Tuberculosis among long term hospital residents: report of a recent outbreak

Following the diagnosis of a case of miliary tuberculosis in a ward of 30 psychogeriatric patients, a further seven patients required treatment for active tuberculosis, and an additional four received prophylactic therapy. Tuberculosis contributed significantly to the deaths of three patients during the outbreak. This report highlights the particular risks of both reactivation and primary tuberculosis among geriatric patients receiving long term residential care. Late diagnosis contributed to the extent of the outbreak. Previous studies indicate that occult transmission of tuberculosis is relatively common in this group. An active policy of screening and prophylactic treatment is advised.