How to screen for tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which seriously endangers human health. Early screening and diagnosis are key to controlling the spread of TB. This article will introduce in detail the tuberculosis screening methods, applicable groups and related data to help everyone better understand the importance of tuberculosis screening.
1. Common screening methods for tuberculosis
Screening methods for tuberculosis mainly include the following:
| Screening methods | Applicable people | Advantages and Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) | Children and people with normal immune function | Simple operation and low cost; but false positives or false negatives may occur |
| Interferon gamma release assay (IGRA) | People with low immune function and people who have been vaccinated with BCG vaccine | High specificity and not affected by BCG vaccination; but the cost is higher |
| Chest X-ray | Suspected tuberculosis patients | Visual display of lung lesions; however, there are radiation risks |
| Sputum smear and culture | Patients with suspected active tuberculosis | Gold standard for diagnosis; however, it takes a long time and has limited sensitivity |
2. Applicable groups for tuberculosis screening
The following groups should be prioritized for TB screening:
| Crowd classification | Screening recommendations |
|---|---|
| Close contacts of tuberculosis | Regular TST or IGRA testing is recommended |
| HIV infected people | Screen at least once a year |
| medical staff | Screening upon entry and regular review in high-risk environments |
| immunosuppressant users | Screening before medication and regular monitoring |
3. Precautions for tuberculosis screening
1.Screening time: Tuberculosis has a long incubation period, and regular screening is recommended for high-risk groups, especially those who have been in contact with tuberculosis patients.
2.Interpretation of screening results: A positive TST or IGRA only indicates infection, and clinical symptoms and other examinations (such as chest X-ray) need to be combined to determine whether it is active tuberculosis.
3.Precautions: For those who screen positive but do not have active tuberculosis, preventive treatment, such as isoniazid treatment, can be considered.
4. Global data on tuberculosis screening
The following is the data related to tuberculosis screening released by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2023:
| area | Tuberculosis incidence rate (per 100,000 people) | Screening coverage |
|---|---|---|
| africa | 230 | 60% |
| Southeast Asia | 180 | 75% |
| Europe | 30 | 85% |
| America | 25 | 70% |
5. Conclusion
Early screening of tuberculosis is a key link in prevention and control. Through scientific screening methods and regular monitoring of high-risk groups, the spread and harm of tuberculosis can be effectively reduced. If you belong to a high-risk group, please seek medical treatment and undergo relevant examinations promptly to ensure early detection and treatment.
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