Study Identifies Concerning Delays in TB Diagnoses in the United States
Harvard Medical SchoolMost delays ranged between 10 and 45 days, with a median of 24 days, after a visit to a doctor, which exceeds current World Health Organization recommendations of diagnosing and treating TB within two to three weeks of symptom onset Delays were linked to greater risk for disease complications, transmission of infection to household members Older individuals and those with compromised immunity were at greater risk for delayed diagnoses Use of diagnostic molecular testing, use of chest imaging and being seen by a specialist were all linked to more prompt identification of TB infection, suggesting delays may be preventable Findings underscore the need to increase awareness of TB among frontline clinicians who may not suspect TB due to rarity of infection in this country