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A Tuberculosis Molecular Bacterial Load Assay (TB-MBLA)
Published on: April 30, 2020
Tuberculosis prevalence surveys: rationale and cost
P Glaziou1, M J van der Werf, I Onozaki
1World Health Organization, Regional Office for the Western Pacific, Manila, Philippines. glazioup@wpro.who.int
Summary
Population-based surveys are crucial for assessing tuberculosis (TB) prevalence, especially where data is unreliable. These studies guide public health strategies for pulmonary TB (PTB) control.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Disease Control
Background:
- Accurate tuberculosis (TB) prevalence data is vital for effective control programs.
- Routine surveillance systems often provide incomplete or inaccurate TB notification data.
- Population-based surveys are recommended in high-prevalence settings (>100 per 100,000 population).
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide guidance on conducting cross-sectional population-based surveys for pulmonary TB (PTB).
- To determine the prevalence of PTB in the general population aged 15 years and older.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional survey design.
- Focus on population-based sampling.
- Guidance on resource allocation and trained staff requirements.
Main Results:
- TB prevalence surveys are most valuable in areas with unreliable or incomplete surveillance data.
- Surveys require significant commitment from national TB programs and study populations.
- Estimated costs range from US$4-15 per person surveyed.
Conclusions:
- Population-based TB prevalence surveys are essential for accurate disease burden estimation.
- These surveys require substantial resources and program commitment.
- Limitations include inability to assess regional variations, childhood TB, or extra-pulmonary TB.
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