Silicosis-Associated Tuberculosis: Management and Control

摘要

Silica-associated diseases, including tuberculosis and other related diseases, such as COPD, lung cancer, autoimmune diseases, renal diseases, etc. remain an important public health concern in the 21th century. Silica exposures and silicosis increase the risk of active tuberculosis development by approximately 30-40 times, compared to populations without silica exposure. Workers with periods of silica exposure longer than 10 years should be provided tuberculosis chemoprophylaxis. Although evidences of silicosis are not detected, the risk of active tuberculosis can increase. However, further studies are urgently needed to identify the best chemoprophylaxis regimen for tuberculosis.