The incidence of tuberculosis in Finland continues to decrease. In 2016, a sixth lesser disease (231) became ill than in the previous year. Instead, a person with a foreign background is increasingly receiving tuberculosis. The most common form of tuberculosis is pulmonary tuberculosis. However, tuberculosis can occur in any organ. The pulmonary tuberculosis symptom is a prolonged cough with up to several months and a mild cough.
Occupational health care involved in the fight against tuberculosis
Anti-tuberculosis guidelines have been updated in accordance with the Infectious Diseases Act. All social and health care workers and young children are treated (including trainees) who come from a country with a very high incidence of tuberculosis screened for pulmonary tuberculosis. Screening is the responsibility of the employer. The role of occupational health care is increasing in the fight against the disease, as 64% of last year’s cases of tuberculosis were found in working-age people (15–59 years) and labor mobility from different countries is also increasing.
There are many benefits of developing diagnostics
As laboratory diagnostics develop, tuberculosis bacteria (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) can be investigated more rapidly. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) can be used to determine the base sequence of the entire genome of the pathogen. The new method is used to find out what drug works for the treatment of tuberculosis and whether the bacterium is resistant to certain drugs. In addition, genotype data is used to determine whether an epidemic or a single case is involved. As genetic information grows, we learn more and more to interpret the information we receive. THL also uses the former methods to more accurately quantify the sequencing of MRSA (Methicillin Recent Staphylococcus aureus) infection chains.
Vigilance is needed to detect legionellosis
Legionellosis as a disease can vary from asymptomatic infection to severe pneumonia. Man gets infected by inhaling an aerosol containing legionella bacteria. Basic diseases, high age and smoking increase the risk of both illness and serious disease. In Finland fewer legionella infections are diagnosed than in Sweden and Norway. Legionellosis is not just about tourism, but can also be related to hospital and institutional care, work or everyday life. It is good to remember the possibility of legionella in healthcare. The best method for identifying the disease is urine antigen test and legionella culture of respiratory tract together. In the fight against water system maintenance and cleaning, it is good to remember hot water temperature recommendations: warm water at least 50-55 ° C and cold water below 20 ° C.
These and many other topical topics will be discussed at XXX National Infectious Disease Days 13-14 November 2017. Infectious Disease Days are organized by STM, THL and Filha.
additional information
Terhi Hulkko (media contacts)
Press officer
Combating Infectious Diseases and Vaccinations
THL
P. 029 524 8691
Päivi Pyykkölä Director of
Education
Filha ry
P. 040 5356379
XXX National Infectious Disease Days, Program
http://www.filha.fi/sites/default/files/pysyvat_lites/low3_30580731_tartuntatautipaivien_program_2017_valmis.pdf
Filha
Tuberculosis
https://www.thl.fi/en/web/infektotaudit/taudit-ja-mikrobit/bakteeritaudit/tuberkuloosi
THL
Legionella
https://www.thl.fi/en/web/infektotaudit/taudit-ja-mikrobit/bakteeritaudit/legionella
THL