Active case finding of tuberculosis: historical perspective and future prospects

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global health threat despite scientific advancements.
• Effective case finding and treatment are essential for controlling TB transmission and incidence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a historical overview of active case finding (ACF) strategies for tuberculosis.
• To analyze the evolution of TB case detection methods over the last century.

Main Methods:

• Review of historical TB case detection strategies.
• Analysis of methods including mass radiography, house-to-house surveys, and out-patient case detection.
• Examination of enhanced case finding, high-risk populations, and cost-effectiveness.

Main Results:

• Various ACF strategies have been employed over the past century with varying degrees of success.
• Different approaches have strengths and weaknesses that impact their effectiveness in diverse settings.
• Cost-effectiveness and targeting high-risk populations are key considerations in modern ACF.

Conclusions:

• Historical perspective on ACF methods provides valuable insights for contemporary TB control.
• Understanding past successes and failures informs the development of future, more effective ACF strategies.
• Informing and shaping ACF as a vital TB control policy for the twenty-first century.