Personal respiratory protection against Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Personal respiratory protection is the most controversial tuberculosis control measure recommended in the CDC Guidelines for Preventing the Transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Health-Care Facilities, 1994. This article discusses the theoretical basis for the use of respirators, the advantages and disadvantages of various types of respirators, limitations to the use of respirators in health-care settings, and current regulatory issues regarding respirators and tuberculosis. Also presented is a practical approach to the implementation of a comprehensive respiratory protection program, with a focus on the prevention of occupational tuberculosis.