The CDC estimates that in 2019, 16.4% of TB cases in Texas were attributed to recent transmission, compared to 12.5% of cases nationally.[1] The CDC defines recent TB transmission as occurring if a likely source case[2] can be identified in a person who:
- has the same Mycobacterium tuberculosis genotype;
- has an infectious form of TB disease;
- resides within ten miles of the index TB case;
- is ten years of age or older; and
- was diagnosed within two years before the index TB case
Of the 16.4% recent transmission cases, 6.9% were attributed to extensive recent transmission2. Extensive recent transmission is defined as occurring when a TB case meets the criteria above for recent transmission, and the case belongs to a likely transmission chain of six or more cases.[1]
The infectiousness of a patient can contribute to recent transmission. A positive acid-fast bacilli (AFB) sputum smear indicates infectiousness and chest radiographic results with cavitary lesions indicate advanced TB disease.
In 2019, 20% of TB cases in Texas had a cavitary chest radiograph regardless of AFB smear result, 18.6% had a positive AFB smear and non-cavitary chest radiograph, and 14.8% had a cavitary chest radiograph and a positive AFB smear.
Notes
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Reported Tuberculosis in the United States, 2019. Atlanta, GA: US Department of Health and Human Services, CDC; 2020.
2. France AM, Grant J, Kammerer JS, Navin TR. A field-validated approach using surveillance and genotyping data to estimate tuberculosis attributable to recent transmission in the United States. Am J Epidemiol 2015; 182: 799-807.
Table of Contents |
An Overview of Tuberculosis in Texas |
Geographic Distribution of Tuberculosis in Texas |
Affected Populations |
Case Diagnosis |
Recent Transmission |
Mortality |
Risk Factors Associated with Tuberculosis |
Drug Resistant TB |
Contact Investigation Outcomes |
Reporting Requirements |
References