Abstracts » Health

Transmission of multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis during a long airplane flight

Article Abstract:

Lengthy air travel may increase the risk of contracting tuberculosis, an infectious lung disease. Researchers investigated the level of infection among the fellow passengers of a Korean woman living in Hawaii with confirmed Mycobacterium tuberculosis resistant to a number of drugs. The woman died of lung complications a few days after completing a one-month visit to the mainland United States. After written notification of possible exposure during a total of four flights, 29 of 802 travelers reported positive tuberculin tests. Fifteen passengers who had positive skin tests were on the longest flight, with a duration of 8.75 hours. Although nine of these had a previous episode of tuberculosis, the six others had no known risk factors and were seated close to the infected patient. Rather than the circulating air exchange, proximity to the index patient posed the highest risk of becoming newly infected.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Air travel

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Tuberculin Skin Test Screening Practices Among US Colleges and Universities

Article Abstract:

It probably isn't necessary to test all college students for tuberculosis, just those at high risk of the disease. A survey of 624 colleges and universities revealed that 61% tested students for tuberculosis. On some campuses, all new students were tested, but on others only new international students were tested. Of 348,368 students tested at 168 colleges and universities, only 3% tested positive for tuberculosis. International students were much more likely to be diagnosed with tuberculosis.

United States, Usage, Diagnosis, Testing, College students, Tuberculin test

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Transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis From Medical Waste

Article Abstract:

Three workers at a medical waste treatment facility in Washington State may have contracted tuberculosis from the medical waste. In one case, detailed investigations showed the patient was infected with a bacterial strain identical to one that had been processed at one of the laboratories that sent medical waste to the waste facility.

Medical wastes

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