Table 2.

Research Needs for Improved Detection and Treatment of Tuberculosis among Patients Aged 65 Years and Older.

Area	Research Needs
Diagnostics	New and improved diagnostics for TB* detection, particularly those utilizing alternative microbiologic specimens that can be reliably and non-invasively collected in older adults. Tools to predict LTBI† progression to help clinicians identify high risk patients for treatment
Treatment	Testing of newer drugs in older adults to improve the safety, tolerability, and effectiveness of anti-TB regimens
Structural	Characterization of the impact of social determinants on TB susceptibility, severity, and outcomes

* Tuberculosis.

† Latent tuberculosis infection.