Knowledge Bank

Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) has made its way to the forefront in tuberculosis (TB) care. It is estimated that between 9.6-14.9 million people in the U.S. have LTBI. The high prevalence rate of LTBI in the U. S. shows the need to successfully identify and treat persons with LTBI. Populations in the U.S. that are most affected by or susceptible to LTBI are immigrants and refugees, persons living in high-risk congregate populations (prisons, shelters, nursing homes), and healthcare workers. Persons diagnosed with LTBI that do not complete treatment pose a potential public health threat because they can convert to active TB. The highest rate of conversion from LTBI to active TB occurs in the first two years after arriving from their country of origin. Treating 14% of individuals with LTBI would reduce the global incidence of active TB from 1,280 cases per million in 2010 to 20 cases per million by 2050. Tuberculosis kills 1.4 million people annually worldwide. Treatment for LTBI is 90% effective in preventing activation to active TB. This project will work to develop and deliver a plan of action for clinicians to target behaviors for treatment completion among those diagnosed with LTBI by creating a website presenting interventions and strategies for providers that focus on improving treatment compliance. Literature that spans from 2014-2020 was used to identify barriers and current interventions that address barriers will be integrated into the plan of action.