Regular Sputum Check-Up for Early Diagnosis of Tuberculosis after Exposure in Healthcare Facilities.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The early diagnosis of patients with TB disease is critical after an outbreak of tuberculosis (TB) infection in healthcare facilities. In this study, we report a catastrophic TB outbreak in a psychiatric healthcare facility and analyze the role of regular sputum check-ups and other diagnostic tools to facilitate an early diagnosis.

Methods

Every exposed participant received regular sputum check-ups and chest X-rays (CXR) as part of the outbreak management protocol. We retrospectively analyzed data from the contact participants to identify risk factors for eventual TB development and investigated the diagnostic efficacy of regular sputum check-ups.

Results

Among 133 contact participants, 16 (12.0%) developed TB during the 4-year follow-up period. Low body-ma

SUBMITTER: Chao WC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4892557 | biostudies-literature | 2016

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature