Patient selection: inhalational exposure to silica
Risk factors for silicotuberculosis:
(1) severity of the silicosis and its impact on pulmonary function
(2) silica-associated autoimmune disorders, especially if treated with corticosteroids or other immunosuppressing drugs
(3) working conditions, especially in mining
(4) living conditions, especially in developing countries
(5) prevalence of tuberculosis in the population
(6) availability of respiratory protection (which would reduce both silicosis and transmission of mycobacteria)
(7) HIV infection
(8) untreated latent tuberculosis
A person with exposure to iron fumes and silica is at risk for siderosilicotuberculosis.
