[Factors associated with latent tuberculous infection in immigrants less than 35 years old].
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection in immigrants.


METHODS
A review was performed of patients less than 35 years old who were seen in an imported disease unit in Barcelona (Spain).


RESULTS
A total of 837 tuberculin tests were performed, 728 were read and 351 (48.2%) cases of latent tuberculosis infection were detected. Older patients and those from Africa showed the highest prevalence.


CONCLUSIONS
Immigrants in our setting present a high prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection. Few patients follow all the indications, making it necessary to improve strategies directed toward screening and diagnosis, as well as prescription and compliance with preventive treatment.
Bran
Carlos
C
Unidad de Enfermedades Tropicales Importadas y Vacunación Internacionales Drassanes, Agencia de Salud Pública de Barcelona, España. cbran@aspb.esp
Gómez i Prat
Jordi
J
Caylá
Joan A
JA
García de Olalla
Patricia
P
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000349:Africa / Q000208:ethnology; D000995:Antitubercular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001208:Asia / Q000208:ethnology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004641:Emigration and Immigration; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013020:South America / Q000208:ethnology; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology; D014374:Tuberculin Test; D014394:Tuberculosis, Osteoarticular / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology; D014397:Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology*
D000995:Antitubercular Agents