Concurrent Outbreaks of Tuberculosis in a School and the Wider Community in Macau

J Pediatric Infect Dis Soc. 2015 Dec;4(4):359-62. doi: 10.1093/jpids/piu031. Epub 2014 Apr 30.

Abstract

Between 2009 and 2012, 22 adolescents of age 15-20 from a day school in Macau were diagnosed with tuberculosis. Detection of multiple molecular clusters may suggest the presence of concurrent outbreaks, and could reflect also ongoing transmissions in the community. Careful interpretation of molecular epidemiology data is crucial in contact investigations.

Keywords: RFLP; contact investigation; molecular epidemiology; school; tuberculosis.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Disease Outbreaks*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Macau / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Molecular Epidemiology
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis
  • Schools
  • Tuberculosis / diagnosis
  • Tuberculosis / epidemiology*