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.

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.

Integrating hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV screening into tuberculosis entry screening for migrants in the Netherlands, 2013 to 2015.

We evaluated uptake and diagnostic outcomes of voluntary hepatitis B (HBV) and C virus (HCV) screening offered during routine tuberculosis entry screening to migrants in Gelderland and Amsterdam, the Netherlands, between 2013 and 2015. In Amsterdam, HIV screening was also offered. Overall, 54% (461/859) accepted screening.

Risk of tuberculosis after recent exposure. A 10-year follow-up study of contacts in Amsterdam.

Rationale: The lifetime risk of tuberculosis (TB) for infected contacts is often mentioned to be 5-10%, but these estimates are based on studies conducted decades ago, and thus may not reflect current epidemiologic conditions.

Objectives: To estimate the risk of TB among contacts with evidence of infection and to compare this with estimates often stated in the literature.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed using records on contacts of pulmonary TB patients at the Public Health Service Amsterdam, 2002-2011.

Yield of tuberculosis contact investigations in Amsterdam: opportunities for improvement.

We aimed to determine the coverage and yield of tuberculosis contact investigation, and compliance with guidelines, and to identify opportunities for improvement. Data were extracted from records on contacts of pulmonary tuberculosis patients at the Public Health Service (Amsterdam, the Netherlands) from 2008 to 2011. Additional data were obtained from the national tuberculosis register.

Missed opportunities in tuberculosis control in The Netherlands due to prioritization of contact investigations.

Background: The Dutch contact investigation guidelines stipulate that Public Health Services should examine contacts around all pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) patients to prevent disease and further transmission. Our objective was to assess to what extent these guidelines were applied and whether patient characteristics were associated with having contacts investigated.

Methods: We extracted the records of all reported pulmonary TB patients from the nationwide surveillance register covering 2006-07.