Self-study modules on tuberculosis

Abstract

The Self-Study Modules on Tuberculosis are a series of educational modules designed to provide information about TB in a self-study format. The series consists of a total of nine modules that are separated into two courses. The first course, Modules 1-5, provides basic information on TB. The second course, Modules 6-9, provides more specific TB programmatic information.Detecting and responding to TB outbreaks are among the important challenges public health programs face today in eliminating TB. Delays in detecting TB cases, and delayed or incomplete contact investigations, can lead to TB outbreaks.Despite many similarities between contact investigations and outbreaks in how public health programs manage cases and contacts, the overall response needed for outbreaks is much more complex. Health departments may find it difficult to respond quickly and effectively to TB outbreaks.The techniques used to detect and respond to TB outbreaks are guided by knowledge of the transmission and pathogenesis of M. tuberculosis and by the principles of effective contact investigations. Thus, in order to understand how to detect and respond effectively to a TB outbreak, it is important to have a good understanding of these concepts, which are presented in Module 1: Transmission and Pathogenesis of Tuberculosis and Module 8, Contact Investigations for Tuberculosis.Background -- New terms -- Introduction to TB outbreak detection and response -- Systematic approach to TB outbreak response -- Special circumstances in TB outbreak -- Detection and response -- Additional resources -- Answers to study questions -- Case study answers.Health EducationInfectious Diseas