For the comprehension of interventions for tuberculosis control and elimination, the same model as proposed for the epidemiology of tuberculosis is utilized.
Interventions for tuberculosis control are interventions that reduce the incidence of infection with M. tuberculosis. Interventions for tuberculosis elimination are interventions that reduce the prevalence of infection with M. tuberculosis.
Chemotherapy of tuberculosis has two effects. Individually, it reduces the risk of death from tuberculosis and restores health. Epidemiologically, it interferes with transmission, reducing exposure time in the community and thus the incidence of infection with M. tuberculosis.
Prophylactic treatment is defined as the provision of treatment for a person exposed but not yet infected with M. tuberculosis with the aim to reduce the risk of acquisition of infection. Prophylactic treatment reduces thus the incidence of infection.
Preventive therapy is defined as the provision of treatment to a person already infected with M. tuberculosis with the aim to reduce the risk of progression from subclinical, latent infection to overt clinical tuberculosis. Preventive therapy reduces thus the incidence of infection.
BCG vaccination must be given before infection with M. tuberculosis has been acquired. Its aim is to reduce the risk of progression from latent infection to tuberculosis in case such infection is acquired subsequent to vaccination. Its expected effect is thus similar to one that reduces the prevalence of infection. |
