New S3 Guideline on Tuberculosis Prevention Among New Migrants Published

“The current national strategy for tuberculosis control is insufficient,” emphasizes the lead author, Dr. Brit Häcker, a pulmonologist and medical staff member at the DZK as well as a researcher in the department “Epidemiology” at the HZI. “We therefore propose a complete restructuring of the current approach with our S3 guideline.”

Only those living in shared housing are screened for tuberculosis

Häcker and her colleagues point out that, under current law, every migrant is required to undergo tuberculosis screening if they are housed in shared accommodation. “Since no accompanying circumstances are taken into account, this results in many unnecessary screenings in shared housing on the one hand, and a lack of screening opportunities for all people in other types of housing on the other,” explains the pulmonologist and tuberculosis expert. It is important to take into account the circumstances of newly arrived migrants, the authors write.

Offer screening to people from countries with high tuberculosis incidence

Accordingly, the new recommendations state: In particular, newly arrived migrants from countries with a tuberculosis incidence of more than 100 per 100,000 inhabitants should be offered a tuberculosis screening. For people up to age 35, an additional screening for tuberculosis infection (TBI) should be conducted. If TBI is detected, an offer for preventive drug therapy should also be made.

Risk factors such as comorbidities and pre-existing conditions, malnutrition, or difficult refugee circumstances should also be taken into account in order to offer targeted screening to people at the highest risk of tuberculosis or TB infection. “This allows us to use available resources much more efficiently and in a more targeted manner,” says Brit Häcker.