Building a European database to gather multi-country evidence on active and latent TB screening for migrants

Joanna Nederby Öhd, Knut Lönnroth, Ibrahim Abubakar, Robert W. Aldridge, Connie Erkens, Jerker Jonsson, Valentina Marchese, Alberto Matteelli, Dee Menezes, Dominik Zenner, Maria-Pia Hergens

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Background and aim Screening for active and latent TB among migrants in low TB incidence countries may constitute an important contribution to TB elimination. E-DETECT TB, a European multi-county collaboration, aims to address the present lack of evidence on effectiveness of migrant TB screening by collating data in an international database and perform cross-country pooled and comparative analyses of screening coverage, results and linkage to care. Method A database was established using migrant TB screening data from participating countries’ national screening programs, national screening pilots and local research projects. All partner countries contributed to a common agreed protocol with standardized variables, pooling available numerator and denominator screening data from participating countries and sites. Results All collaborating members drafted and agreed upon a data sharing accord as well as a protocol that clearly defined responsibilities and data governance principles. The database has been created and data transfer is ongoing. Conclusion By persistence and focus the project has overcome considerable administrative, practical and legal challenges. This international collaboration provides greater power of analysis of harmonized data and thereby a unique opportunity to contribute migrant TB screening evidence. E-DETECT TB has started to invite other countries to contribute data to the database.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)S45-S49
JournalInternational Journal of Infectious Diseases
Volume80
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2019

Keywords

  • TB screening
  • database
  • international collaboration
  • low-incidence countries
  • migrants

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