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The incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis among the homeless in north-eastern Poland

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Central European Journal of Medicine

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease particularly affecting the poorest socioeconomic groups. One such group in Central Europe are the homeless. We developed a prevention programme that targets, among others, homeless individuals in Warmia and Mazury Province (in the northeast of Poland). We investigated 121 homeless persons. We performed surveys, X-rays and microbiological tests of the sputum for TB. Five cases of pulmonary TB were found. The prevalence of TB in this community was estimated at 4132 per 100,000 (4.13%). Efficient TB control justifies continued prevention programmes aimed at the systematic monitoring of the homeless population.

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Correspondence to Jerzy Romaszko.

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Romaszko, J., Buciński, A., Kuchta, R. et al. The incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis among the homeless in north-eastern Poland. cent.eur.j.med 8, 283–285 (2013). https://doi.org/10.2478/s11536-012-0114-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/s11536-012-0114-9

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