An infection preventionist practicing in a correctional setting is considering risk factors for this population. What secondary level of prevention would be an appropriate intervention?

• A. Vaccination
• B. Tuberculin skin tests or interferon-gamma release assays
• C. Antibiotic prophylaxis
• D. Health education programs only

Answer: (B)

Detecting disease early through screening is the goal of secondary prevention. In a correctional setting, screening with tuberculin skin tests or interferon-gamma release assays helps identify latent TB infection before it progresses to active TB, allowing early treatment and reducing transmission.

Vaccination prevents disease from occurring, which is primary prevention. Antibiotic prophylaxis is a treatment approach used after exposure or known risk, not a screening measure for early detection. Health education programs are preventive but focus on reducing risk rather than identifying existing infections.