Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #112512

Alicia Paris-Pombo, MD, MS, Kim Smith, PHN, MSN, Richard Tezak, MD, MPH, and Hugh Stallworth, MD, MPH. Monterey County Public Health Department, 1270 Natividad Rd, Salinas, CA 93906, (831)755-4521, paris-pomboa@co.monterey.ca.us

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDRTB) has a high cost and morbidity. The identification, tracing and treatment of contacts is a backbone of tuberculosis control programs. About 1500 coworkers of an MDRTB case working in a multi-cubicle office were investigated to identify contacts requiring treatment for latent TB infection (LTBI). The objectives were to identify the exposure groups with higher rates of positive tuberculin skin tests or with higher rates of converters. Being a contact identified by the case, seating proximity and working in the same department were statistically related to a positive tuberculin skin test. Foreign birth was a potential confounder. Some positive reactors and converters did not belong to any known exposure group. The evidence gathered through this investigation guided part of the recommendations on LTBI treatment but were limited in providing a complete picture.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of this session the participant in this session will be able
• to identify the value and limits of field epidemiology to guide tuberculosis control decisions

Keywords: Tuberculosis,

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Recorded presentation