Tuberculosis in Spain

A study addresses the impact of exposure time to pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) on the risk of transmission among contacts in Catalonia, Spain. By examining over 7,000 individuals exposed to 847 TB cases, the researchers found a clear association between longer daily exposure and increased TB risk. Those exposed for more than 6 hours a day had nearly 7 times the risk of developing TB compared to those exposed less than 6 hours a week.

Particularly vulnerable groups included children under 5 years, who were over eight times more likely to develop TB, and immigrants, who had nearly double the risk compared to non-immigrants. Although smoking showed an increased risk, the association wasn't statistically significant. These findings suggest that exposure time is a critical determinant in TB transmission, reinforcing the need for timely and focused contact investigations.

Importantly, the research emphasizes the value of integrating TB screening into routine primary care systems, particularly for high-risk populations. By tailoring public health strategies to exposure time and personal risk factors, TB control programs can become more efficient and effective.

Source: Godoy, S., Parrón, I., Millet, J.P., Caylà, J.A., Follia, N., Carol, M., Orcau, A., Alsedà, M., Toledo, D., Plans, P. and Ferrús, G., 2024. Risk of tuberculosis among pulmonary tuberculosis contacts: the importance of time of exposure to index cases. Annals of Epidemiology, 91, pp.12-17.