A pulmonary tuberculosis outbreak in a long-term care facility
Journal
Epidemiology and Infection
Journal Volume
144
Journal Issue
7
Pages
1455-1462
Date Issued
2016
Author(s)
Abstract
In long-term care facilities (LTCFs), the elderly are apt to be infected because those with latent tuberculosis infections (LTBIs) are at an increased risk for reactivation and post-primary TB disease. We report an outbreak of TB in staff and residents in a LTCF. An outbreak investigation was conducted after two TB cases were reported from the LTCF. A tuberculin skin test (TST), bacteriological examination and chest radiograph were administered to all facility staff and residents. An outbreak is defined as at least two epidemiologically linked cases that have identical Mycobacterium tuberculosis genotype isolates. This outbreak infected eight residents and one staff member, who were confirmed to have TB in a LTCF between September 2011 and October 2012. Based on the Becker method, the latent and infectious periods were estimated at 223·6 and 55·9 days. Two initial TST-negative resident contacts were diagnosed as TB cases through comprehensive TB screening. Observing elderly people who have a negative TST after TB screening appears to be necessary, given the long latent period for controlling a TB outbreak in a LTCF. It is important to consider providing LTBI treatment for elderly contacts. Copyright ? Cambridge University Press 2015.
SDGs
Other Subjects
aged; Article; bacterium identification; bacterium isolate; controlled study; elderly care; epidemic; female; genotype; health care facility; human; infection risk; latent period; long term care facility; lung tuberculosis; major clinical study; male; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; nonhuman; outcome assessment; risk assessment; risk factor; Taiwan; thorax radiography; tuberculin test; adult; long term care; microbiology; middle aged; nursing home; statistics and numerical data; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary; utilization; very elderly; young adult; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Disease Outbreaks; Female; Humans; Long-Term Care; Male; Middle Aged; Nursing Homes; Taiwan; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary; Young Adult
Publisher
Cambridge University Press
Type
journal article