Latent tuberculosis and associated risk factors among people living with HIV and apparently healthy blood donors at University of Gondar referral hospital

Abstract

Abstract Background: Globally, about a third of the world’s population is infected with latent TB infection (LTBI). Immuno-compromised individuals with latent tuberculosis infection are at increased risk for tuberculosis reactivation compared with the general population. In HIVpositive individuals a thorough assessment of LTBI is crucial because such populations are at higher risk of reactivating LTBI because ofHIV. Objectives:The overall aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of latent tuberculosis andassociated risk factors among people living with HIV (PLWH) and apparently healthy controls at University of Gondar referral hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. Method and Materials:A hospital based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted at University of Gondar referral hospital. The study population was HIV positive individuals, and for comparison purpose apparently healthy blood donors were also enrolled. Pretested and structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic and clinical related factors. Six ml of blood was collected from each study participants. The presence of latent tuberculosis was characterized using QuantiFeron-TB Gold In-Tube assay (QFT-GIT) and CD4+ T cell count was also done by using BD FACS count. Data entry was done using Statistical PackageEpi-Info Version7 and analyzed by SPSS version 20 software. A 95% confidence interval and P-value less than 0.05 wereconsidered as statistically significant. Results:The overall magnitude of LTBI in both groups was 46.0%. The prevalence of LTBI among PLWH was 44.2% and on the other hand the magnitude among healthy controls was 47.8%. Close contact (AOR = 5.21 ( 95% CI: 1.72-15.75) and 4.46 ( 95% CI: 1.67-11.92)and family history of TB(AOR = 3.79 (95% CI: 1.20-11.98 and 3.91 (95% CI: 1.18-12.90)were significantly associated with the development of LTBI in PLWH and apparently healthy blood donors respectively while taking INH prophylaxis was a protective factor for LTBI. Conclusion: The prevalence of Latent tuberculosis infection among HIV positive individuals in this study was slightly lower than control groups. HIV positive individuals should be screened and take prophylaxis treatment (INH) to reduce LTBI and LTBI reactivation.