Three infectious diseases commonly found among migrants in France: HIV, tuberculosis, and hepatitis B.

The prevalence of HIV, tuberculosis, and hepatitis B is high in certain regions of the world, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. The aim of this article is to describe the burden of these diseases among the migrant population living in France. Of the 6,700 new HIV diagnoses and 5,276 reported cases of active tuberculosis in 2009, approximately half involved migrants. Among the 1,715 patients treated for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) in 2008–2009, three-quarters were migrants. The proportion from sub-Saharan Africa was significant, as 70% of migrants diagnosed with HIV, 54% of those treated for CHB, and one-third of those reported with tuberculosis were born in that part of the world. In 2009, the rates of HIV seropositivity detection and tuberculosis reporting were 10 and 8 times higher, respectively, among migrants than among non-migrants. HIV testing was initiated far too late among migrants born in Asia or North Africa, a pattern not observed among those born in sub-Saharan Africa. Care following an HBC diagnosis among migrants born in Asia or in areas of moderate endemicity was also often delayed, whereas care for migrants from sub-Saharan Africa was among the most timely. Alongside prevention efforts, it is therefore essential to strengthen screening strategies for HIV, hepatitis B, and tuberculosis across all migrant populations. It is also necessary to facilitate their access to the healthcare system to enable early care and regular follow-up, with the aim of reducing the observed disparities. (R.A.)

Author(s): Lot F, Antoine D, Pioche C, Larsen C, Che D, Cazein F, Semaille C, Saura C

Publishing year: 2012

Pages: 25-30

Weekly Epidemiological Bulletin, 2012, n° 2-3-4, p. 25-30

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