Screening for Latent Tuberculosis Infection in Adults: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Preventive Medicine
• Infectious Disease Epidemiology

Background:

• Tuberculosis (TB) is a significant, preventable disease in the U.S.
• Identifying and treating latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is key to reducing TB transmission, illness, and death.
• Preventing progression from LTBI to active TB disease is a primary public health goal.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an updated recommendation from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) on screening for LTBI.
• To inform primary care practices on current guidelines for LTBI screening.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of evidence on LTBI screening in asymptomatic adults in primary care.
• Inclusion of evidence from the earliest available database records.

Main Results:

• Accurate screening tests for LTBI are available.
• Treatment for LTBI provides a moderate benefit in preventing active disease progression.
• The harms associated with screening and treatment for LTBI are considered small.

Conclusions:

• The USPSTF recommends screening for LTBI in populations identified as being at increased risk.
• This recommendation is designated as a 'B' recommendation, indicating high certainty of moderate net benefit.