Scientists from two Yorkshire health authorities looked at south Asians diagnosed with the lung illness in the town of Kirklees.

The background of everyone who arrived with the disease was checked.

The researchers found a strong link between deprivation and the disease, and found TB patients were also more likely to be unemployed.

This is first study which has come to this conclusion so clearly in regard to ethnic minority communities.

Other studies have produced opposing results.

No transport

In particular, it was spotted that ethnic minority patients with TB were those less likely to have central heating or a car.

It is suspected that poverty may make a big difference to the likelihood that a particular patient will fall ill with the disease.

Factors associated with poverty, such as poor housing conditions or nutrition, may weaken the immune system, and make active disease more likely.

Studies among Caucasian patients have shown this strong link.

TB threat

Dr Kamran Siddiqi, who co-authored the study, said: "Further work is needed to clarify the nature of any relationship between poverty and disease.

"In the meantime it is important to make sure that ethnic minority groups have good access to advice, screening and treatment for tuberculosis."