The Denver TB Course

Purpose

Since the introduction of effective chemotherapy, many changes have come about in the management of tuberculosis. Most important have been the shift from sanatoria based to general hospital and clinic based treatment and the knowledge that active disease can reliably be prevented among those who are latently infected. With the development of effective drugs for TB, the significant advances in bacteriology, and increased knowledge about the treatment of latent TB infection, the approach to tuberculosis control has become increasingly sophisticated.

The purpose of this course is to present this body of knowledge to general internists, public health workers, infectious diseases and chest specialists, registered nurses, and other healthcare providers who will be responsible for the management and care of tuberculosis.

Held at the National Jewish Health hospital in Denver, USA. Full programme available from the website.

Learning Objectives

 1. Discuss the epidemiological features which are associated with increased risk for tuberculosis.

 2. Explain the clinical manifestations of tuberculosis and how they differ in unique patient populations such as pediatrics or HIV co-infection.

 3. Recognize the tools available for diagnosis of tuberculosis and their differences, advantages, and possible shortcomings.

 4. Formulate a treatment regimen for a patient with drug susceptible or drug resistant tuberculosis while understanding the pharmacokinetics and potential toxicities of that regimen.

 5. Discuss the importance and performance of contact investigation among persons exposed to new cases of communicable TB.

Image copyright WHO/Venturi