TB Research

Nosocomial exposure of health care workers to a visitor with active pulmonary tuberculosis in a pediatric intensive care unit: A contact investigation

Grohs E, Short M, Griffin G, Sheets A, Tegarden T, Schaffzin J, Huang FS

American journal of infection control · 2023-04

Abstract

Visitors with active tuberculosis (TB) can lead to uncontrolled introductions in health care settings, even in facilities with robust TB control programs. We report a pediatric case of TB meningitis who had an adult visitor with active pulmonary TB. We identified 96 contacts from the index case. One high-risk contact had a positive follow-up TB test with no clinical symptoms. TB control programs should incorporate the risk of TB exposure from adult visitors, especially in pediatric settings.

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Tuberculosis, Meningeal
  • Tuberculosis, Pulmonary
  • Cross Infection
  • Contact Tracing
  • Occupational Exposure
  • Adult
  • Infant
  • Health Personnel
  • Visitors to Patients
  • Intensive Care Units, Pediatric
  • Female
  • Male