MediClinic is a modern, private clinic in Guildford and Wimbledon offering the convenience and choice of same day appointments.  Our travel vaccination clinics are equipped to offer you expert advice in minimising health risks during and after your travels.

TUBERCULOSIS (TB)

• Tuberculin test (PPD) - Mantoux Testing - £65 to be read 48 - 72 hours later
• BCG vaccine  - £65

What Is Tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis is  caused by an organism called Mycobacterium tuberculosis

How Do I Get Infected?

Tuberculosis is transmitted by airborne droplets. TB exposure occurs by sharing common airspace with an individual who is in the infectious stage of TB. TB can also be spread through infected unpasteurised milk.

Where Does Tuberculosis Occur?

Countries with the highest prevalence include:  Russia, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, Korea, China, Tibet, Hong Kong, Egypt, most sub-Saharan African countries, Brazil, Mexico, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Puerto Rico, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Haiti and Honduras.

 

The prevalence of TB in countries in Eastern Europe is intermediate. The prevalence of TB is lowest in Costa Rica, western and northern Europe, the United States, Canada, Israel, and most countries in the Caribbean.

Symptoms and Signs of Tuberculosis

Typical symptoms of pulmonary TB include a productive cough, fever, and weight loss. Patients with tubercolous meningitis may present with a headache that is either intermittent or persistent for 2-3 weeks.  The most common site of skeletal TB involvement is the spine.  TB can also affect the genito-urinary, gastro-intestinal,and lymphatic systems as well as skin.

How is TB Diagnosed?

Patients suspected of having tuberculosis (TB) would submit sputum for smear and culture.   Traditional mycobacterial cultures require weeks for growth and identification. Chest radiographs will show classic changes. Tuberculin skin testing (Mantoux test) is the most widely available test for diagnosing tuberculous infection in the absence of active disease (latent infection). The tuberculin skin test involves an intradermal injection.  The response is measured as the amount of induration at 48-72 hours. The diagnosis of MDR-TB is established with an isolate that is resistant to both isoniazid and rifampin.  The diagnosis is based on your symptoms and a blood test for a specific antibody. 

 

Treatment and Prophylaxis

For initial empiric treatment of tuberculosis (TB), patients are started  on a 4-drug regimen: isoniazid, rifampin, pyrazinamide, and either ethambutol or streptomycin, for several months. Directly observed therapy (DOT) is recommended for all patients.

Which Vaccine does MediClinic offer?

During the consultation at MediClinic each patient will be individually assessed with regards to possible risk and advised accordingly.  MediClinic offers Tuberculin skin testing (Mantoux testing) prior to vaccination to check for the presence of cell mediated immunity. If the skin test is positive this means that the individual has been previously exposed to mycobacterium, from previous infection (which may have been asymptomatic) or from previous BCG inoculation. If the test is negative, then the BCG vaccination can be administered after counselling with regards to the possible side-effects

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How is Tuberculosis prevented?

The BCG vaccine continues to be used throughout much of the world and provides protection . In Britain routine vaccination is offered to:

• All infants (aged 0 -12 moths) living in areas of the UK where the incidence of TB is 40/100,000 or greater.
• All infants (aged 0 -12 moths) with a parent or grandparent who was born in a country where the incidence of TB is 40/100,000 or greater.
• Previously unvaccinated children aged one to five years with a parent or grandparent who was born in a country where the incidence of TB is 40/100,000 or greater. These children should be identified at suitable opportunities and can normally be vaccinated without tuberculin testing.
• Previously unvaccinated tuberculin-negative children aged from six to under 16 years of age with a parent or grandparent who was born in a country where the incidence of TB is 40/100,000 or greater. These children should be identified at suitable opportunities, tuberculin-tested and vaccinated if negative .
• Previously unvaccinated, tuberulin-negative new entrants under 16 years of age who were born in or have lived for at least three months in a country with an annual TB incidence of 40/100,000 or greater.
• Healthcare workers who will have contact with patients or clinical material with a negative TB test.
• Laboratory staff who will have contact with patients, clinical materials or derived isolates with a negative TB test.
• Veterinary and staff such as abattoir workers who handle animal species known to be susceptible to TB eg simians.
• Prison staff working directly with inmates with a negative TB test.
• Staff of care homes for the elderly with a negative TB test.
• Staff of hostels for homeless people and facilities for accommodating refugees and asylum seekers with a negative TB test.

Some travellers are at risk of exposure when going to countries where the disease is still common (e.g. with rates above 40/100,000 population).  

 

 SEE OUR VACCINATION PAGE FOR FURTHER VACCINATIONS AVAILABLE AT MEDICLINIC 

Things to remember: 

• You should be well when you have your travel vaccines. If you are unsure or suffer with any symptoms suggesting illness, then please call us before your consultation.

• Travel Vaccination documents – if you have had previous travel vaccinations please bring the relevant documentation to your appointment, this will help us ensure you are fully protected during your travels.
• We recommend vaccines be given 1 week to 3 months prior to traveling depending on the vaccine. This will allow your body sufficient time to build the necessary antibodies to protect you.
• Cancellation of appointments must be made at least 24 hours prior to the appointment to avoid a cancellation fee.

Which clinic should I visit?
If you are not sure where the closest clinic is to you please refer to the list below.  Note that we DO see patients from ANY areas. 

Guildford Clinic

Stoughton, Burpham, Arlington, Shalford, Chilworth, Compton, Woking, Aldershot, Farnham and surrounding areas

Wimbledon Clinic

Raynes Park, Morden, Worcester Park, Mitcham, Colliers Wood, Kingston Upon Thames, Southfields, Kew, Chiswick, East Sheen, Richmond, Roehampton, Wandsworth, Earlsfield, Clapham, Balham, Chelsea, Hammersmith, Barnes, and surrounding areas.

Call us today for your same day travel vaccination appointment