Social Activity Patterns Drive High Rates of Latent Tuberculosis Infection among Adolescents in Urban Tanzania&lt;br/&gt;—Latent TB Infection in Adolescents, Tanzania

Abstract Tuberculosis remains the leading cause of death among people with HIV (PWH). The diagnosis of latent TB infection (LTBI) and treatment with TB preventative therapy (TPT) can reduce morbidity and mortality in this population. Historically, isoniazid has been recommended for TPT in PWH due to the absence of drug-drug interactions with most antiretroviral therapy (ART). However, newer rifamycin-based regimens are safer, shorter in duration, associated with improved adherence, and may be as or more effective than isoniazid TPT. Current guidelines have significant heterogeneity in their recommendations for TPT regimens and acceptability of drug interactions with modern ART. In this ID learning unit, we review common questions on diagnosis, treatment, and drug interactions related to the management of LTBI among PWH.

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Recent Progress in Diagnosis Methods for Latent Tuberculosis Infection and Its Clinical Applications

Infection International ◽

10.1515/ii-2017-0110 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 4 (3) ◽

pp. 69-74

Author(s):

Ling Zhou

Keyword(s):

Mycobacterium Tuberculosis ◽

Recent Progress ◽

Latent Tuberculosis Infection ◽

Latent Tuberculosis ◽

Interferon Γ ◽

Clinical Applications ◽

Active Tuberculosis ◽

Advantages And Disadvantages ◽

Latent Tb ◽

Latent Tb Infection

AbstractMost people with latentMycobacterium tuberculosisinfection can partly develop active tuberculosis (TB). Therefore, diagnosis of this condition bears significance in early TB prevention. To date, the main methods for diagnosis of latent TB infection (LTBI) include tuberculin skin test and interferon γ release test. These two methods feature their own advantages and disadvantages. Although new diagnostic markers continually emerge, no uniform diagnostic criteria are available for TB detection. This study summarizes several methods for diagnosis of LTBI and new related markers and their application value in clinical practice.

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Surveillance of Employees of Swiss Federal Asylum Centres for Latent Tuberculosis Infection

Respiration ◽

10.1159/000514110 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 369-373

Author(s):

Jean-Pierre Zellweger ◽

Ariane Zellweger-Landry ◽

Jean-Marie Egger ◽

Annette Koller-Doser ◽

Axel Jeremias Schmidt

Keyword(s):

Asylum Seekers ◽

Latent Tuberculosis Infection ◽

Latent Tuberculosis ◽

Active Tuberculosis ◽

Interferon Gamma Release Assay ◽

Work Related ◽

Release Assay ◽

Latent Tb ◽

Latent Tb Infection

Background: Asylum seekers in Switzerland have to register in federal asylum centres (FACs) before formal permission to enter the country. Some of them may have active tuberculosis (TB), exposing fellow refugees and employees. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the risk of TB infection among employees of Swiss FACs. Methods: Between 2010 and 2018, a free interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) was offered to all employees of 8 FACs, at employment and at yearly intervals. We defined latent TB infection as IGRA conversion from negative to positive. IGRA-positive employees were referred to a medical centre for further clinical follow-up. Results: 1,427 tests were performed among 737 employees (54.6% male). 403 (55%) persons were tested only once; 330 (44.5%) were tested several times; for 4 (0.5%) persons, the number of IGRA tests is unknown. Twenty employees (2.7%) had a positive IGRA at baseline, 2 (0.6%) converted from negative to positive during follow-up, resulting in an incidence of 22/10,000 person-years. We observed no case of active TB among employees. Conclusions: The prevalence of latent TB among employees to Swiss FACs and the risk of acquiring TB infection through work-related exposure are low. Yearly IGRA controls in the absence of documented TB exposure seem unnecessary.

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