Latent Tuberculosis in Contacts of Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis Cases

Clinical Scenario

This protocol applies to individuals with latent tuberculosis infection who have been in contact with a confirmed multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) case. This sub-population carries an increased probability of progressing to active TB disease following recent infection, and requires a distinct clinical approach.

Key Clinical Feature

Contact with an MDR-TB case is the defining condition of this scenario. Systematic evidence specifically addresses the effectiveness of anti-TB interventions in preventing active TB disease within this sub-population, where the resistance profile of the source case directly shapes management decisions.

Management Approach

For contacts of MDR-TB cases, the evidence-based protocol departs from standard pharmacological preventive therapy. The recommended strategy centers on a specific structured clinical approach — the full protocol details the complete recommendation.

Instant Access to Structured Evidence-Based Regimens

References

DOI: 10.1183/13993003.01245-2015

The seventh systematic review was conducted to define the effectiveness of anti-TB drugs in preventing active TB in contacts of multidrug-resistant (MDR)-TB patients.

Based on the available evidence and the probability of increased likelihood to develop active TB disease following recent infection, strict clinical observation and close monitoring for the development of active TB disease for at least 2 years is preferred over the provision of preventive treatment for contacts of MDR-TB cases.

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