Epidemiology of recurrent tuberculosis in the United States, 1993-2010.

Recurrent tuberculosis (TB) can result from reactivation of a previous TB episode or reinfection with a new Mycobacterium tuberculosis strain. A retrospective analysis of all recurrent TB cases reported in the United States during 1993-2010 was conducted. The proportion of recurrent cases remained stable during the study period (annual range 4.2-5.7%). Compared with persons without a previous diagnosis of TB, persons with recurrent TB experienced lower treatment completion within 12 months and higher mortality during the recurrent episode. Persons with recurrent TB have poorer outcomes, suggesting the need for targeted interventions to ensure treatment completion.