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Tuberculosis control in prisons: current situation and research gaps

Authors :
Masoud Dara
Colleen D. Acosta
Natalie V.S. Vinkeles Melchers
Haider A.A. Al-Darraji
Dato Chorgoliani
Hernan Reyes
Rosella Centis
Giovanni Sotgiu
Lia D’Ambrosio
Sarabjit S. Chadha
Giovanni Battista Migliori
Source :
International Journal of Infectious Diseases, Vol 32, Iss C, Pp 111-117 (2015)
Publication Year :
2015
Publisher :
Elsevier, 2015.

Abstract

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) in penitentiary services (prisons) is a major challenge to TB control. This review article describes the challenges that prison systems encounter in TB control and provides solutions for the more efficient use of limited resources based on the three pillars of the post-2015 End TB Strategy. This paper also proposes research priorities for TB control in prisons based on current challenges. Methods: Articles (published up to 2011) included in a recent systematic review on TB control in prisons were further reviewed. In addition, relevant articles in English (published 1990 to May 2014) were identified by searching keywords in PubMed and Google Scholar. Article bibliographies and conference abstracts were also hand-searched. Results: Despite being a serious cause of morbidity and mortality among incarcerated populations, many prison systems encounter a variety of challenges that hinder TB control. These include, but are not limited to, insufficient laboratory capacity and diagnostic tools, interrupted supply of medicines, weak integration between civilian and prison TB services, inadequate infection control measures, and low policy priority for prison healthcare. Conclusions: Governmental commitment, partnerships, and sustained financing are needed in order to facilitate improvements in TB control in prisons, which will translate to the wider community.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
12019712 and 18783511
Volume :
32
Issue :
C
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
International Journal of Infectious Diseases
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.0c52dcb822e44caa21059f5e35b258d
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijid.2014.12.029