| Abstrakt: |
Silicosis, the most prevalent pneumoconiosis, is caused by inhalation of crystalline silica particles. The risk of a patient with silicosis for development of tuberculosis, both pulmonary and extrapulmonary, is 2.8 to 39 times higher than that found for healthy persons. HIV coinfection adds further to the risk. Silicotuberculosis is a challenging health problem and deserves attention worldwide. The diagnosis of active tuberculosis superimposed on silicosis is often problematic, especially in initial phases, and chest X-ray and microbiological examination of sputum are particularly important for the diagnosis. Treatment is difficult, directly observed treatment is recommended, and the risk of relapse is higher than in nonsilicosis patients. Tuberculosis prevention in cases with silicosis is essential and include active follow-up of the workers, periodic chest X-rays, tuberculin skin testing or interferon-gamma release assay testing, and adoption of measures to reduce the exposure to silica dust. Preventive treatment of latent tuberculosis infection consists of different regimens and needs to be expanded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
