A five-year retrospective cohort study conducted in South-west Karnataka reported a 1% incidence of tuberculosis (TB) among 4705 household contacts of 1428 extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) cases.  

**Key Findings: **

- Among the 48 cases diagnosed with TB, 73% had pulmonary TB, while 27% had EPTB. 
- Half of the cases were diagnosed within the first year of exposure and majority of new cases were seen in males (65%). 
- Diabetes mellitus and alcohol consumption were found to significantly increase the risk. 
- Importantly, 81% of the newly diagnosed cases weren’t linked to known family TB contacts. 

These findings underscore the need for systematic screening and targeted intervention among household contacts of EPTB cases to identify and treat early-stage TB, ultimately reducing the risk of transmission and improving disease control in affected communities.

Source: Science Direct | [Read Full Story] (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0019570725000265)
