Using Reports of Latent Tuberculosis Infection Among Young Children to Identify Tuberculosis Transmission in New York City, 2006–2012

Abstract

Young children with latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) indicate recent TB transmission. We reviewed surveillance reports of children with LTBI to assess whether more follow-up is needed to prevent TB among this high-risk population. All children <5 years reported to the New York City Department of Health from 2006–2012 were abstracted from the TB Registry to identify those with LTBI. Potential source cases were identified; defined as any infectious TB case diagnosed in the 2 years before a child was reported and whose residence was within <0.5 miles. Neighborhood risk factors for TB transmission were examined. Among 3,511 reports of children, 1,722 (49%) had LTBI. Children were 2.9 years, on average, and most were born in the United-States (64%). A potential source case was identified for 92% of children; 27 children lived in the same building as a TB patient. Children with a potential source case were more likely to reside in neighborhoods with high TB incidence, poverty, and population density. The high proportion of children born in the United-States and the young average age imply that undetected TB transmission occurred. Monitoring reports could be used to identify places where transmission occurred and additional investigation is needed to prevent TB disease.