment of latent infection in contacts of MDR patients lacking. While there is evidence that transmission of TB from migrants to the general population is low – it predominantly occurs within migrant communities – there is a human rights obligation to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of MDR-TB in migrants. Further research is needed into MDR-TB and migration, the impact of screening on detection or prevention, and the potential consequences of failing to treat and prevent MDR-TB among migrants in Europe. An evidence-base is urgently needed to inform guidelines for effective approaches for MDR-TB management in migrant populations in Europe.
Date Issued
2016-09-23
Date Acceptance
2016-09-18
Citation
Clinical Microbiology and Infection, 2016, 23 (3), pp.141-146
ISSN
1469-0691
Publisher
Elsevier
Start Page
141
End Page
146
Journal / Book Title
Clinical Microbiology and Infection
Volume
23
Issue
3
Copyright Statement
© 2016 Elsevier. Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
Sponsor
Imperial College Healthcare Charity
Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust- BRC Funding
Grant Number
GG14\1017
RDA02
Subjects
Science & Technology
Life Sciences & Biomedicine
Infectious Diseases
Microbiology
Delivery
Drug resistance
Europe
Health service delivery
Latent tuberculosis migration
Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis
Screening
Tuberculosis
LOW-INCIDENCE COUNTRIES
RISK
TRANSMISSION
UNION
EPIDEMIOLOGY
SURVEILLANCE
ELIMINATION
IMMIGRATION
FRAMEWORK
EU/EEA
Latent tuberculosis
migration
Antitubercular Agents
Diagnostic Tests, Routine
Disease Transmission, Infectious
Emigration and Immigration
Humans
Infection Control
Medication Adherence
Tuberculosis, Multidrug-Resistant
1103 Clinical Sciences
Publication Status
Published