Objective
This study investigates the changes in tuberculosis among migrant and local populations in the xxxxxx and xxxxx regions of central and southern xxxxx, compared to the pre-migration period.
Methods
A multicenter retrospective study analyzed data from patients hospitalized for tuberculosis in three regional tertiary care hospitals between May 2011 and April 2024. The study recorded whether the patients were migrants or non-migrant, their immunosuppressive status, drug resistance, and the sites of tuberculosis involvement.
Results
A total of 280 participants were included, consisting of 55 immigrants and 225 non-immigrants. In migrants, the males (92.7%) were significantly higher than non-migrants (<0.001). Additionally, immunosuppression was substantially more common in migrants (<0.001). The cavitation rate in pulmonary tuberculosis was 50.9% in migrants and 28.9% in non-migrants (p = 0.002). Immigrants also had a higher incidence of positive TB cultures. Drug resistance rates were similar between the two groups, with no increase compared to pre-migration data. However, the rate of drug resistance testing was found to be lower than the national average. The multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that immunosuppression condition significantly increased the risk of mortality (OR = 3.681).
Conclusion
Key findings include a higher prevalence of immunosuppression and cavity in pulmonary TB among immigrants. TB cases among refugees have increased significantly since 2011, but drug resistance rates have not. Where drug resistance testing is more widespread, further studies are needed.