TRNC Medical Association demand that PPD test be done for tuberculosis screening in student and work permits

The Turkish Cypriot Medical Association has requested that "PPD test for tuberculosis be required" for student and work permits.

The Turkish Cypriot Medical Association stated that there has been an increase in recently diagnosed tuberculosis (TB) cases in the country and noted that PPD, the scientific method, should be used in screening tests.

The association in a statement, said, "PPD and the scientific path should be immediately returned to for tuberculosis in student and work permits before it turns into a public health problem."

In the statement of the Union, it was pointed out that the cases were not Turkish Cypriots, and it was stated that 29 cases were diagnosed in 2021, 33 in 2022, 61 in 2023 and 12 in 2024.

"It is also noteworthy that the cases are not Turkish Cypriots." It was argued that it was "unrealistic" for there to be a serious decrease in the number of cases after the transition to CRP instead of PPD for work, residence and student permits in the second half of 2023, the statement said.

The statement emphasized that all developed country guidelines recommend PPD for tuberculosis screening and said, “Scientific publications on CRP belong to African countries, countries that do not have access to PPD. CRP is a general indicator of inflammation and is not a specific test for TB. "It is not acceptable not to prefer the PPD test in TB screening and to prefer CRP, which shows general inflammation, instead."

In this method, in which CRP is used for screening purposes, chest x-rays are taken for people whose CRP levels are high, but there are serious problems in this practice. The statement said: "There may be a delay of 2-3 months in taking lung x-rays. “Delays in diagnosis in these cases put public health at risk.” It was said.

The statement noted that "PPD test is essential for tuberculosis screening", it was stated that it is possible for managers to ensure the feasibility of the PPD test and to finalize the necessary initiatives for supply.

It was emphasized that this would bring TB screening services in the country to a more realistic, scientific and acceptable point, and it was said: "PPD and scientific path should be returned immediately for tuberculosis in student and work permits before it turns into a public health problem."