Dear Corrections Colleagues,

A number of infectious diseases are concentrated among those incarcerated in jails and prisons. Of these, tuberculosis (TB) stands out, as it is a highly infectious airborne pathogen that every once in a while is resistant to one or more standard anti-mycobacterials. Procedures to prevent the spread of TB, such as the screening of inmates and staff, fitting of protective masks and maintenance of negative pressure rooms, occupy a significant amount time for many of us - as does the management of those with latent and active TB infection.

In this issue of IDCR, Duke University infectious diseases specialist Dr. Beth Gadkowski, along with Dr. Jason Stout of the North Carolina Tuberculosis Control Program review major developments in the management of TB, highlighting those areas of particular relevance to health care providers in correctional settings. After reading this issue, individuals should be able to describe techniques for TB screening and the management of TB in the HIV-infected inmate. A table of drug interactions between antiretrovirals and TB medications with recommended dose modifications accompanies the article and is worth keeping handy.

This is the final issue that Courtney Colton will serve as Managing Editor before moving on to become Development Director at a charitable organization. Since October 2004 Courtney has been responsible for getting IDCR to you and this she has done superbly. All of us at IDCR thank Courtney and wish her all the best.

As always, please feel free to send comments and suggestions to me at wohl@med.unc.edu.

Thanks,

David Alain Wohl, MD

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