Tuberculosis information

Definition of Suspected Tuberculosis

A suspected case of tuberculosis can be defined as any person who, based on clinical or epidemiological evidence, has a reasonable likelihood of having active tuberculosis whether started on antitubercular therapy or not. These persons must be reported to the Department of Public Health within one working day of suspicion. Examples of suspected cases include:

• Any person with clinical or laboratory evidence consistent with active tuberculosis, even if the diagnostic evaluation is incomplete or culture results pending

• Any person who has been started on anti-tuberculosis therapy for suspicion of active tuberculosis.

• Any person with findings consistent with active tuberculosis, unless other clinical evidence make a diagnosis of tuberculosis unlikely.

Most statute regarding tuberculosis in California is found in the California Health and Safety Codes Sections 121350 – 121555. Click on the following link for the California Health and Safety Codes: SECTION 121350-121460.

California Health and Safety Codes: SECTION 121350-121460

 

Tuberculosis Control, Testing, & Clearance

CDPH:

• Tuberculosis Fact Sheets, Reports, and other information

• TB Snapshot 2021

CDC:

•  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Tuberculosis Home Page 

• TB Fact Sheets and Brochures by Language

Podcast:  Mantoux Tuberculin Skin Test

NCHHSTP:  National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention

 

 

 

Tuberculosis Website Links

• CDHS / CTCA JOINT GUIDELINES
  Targeted Testing and Treatment of Latent Tuberculosis Infection in Adults and Children

• World Health Organization

• International epidemiological reports, TB fact sheets, and information on how to advocate for strengthening the fight against TB.

• Curry International Tuberculosis Center
  This is one of three Model Tuberculosis Centers funded by the Division of Tuberculosis Elimination, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These centers develop and disseminate methods and materials for TB control and TB education.

• The National Jewish Medical and Research Center
  This is a long-established major referral center for management of complicated tuberculosis, as well as for clinical and research laboratory, consultation and education services.

• The TB section of the CDC National Prevention Information Network (NPIN)
  This site is designed to facilitate the sharing of information and resources on tuberculosis for individuals searching for prevention information.

 

Testing for TB in BCG-Vaccinated Persons (from www.cdc.gov)

Many people born outside of the United States have been BCG-vaccinated.

People who have had a previous BCG vaccine may receive a TB skin test. In some people, BCG may cause a positive skin test when they are not infected with TB bacteria. If a TB skin test is positive, additional tests are needed.

IGRAs, unlike the TB skin tests, are not affected by prior BCG vaccination and are not expected to give a false-positive result in people who have received BCG.