scholarly journals Risk Factors for Tuberculosis and Effect of Preventive Therapy Among Close Contacts of Persons With Infectious Tuberculosis

2019 ◽  
Vol 70 (8) ◽  
pp. 1562-1572 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary R Reichler ◽  
Awal Khan ◽  
Timothy R Sterling ◽  
Hui Zhao ◽  
Bin Chen ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Close contacts of persons with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) have high rates of TB disease. Methods We prospectively enrolled TB patients and their close contacts at 9 US/Canadian sites. TB patients and contacts were interviewed to identify index patient, contact, and exposure risk factors for TB. Contacts were evaluated for latent TB infection (LTBI) and TB, and the effectiveness of LTBI treatment for preventing contact TB was examined. Results Among 4490 close contacts, multivariable risk factors for TB were age ≤5 years, US/Canadian birth, human immunodeficiency virus infection, skin test induration ≥10 mm, shared bedroom with an index patient, exposure to more than 1 index patient, and index patient weight loss (P < .05 for each). Of 1406 skin test–positive contacts, TB developed in 49 (9.8%) of 446 who did not initiate treatment, 8 (1.8%) of 443 who received partial treatment, and 1 (0.2%) of 517 who completed treatment (1951, 290, and 31 cases/100 000 person-years, respectively; P < .001). TB was diagnosed in 4.2% of US/Canadian-born compared with 2.3% of foreign-born contacts (P = .002), and TB rates for US/Canadian-born and foreign-born contacts who did not initiate treatment were 3592 and 811 per 100 000 person-years, respectively (P < .001). Conclusions Treatment for LTBI was highly effective in preventing TB among close contacts of infectious TB patients. Several index patient, contact, and exposure characteristics associated with increased risk of contact TB were identified. These findings help inform contact investigation, LTBI treatment, and other public health prevention efforts.

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elissa Rennert-May ◽  
Elisabeth Hansen ◽  
Toktam Zadeh ◽  
Valerie Krinke ◽  
Stan Houston ◽  
...  

Objectives.Approximately 65 percent of tuberculosis (TB) cases in Canada each year occur from reactivation in foreign-born individuals. Refugees are at high risk after immigration. Routine screening of this population for latent TB infection (LTBI) is generally considered infeasible. We evaluated the outcome of LTBI screening and treatment amongst refugees.Methods.Government-sponsored refugees in Edmonton are seen at the New Canadians’ Clinic and screened for TB and LTBI. We reviewed records of patients between 2009 and 2011. Completeness of initial assessment, diagnosis of latent infection, and completion of LTBI treatment were evaluated. Treatment for LTBI was offered when patients had a positive Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) and risk factors for progression to TB. An Interferon-Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) was performed on all other TST positives; treatment is only offered if it was positive.Results.949 refugees were evaluated. 746 TSTs were read, with 265 positive individuals. IGRA testing was performed in 203 TST positive individuals without other TB risk factors; 110 were positive. LTBI treatment was offered to 147 of 151 eligible patients, 141 accepted, and 103 completed a treatment course.Conclusion.We observed high proportions of patient retention, completion of investigations, and treatment. This care model promises to be a component of effective TB prevention in this high-risk population.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa Kawatsu ◽  
Kazuhiro Uchimura ◽  
Akihiro Ohkado

Abstract Background Screening for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) among migrant population has become a critical issue for many low tuberculosis (TB) burden countries. Evidence regarding effectiveness of LTBI programs are limited, however, partly because of paucity of national data on treatment outcomes for LTBI. In Japan, notification of LTBI is mandatory, and its treatment outcome is reported as part of Japan’s national TB surveillance system. We thus conducted a detailed analysis of LTBI among foreign-born persons, to update the epidemiological trend of newly notified LTBI between 2007 and 2018, and to examine the treatment regimen and outcome of those notified in 2016 and 2017, focusing specifically on the potential risk factors for lost to follow-up. Methods We extracted and analyzed the data of newly notified LTBI patients from the Japan Tuberculosis Surveillance System to examine the overall trend of notification and by age groups and modes of detection between 2007 and 2018, and the cohort data for treatment regimen and outcomes of foreign-born persons notified with LTBI in 2016 and 2017. Trends and proportions were summarized descriptively, and logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify potential risk factors for lost to follow-up. Comparisons were made with the Japan-born patients where appropriate, using chi-squared tests. Results Both the number and proportion of LTBI among foreign-born persons have been constantly increasing, reaching 963 cases in 2018. Cohort analysis of the surveillance data indicated that the proportion of those on shorter regimen was higher among the foreign- than Japan-born patients (5.5% vs. 1.8%, p < 0.001). The proportion of those who have been lost to follow-up and transferred outside of Japan combined was higher among the foreign- than Japan-born patients (12.0% vs, 8.2%, p < 0.001). Risk factors for lost to follow-up were being employed on a temporal basis, and job status unknown (adjusted odds ratios 3.11 and 4.09, 95% confidence intervals 1.34–7.26 and 1.60–10.48, respectively). Conclusions Migrant population face greater risk of interrupting LTBI treatment, and interventions to improve adherence are a critical component of programmatic management of LTBI. Further studies are needed to explore the cultural and socioeconomic situation in which foreign-born persons undergo LTBI treatment in Japan.


2009 ◽  
Vol 124 (6) ◽  
pp. 813-817 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen A. Hennessey ◽  
David R. Bangsberg ◽  
Cindy Weinbaum ◽  
Judith A. Hahn

Objectives. Homeless adults have an increased risk of infectious diseases due to sexual and drug-related behaviors and substandard living conditions. We investigated the prevalence and risk factors for presence of hepatitis A virus (HAV) antibodies among homeless and marginally housed adults. Methods. We analyzed serologic and questionnaire data from a study of marginally housed and homeless adults in San Francisco from April 1999 to March 2000. We tested seroprevalance for total antibodies to HAV (anti-HAV) and analyzed data using Chi-square tests and logistic regression. Results. Of the 1,138 adults in the study, 52% were anti-HAV positive. The anti-HAV prevalence in this study population was 58% higher than the expected prevalence based on age-specific prevalence rates from the general population. Number of years of homelessness (≤1, 2-4, and ≥5 years) was associated with anti-HAV prevalence (46%, 50%, and 61%, respectively, p<0.001). We found other differences in anti-HAV prevalence (p<0.05) for ever having injected drugs (63% vs. 42% for non-injectors), being foreign-born (75% vs. 51% among U.S.-born), race/ethnicity (72%, 53%, and 45% for Hispanic, white, and black people, respectively), and increasing age (38%, 49%, and 62% among those aged <35, 35-45, and >45 years, respectively). These variables all remained significant in a multivariate model. Conclusions. We found overall anti-HAV prevalence elevated in this San Francisco homeless population compared with the general U.S. population. These data show that anti-HAV was associated with homelessness independent of other known risk factors, such as being foreign-born, race/ethnicity, and injection drug use. This increase indicates an excess risk of HAV infection and the potential need to offer hepatitis A vaccination as part of homeless services.


2003 ◽  
Vol 24 (11) ◽  
pp. 801-806 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Garber ◽  
Pablo San Gabriel ◽  
Lauren Lambert ◽  
Lisa Saiman

AbstractObjective:To determine the prevalence of positive tuberculin skin tests (TSTs), incidence of TST conversion, risk factors for positive TSTs, and history of active TB among HCWs in microbiology laboratories in New York City.Design:Two-year survey from May 1999 to June 2001.Setting:Nineteen microbiology laboratories.Results:During the first year, interviews were conducted with 345 laboratory HCWs (mean, 18 HCWs per site; range, 2 to 51) to assess the prevalence of positive TSTs, but 3 (1%) could not recall their result and were excluded from further analyses. The mean age of the remaining 342 HCWs was 48 years; 68% (n = 233) were female, 54% (n = 183) received bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination, and 71% (n = 244) were foreign born. The prevalence of a positive TST was 57% (n = 196), but only 20% (n = 39) of the HCWs received isoniazid. The incidence of TST conversion in the second year of the study was 1% (1 of 108). Multivariate analysis identified age (odds ratio [OR] per year, 1.05; 95% confidence interval [CI95], 1.02–1.08), foreign birth (OR, 3.80; CI95, 1.98–7.28), BCG immunization (OR, 4.89; CI95, 2.72–8.80), and employment in a mycobacteriology laboratory (OR, 2.14; CI95, 1.25–3.68) as risk factors for a positive TST. Only one HCW had been treated for active TB.Conclusions:The prevalence of positive TSTs was high among laboratory HCWs, but the TST conversion rate was low. Higher rates of treatment for latent TB infection are desirable.


2020 ◽  
Vol 148 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Bishara ◽  
M. Green ◽  
D. Chemtob ◽  
A. Saffouri ◽  
L. Zelikman ◽  
...  

Abstract Despite considerable efforts to control tuberculosis (TB) among Ethiopian immigrants in Israel, an outbreak of TB among second-generation Ethiopian immigrants that involved native Israelis occurred between January 2011 and December 2019. The aim of this article is to report on this outbreak and discuss the patient and health system barriers that led to its propagation. Overall, 13 culture-positive TB patients were diagnosed in this outbreak. An additional 36 cases with identical mycobacterium tuberculosis genotypes were identified through cross-checking with the National TB Laboratory Registry. Among the 32 close contacts of the index case, 18 (56.3%) reported for screening and treatment of latent TB infection (LTBI) was recommended for 11 (61.1%) of them. However, none completed treatment and eight eventually developed TB. Of the 385 close contacts identified in this outbreak, 286 (74.3%) underwent contact investigation, 154 (53.8%) were recommended LTBI treatment, but only 26 (16.9%) completed the treatment. Routine contact investigation and treatment practice measures failed to contain the cascade of infection and disease, leading to the spread of the infecting strain of TB. This report highlights the challenges to identify the high-risk group and address barriers to care among such a vulnerable population.


2018 ◽  
Vol 52 (1) ◽  
pp. 1800591 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia C. Dobler ◽  
Greg J. Fox ◽  
Paul Douglas ◽  
Kerri A. Viney ◽  
Faiz Ahmad Khan ◽  
...  

In most settings with a low incidence of tuberculosis (TB), foreign-born people make up the majority of TB cases, but the distribution of the TB risk among different migrant populations is often poorly quantified. In addition, screening practices for TB disease and latent TB infection (LTBI) vary widely. Addressing the risk of TB in international migrants is an essential component of TB prevention and care efforts in low-incidence countries, and strategies to systematically screen for, diagnose, treat and prevent TB among this group contribute to national and global TB elimination goals.This review provides an overview and critical assessment of TB screening practices that are focused on migrants and visitors from high to low TB incidence countries, including pre-migration screening and post-migration follow-up of those deemed to be at an increased risk of developing TB. We focus mainly on migrants who enter the destination countryviaapplication for a long-stay visa, as well as asylum seekers and refugees, but briefly consider issues related to short-term visitors and those with long-duration multiple-entry visas. Issues related to the screening of children and screening for LTBI are also explored.


2014 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Luiza de Souza-Galvão ◽  
Irene Latorre ◽  
Neus Altet-Gómez ◽  
María Ángeles Jiménez-Fuentes ◽  
Celia Milà ◽  
...  

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa Kawatsu ◽  
Kazuhiro Uchimura ◽  
Akihiro Ohkado

Abstract Background: Screening for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) among migrant population has become a critical issue for many low tuberculosis (TB) burden countries. Evidence regarding effectiveness of LTBI programs are limited, however, partly because of paucity of national data on treatment outcomes for LTBI. In Japan, notification of LTBI is mandatory, and its treatment outcome is reported as part of Japan’s national TB surveillance system. We thus conducted a detailed analysis of LTBI among foreign-born persons, to update the epidemiological trend of newly notified LTBI between 2007 and 2018, and to examine the treatment regimen and outcome of those notified in 2016 and 2017, focusing specifically on the potential risk factors for lost to follow-up. Methods: We extracted and analyzed the data of newly notified LTBI patients from the Japan Tuberculosis Surveillance System to examine the overall trend of notification and by age groups and modes of detection between 2007 and 2018, and the cohort data for treatment regimen and outcomes of foreign-born persons notified with LTBI in 2016 and 2017. Trends and proportions were summarized descriptively, and logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify potential risk factors for lost to follow-up. Comparisons were made with the Japan-born patients where appropriate. Results: Both the number and proportion of LTBI among foreign-born persons have been constantly increasing, reaching 963 cases in 2018. Analysis of cohort data indicated that the proportion of those on shorter regimen was higher among the foreign- than Japan-born patients (5.5% vs. 1.8%, p<0.001). The proportion of those who have been lost to follow-up and transferred outside of Japan combined was higher among the foreign- than Japan-born patients (12.0% vs, 8.2%, p<0.001). Risk factors for lost to follow-up were being employed on a temporal basis, and job status unknown (adjusted odds ratios 3.11 and 4.09, 95% confidence intervals 1.34-7.26 and 1.60-10.48, respectively). Conclusions: Migrant population face greater risk of interrupting LTBI treatment, and interventions to improve adherence are a critical component of programmatic management of LTBI. Further studies are needed to explore the cultural and socioeconomic situation in which foreign-born persons undergo LTBI treatment in Japan.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa Kawatsu ◽  
Kazuhiro Uchimura ◽  
Akihiro Ohkado

Abstract Background: Screening for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) among migrant population has become a critical issue for many low tuberculosis (TB) burden countries. Evidence regarding effectiveness of LTBI programs are limited, however, partly because of paucity of national data on treatment outcomes for LTBI. In Japan, notification of LTBI is mandatory, and its treatment outcome is reported as part of Japan’s national TB surveillance system. We thus conducted a detailed analysis of LTBI among foreign-born persons, to update the epidemiological trend of newly notified LTBI between 2007 and 2018, and to examine the treatment regimen and outcome of those notified in 2016 and 2017, focusing specifically on the potential risk factors for lost to follow-up.Methods: We extracted and analyzed the data of newly notified LTBI patients from the Japan Tuberculosis Surveillance System to examine the overall trend of notification and by age groups and modes of detection between 2007 and 2018, and the cohort data for treatment regimen and outcomes of foreign-born persons notified with LTBI in 2016 and 2017. Trends and proportions were summarized descriptively, and logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify potential risk factors for lost to follow-up. Comparisons were made with the Japan-born patients where appropriate.Results: Both the number and proportion of LTBI among foreign-born persons have been constantly increasing, reaching 963 cases in 2018. Analysis of cohort data indicated that the proportion of those on shorter regimen was higher among the foreign- than Japan-born patients (5.5% vs. 1.8%, p<0.001). The proportion of those who have been lost to follow-up and transferred outside of Japan combined was higher among the foreign- than Japan-born patients (12.0% vs, 8.2%, p<0.001). Risk factors for lost to follow-up were being employed on a temporal basis, and job status unknown (adjusted odds ratios 3.11 and 4.09, 95% confidence intervals 1.34-7.26 and 1.60-10.48, respectively).Conclusions: Migrant population face greater risk of interrupting LTBI treatment, and interventions to improve adherence are a critical component of programmatic management of LTBI. Further studies are needed to explore the cultural and socioeconomic situation in which foreign-born persons undergo LTBI treatment in Japan.


Thorax ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 73 (11) ◽  
pp. 1062-1070 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason E Stout ◽  
Yanjue Wu ◽  
Christine S Ho ◽  
April C Pettit ◽  
Pei-Jean Feng ◽  
...  

BackgroundLack of a gold standard for latent TB infection has precluded direct measurement of test characteristics of the tuberculin skin test and interferon-γ release assays (QuantiFERON Gold In-Tube and T-SPOT.TB).ObjectiveWe estimated test sensitivity/specificity and latent TB infection prevalence in a prospective, US-based cohort of 10 740 participants at high risk for latent infection.MethodsBayesian latent class analysis was used to estimate test sensitivity/specificity and latent TB infection prevalence among subgroups based on age, foreign birth outside the USA and HIV infection.ResultsLatent TB infection prevalence varied from 4.0% among foreign-born, HIV-seronegative persons aged <5 years to 34.0% among foreign-born, HIV-seronegative persons aged ≥5 years. Test sensitivity ranged from 45.8% for the T-SPOT.TB among foreign-born, HIV-seropositive persons aged ≥5 years to 80.7% for the tuberculin skin test among foreign-born, HIV-seronegative persons aged ≥5 years. The skin test was less specific than either interferon-γ release assay, particularly among foreign-born populations (eg, the skin test had 70.0% specificity among foreign-born, HIV-seronegative persons aged ≥5 years vs 98.5% and 99.3% specificity for the QuantiFERON and T-SPOT.TB, respectively). The tuberculin skin test’s positive predictive value ranged from 10.0% among foreign-born children aged <5 years to 69.2% among foreign-born, HIV-seropositive persons aged ≥5 years; the positive predictive values of the QuantiFERON (41.4%) and T-SPOT.TB (77.5%) were also low among US-born, HIV-seropositive persons aged ≥5 years.ConclusionsThese data reinforce guidelines preferring interferon-γ release assays for foreign-born populations and recommending against screening populations at low risk for latent TB infection.Trial registration numberNCT01622140.


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