Reducing occupational transmission of tuberculosis to health care workers

Abstract

Tuberculosis infection is an occupational risk for nurses and others working in health care settings. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have issued guidelines for preventing transmission of tuberculosis to health care workers. Nurses should be familiar with these guidelines, current recommendations for protection and post-exposure management, and the implications of the resurgence of tuberculosis as an occupational health hazard.