Development and testing of models of tuberculosis contact tracing in rural southern Africa

The objective of this study is to evaluate a hospital-based contact screening programme and test approaches to improve its effectiveness

Abstract

Setting: A regional hospital in rural Swaziland.

Design: An evaluation and quality improvement study of tuberculosis (TB) contact tracing services.

Results: Hospital-based TB contact tracing led to screening of 157 (24%) of 658 contacts; of these, 4 (2.5%) were diagnosed with TB. Of 68 contacts eligible for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing and counselling, 45 (66%) were tested and 7/45 (16%) were identified as HIV-positive. Twelve (50%) of 24 screened contacts aged Conclusion: Contact tracing of household members conducted in TB clinics within hospital settings is effective in high-burden, low-income settings, and can be provided using current resources. Enhanced household contact tracing models that followed up contacts in the community were not found to be effective. Additional resources would be required to provide household TB contact tracing in the community.

This research is supported by the Department for International Development’s COMDIS–HSD Programme which is led by the University of Leeds

Citation

Kliner, M.; Knight, A.; Elston, J.; Humphreys, C.; Mamvura, C.; Wright, J.; Walley, J. Development and testing of models of tuberculosis contact tracing in rural southern Africa. Public Health Action (2013) 3 (4) 299-303. [DOI: 10.5588/pha.13.0070]

Development and testing of models of tuberculosis contact tracing in rural southern Africa

Updates to this page

Published 21 December 2013