Reducing the Rate of Active TB by Targeted Testing and Treatment

Such a program, initiated by the Tennessee Department of Health, prevented an estimated 184 cases of active tuberculosis during its first 5 years.

Although the overall number of new tuberculosis (TB) cases has declined in the U.S., the proportion of cases among foreign-born individuals has increased. Most such cases are due to reactivation of latent TB infection (LTBI).

To address this problem, the Tennessee Department of Health initiated a targeted tuberculin testing program in which individuals determined to have any risk factor for TB exposure (or for progression to active TB, once infected) are screened using the tuberculin skin test (TST), and those with positive test results receive treatment for LTBI. Now, researchers have evaluated the results of this program from its initiation, in March 2002, through December 2006.

After initial risk screening of 168,517 people, 125,200 indivi…

Reviewing Author

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

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)