Outcomes from a national screening program for Ukrainian refugees at risk of drug resistant tuberculosis in Wales

High rates of drug-resistant tuberculosis in Ukraine suggest screening is necessary to mitigate public health hazards for host populations. A pathway was implemented in Wales and data prospectively collected Between 8 April and 21 December 2022. Of 5425 Ukrainian arrivals, notifications were received by TB teams on 2395 (44%) of whom 1955 (82%) were screened. The refugees were young (median age 30, IQR 14–41), and predominantly female (66.1%). Interferon- gamma release assay (IGRA) tests were positive in 112 (6.5%). One Case of active tuberculosis was identified (0.05%). Our data supports European guidelines that routine screening of this population is not recommended, but we remain uncertain as to the risks of this population going forwards.

Source: Thorax - December 15, 2023 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Barry, S. M., Davies, G., Barry, T. D., Evans, J., Backx, M., Brouns, M., Mughal, A., Kelly, S., Collier, G., Ambalavanan, S., Davies, C., Sharp, H., Lloyd, P., Hester, Y., Murray, N., Goddard, K., Johnstone, L., Parry, J., Davies, O., Williams, R., Ahern Tags: Open access, Thorax Short report Source Type: research