Importance of TB contact investigations

Tuberculosis contact investigations are a top priority in TB infection control. The aim is to prevent the spread of infectious disease, identify potential TB sources, and treat individuals who are infected or actively ill. The contact investigation process is quite simple: identify close contacts; examine their symptoms and determine their clinical status; perform a chest X-ray; administer a tuberculin skin test and/or interferon gamma release assay; and evaluate the results. This communication documents a TB contact investigation that was conducted in one family during the months after the initial TB finding. Investigations of close family contacts found active TB in 3 individuals and latent TB in 1 unvaccinated child. This confirms that contact investigations are an easy intervention that results in rapid identification of TB sources. Treatment of these patients reduces the risk of exposure and spread of infection to additional community members [1].