The burden and predictors of latent tuberculosis infection among immigrants in South Korea: a retrospective cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background Approximately one-fourth of the global population is latently infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. An understanding of the burden of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) among immigrants compared with the general Korean population should be the first step in identifying priority groups for LTBI diagnosis and treatment. The study aimed to compute the age-standardized LTBI prevalence and predictors among immigrants with LTBI in South Korea. Methods In 2018, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency implemented a pilot LTBI screening project for immigrants using a chest radiography and the QuantiFERON Gold In-Tube assay. A standardized prevalence ratio (SPR) was computed to compare the LTBI burden in immigrants and the general Korean population. Results During the duration of the project, a total of 8108 immigrants (5134 males and 2974 females) underwent LTBI screening. The SPR of 1.547 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.468–1.629) in males and 1.261 (95% CI 1.177–1.349) in females were both higher than the Korean reference population. Furthermore, among the immigrants, those aged < 40 years and Korean diaspora visa holders had a higher SPR. Conclusion This study found a higher LTBI prevalence among immigrant population in South Korea compared to that in the general Korean population, and the SPR was higher among those aged < 40 years and the Korean diaspora. The findings can be used as baseline evidence for including immigrants in South Korea in the at-risk group with a priority need for LTBI screening and treatment.

A Quasi-experimental Study on the Effect of Pre-entry Tuberculosis Screening for Immigrants on Treatment Outcomes in South Korea: A Difference-in-Differences Analysis

“…TB incidences among immigrants have also been increasing steadily since 2000 [ 10 ]. Accordingly, the South Korean government proposed two TB programs specialized for immigrants: pre-entry active TB screening linked to visa application and post-arrival screening linked to visa extension, as well as a pilot program for latent TB screening for immigrants staying in South Korea [ 11 , 12 ]. Particularly, the pre-entry TB screening policy, which stipulated a mandatory requirement of pre-entry TB screening by chest X-ray for foreigners from countries with a relatively high TB burden (TB incidence: at least 50 per 100,000 population) and who are applying for long- stay (≥ 91 days) visa, was implemented on March 1, 2016.…”

Incidence of Tuberculosis Among Immigrants in Korea Who Participated in a Latent Tuberculosis Infection Screening Program

“…7 However, the current LTBI strategy of South Korea does not cover immigrants due to the lack of evidence. 8 9 …”

Gender differences in tuberculosis patients with comorbidity: A cross-sectional study using national surveillance data and national health insurance claims data in South Korea

“…Furthermore, the prevalence of TB with other chronic diseases is significantly affected by socio-economic factors [10][11][12]. Moreover, TB with other chronic diseases disproportionately affects vulnerable sections of society, including low-income groups, homeless people, and immigrants [13][14][15]. Therefore, there could be a higher proportion of the double burden of comorbidity of TB and chronic NCDs in such populations, and such a double burden and disease interaction could further exacerbate their vulnerability.…”