Doherty Institute - Research Publications

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Start date: 2007 × End date: 2009 × Author: Biggs, Beverley-Ann × Author: Gibney, Katherine ×

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    Vitamin D deficiency is associated with tuberculosis and latent tuberculosis infection in immigrants from Sub-Saharan Africa
    Gibney, KB ; MacGregor, L ; Leder, K ; Torresi, J ; Marshall, C ; Ebeling, PR ; Biggs, B-A (OXFORD UNIV PRESS INC, 2008-02-01)
    Among African immigrants in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, we demonstrated lower geometric mean vitamin D levels in immigrants with latent tuberculosis infection than in those with no Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection (P=.007); such levels were also lower in immigrants with tuberculosis or past tuberculosis than in those with latent tuberculosis infection (P=.001). Higher vitamin D levels were associated with lower probability of any M. tuberculosis infection (P=.001) and lower probability of tuberculosis or past tuberculosis (compared with latent tuberculosis infection; P=.001).
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    The Profile of Health Problems in African Immigrants Attending an Infectious Disease Unit in Melbourne, Australia
    Gibney, KB ; Mihrshahi, S ; Torresi, J ; Marshall, C ; Leder, K ; Biggs, B-A (AMER SOC TROP MED & HYGIENE, 2009-05)
    The number of African immigrants living in Western countries is increasing. A retrospective audit of sub-Saharan African patients attending the infectious diseases clinics of a Melbourne teaching hospital was performed. A total of 375 patients were included. Helicobacter pylori gastritis was diagnosed in 60% of those tested (35/58), schistosomiasis in 41% (84/206), chronic hepatitis B in 19% (32/167), and strongyloidiasis in 18% (32/179). Active tuberculosis (TB) affected 18% (51/276) and latent TB 55% (152/276). Pathologic parasites were detected in stool in 21% (31/145). Vitamin D deficiency (< 50 nmol/L) affected 73% (139/191), anemia 17% (52/312), iron deficiency 15% (22/151), and low neutrophil count 25% (78/312). Infectious diseases, vitamin D deficiency, anemia, and latent TB were common in sub-Saharan African immigrants. Clinicians need to be aware of these conditions to meet the health needs of this group. Comprehensive health checks should be encouraged for new arrivals, particularly from high-risk areas.