Tuberculosis

• Tuberculosis affected more than 8 million and killed 1.3 million people worldwide in 2012.
• Clinical manifestations of active tuberculosis disease include fever, night sweats, weight loss, and cough.
• The tuberculin skin test and interferon-γ-release assays are methods of screening for tuberculosis infection.
• Standard treatment for active tuberculosis disease includes an initial four drug regimen consisting of isoniazid, rifampin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol.
• Health-care providers are encouraged to seek a tuberculosis expert’s advice on the diagnosis and management of individuals with suspected or confirmed tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis (TB) resulted in 1.3 million deaths and 8.6 million new cases of active TB worldwide in 2012. Clinical manifestations of TB include fever, night sweats, weight loss, and cough. Latent infection is established by a positive tuberculin skin test or interferon-γ-release assay. Active TB disease is diagnosed by clinical, radiographic, and laboratory findings. Latent infection treatment is recommended in at-risk populations. The standard initial regimen for active disease includes rifampin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol. Health-care providers are encouraged to consult with a TB specialist for assistance in the management of individuals with suspected or confirmed TB.