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Published ahead of print on March 20, 2008, doi:10.1164/rccm.200802-223OC

Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med., Volume 177, Number 11, June 2008, 1285-1289

A more recent version of this article appeared on June 1, 2008
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Submitted on February 5, 2008
Accepted on March 20, 2008

Pseudoepidemics of Tuberculin Skin Test Conversions in the US Army after Recent Deployments

James D Mancuso1*, Steven K Tobler2, and Lisa W Keep1

1 Department of Preventive Medicine and Biometrics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA, 2 Army Medical Surveillance Activity, Silver Spring, MD, USA

* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: james.mancuso{at}us.army.mil.

Rationale: The tuberculin skin test (TST) has many sources of error. These can lead to predominantly false-positive reactions when used in low-risk populations. The Army deploys to areas considered at high-risk for tuberculosis (TB) infection, but often has limited contact with the local population. Objectives: We describe the investigation of eight pseudoepidemics of TST conversions in Army populations, five of which were associated with overseas deployments. Methods: Outbreak investigations of these pseudoepidemics consisted of several components: evaluation of active and latent TB surveillance data; review of medical records; investigation and interviews of active TB cases and their contacts; evaluation of materials and personnel screening procedures; and placement and reading of repeat skin testing. Measurements and Main Results: Initially reported risk of conversion in the outbreaks ranged from 1.3% to 15%. Repeat testing of converters (positives) found that 30 to 100% were negative on retesting. Several sources of false positive results were identified in these pseudoepidemics, including variability in reading and administration, product variability, and cross-reactions to non-tuberculous mycobacteria. Conclusion: Pseudoepidemics of TST conversions are a common occurrence after Army deployments and in Army populations. US Army forces generally have a low risk of TB infection resulting from deployments due to limited exposure to local nationals with active TB, and universal testing in this population has a low positive predictive value.


Key words: Pseudo-outbreak, Pseudoepidemic, Tuberculin Skin Test, tuberculosis infection, Army medicine




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