title: [Characteristics of tuberculosis in the immigrant population in South Granada Health Area].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The incidence of tuberculosis (TB) among the native population in Spain continues to decrease, resulting in a higher proportion of foreign-born cases. The aim of this study was to identify the differential TB characteristics within the immigrant population with respect to the native population in the South Granada Health Area, Spain.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a descriptive study, including all cases of TB diagnosed during the period 2003-2010. Cases were identified through a prospective database. A logistic regression analysis was performed to determine differential characteristics.
  
  
  RESULTS
  From 319 TB cases diagnosed, 247 were natives and 72 (22.6%) immigrants, and 272 were pulmonary tuberculosis. The following variables were significantly associated with immigrant TB cases: age<35 years (OR=4.75, CI: 2.72-8.31), higher percentage of cavitated chest X-ray (OR=2.26, CI: 1.20-4.20), higher percentage of smear-positive cases (OR=1.80, CI: 1.02-3.16), longer diagnostic delay in smear-positive pulmonary TB (median 32 days vs. 21 days P=.043), and lower total lethality (OR=0.12; CI: 0.01-0.89).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The incidence of TB has remained constant in the South Granada Health Area due to the increase in cases among immigrants. Compared with native TB patients, immigrant patients were younger and had more advanced disease (higher percentage of smear-positive cases and higher percentage of cavitated chest X-ray) and longer diagnostic delay in smear-positive pulmonary TB, indicating poorer TB control. Strategies for earlier diagnosis of TB in immigrants are essential.
authors: Servicio de Neumología, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, España. Electronic address: concepcionmorales@telefonica.net.
authors: Concepción
authors: C
authors: Morales-García
authors: Servicio de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Hospital Universitario San Cecilio, Granada, España.
authors: Jorge
authors: J
authors: Parra-Ruiz
authors: Área de Estadística y Metodología, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, España.
authors: Beatriz
authors: B
authors: Valero-Aguilera
authors: Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, España.
authors: Sara
authors: S
authors: Sanbonmatsu-Gámez
authors: Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Santa Ana, Motril, España.
authors: José Antonio
authors: JA
authors: Sánchez-Martínez
authors: Servicio de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Hospital Universitario San Cecilio, Granada, España.
authors: José
authors: J
authors: Hernández-Quero
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D054242:Emigrants and Immigrants; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Demora diagnóstica; Diagnostic delay; Extranjero; Foreign-born; Immigration; Inmigración; Smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis; Tuberculosis; Tuberculosis pulmonar bacilífera