Prophylaxis for close contacts of TB patients is intended to do what?

• A. Prevent TB infection in those exposed
• B. Cure active TB in the index patient
• C. Vaccinate against TB
• D. Prevent all infections

Answer: (A)

The main idea is to prevent TB infection from taking hold in people who have been exposed to an infectious patient. Prophylaxis for close contacts aims to reduce the chance that someone exposed to active TB will become infected, and especially to prevent those who are already infected from progressing to active TB disease. This is typically done by evaluating exposed individuals for latent TB infection and providing preventive therapy (such as isoniazid-based regimens) to reduce progression to disease. It does not cure the index patient’s active TB, it is not a universal vaccine for TB, and it does not prevent all infections.