International Union for Circumpolar Health Ministry of Public Health and Social Development of RF Russian Academy of Medical Sciences Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Medical Sciences Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences Medical Polar Fund “Science” The Northern Forum

Abstracts

Ethnic peculiarities of the North native inhabitants health

This presentation reviews the rationale, process and criteria of the BCG vaccine discontinuation in ALberta First Nations, and the findings of a 6-year retrospective survey to caclculate the annual rate of infection [ARI], as well as the alternate prospective preschool screening strategy in the community.

Background: In light of recent questions about BCG efficacy and reports of disseminated BCG in children born with congenital immunodeficiencies across the country, FNIHB Alberta% undertook a process to discontinue BCG and establish an alternate preschool screening strategy in Alberta First Nations communities.

Study design and methods: 1. review of BCG coverage and TB incidence rates in Alberta's 44 First Nations communities; 2. establish BCG discontinuation criteria 3. identify First Nations children born in the communities between April 1, 1998 and March 31, 2004; those that were BCG unvaccinated underwent a tuberculin skin test na dthe ARI was calculated.

Results: 1. BCG was discontinued in all but 4 First Nations 2. 31.9% [n=2696] of the 6 year birth cohort were known to be bcg-unvaccinated; of these, 70% were skin tested. Only 1 child tested positive. 3. ARI was 0.03%

Conclusions: ARI is extremely low and warrants the withdrawal of bcg from most communities. Early case finding, expanded tuberculin skin test surveillance and preventive treatment are an effective alternae strategy to bcg vaccination in Alberta First Nations communities

Note. Abstracts are published in author's edition

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Last update: 06-Jul-2012 (11:52:05)