Related Experiment Videos
Tuberculosis transmission in nontraditional settings: a decision-tree approach.
J Steve Kammerer1, Scott J N McNabb, Jose E Becerra
1Division of Tuberculosis Elimination, National Center for HIV, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA. fzk3@cdc.gov
American Journal of Preventive Medicine
|February 16, 2005
Summary
Identifying tuberculosis (TB) transmission in nontraditional settings is crucial. Decision-tree analysis effectively profiles patients in non-traditional settings and relationships (non-TSR), aiding TB prevention efforts.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
- Infectious Disease Surveillance
Background:
- Tuberculosis (TB) transmission in nontraditional settings and relationships (non-TSR) often evades conventional contact investigation.
- The U.S. National Tuberculosis Genotyping and Surveillance Network gathered data from 1996-2000.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the number and characteristics of TB patients in non-TSR involved in recent transmission.
- To develop a decision tree for profiling these patients.
- To identify predictors of being in non-TSR using a case-control study.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of genotyped Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates from reported TB cases (1996-2000).
- Development of a decision tree to profile patients in non-TSR.
- Case-control study to identify predictors of non-TSR involvement.
Main Results:
- Of 10,844 genotyped TB cases, 4724 (43.6%) isolates were clustered.
- Among clustered cases, 520 (11%) had identified epidemiologic linkages.
- Decision tree identified race/ethnicity, age (15-24 years), and HIV status as predictors for non-TSR.
- Patients in non-TSR were more likely to be non-Hispanic white (aOR=6.1) or have rifampin-resistant M. tuberculosis (aOR=5.2).
Conclusions:
- Decision-tree analysis enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of TB prevention and control.
- This approach aids in identifying patients in non-traditional settings and relationships (non-TSR).