The authors say four factors are likely responsible for the observed reductions - the pre-entry screening programme targeting immigrants, a reduction in the number of new immigrants from high TB burden countries, improvements in TB control leading to a reduction in TB transmission and the early impact of testing and treating patients with diagnosed latent TB infection. They say their findings suggest that the wide range of interventions set out in the Collaborative TB Strategy for England are starting to have an important impact, and provide important evidence to support ongoing TB control efforts.
An accompanying editorial warns of the risks of complacency, whereby the lower burden of TB in the UK may lead to lower visibility, reduction of public interest, insufficient public health responses and clinical capacity.