Active Case Finding Useful for Tuberculosis

In Zimbabwe, two community-based strategies were effective in identifying cases and decreasing transmission.

African countries account for 79% of the global burden of HIV-related tuberculosis (TB); most cases result from recent transmission. Working in Harare, Zimbabwe, researchers assessed two community-based active case-finding strategies to determine which would identify more cases and whether such methods could lower TB prevalence.

Forty-six clusters of neighborhoods, each with 2000 to 3000 adults (age, ≥16 years), were randomized to receive six rounds of active case finding at 6-month intervals using either mobile van neighborhood visits or door-to-door visits. The mobile van employed a loudspeaker to publicize the services provided and was present in the neighborhood for 5 days per cycle. Door-to-door teams visited households up to three time…

Reviewing Author

Mary E. Wilson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardOneHealthTrust (formerly Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics, and Policy); Global Health Institute, University of Wisconsin

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsJournal of Travel Medicine

Mary E. Wilson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardOneHealthTrust (formerly Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics, and Policy); Global Health Institute, University of Wisconsin

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsJournal of Travel Medicine