Overview of the Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Clinical Care Considerations for People Living with and at Risk for Tuberculosis in the United States.

Tuberculosis (TB) remains an ongoing threat. TB requires exposure to Mycobacterium tuberculosis, but disease development is driven by exposure, infectiousness, susceptibility, and environment. TB elimination requires increased awareness about TB prevention and treatment strategies. The centers of TB excellence complement current guidelines from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the National TB Coalition of America, and the Infectious Disease Society of America to support nurses and providers. Enhanced contact investigation, prevention, and treatment will aid in the pathway to a TB-free North America. To address disparities in TB, nurses in practice, research, and policy settings must address individual, interpersonal, and organizational barriers to care and ongoing treatment adherence.