The transmission of tuberculosis in healthcare settings is mainly due to the risk posed by patients with unsuspected or undiagnosed infectious TB disease. The decline and prevention of healthcare-associated transmission of TB depends on rigorous implementation of TB infection control measures and adherence to written protocols. In December 2005, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued revised recommendations entitled, “Guidelines for Preventing the Transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Health-Care Settings.” This web-based seminar summarizes these recommendations and uses a case example to illustrate key points.

Supplemental Materials:

• Guidelines for Preventing the Transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Health-Care Settings, 2005. MMWR 2005; 54(No.RR-17):1-141 [PDF]
• Errata (September 25, 2006) [PDF]
• Additional FAQ’s for Clarification of Recommendations in the Guidelines [PDF]
• Appendix B. Tuberculosis (TB) Risk Assessment Worksheet [DOC]