Diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis in asylum seekers and refugees in the Bern canton 1993-1997
Maurer, A.M.; Seiler, A.J.
Praxis 89(7): 271-274
2000
ISSN/ISBN: 1661-8157 PMID: 10705799 Document Number: 519093
As part of a preventive program asylum seekers and refugees are screened for tuberculosis. Necessary treatments have to be administered in the accepting canton. Aim of this cohort study was to assess the way of diagnosis and the outcome of treatment in 64 cases of pulmonary tuberculosis and positive culture in the Canton of Berne between 1993 and 1997. Results existed for 62 of them (96.9%). 34 cases of tuberculosis were discovered by screening and 23 more than 6 months afterwards. 87.1% of all cases were treated for more than 6 months. Among patients with unfavourable outcome four disappeared, three were transferred out. Efficacy of screening for tuberculosis depends also on follow-up during treatment which took place in the Canton of Berne. A strict organisation like the one applied in Berne or directly controlled treatment are necessary to warrant curative treatment.