A study in China aimed to estimate the prevalence of tuberculosis infection (TBI) and disease (TB) among close contacts of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) patients using an interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA). Conducted within a larger controlled trial, the study enrolled participants from three locations—Henan, Hunan, and Chongqing—between January 1, 2018, and August 31, 2020. It found a TB prevalence of 443.51 per 100,000 among close contacts and a TBI prevalence of 39.12%. Several risk factors were significantly associated with TBI, including increasing age (with odds ratios rising from 1.77 for those aged 35–44 to 2.74 for those aged 55–64), longer contact duration (OR 1.44 for 400–599 hours in three months), and sharing a bedroom with the index case (OR 1.39).[1]
The study highlights the importance of close contact tracing and early screening for TBI, particularly among high-risk groups such as older individuals and those with prolonged exposure to PTB patients. Additional risk factors, including higher BMI, smoking, and alcohol consumption, also showed positive trends with TBI. These findings provide crucial data for optimizing intervention strategies to prevent TB progression, emphasizing the need for targeted screening and preventive treatment in vulnerable populations.[1]
A meta-analysis of diverse study designs assesses TB control in China’s primary health care system, highlighting service effectiveness and barriers. Key findings: (1) TB tracing and referral rates were high in East China but lower in the West. (2) Migrant and MDR-TB patients had poorer screening, referral, and adherence rates. (3) TB stigma, especially in West China, hindered treatment uptake. (4) Workforce shortages, limited training, and weak coordination reduced service efficiency. (5) Digital health tools improved adherence but had limited reach among older and less tech-savvy groups. (6) Multimedia and community-based health education enhanced TB awareness and self-management. Despite improvements, regional disparities and systemic challenges persist, requiring targeted interventions.[2]
References:
1. Zhang, C., Liu, Y., Yao, Y., Gong, D., Lei, R., Xia, Y., Xu, C., Chen, H., Cheng, J. and Zhang, H., 2024. Tuberculosis infection among close contacts of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis in China: a population-based, multicentered study. Clinical Microbiology and Infection, 30(9), pp.1176-1182.
2. Chen, X., Zhou, J., Yuan, Q., Zhang, R., Huang, C. and Li, Y., 2024. Challenge of ending TB in China: tuberculosis control in primary healthcare sectors under integrated TB control model–a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Public Health, 24(1), p.163.