Estimated Latent Tuberculosis Infection Prevalence and Tuberculosis Reactivation Rates Among Non-U.S.-Born Residents in the United States, from the 2011 –2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Abstract Increased testing and treatment of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) among US-residents who were born (or lived) in countries with high rates of TB can hasten progress toward TB elimination. We calculated LTBI prevalence using QuantiFERON ®-TB Gold In-Tube results from the 2011 to 2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). LTBI prevalence was highest for persons born in India (31.7%, 95% confidence interval [21.2, 44.5]). Non-Hispanic white persons had the lowest LTBI prevalence (6.3% [1.9, 18.9]). TB reactivati on rate, defined as the number of TB cases not associated with recent transmission per 100 person-years of life with LTBI, was highest for persons born in Vietnam [0.183 (0.117, 0.303)]. Reactivation rates were lower among persons who had resided in the United States for ≥ 10 years than among those who had resided for <  10 years. Results among high risk populations can guide LTBI targeted testing and treatment among non-U.S.-born residents.
Source: Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: research