Yearly TB check may shield vulnerable patients from a hidden threat

This trial investigates whether annual re-screening for tuberculosis infection using a blood test (IGRA) can prevent active TB in people with autoimmune rheumatic diseases who are taking biologic or immunosuppressive medications. Participants who initially test negative for TB are randomly assigned to either yearly re-screening or standard care without routine re-screening. Those who convert to a positive test receive preventive treatment. The study aims to see if this approach lowers the number of active TB cases in this higher-risk group.