Enhanced Infectious Disease Testing in Migrants Reduces Transmission, Study Finds

Recent research highlights the significant benefits of comprehensive testing for infectious diseases among migrant populations in primary care settings. An observational study conducted in Leicester assessed a GP-led screening initiative from 2016 to 2019, involving 4,004 migrants. The program routinely tested for multiple infections, including tuberculosis (both active and latent), HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C, unlike standard practices where testing typically depends on individual clinician discretion.

The findings revealed a notable number of new infections detected: 17 cases of active tuberculosis, 397 latent TB infections, 71 hepatitis B cases, five hepatitis C cases, and six HIV diagnoses. The study underscores that a large proportion of these were previously unknown to patients, emphasizing the importance of routine, integrated screening programs.

Professor Manish Pareek, the study's lead, stated that this approach enables earlier diagnosis and treatment, significantly improving health outcomes and reducing the risk of onward transmission. Current practices often miss infectious cases, especially among migrants who face increased exposure risks due to factors such as living conditions and healthcare access.

The research also demonstrated that migrant patients found the testing acceptable, with most successfully linked to care and treatment. Dr. Rebecca Baggaley from University College London highlighted the public health advantages of such programs and the importance of implementing them more broadly, considering resource constraints.

Leicester's model illustrates the potential of routine, comprehensive testing in primary care to identify infections that might otherwise go unnoticed. Dr. Nil Sanganee from NHS Leicester emphasized that universal testing for recent migrants could be a strategic tool for controlling infectious diseases, complementing existing screening policies. Future efforts should evaluate the cost-effectiveness and feasibility of expanding this approach across broader regions.

This study reinforces that integrated infectious disease testing among migrant populations is crucial for early detection, better health outcomes, and reducing community transmission, contributing to more effective public health strategies.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-multiple-infectious-diseases-key-onward.html