On the issue of organizing active tuberculosis screening, taking into account key and individual vulnerabilities

Abstract

Aim. To analyze the main groups of patients with individual vulnerability to tuberculosis (TB), as well as key risk groups for the development of TB.

Material and methods. This study identified and analyzed groups of patients with individual susceptibility to TB and key risk groups for the development of TB. WHO recommendations, TB program monitoring and evaluation reports, clinical guidelines and personal observations were used.

Research results. The study identified the following vulnerable populations and key risk groups for tuberculosis: HIV-infected people, drug addicts, contacts, prisoners, labor migrants, patients with diabetes, viral hepatitis, mental illness, and decreed population groups. The methods and frequency of screening in each of these population groups are described.

Conclusion. The findings showed that even with screening intervals as short as four months, 21% of patients were diagnosed with the disease at a moderately advanced stage, with a slightly lower percentage diagnosed at a late stage. For this reason, targeted screening among representatives of key high-risk groups for TB disease and vulnerable individuals allows for timely detection of cases of latent and active TB among them and improvement of clinical outcomes of the disease among these population groups.