Tuberculosis Transmission in a Homeless Shelter Population. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 54 (6): 149-152, February 18, 2005

This report summarizes a recent outbreak of TB and highlights the challenges of preventing TB among homeless persons, particularly when multiple chains of transmission are occurring and multiple jurisdictions are involved. The findings underscore the complementary role of rapid DNA genotyping in the detection of possible TB transmission in homeless populations. To ensure early detection of unsuspected TB transmission in homeless populations, health department TB-control programs are encouraged to use CDC's universal Mycobacterium tuberculosis rapid genotyping system.