TB Notes: Updates from CDC’s Division of Tuberculosis Elimination

Notes from the Director Dear Colleague: This past spring, the Division of Tuberculosis Elimination (DTBE) staff have been involved in a variety of activities. In April, many DTBE staff connected with partners and colleagues at the 2019 National TB Conference, and the 11th National Conference on Laboratory Aspects of Tuberculosis, held in Atlanta. In May, we welcomed members of the TB Trials Consortium and TB Epidemiologic Studies Consortium to Atlanta. DTBE and the National Tuberculosis Controller’s Association also published “Tuberculosis Screening, Testing, and Treatment of U.S. Health-Care Personnel: Recommendations from the National Tuberculosis Controllers Association and CDC, 2019” in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.  Read More

Communications, Education and Behavioral Branch Updates The Communications, Education, and Behavioral Studies Branch (CEBSB) worked closely with subject matter experts to develop communication materials and resources on the updated recommendations for TB screening, testing, and treatment of health care personnel. Read More

Field Services Branch Updates The New York City Bureau of Tuberculosis Control (NYC BTBC) aims to prevent the spread of tuberculosis (TB) and eliminate it as a public health problem in NYC. While the identification and treatment of persons with active TB remains a priority, BTBC is expanding its scope of activities related to the diagnosis, treatment, and reporting of latent TB infection (LTBI), as well as its training and outreach for community providers and patients. Read More

Laboratory Branch Updates Recently, the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) tuberculosis (TB) Subcommittee announced new testing resources. While focused on laboratory aspects of TB, these resources may also be useful and of interest to clinicians, epidemiologists, and TB Control program staff. Read More

Clinical Research Branch Updates The TB Trials Consortium met for the 43rd Semi-annual TBTC meeting in Atlanta on May 14-16, 2019. The meeting combined 3 areas of focus:   First, there were updates on the ongoing major phase 3 trial of a 4-month high-dose rifapentine-based regimen for active TB disease, TBTC Study 31/ACTG A5349. The trial is now fully enrolled (n=2,516), and all participants have completed treatment and are in follow-up.  Read More

Surveillance, Epidemiology, and Outbreak Investigations Branch Updates The annual Tuberculosis Epidemiologic Studies Consortium (TBESC) meeting was held May 7-8 in Atlanta. The meeting highlighted current and planned TBESC studies that encompass elements of latent TB Infection testing, treatment, program evaluation, and opportunities to increase uptake of testing and treatment, such as working with community providers. Read More