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A recent study conducted by researchers from Boston University sheds light on the importance of preventive treatment for tuberculosis (TB), urging individuals with confirmed TB infection to undergo the treatment regardless of age. The findings underscore the critical role of preventive measures in halting the progression of latent TB infections into potentially fatal diseases.
The study, led by Dr. Leonardo Martinez, assistant professor of epidemiology at Boston University, analyzed data from 439,644 participants. It revealed that preventive TB treatment exhibited a 49% effectiveness rate among the 2,496 individuals who developed TB. Notably, the effectiveness soared to 80% among those with positive skin or blood test results.
Dr. C. Robert Horsburgh, a professor of global health at Boston University’s School of Public Health, emphasized the significance of treating latent TB infections. “The threat of global TB will persist until people with latent TB receive treatment. The results of this study demonstrate the effectiveness of such treatment,” stated Dr. Horsburgh.
Tuberculosis remains a significant global health challenge, affecting tens of millions annually and leaving lasting effects even after recovery. Dr. Martinez highlighted the importance of optimizing prevention strategies to combat the epidemic.
The study also calculated the number needed to treat (NNT) to prevent one person from developing TB disease. It revealed that regardless of infection status, the NNT was lower in high-burden settings (29 to 43 people) compared to low-burden settings (213 to 455 people).
Despite individuals with negative blood or skin tests showing limited benefits from preventive treatments, the researchers advocate for universal treatment, especially in areas where TB testing accessibility is a challenge. The overall low NNT justifies prioritizing preventive treatment for all exposed contacts.
The study’s findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive preventive measures to curb the spread of TB globally. By prioritizing preventive treatment, particularly among confirmed TB cases, public health efforts can significantly reduce the burden of this infectious disease and save lives.
