Prevention of Tuberculosis in Older Adults in the United States: Obstacles and Opportunities

Abstract

Elimination of tuberculosis in the United States will require addressing the substantial burden of disease among older persons, especially men, non-whites, long-term care facility residents, and foreign-born persons. Use of interferon-γ release assay testing may help prioritize persons with greatest need for treatment of latent tuberculosis infection, as new shorter and less toxic regimens make latent tuberculosis treatment in older adults more attractive.