Improved case detection of tuberculosis through a public-private partnership.

Case detection of tuberculosis under public DOTS programmes is still low and there is currently a search for new ways to improve these programmes. We investigated the impact of a public-private partnership DOTS programme on tuberculosis case detection in New Delhi, India. Time series of case detection in an intervention and a control area were analysed through segmented linear regression modelling. We found that a significant positive trend shift occurred in the intervention area as compared to the control area after the partnership was initiated. The study indicates that public-private partnership is feasible way to improve TB case detection.