TB-Risk S3 guideline on tuberculosis prevention among migrants
The S-3 guideline on tuberculosis prevention in migrants is intended to provide evidence-based recommendations for targeted screening.
Background: Around 25% of the world's population is infected with the tuberculosis pathogen and therefore has a latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). 90% of these latently infected people do not fall ill, 5% fall ill immediately after infection and in 5% of infected people the disease only breaks out at a later stage after infection. In this last group, stress factors such as migration and flight increase the risk of LTBI developing into tuberculosis. This also affects refugees and immigrants in Germany.
The TB-Risk project aims to help reduce the risk of tuberculosis for these people. To this end, the project participants want to develop an S3 guideline. This will define criteria as to which people would benefit from screening for LTBI and from preventive therapy, how this can best be carried out and what framework conditions are necessary for this.
Implementation: The guideline is drawn up in accordance with the criteria of the Association of the Scientific Medical Societies in Germany (AWMF). First, the guideline group develops suitable questions and criteria with relevant stakeholders. This is followed by a systematic evidence search and then the preparation according to evidence strengths (GRADE methodology). Text proposals are drawn up in working groups, which then lead to recommendations by consensus in a multi-stage consultation process under the neutral moderation of AWMF guideline advisors. After external review, the final guideline is produced by the AWMF and published in national and international journals.
Aim: The guideline is intended to provide doctors and the public health service with clear recommendations for action and could thus contribute to a reduction in cases of tuberculosis among migrants and refugees.
Funding: Innovation fund of the G-BA, 01.11.2022 - 30.09.2025
Project management:
German Central Committee against Tuberculosis e.V. (DZK) on behalf of the German Society for Pneumology and Respiratory Medicine e.V. (DGP)
Prof. Torsten Bauer, Dr. med. Brit Häcker, Dr. Ralf Otto-Knapp, Berlin
Cooperation partner: Dr. Berit Lange, Infection Epidemiology, Helmholz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig
Further information:
AWMF: Information on the registered guideline TB-Risk
Innovation Fund of the G-BA: Information on the project and project insights
