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Highly infectious TB detected via 2 or 3 symptoms in those with HIV
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Having two or three of the four symptoms that are part of WHO’s recommended tuberculosis screening is sensitive to detecting highly infectious tuberculosis in people with HIV, CDC researchers suggest.
The study included 1,980 people from eight outpatient facilities in Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam, of whom 272 had TB. Among those with HIV who had TB, 40% had highly infectious TB. The odds of having classic TB symptoms, including fever, night sweats, weight loss and cough in the previous month, were higher among those with HIV who had highly infectious TB.
Having two of the symptoms was 90% sensitive for identifying highly infectious TB and having three of the symptoms was 72% sensitive. Weight loss was 84% sensitive, cough was 83% sensitive, fever was 81% sensitive and fatigue was 78% sensitive for identifying highly infectious TB.
“Although a screening tool is relatively simple and inexpensive, continued implementation of recommended infection control measures is still needed to optimally reduce TB transmission in resource-limited settings and, in particular, HIV care facilities,” the researchers wrote.
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
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