Latent tuberculosis and active tuberculosis disease rates among the homeless, New York, New York, USA, 1992-2006

Emerg Infect Dis. 2009 Jul;15(7):1109-11. doi: 10.3201/eid1507.080410.

Abstract

We conducted a retrospective study to examine trends in latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) and TB disease rates among homeless persons in shelters in New York, NY, 1992-2006. Although TB case rates fell from 1,502/100,000 population to 0, a 31% LTBI rate in 2006 shows the value of identifying and treating TB in the homeless.

MeSH terms

  • Antitubercular Agents / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Ill-Housed Persons / statistics & numerical data*
  • New York City / epidemiology
  • Population Density
  • Public Housing / statistics & numerical data
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risk Factors
  • Skin Tests / statistics & numerical data*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / drug therapy
  • Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / epidemiology*
  • United States / epidemiology

Substances

  • Antitubercular Agents