The prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection in rural Jiangsu, China.

Abstract Objectives Diagnosis and interventional treatment of latent tuberculosis (TB) infection (LTBI) are important components in tuberculosis control. But systematic studies regarding the epidemic of LTBI are still rare in China. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and risk factors associated with LTBI based on the results of a domestic TB-specific gamma interferon (IFN-γ) release assay (TB-IGRA) in rural Jiangsu, China. Study design Cross-sectional study of subjects registered in eight villages in Jiangsu, China. Methods This study was conducted in 2012 in eight villages. After recruitment, individuals with active TB or a history of TB were excluded. The TB-IGRA was performed for diagnosis of LTBI. Results 2169 of 2185 subjects met the requirement and were analysed in this study. 524 (24.3%) had a positive result, and positive rate gradually increased with age ( P for trend Conclusions The findings of this study demonstrate that the prevalence of LTBI in China might be overestimated by tuberculin skin test compared with IFN-γ release assay (IGRA). The degree of TB exposure is related to Mycobacterium tubercuium (MTB) infection, and BCG vaccination offers little protection against MTB infection in adults. The early and effective detection and treatment of active TB patients, and screening and intervention for LTBI patients with a high risk of developing active TB could be cost-effective methods for TB control in China.