Source of TB infection

Microbiologically confirmed pulmonary Tuberculosis (TB), is the most common and infectious form of tuberculosis and forms the major source of infection in the community.

Every bacteriologically positive patient has the potential to spread the infection to 10 – 15 persons annually, if untreated.

An infectious TB patient becomes a source of infection for all close contact persons (household members, workplace coworkers, students studying in the same class or people coming in close contact with such a case).

Each clinician is expected to take a detailed history for understanding the source of infection to the tuberculosis patient and to whom this patient has transmitted the infection.

The source of infection, i.e., an active TB case can be a drug-sensitive or drug-resistant TB patient.

• It is of utmost importance from the public health point of view to detect and treat all forms of TB as early as possible, to cut the chain of transmission of disease in the community.

Resources

• Training Module (1-4) for Program Managers and Medical Officer, NTEP, MoHFW, 2020.

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