Preventive Treatment for Household Contacts of Drug-Susceptible Tuberculosis Patients
Nicole Salazar‐Austin, Christiaan Mulder, Graeme Hoddinott, Theresa Ryckman, Colleen F. Hanrahan, Kavindhran Velen, Lucy Chimoyi, Salome Charalambous, Violet Chihota
Abstract
People who live in the household of someone with infectious pulmonary tuberculosis are at a high risk of tuberculosis infection and subsequent progression to tuberculosis disease. These individuals are prioritized for contact investigation and tuberculosis preventive treatment (TPT). The treatment of TB infection is critical to prevent the progression of infection to disease and is prioritized in household contacts. Despite the availability of TPT, uptake in household contacts is poor. Multiple barriers prevent the optimal implementation of these policies. This manuscript lays out potential next steps for closing the policy-to-implementation gap in household contacts of all ages.