Web Letter for Healthcare Providers
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XDR TB in Traveler
Dear Healthcare Professional,
A person with recently diagnosed culture-confirmed, extensively
drug-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis (XDR TB) traveled on the
following two extended flights (more than 8 hours in duration) in
May 2007:
Date |
From |
To |
Airline / Flight# |
May 12/13 |
Atlanta, Georgia |
Paris, France |
Air France #385 // Delta #8517 |
May 24 |
Prague, Czech Republic |
Montreal, Canada |
Czech Air #104 |
XDR TB is defined as a subtype of multidrug resistant TB (MDR TB)
(i.e., an isolate resistant to at least isoniazid and rifampin),
with additional resistance to at least two of the most important
second-line antibiotics (i.e., a fluoroquinolone and an injectable
agent [amikacin, kanamycin, or capreomycin]).
Since May 25, the patient has been hospitalized in airborne
isolation or wearing an appropriate mask, and is now receiving
medical therapy for XDR TB.
He has remained relatively asymptomatic, and his sputum smear
results were negative for acid fast bacilli (AFB), both before and
after his travel; however, his sputum culture results are positive
for XDR TB.
This is the first investigation of a case of XDR TB during air
travel. Due to the serious nature of this strain of TB disease, CDC
is recommending that all U.S. residents and citizens on these two
flights receive evaluation, testing, and follow-up for TB infection.
We are requesting your assistance to perform TB evaluation and
testing on any person identified as a contact on one of these
flights. Access the XDR TB
Contact Investigation Form (PDF - 83K)
and enter the requested information. Please
keep a copy of this completed form for your records, give a copy to
the person tested, and also please contact your
State or Local TB
control office.
For inquiries related to this investigation, please call your
State or Local Health Department.
For more
information about XDR TB.
We greatly appreciate your assistance on this important
international XDR TB contact investigation.
Last Reviewed: 05/18/2008 Content Source: Division of Tuberculosis Elimination
National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention
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