LONG-TERM OBSERVATION OF A FAMILY TUBERCULOSIS FOCUS

A tuberculosis infection focus is the place of residence of a patient who is the source of mycobacteria, where individuals living or in constant contact are at risk of contracting tuberculosis. Morbidity within the focus is determined by multiple factors, including the clinical form of the source case, the degree of bacterial excretion, the spectrum of drug resistance, as well as socio-hygienic conditions and individual risk factors of contacts. This article analyzes the features of tuberculosis development and the results of long-term observation in a family infection focus. The observation was conducted in a family of four, in which two sons were simultaneously diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis. One developed exudative pleuritis against the background of HIV infection, while the other had disseminated tuberculosis with massive bacterial excretion. Sanitary and epidemiological measures were carried out in the focus, chemoprophylaxis was prescribed to contacts, and dispensary follow-up was implemented. Nevertheless, six years later, tuberculosis was also detected in the parents, indicating the persistence of long-term epidemiological risk in the family focus. The study results highlight the need for individualized extension of follow-up periods for contacts and the advisability of considering foci where several family members fall ill as a separate epidemiological group.