Tuberculosis behind bars in developing countries: a hidden shame to public health.
In developing countries, prisons do not have adequate healthcare systems. The problem is particularly acute for tuberculosis (TB) and is exacerbated by crowding and HIV infection. Improved passive TB detection is a priority for control, but in highly endemic prisons mass screening may be needed to obtain a more rapid decrease in incidence. The provision of health care in prisons is made more difficult by social conditions within prisons and the political climate in which they operate. International guidelines seem to be largely ignored.
INSERM U707, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, 27 rue Chaligny, F-75012, Paris, France. larouze@u707.jussieu.fr
Bernard
B
Larouzé
Alexandra
A
Sánchez
Vilma
V
Diuana
D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000592:standards*; D003906:Developing Countries; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening; D011330:Prisons; D011634:Public Health; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control*