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USPSTF issues draft recommendation on tuberculosis screening
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has released a draft recommendation that adults at increased risk should be screened for latent tuberculosis infection.
The grade B recommendation states there are effective screening tests that can detect latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI), and effective treatments can prevent the disease from progressing to active infection.
“The Task Force recommends that primary care clinicians screen adults at increased risk for LTBI to help prevent the progression to active TB,” Francisco García, MD, MPH, a member of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), said in a press release.
According to the USPSTF, those at an increased risk for LTBI include people born, or who have lived, in countries where TB has a high prevalence, such as Mexico, the Philippines, Vietnam, India, China, Haiti and Guatemala. Also at increased risk are people who have lived in group settings, including homeless shelters and correctional facilities, where exposure is more likely.
TB is one of the most common infectious diseases in the world. Approximately 30% of those exposed to the TB bacteria develop LTBI. While it cannot spread to others during the latent stage, 5% to 10% will develop an active case if left untreated.
The draft recommendation has been posted on the USPSTF website. Comment submissions will be accepted until April 4.
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