Risk factors for tuberculosis smear non-conversion in Eden district, Western Cape, South Africa, 2007-2013: a retrospective cohort study.

Smear-positive PTB cases, especially men and those with identified risk factors for non-conversion, should be closely monitored throughout their treatment period. The South African TB control program should invest in patient adherence counselling and education to mitigate TB non-conversion risk factors, and to improve conversion and TB cure rates.