At 586,000 square miles, Alaska is the largest state in the U.S. It also has the highest rate of Tuberculosis (TB), partially because of the unique living environment of the local and indigenous population. An exciting new partnership with QIAGEN is trying to address the issue – despite the physical challenges in one of the most geographically diverse U.S. states.
In the Yukon–Kuskokwim region there are 49 separate villages, and almost all have no road system. And then there’s the weather.
Bruce Chandler, MD, MPH, Alaska TB Program, Alaska Section of Epidemiology
The people live off the land so much, which means we can’t go and do testing [for TB] in summer because they’re not in their villages – they’re out harvesting berries and fishing for the winter.
Bruce Chandler, MD, MPH, Alaska TB Program, Alaska Section of Epidemiology
Infants and young children with immature immune systems will often progress rapidly to active disease – and some develop tuberculous meningitis or disseminated TB.
Doreen Williams, Nurse Educator, Clinical Science Consultant, QIAGEN
We can test for the latent TB and get treatment before it progresses to active.
Doreen Williams, Nurse Educator, Clinical Science Consultant, QIAGEN
I think ongoing education is the key, especially for the residents in these communities.
Bruce Chandler, MD, MPH, Alaska TB Program, Alaska Section of Epidemiology
December 2023