Evaluation of contacts of tuberculosis for active or latent tuberculosis and factors associated with management

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis is an infectious disease resulting from infection with the Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) bacilli. Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) refers to a state in which individuals harbor a persistent immunological reaction to MTB antigens in the absence of symptoms of active tuberculosis. Household contacts, in particular, face the highest risk due to prolonged and repeated exposure within shared living spaces. It is estimated that approximately. Among individuals with latent tuberculosis infection, an estimated 5–10% will eventually transition to active tuberculosis over the span of their lifetime. Tuberculosis preventive therapy significantly reduces the likelihood of transitioning from tuberculosis infection to clinically active disease. While the early detection and management of active disease remain a central focus of the public health strategy, targeted identification and management of latent tuberculosis particularly among populations at elevated risk, notably household contacts of patients with active tuberculosis are essential components of tuberculosis elimination efforts.