Biomedical subjects

National Tuberculosis Advisory Committee

Publications and source records attributed to National Tuberculosis Advisory Committee.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Tuberculosis notifications in Australia, 2004.

The National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System received 1,076 tuberculosis (TB) notifications in 2004, of which 1,043 were new cases and 33 were relapses. The incidence of TB in Australia has remained at a stable rate since 1985 and was 5.4 cases per 100,000 population in 2004. The high-incidence groups remain people born overseas and Indigenous Australians at 21.7 and 8.1 cases per 100,000 population, respectively. By contrast, the incidence of TB in the non-Indigenous Australian-born population was 1.0 cases per 100,000 population. Comparison of the 2004 TB notification data against the performance indicators set by National Tuberculosis Advisory Committee highlights that enhanced TB control measures should be considered among these high-risk groups.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

The BCG vaccine: information and recommendations for use in Australia.

The Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine since its first use in 1921 has been the subject of much controversy as to its effectiveness and applicability. BCG vaccination is still considered an important strategy in the National Tuberculosis Programs of countries with a high burden of tuberculosis (TB) because of its benefit to infants but its effect on the control of TB has been limited. By contrast, in countries with a low prevalence of TB, significant policy differences exist both within and between countries. BCG vaccination does not prevent transmission of infection to the individual. In immune-competent neonates and infants it is accepted that BCG reduces the likelihood of TB infection progressing to disease or if disease occurs, substantially lessens the chance of a severe outcome. The benefit in older agegroups is less clear. In the Australian health worker, the BCG strategy is no longer recommended as the primary means of health care worker (HCW) protection. The preferred strategy is appropriate infection control measures, staff education and a tuberculin skin testing program that identifies and treats the at-risk infected HCW. The emergence of multi-drug resistant strains has however renewed interest in BCG in the HCW. This document provides recommendations for use of the BCG vaccine in the Australian community based on the best available evidence and consensus opinion. State and Territory TB Control Units should be consulted with regard to their BCG vaccination guidelines.

Australia↗

PubMed2006

Guidelines for Australian mycobacteriology laboratories.

Guidelines for Australian laboratories performing tuberculosis (TB) microscopy and culture have been developed through extensive consultation with expert groups. The aims of these guidelines are: 1. To provide consensus recommendations on the infrastructure, equipment and work practices required by mycobacteriology laboratories; 2. To inform laboratory administrations and governments of the necessary level of investment required to maintain modern mycobacteriology facilities; and 3. To provide informal measures for reviewers inspecting mycobacteriology facilities. These guidelines include safety recommendations based largely on the Australian/New Zealand Standard 2243.3 Safety in laboratories--Microbiological aspects and containment facilities. However, these standards have been rationalised and PC2 facilities with additional processes and precautions in place are recommended for the majority of TB investigations. Guidelines are also provided on staff training, education, health screening and vaccination. Certain procedures and work practices are recommended for mycobacteriology laboratories to guarantee safety, high-quality results, and prompt turnaround times. These guidelines will be reviewed each 1-2 years and feedback from expert groups and individuals is welcomed.

Australia↗