Eligibility for TPT

The eligibility for TB Preventive Treatment (TPT) relies on ruling out active TB among individuals and groups who are known to have a high risk of acquiring TB. 

Prioritization of the target population for TPT is based on elevated risk of progression from infection to TB disease or increased likelihood of exposure to TB disease. Key and vulnerable populations include:  

1. Expanded eligible group including children >5 years, adolescents and adult Household Contact persons (HHC) of pulmonary* TB patients notified in Nikshay from public and private sector (*bacteriologically confirmed pulmonary TB patients will be prioritized for enumeration of the target population for TPT)

Table 1: Target Population (Expanded Eligible Groups); Source: Guidelines for Programmatic Management of Tuberculosis Preventive Treatment.  

(*bacteriologically confirmed pulmonary TB patients will be prioritized for enumeration of the target population for TPT)

TPT reduces the overall risk for TB by 60-90% among People Living with HIV (PLHIV). Adults and children (>12 months) living with PLHIV should be screened for TB using a four-symptom complex and TPT can be provided to those without symptoms or after ruling out active TB in those with TB symptoms.  

All HHC of pulmonary TB patients is at substantially higher risk for progression to active TB than the general population. Hence, all HHC of pulmonary TB patients, regardless of their age, should be given TPT after ruling out TB. In children HHC under 5 years of age, TPT will be offered after ruling out active TB, without testing for TB infection. In children, HHC >5 years and adults, chest X-rays and testing for TB infection would be offered wherever available.

2. Expanded to other key and vulnerable population 

Individuals in other key and vulnerable population include those on immunosuppressive therapy, having silicosis, on anti-TNF treatment, on dialysis, and preparing for organ or haematologic transplantation.  

Systematic TB infection testing and treatment are not recommended for people with diabetes mellitus, malnutrition, smoking, or harmful alcohol abuse unless they have other risk factors for TB, such as HIV infection or a history of contact with TB patients within their household. 

Table 2: Target Population (Other key and vulnerable population); Source: Guidelines for Programmatic Management of Tuberculosis Preventive Treatment.   

Resource 

Guidelines for Programmatic Management of Tuberculosis Preventive Treatment. 

Assessment