Abstract:

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that poses a serious threat to human health. Patients with rheumatic diseases have much higher risk of tuberculosis infection than the general population due to impaired autoimmune systems and the influence of drugs. Screening for latent tuberculosis infection and providing preventive treatment are of great significance for controlling the condition and reducing the spread of tuberculosis. However, clinical screening still faces multiple predicaments such as complex disease characteristics, insufficient adaptability of screening technologies and uneven resource allocation, non-standard clinical decision-making, and the lack of community management. This article elaborates on the prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection in rheumatic diseases patients, screening techniques and resource allocation, clinical decision-making, preventive treatment and management, etc., to explore effective ways to increase the screening rate. It conducts in-depth analysis from multiple aspects, explores the paths to improve the screening rate, provides references for relevant policy making, helps improve patient prognosis, and reduces the burden on social medical care.

Key words: Rheumatic diseases, Tuberculosis, Mycobacterium infections, Universal precautions, Infection control