How Contagious Is Tuberculosis?

There are many questions related to the contagiousness of tuberculosis, and unfortunately they are not simply answered. In this review, Dr. Kent Sepkowitz analyzes the literature on factors associated with contagiousness of this condition. He reminds us of the many elegant laboratory and epidemiologic studies conducted all over the world that have helped answer some of these questions. In addition, he highlights the urgent need for future studies to address the many remaining perplexing questions. The availability of molecular techniques holds promise for a clearer understanding of how contagious tuberculosis is.