Increasing the efficiency of detecting active tuberculosis cases in intermediate and high-burden tuberculosis countries: A way forward

10.4103/0976-0105.105333 Tuberculosis (TB) is a major global health problem with an annual incidence rate of 9 million cases worldwide. It is the largest single infectious cause of death among young individuals and adults in the world, accounting for approximately 2 million deaths every year.[1] The fundamental objectives of TB control are to detect the disease as early as possible, and to make sure that those diagnosed complete their treatment and are cured. Contact tracing is the process that is usually adopted for identifying the relevant contacts of persons with TB, and ensuring they are aware of the infection to which they may have been exposed.[2] The World Health Organization (WHO), the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, and the International Standards for Tuberculosis Care recommend as a minimum: (a) screening households and close contacts of smear positive pulmonary TB cases to detect new TB cases; (b) providing isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) for children under 5 years of age and for all people with HIV without symptoms suggestive of TB.[3-5]