Study of Tuberculosis Transmission From Asymptomatic and Symptomatic Cases Including People Living With HIV in Mozambique

What this Trial Is About

Tuberculosis TB remains a leading cause of illness and death worldwide. This research investigates the role of asymptomatic TBwhere individuals carry the bacteria without symptomsin spreading the disease. The study aims to provide direct proof of TB transmission from asymptomatic cases to their close contacts and to better understand this stage in the natural course of TB infection. It is an observational, epidemiological field study conducted in a high TB and HIV burden district in Mozambique. The study enrolls both asymptomatic and symptomatic TB patients and their close contacts. Initial screening identifies bacteriologically confirmed TB cases among people living with HIV during routine care visits. Two groups of close contacts exposed to either asymptomatic or symptomatic TB cases will be followed for 12 months to observe new infections and secondary TB cases. Additional longitudinal assessments will monitor symptom development, clinical progression, and the characteristics of non-infectious asymptomatic TB. Participants will undergo regular evaluations including symptom tracking, microbiological and radiological tests, and clinical examinations over the study period. Researchers will measure the proportion of secondary TB cases linked to index patients and assess symptom presence and disease progression among asymptomatic individuals. The study will generate important evidence to inform TB control strategies and improve understanding of TB transmission dynamics over a 12-month follow-up.

Questioning the Epidemiology of Asymptomatic TB