As migrants suffer disproportionately from TB, accurate and timely detection of TB in migrants is critical to ending the global TB epidemic. See how we can protect migrants from TB.
TB Management

Migrants

People are on the move, and so is TB

There are an estimated 1 billion immigrants living in the world today. That’s one in every eight people. Out of this massive number, around 281 million are international immigrants, meaning they moved from one country to another, and approximately 82.4 million are forcibly displaced individuals who were forced to leave their homes due to various reasons (1).

Unfortunately, immigrants often struggle to access proper healthcare, which puts them at a higher risk of getting infected or developing tuberculosis (TB). This lack of access to medical services can be due to various reasons, such as language barriers, limited financial resources or unfamiliarity with the healthcare system in their new country. To make matters worse, many immigrants live and work in poor conditions, which can further increase their susceptibility to TB.

So, while immigrants contribute greatly to the diverse fabric of our world, it's important to address the challenges they face in terms of healthcare and living conditions.

People are on the move, and so is TB

US CDC now requires IGRA tests for immigrant or refugee status applicants

Accurate and timely screening for TB infection is critical to protect migrants and the communities that welcome them. The WHO now recommends systematic TB testing and treatment for migrants originating from countries with a high burden of TB (2).

In addition, the US CDC requires that from October 1, 2024, all panel physicians must perform a US FDA- or WHO-approved interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) instead of the tuberculin skin test (TST) on applicants from high-TB-burden countries (3). TB blood tests are also required for applicants from low-TB-burden countries who show signs or symptoms of TB infection.
Protect migrant health with QuantiFERON technology

Protect immigrant health with QuantiFERON technology

QuantiFERON TB testing employs a simple blood test (IGRA) to aid in the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.

  • Single patient visit
  • Unaffected by prior BCG vaccination
  • Endorsed by International Panel Physicians Association (IPPA) and WHO
  • Selected for immigrant screening by the UN International Organization for Migration
  • Preferentially recommended by the CDC instead of the TB skin test for the majority of the US testing population (3).
Reduce the risk of active TB in migrants
QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus provides accurate, single-visit TB infection testing.
Find out more

TB in immigrants

As immigrants suffer disproportionately from TB, accurate and timely detection of TB in immigrants is critical to ending the global TB epidemic. The WHO recommends systematic TB testing and treatment for immigrants originating from countries with a high burden of TB (2).
Helping migrants start a new life without TB

Helping immigrants start a new life without TB

How can a doctor reach out to foreign patients who don't speak the language, have distrust of doctors and have priorities that supersede a latent disease they may not even be aware of? Dr. Christian Herzmann, an expert in respiratory disease, is exploring uniquely creative ways to connect with patients – two-thirds of whom are immigrants or refugees in Germany.

Read full story

Understanding the USCIS TB testing guidelines for immigrations exams

The USCIS no longer accepts the tuberculin skin test (TST) for US immigration exams. Instead, a TB blood test (interferon-gamma release assay or IGRA) is required for permanent resident applicants. View the on-demand webinar where Dr. Alawode Oladele introduces the new IGRA requirement and the updated technical instructions.

Watch webinar
Understanding the USCIS TB testing guidelines for immigrations exams

References:

1. World Health Organization. Refugee and migrant health. https://www.who.int/health-topics/refugee-and-migrant-health (accessed February 14, 2023)

2. WHO. (2021) WHO consolidated guidelines on tuberculosis. Module 2: screening – systematic screening for tuberculosis disease.

3. Lewinsohn, D.M. et al. (2017) Official American Thoracic Society/Infectious Diseases Society of America/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Clinical Practice Guidelines: Diagnosis of Tuberculosis in Adults and Children. Clin Infect Dis. 64, 111-115.