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Prevalence of latent tuberculosis in homeless persons: A single-centre cross-sectional study, Germany.


ABSTRACT: PURPOSE:Homeless persons have a high risk for tuberculosis. The prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection and the risk for a progression to active tuberculosis is higher in the homeless than in the general population. The objective was to assess the prevalence and risk factors of tuberculosis/latent tuberculosis infection in a homeless population in Germany. METHODS:Homeless individuals (n = 150) were enrolled in a cross-sectional study at three shelters in Münster, Germany (October 2017-July 2018). All participants were screened using an ELISPOT interferon-? release assay (IGRA). Those participants tested positive/borderline by IGRA provided three sputa for microbiological analysis (line probe assay, microscopy, culture) and underwent a chest X-ray to screen for active pulmonary TB. Risk factors for tuberculosis/latent tuberculosis infection were analysed using a standardized questionnaire. RESULTS:Of the 142 evaluable IGRA, 21 (15%) were positive and two (1%) were borderline. No participant with a positive/borderline IGRA had an active tuberculosis as assessed by chest X-ray and microbiology. A negative IGRA was associated with a citizenship of a low-incidence country for tuberculosis (according to WHO, p = 0.01), low-incidence country of birth (p<0.001) or main residence in a low-incidence country in the past five years (p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS:The prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection (diagnosed by a positive/borderline IGRA) was 16%; no active tuberculosis was detected. The highest risk for latent tuberculosis infection was found in patients from high-incidence countries. This population at risk should be either treated for latent tuberculosis infection or need to be monitored to early detect a progression into active disease.

SUBMITTER: von Streit F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6435138 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Prevalence of latent tuberculosis in homeless persons: A single-centre cross-sectional study, Germany.

von Streit Friederike F   Bartels Christoph C   Kuczius Thorsten T   Cassier Christoph C   Gardemann Joachim J   Schaumburg Frieder F  

PloS one 20190326 3


<h4>Purpose</h4>Homeless persons have a high risk for tuberculosis. The prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection and the risk for a progression to active tuberculosis is higher in the homeless than in the general population. The objective was to assess the prevalence and risk factors of tuberculosis/latent tuberculosis infection in a homeless population in Germany.<h4>Methods</h4>Homeless individuals (n = 150) were enrolled in a cross-sectional study at three shelters in Münster, Germany (Oct  ...[more]

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