[History and Achievements of the Tuberculosis Epidemiological Response Team at the Korea Disease Control and...

Tuberculosis (TB) is an airborne infectious disease transmitted via aerosols containing Mycobacterium tuberculosis from patients with TB. Contact investigations are conducted to prevent the transmission of TB. Since 2013, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) has operated the TB Epidemiological Response Team to support the identification, screening, and management of contacts in congregate settings where TB cases occur. This study aims to describe the background of the team's establishment, the evolution of its roles, and the key outcomes achieved.

Relevant literature on TB contact investigations (TBCIs) was reviewed. National guidelines and policy documents were also analyzed.

TBCIs in the Republic of Korea were initiated using national guidelines in 2004 and reinforced by government funding to local public health centers from 2009 onward. In 2013, the KDCA established the TB Epidemic Intelligence Service comprising 28 professionals to lead national-level investigations. As the criteria tightened and the scope expanded, the investigation burden on central authorities increased. To mitigate this problem, phased decentralization began in 2019, culminating in a fully localized TBCI system by 2023. Between 2013 and 2024, 39,707 investigations were conducted in congregate settings, covering 1,403,735 contacts and identifying 1,966 TB cases early.

The transition to municipality-led TBCIs increased the effectiveness of contact management and local transmission control. The KDCA continues to support local capacities through training and technical assistance. To strengthen the system further, standardized contact definitions, updated guidelines, and structured evaluation frameworks are required to ensure a more precise and sustainable approach for TBCIs.