TB yields from expanded contact tracing investigations

TB poses a significant global health challenge due to a substantial case-detection gap. Traditional contact tracing primarily targets contacts of bacteriologically confirmed pulmonary TB index patients, often excluding pediatric, clinically diagnosed, and extrapulmonary cases. This review assessed the potential of expanding contact tracing to these frequently overlooked subgroups.

We conducted a focused, targeted literature review by searching PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar and Lens.org using identified keywords. A title and abstract review was conducted using predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria.

We identified 13 relevant studies reporting contact tracing yields from these index patient groups. Contact tracing of pediatric, clinically diagnosed, and extrapulmonary TB index patients yielded up to 8.1%, 3.0%, and 2.1% for active disease and up to 17.9%, 12.6%, and 11.1% for TB infection, respectively.

Findings suggest that expanding contact tracing for these typically excluded index patients can improve case detection. By refining contact tracing protocols and adopting more inclusive strategies, TB programs can enhance case detection rates and improve overall disease control efforts, aligning with global goals for TB elimination.