A new method for active tuberculosis case finding

Summary

This project proposes a new method for Active Case Finding (ACF) of undiagnosed tuberculosis (TB) disease by testing household contacts of adolescents with recently-acquired TB infection, hypothesizing a significantly higher detection rate than current methods.

What they want

The 5-year study will perform baseline interferon gamma release assay (IGRA) testing on 1200 Tanzanian adolescents, followed by quarterly IGRA testing for a year on those initially negative. The goal is to detect new TB infections (IGRA conversion) in approximately 50 participants. Subsequently, 200 close contacts of these 50 new convertors will be tested to identify source cases of previously undiagnosed TB. Cost-effectiveness of this new approach will be analyzed and compared to the current National Program on Tuberculosis and Leprosy.

Deliverables

Baseline IGRA testing on 1200 Tanzanian adolescents
Quarterly IGRA testing (x4) on 1020 IGRA-negative adolescents
Detection of new TB infection (IGRA conversion) in approximately 50 participants
Testing of 200 household and close contacts of new convertors
Identification of source cases of previously undiagnosed TB in a minimum of 25 (50%) of new adolescent infections
Analysis of cost-effectiveness compared to current ACF methods

Technical requirements

Interferon gamma release assay (IGRA) testing
Serial testing for TB infection

Key personnel

Consultant epidemiologist (Horsburgh)
Consultant epidemiologist (Whalen)