Addressing the threat from within: Investigation of respiratory symptoms in a health care worker with untreated latent tuberculosis infection

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) in the health care worker demands orchestrated efforts from health care institutions to promptly identify cases and address community risk. We describe a pediatric intensive care unit nurse with latent TB infection who developed hemoptysis and a lung infiltrate concerning for active TB. Her evaluation and contact investigation were facilitated by our institution's command center. Although TB was ultimately ruled out, this case tested our team-based care in response to a suspected high-consequence pathogen.

Keywords: Command center; Nontuberculous mycobacteria; Tuberculosis.