USPSTF Reaffirms Recommendation to Screen for Latent Tuberculosis Infection in High-Risk Populations

People born in countries with high TB prevalence, as well as those living in homeless shelters and correctional facilities, are at particular risk.

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

Background

Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is detectible by screening, and active disease can be prevented in those who screen positive. LTBI is of particular concern in certain high-risk populations. In 2016, the USPSTF found moderate evidence to support TB screening in asymptomatic adults at higher-than-average risk for active tuberculosis (NEJM JW Gen Med Nov 1 2016 and JAMA 2016 316:962). For this update, researchers conducted a new systematic review of the evidence.

Recommendation

The Task Force continues to recommend, with moderate certainty, that screening high-risk populations yields moderate net benefit (B recommendation).

Reviewing Author

Thomas L. Schwenk, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Thomas L. Schwenk, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

USPSTF Reaffirms Recommendation to Screen for Latent Tuberculosis Infection in High-Risk Populations

Topics

Background

Recommendation

Reviewing Author