Differential rates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis transmission associate with host-pathogen sympatry.

Several human-adapted Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (Mtbc) lineages exhibit a restricted geographical distribution globally. These lineages are hypothesized to transmit more effectively among sympatric hosts, that is, those that share the same geographical area, though this is yet to be confirmed while controlling for exposure, social networks and disease risk after exposure. Using pathogen genomic and contact tracing data from 2,279 tuberculosis cases linked to 12,749 contacts from three low-incidence cities, we show that geographically restricted Mtbc lineages were less transmissible than lineages that have a widespread global distribution.

Tuberculin skin test reaction depends on type of purified protein derivative: implications for cut-off values.

Due to purified protein derivative (PPD) RT23 stock-outs in 2014, PPD-Tubersol and PPD-Bulbio have been used for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) testing in the Netherlands. To determine whether PPD-RT23, PPD-Tubersol and PPD-Bulbio were associated with differential indurations and confirmation using interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs). LTBI surveillance data from 2013 to 2016 were extracted.

Latent tuberculosis screening and treatment among asylum seekers: a mixed-methods study.

Introduction: Evidence on conditions for implementation of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) screening and treatment among asylum seekers is needed to inform tuberculosis (TB) control policies. We used mixed-methods to evaluate the implementation of an LTBI screening and treatment programme among asylum seekers in the Netherlands.

Methods: We offered voluntary LTBI screening to asylum seekers aged ≥12 years living in asylum seeker centres from countries with a TB incidence >200 per 10 000 population.

Implementation of latent tuberculosis infection screening and treatment among newly arriving immigrants in the Netherlands: A mixed methods pilot evaluation.

Introduction: To reach pre-elimination levels of tuberculosis (TB) incidence in the Netherlands, prevention of TB among immigrants through diagnosis and treatment of latent TB infection (LTBI) is needed. We studied the feasibility of a LTBI screening and treatment program among newly arriving immigrants for national implementation.

Methods: We used mixed methods to evaluate the implementation of LTBI screening and treatment in five Public Health Services (PHS) among immigrants from countries with a TB incidence >50/100,000 population.