An explanation for the low proportion of tuberculosis that results from transmission between household and known social contacts

We currently have little idea where Mycobacterium tuberculosis ( Mtb ) transmission occurs in high incidence settings. Molecular studies suggest that only around 8–19% of transmission to adults occurs within-household, or between known social-contacts. This contrasts with findings from social-contact studies, which show that substantial proportions of contact time occur in households, workplaces and schools. A mathematical model of...