Serial Mass Screening for Tuberculosis Among Incarcerated Persons in Brazil.

ABSTRACT:

Background

An active search for tuberculosis cases through mass screening is widely described as a tool to improve case detection in hyperendemic settings. However, its effectiveness in high-risk populations, such as incarcerated people, is debated.

Methods

Between 2017 and 2021, 3 rounds of mass screening were carried out in 3 Brazilian prisons. Social and health questionnaires, chest X-rays, and Xpert MTB/RIF were performed.

Results

More than 80% of the prison population was screened. Overall, 684 cases of pulmonary tuberculosis were diagnosed. Prevalence across screening rounds was not statistically different. Among incarcerated persons with symptoms, the overall prevalence of tuberculosis per 100 000 persons was 8497 (95% confidence interval [CI], 7346-9811), 11 1

SUBMITTER: Pivetta de Araujo RC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11175667 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature