Evaluation of tuberculin skin testing in tuberculosis contacts in Victoria, Australia, 2005-2013

Abstract

AIM: To review the programmatic use of the tuberculin skin test (TST) following tuberculosis (TB) exposure in Victoria, Australia. METHODS: A retrospective review of data collected for public health surveillance was performed to identify contact demographic factors, including bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) status and age and outcomes of TST. RESULTS: Contact tracing was performed for 15 094 people, of whom 13 427 (89.0%) had a TST performed. The TST was positive in 31.4% (95%CI 30.6-32.2) of all contacts, and 48.8% of contacts born outside of Australia. Amongst contacts who were TST-negative at baseline, the conversion rate following exposure was 14.8%. Conversion was most common in those age..