Community-wide INH treatment of latent TB infection in a BCG-vaccinated population: experience in rural Taiwan [Short Communication]

Author: Bowerman, R.J.

Source: The International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Volume 11, Number 4, April 2007 , pp. 470-472(3)

Publisher: International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease

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Abstract:

SETTING: A contiguous four-village bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccinated population (n = 1785) in an aboriginal township in Taiwan with a very high tuberculosis (TB) burden.

OBJECTIVE: To report our experience in this first community-wide effort in Taiwan to treat latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in household contacts of recently diagnosed TB cases.

RESULTS: Overall, 71 LTBI cases (88.8%) completed varying case-specific isoniazid treatment courses, accounting for 4.0% of the affected community (village range 2.4-7.5%, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: LTBI in household contacts was successfully identified and treated in a very high TB burden BCG-vaccinated area in rural Taiwan, complementing standard TB control measures.

Keywords: LTBI; INH; BCG; tuberculosis; Taiwan

Document Type: Short communication

Affiliations: 1: Department of Community Health, Mennonite Christian Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan

Publication date: 2007-04-01

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The International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease publishes articles on all aspects of lung health, including public health-related issues such as training programmes, cost-benefit analysis, legislation, epidemiology, intervention studies and health systems research. The IJTLD is dedicated to the continuing education of physicians and health personnel and the dissemination of information on tuberculosis and lung health world-wide.
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