TB, HIV-associated TB and multidrug-resistant TB on Thailand's border with Myanmar, 2006-2007.
OBJECTIVE
To measure the burden and improve management of tuberculosis (TB), HIV-associated TB and MDR TB in Tak Province, Thailand, which borders Myanmar.


METHODS
From September 2006 to August 2007, we collected uniform data about TB cases and enhanced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) counselling and testing. We provided mycobacterial culture and drug-susceptibility testing in public or non-governmental organization facilities. Patients were classified by nationality and, for non-Thais, by migration status.


RESULTS
Of 1662 TB cases in the 12-month period, 1087 (65%) occurred in non-Thais. Of non-Thais, 415 (38%) lived in Myanmar but crossed the border for healthcare. HIV infection was diagnosed in 18% of Thais compared with 12% of non-Thais (P < 0.01); HIV status was unknown for 22% of Thais and 27% of non-Thais (P = 0.02). Overall, multidrug-resistant (MDR) TB was diagnosed in 27 patients, 19 (70%) in non-Thais. Among TB cases never previously treated for TB, no MDR cases were diagnosed in Thais or in Myanmar refugees, but six cases were diagnosed in migrants from Myanmar.


CONCLUSIONS
In Thailand, TB, HIV-associated TB and MDR TB in migrants from Myanmar are important public health problems; they need to be resolved in both the countries.
Hemhongsa
Patjuban
P
Tak Provincial Public Health Office, Tak, Thailand.
Tasaneeyapan
Theerawit
T
Swaddiwudhipong
Witaya
W
Danyuttapolchai
Junya
J
Pisuttakoon
Kanoknart
K
Rienthong
Somsak
S
McCarthy
Kimberly
K
Varma
Melissa J
MJ
Whitmore
Jacqueline
J
Varma
Jay K
JK
D017088:AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / Q000453:epidemiology*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000995:Antitubercular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004641:Emigration and Immigration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology; D015497:HIV-1; D006292:Health Priorities; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012042:Registries; D018571:Sentinel Surveillance; D013785:Thailand / Q000453:epidemiology; D018088:Tuberculosis, Multidrug-Resistant / Q000453:epidemiology*; D014397:Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology*; D014944:World Health Organization
D000995:Antitubercular Agents