skip to main content

Contact tracing tuberculosis — DTM&H MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

ModerateEpidemiology and public healthContact tracing tuberculosisDTM&H

A man with smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis lives with three young children and his elderly mother in a crowded home. What is the most appropriate investigation?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: E — Screen close household contacts

Screen close household contacts is the single best answer because close household contacts are at increased risk and should be assessed for active TB and preventive therapy eligibility. Screen distant social media contacts is plausible in a related presentation, but it is less appropriate because it does not fit the key discriminator in this vignette. The teaching point is that children and immunocompromised contacts are priorities.

Reference: WHO outbreak investigation guidance; Sphere Handbook; Manson's Tropical Diseases