National
Center for Farmworker Health
Monthly
Topics
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection that spreads through
the air. Only people who are sick with TB in their lungs are
infectious. When infectious people cough, sneeze, talk or
spit, they propel TB germs, known as bacilli, into the air.
A person needs only to inhale a small number of these to be
infected. Tuberculosis commonly attacks the lungs but can
also affect the central nervous system, the lymphatic system,
the circulatory system, the genitourinary system, bones, joints
and even the skin. It is unknown what the exact rate of tuberculosis
is among farmworkers, but they remain a very vulnerable population
that is perceived to be at higher risk for TB. Tuberculosis
in migrant farmworkers presents special problems because of
the need for long-term treatment or preventive efforts, contact
examinations, population mobility, fear of deportation, cost
of treatment, and other barriers to health care. The transient
nature of farm work and the long duration required for tuberculosis
treatment make it difficult to assure patient compliance with
screening programs, preventive therapy, and chemotherapy for
farmworkers. Language barriers and limitations in knowledge
about tuberculosis may contribute to misunderstandings about
the importance of screenings and if identified, completing
the treatment regimen. In addition, crowded living conditions
and malnutrition may contribute to the spread of tuberculosis
among this population.
Research on Tuberculosis
• “Manual for the Management of Binational Tuberculosis
Patients” written by the Migrant Clinicians Network
in 2001
This manual is produced to provide information on some of
the basic challenges facing those who manage binational TB
patients. It is meant to be used in conjunction with other
TB resources to address those issues particular to the management
of binational populations.
http://www.ncfh.org/item.php?sku=5034
• “The Epidemiology of Tuberculosis Among North
Carolina Migrant Farm Workers” written by Dr. Stephen
Ciesielski and etal in 1991
Journal article on the methods & findings of a study
of the prevalence of TB among migrant farm workers in North
Carolina. The study concludes that Tuberculosis among farmworkers
represents a serious public health problem with previously
unrecognized risk factors. The study argues that additional
resources for migrant health care, improvements in health
care access, and fundamental changes in the system of migrant
labor are all necessary to reduce the transmission of TB.
http://www.ncfh.org/item.php?sku=1949
• “The Meanings of Tuberculosis for Mexican Migrant
Farmworkers in the United States” written by Jane E.
Poss in 1998
This is a study investigating explanatory models of tuberculosis
among migrant farmworkers working in New York. Farmworkers'
explanations of tuberculosis etiology, severity, symptoms,
prevention, treatment, and social significance are described
as well as their beliefs about tuberculosis skin testing and
the bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine.
http://www.ncfh.org/item.php?sku=4593
• “Tuberculosis among Pennsylvania Migrant Farm
Workers” written by David H. Much & Johnson W. Martin
in 2000
This report analyzes a study done on the percentage of Tuberculosis
and STD's among seasonal non-migrating farmworkers in Pennsylvania.
The purpose of this study was to determine the tuberculin
positivity rates and the incidence of sexually transmitted
diseases (STDs) among a population of seasonal, nonmigrating
farm workers. Participants were tested for tuberculosis (TB)
sensitivity, syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. Patients
were afforded follow-up even if they returned home to Mexico
during the course of their treatment
http://www.ncfh.org/item.php?sku=5078
• “TB Among Farmworkers” written by Stephen
McCurdy in 1997
Report that describes the high rate of infection among various
ethnic groups, and states’ results of TB screening among
farmworkers. Lists recommendations for health care providers.
http://www.ncfh.org/item.php?sku=3987
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