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TB Notification — RACP Adult Medicine MCQ

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EasyInfectious DiseasesTB NotificationRACP Adult Medicine

A 40-year-old Aboriginal man from the Kimberley region presents with fever, cough, and weight loss. He has chronic HBV and type 2 diabetes. CXR shows bilateral upper lobe cavitation. Sputum AFB smear is negative on three samples. GeneXpert MTB/RIF is positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis with rifampicin sensitivity. What is the public health management requirement?

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Correct answer: C — Notify the local public health unit

Tuberculosis is a notifiable disease in all Australian states and territories. Cases must be reported to the local public health unit regardless of smear status. Contact tracing is a critical public health intervention. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have higher rates of TB in Australia. GeneXpert is more sensitive than smear microscopy and also detects rifampicin resistance mutations. Standard 4-drug regimen (HRZE) is commenced pending full susceptibility results.

Reference: NTAC – 2022 – National TB Guidelines; CDNA – 2024 – TB Series of National Guidelines