Tuberculosis in migrant children and adolescents in Europe: A joint TBnet and ptbnet systematic review and meta-analysis
In brief
About one in ten migrant children arriving in Europe have latent TB infection
A meta-analysis of 25 studies found that 10% of migrant children screened in the EU/EEA and UK were infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis without active disease, and nearly 1% had active TB. The rates were similar for accompanied and unaccompanied minors, but study heterogeneity was high, underscoring the need for clearer policies on screening and treatment.
- Journal
- Clinical microbiology and infection : the official publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (Q1)
- Published
- 17 July 2026
- Study design
- Systematic review / meta-analysis of RCTs
- Evidence level
- Level 1, High (CEBM 1a)
- Authors
- Anca Vasiliu, Heinke Kunst, Olga Hovardovska, Karla Fredricks, Olha Konstantynovska, Berit Lange, et al.
- PMID
- 42468846
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.cmi.2026.07.014
Why clinicians should know about it
- Picked for Infectious Diseases (top studies of the week, 19 July 2026).
- Picked for Microbiology (medical) (top studies of the week, 19 July 2026).
- Picked for Pediatrics and Child Health (top studies of the week, 19 July 2026): TB risk in migrant children and adolescents in Europe
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Migrant children face an elevated risk of active tuberculosis (TB) following acquisition of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in their country of origin or during migration, which often involves overcrowded, suboptimal living conditions. The risk for M. tuberculosis infection and TB among migrant children in the European Union, European Economic Area, and United Kingdom (EU/EEA & UK) has not been evaluated systematically. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to identify the prevalence of M. tuberculosis infection and TB disease among migrant children in the EU/EEA & UK. METHODS: Data sources: We searched MEDLINE, OVID, and SCOPUS databases Study eligibility criteria: We included randomized controlled trials, cohort, and case-control studies published before December 2024. PARTICIPANTS: The included studies enrolled migrant children (0-18 years) being evaluated for M. tuberculosis infection or TB disease at the time of entry in the EU/EEA & UK. INTERVENTION: Assessment of risk of bias: Quality assessment was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa score. Methods of data synthesis: Random effects meta-analysis was completed to identify pooled prevalence estimates for both conditions. RESULTS: Among 25 studies analysed, the pooled estimate of M. tuberculosis infection in the absence of active TB in migrant children was 10.1% (95%CI:7.5%-13.1%). Among 12 studies reporting on TB, the pooled estimate TB prevalence in migrant children was 0.9% (95%CI:0.7%-1.1%). The pooled estimate TB prevalence was 0.8% (95%CI:0.5-1.2) in accompanied minors and 0.9% (95%CI:0.7-1.3) in unaccompanied minors. There was high heterogeneity and moderate risk of bias across studies. CONCLUSION: The burden of M. tuberculosis infection and TB disease in migrant children arriving in the EU/EEA & UK is substantial. Recommendations should be formulated to enhance targeted interventions, inform policies, and guide best practices for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of TB in migrant children across the EU/EEA & UK.
Abstract as published, via PubMed.
For healthcare professionals. The summary is generated by AI from the published abstract, and the evidence level is assigned automatically from the study design on the Oxford CEBM hierarchy. Neither is medical advice. Read the full paper before changing practice.