trending Medical education topic: Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the world’s leading infectious disease killers. The bacteria that cause TB can remain dormant in the body for years, a state known as latent or inactive TB, and in the U.S., it’s estimated that as many as 13 million people harbor this silent infection. Without treatment, about 1 in 10 of those with latent TB will develop active TB disease, which not only makes the individual ill but also can spread through airborne transmission to others.

In recent years, TB cases in the United States have been rising again: in 2023, there were 9,633 reported cases, corresponding to an incidence rate of 2.9 per 100,000 people, a 15.6% increase over 2022. Given this resurgence, early diagnosis and prompt treatment are more critical than ever to reduce morbidity and transmission. Healthcare professionals must stay alert to high-risk groups (such as non–U.S.–born individuals and the immunocompromised) and be familiar with modern tools for diagnosing and treating both latent and active TB.

Proposed Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of this activity, the learners will be able to:

• Evaluate the current epidemiology of tuberculosis
• Describe the current approach to diagnosis of tuberculosis and drug susceptibility testing
• Explain the current approach to treatment of drug‐susceptible and drug‐resistant tuberculosis

If your medical staff needs an update on tuberculosis, consider contacting our office to book a speaker at 877-505-4777 or info@speakersnetwork.com..

References:

https://www.cdc.gov/tb-surveillance-report-2023/commentary/index.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://www.cdc.gov/tb-surveillance-report-2023/summary/index.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/OPA/Pages/CAHAN/Substantial-Increase-in-Tuberculosis-in-California-Recommendations-for-California-Healthcare-Providers.aspx