Molecular surveillance for large outbreaks of tuberculosis in the United States, 2014-2018.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

This study describes characteristics of large tuberculosis (TB) outbreaks in the United States detected using novel molecular surveillance methods during 2014-2016 and followed for 2 years through 2018.

Methods

We developed 4 genotype-based detection algorithms to identify large TB outbreaks of ≥10 cases related by recent transmission during a 3-year period. We used whole-genome sequencing and epidemiologic data to assess evidence of recent transmission among cases.

Results

There were 24 large outbreaks involving 518 cases; patients were primarily U.S.-born (85.1%) racial/ethnic minorities (84.1%). Compared with all other TB patients, patients associated with large outbreaks were more likely to report substance use, homelessness, and having been diagnosed wh

SUBMITTER: Raz KM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9530005 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature