Latent tuberculosis infection in a military setting diagnosed by whole-blood interferon-gamma assay.

BACKGROUND AND

OBJECTIVES

Rapid and accurate diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is crucial in military settings. This study aimed to detect the prevalence of LTBI using a whole-blood interferon-gamma assay based on Mycobacterium tuberculosis-specific antigens, and to identify risk factors for LTBI among military personnel in contact with patients with active pulmonary TB.

METHODS

This prospective study investigated contacts in military camps in South Korea of soldiers with active pulmonary TB. The whole-blood interferon-gamma assay was performed using QuantiFERON TB-Gold.

RESULTS

Among the 175 contacts, 25 (14.3%) showed positive results to the assay. Long duration of exposure (OR 2.83; 95% CI: 1.63-4.91), laryngeal TB (OR 6.04; 95% CI: 1.54-23.67) and intensive exposure (OR 5.13; 95% CI: 1.63-16.12) were associated with a positive result.

CONCLUSIONS

A relatively small number of TB contacts in a military setting had LTBI.