TB Infection Underestimated Among Those Taking Corticosteroid Pills

New research found that tuberculosis infection may be underestimated among people taking corticosteroid pills

Studies conducted earlier found that those who took corticosteroid pills like Prednisone and have inhaled TB bacteria have an eight-fold increased risk of the bacteria becoming active. Respirologists at St. Michael's Hospital claim that current guidelines for TB tests do not cover all those who may be infected.

Corticosteroid pills are often prescribed for those suffering from asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, inflammatory bowel disease, inflammatory arthritis and cancer. These pills are known to lower inflammation.

Led by Nicholas Vozoris, the study highlights that such people should be screened more often for TB infection. The study included over 7,300 people who were a part of the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.  The survey included a series of studies that aimed at assessing the health as well as nutritional status of both adults and children in the U.S. and was based on  questions and physical examination.

The data showed that although taking corticosteroid pills elevates the risk of turning the dead TB bacteria active, there existed the likelihood that these people were screened less often compared to  other TB patients. The patients were also less likely to be prescribed TB fighting drugs prophylactically, say the study authors.

Dr. Vozoris says, "For the general population, producing a bump at least 10 millimetres in diameter following a TB skin test likely means that one has inhaled the TB bacteria. Current guidelines recommend that the bump be only five millimetres long if the patient is taking corticosteroid pills, but there is no evidence to support that is the correct cut-off. The study results show that 3.5-mm might be a more appropriate cut-off."

The finding was documented in European Respiratory Journal.