TB Research

Addressing the threat from within: Investigation of respiratory symptoms in a health care worker with untreated latent tuberculosis infection

Modi AR, Miranda CC, Procop GW, Foster CB, Harrington S, Evans D, Johnson LT, Gordon SM

American journal of infection control · 2019-08

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) in the health care worker demands orchestrated efforts from health care institutions to promptly identify cases and address community risk. We describe a pediatric intensive care unit nurse with latent TB infection who developed hemoptysis and a lung infiltrate concerning for active TB. Her evaluation and contact investigation were facilitated by our institution's command center. Although TB was ultimately ruled out, this case tested our team-based care in response to a suspected high-consequence pathogen.

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Contact Tracing
  • Middle Aged
  • Health Personnel
  • Female
  • Infectious Disease Transmission, Professional-to-Patient
  • Latent Tuberculosis
  • Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous
  • Nontuberculous Mycobacteria