There is a need for a more systematic screening in Denmark for tuberculosis, concludes a new analysis from Aarhus University.
Every year, there are between 300 and 400 cases of the infectious disease in Denmark.
If we are to eradicate the infection, according to the study, prison inmates, drug addicts and the socially exposed to tuberculosis should be screened to a greater extent.
– The study emphasizes that there is a great benefit of looking for tuberculosis among risk groups in countries with a high incidence of tuberculosis.
– But it is also a good idea to screen vulnerable groups in countries with an otherwise low incidence of the disease, says Anders Bohlbro in a press release.
He is a medical student and part of the research team behind the analysis.
Tuberculosis is the infectious disease that kills the most people worldwide.
The infection, which primarily attacks the lungs, kills 1.5 million people each year.
The UN has set a goal that the disease must be eradicated by 2030.
Many countries – especially in Africa and South and Central America – have far greater problems with tuberculosis than Denmark.
Nevertheless, according to the study, it makes sense to carry out a more systematic screening among risk groups – also here at home.
– Tuberculosis screening of individual groups of the socially disadvantaged is already part of the strategy in some cities in Denmark. But not among prison inmates who are otherwise exposed when it comes to tuberculosis, says Christian Wejse.
He is an associate professor and departmental physician and has been a supervisor on the project.
The current recommendations from the World Health Organization WHO say that a relatively narrow group of people should be tested for tuberculosis.
This applies to patients with HIV, close contacts with tuberculosis patients and people who have been exposed to silica dust in connection with their work.
But according to the study, there is reason to rewrite the recommendations so that one searches more broadly for the infection.
– It should have an impact on global guidelines defined by the WHO, says Anders Bohlbro.
Source: The Nordic Page