Tuberculosis and infection control: A review of the evidence

Exposure to patients with infectious tuberculosis is a well-recognised hazard of health care and although the risks associated with this hazard cannot be completely eliminated, they can be controlled and minimised. Risk reduction strategies rely upon a hierarchy of control measures to prevent the nosocomial transmission of tuberculosis in healthcare settings. In this article, the authors discuss the background to these strategies and review the evidence that underpins clinically effective administrative and engineering controls and personal respiratory protection. The authors conclude with recommendations and guide readers to further sources of reliable information.