Elimination of TB in the U.S. Not Currently Achievable

According to NHANES 1999–2000 data, the prevalence of latent TB infection was 4.2% in the U.S. overall but significantly higher among some subgroups.

The current U.S. TB elimination plan calls for reducing TB disease incidence to <1 case per 1,000,000 population by 2010. For this goal to be achieved, the prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) must be <1% and declining.

To determine LTBI prevalence in the U.S., investigators analyzed findings from the 1999–2000 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a cross-sectional, nationally representative health survey that incorporated routine tuberculin skin testing (TST). Calculations were based on data from the 7386 participants whose TST reactions were measured. Reactions ≥10 mm at 48 to 72 hours were considered to be indicative of LTBI.

The researchers estimated that 4.2% of the civilian, noninstitutionalized U.S. …

Reviewing Author

Neil M. Ampel, MD

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Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Elimination of TB in the U.S. Not Currently Achievable

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Reviewing Author