Abstract
Introduction: Household contacts sputum smear positive tuberculosis patients have much higher rates of active TB. In Pakistan it is done passively.; patients to bring their contacts to the diagnostic facility
Objective: This study was done to see the yield of Active case finding among household contacts of sputum-smear positive (SS+) TB cases
Methods: In 07 urban and 15 rural public facilities lay workers were provided an incentive to counsel new SS+ TB cases about household contacts screening. Household members were verbally screened. TB suspects were escorted to TB center for sputum examination. Diagnosed SS+ TB recieved monthly food baskets, reminders SMS and home visits.
Results: 3608 SS+ new TB patients registered in 2011. The results are summarized in table 1
Table1 Summary of active TB contact tracing findings in Sindh, Pakistan 2011.
Out of 490 SS+ females and males were 242 and 248. 16% index cases had one SS+ household contact
Overall 393 were cured, 87 completed treatment, 5 died and 6 were treatment failure, with no difference between the urban and rural setting
Conclusion Active contact tracing of SS+ve index cases have high yields in Sindh, Pakistan. The intervention has resulted in improved compliance.
- © 2013 ERS
