Infections diagnosed in unaccompanied minors during hospital visits at the Loire Tuberculosis Control Center, 2022–2023

Introduction – Unaccompanied minors (UMs) are a population at risk of infection who require access to appropriate care. In Saint-Étienne, they are cared for by the Loire Departmental Child Welfare Service (ASE) or supported by a humanitarian organization. Tuberculosis control centers (Clat) contribute to efforts to prevent infectious risks. In 2022, with the lifting of restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, arrivals of UCMs in France increased by 30.6%. Materials and Methods – This is a retrospective study conducted from January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2023, covering all unaccompanied minors (UMs) cared for by the Loire Departmental Child Welfare Service (ASE) or supported by a humanitarian organization in Saint-Étienne. These young patients were systematically seen at Clat 42 by a general practitioner for a preventive medical evaluation intended for newly arrived migrants. This evaluation included a clinical examination and paraclinical tests (infectious disease serology, chest X-ray, and parasitological stool examination). Results – Three hundred sixty UAMs were included in this study, of whom 343 were seen at Clat 42 by the general practitioner in charge of the unit; they had a mean age of 15.5 years, were predominantly male (93%), and were primarily from sub-Saharan Africa (77%). Seventeen UAMs (no information on age, gender, or origin) were seen by private general practitioners in the Roanne area. The infections identified were: latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) (30.2%), urinary and/or intestinal schistosomiasis (14%), chronic viral hepatitis B (5.8%), Chlamydia trachomatis infection of the genitourinary tract (4.1%), pulmonary tuberculosis (1.3%), syphilis (1.1%), giardiasis (1.1%), and acute viral hepatitis B (0.5%). Discussion and Conclusion – Clat clinics play a role in the prevention and management of infections among unaccompanied minors, addressing gaps in care and screening. Our study highlights the importance of tailored screening strategies to treat infections and prevent their complications, particularly through a standardized assessment that is as comprehensive as possible. Any medical assessment must systematically include screening for LTI and schistosomiasis when patients are from sub-Saharan Africa, given their prevalence in our sample.

Author(s): Demartin Anne-Laure, Mahinc-Martin Caroline, Denis Martine, Bendjeddou Salima, Botelho-Nevers Élisabeth, Flori Pierre, Rivollier Élisabeth

Publishing year: 2025

Pages: 279-285

Weekly Epidemiological Bulletin, 2025, n° 15, p. 279-285

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