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

Thorax. 2023 Dec 15;79(1):86-89. doi: 10.1136/thorax-2023-220161.

Abstract

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.

Keywords: Infection Control; Tuberculosis.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interferon-gamma Release Tests
  • Latent Tuberculosis* / diagnosis
  • Latent Tuberculosis* / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Mass Screening
  • Refugees*
  • Tuberculin Test
  • Tuberculosis, Multidrug-Resistant* / diagnosis
  • Tuberculosis, Multidrug-Resistant* / epidemiology
  • Wales / epidemiology