Tuberculosis Screening Is Warranted in Some Populations

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force found evidence of moderate benefit in foreign-born people and residents of high-risk congregate settings.

Sponsoring Organization: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)

Target Audience: Primary care providers

Background

The USPSTF last evaluated the utility of screening and treating patients at high risk for latent tuberculosis in 1996. The changing epidemiology of tuberculosis (TB) infection in the U.S. and new testing and treatment protocols prompted a new evidence-based systematic review.

Key Points

The USPSTF found moderate evidence (Grade B) to support TB screening in people at higher-than-average risk, including those who are foreign born and those living in high-risk congregate settings such as homeless shelters or prisons. (Note: The USPSTF didn't consider data that pertained to high-risk patients for whom screening is an accepted par…

Reviewing Author

Abigail Zuger, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose