Tuberculosis and Immigration - A retrospective study at an urban Chest Disease Center

In Portugal, tuberculosis (TB) continues to be a major public health problem. The phenomenon of migration has a growing impact on the local epidemiology of TB. <b>Aim:</b> Retrospective assessment of TB cases in the immigrant population, based on their socio-demographic, risk factors and clinical features at an urban Chest Disease Center, in Portugal, over a period of 11 years. <b>Results:</b> Of a total of 524 new cases of TB reported between 2008 and 2018, 108 (20.6%) were immigrants. Seventy-eight (72.2%) were males, with a mean age of 45 years. The frequency of TB cases was higher in the 35-44 age group. It has been found that the immigrants were native mainly from Angola (37.9%) and Cape Verde (15.7%). Seventy-seven immigrants (75%) lived in Portugal for more than 5 years. From all evaluated cases, 80 corresponded to pulmonary tuberculosis; 62.5% with a positive sputum acid-fast bacilli smear and 92.5% were confirmed cases. In 53 patients (49%), the immunodeficiency virus infection was the main comorbidity associated (13.9%). The classic antibiotic treatment scheme (Isoniazid + Rifampin + Ethambutol + Pyrazinamide) was used in 86 patients. Eighty antibiograms were performed, 72 did not show any type of resistance. Direct Observed Therapy has been used in 90 patients (83.3%) and most of the patients (88.9%) completed the treatment. <b>Conclusions:</b> The high incidence rates of TB among immigrant population are mostly a reflection of the incidence rates in their countries of origin. Host countries have a responsibility to develop a deeper knowledge about health care needs of immigrants in general and particularly for TB, because of the impact of international migration on local TB epidemiology.