From immunology to artificial intelligence: revolutionizing latent tuberculosis infection diagnosis with machine learning

Latent tuberculosis infection(LTBI)has become a major source of active tuberculosis(ATB).Although the tuberculin skin test and interferon-gamma release assay can be used to diagnose LTBI,these methods can only differentiate infected individuals from healthy ones but cannot discriminate between LTBI and ATB.Thus,the diagnosis of LTBI faces many challenges,such as the lack of effective biomarkers from Mycobacterium tuberculosis(MTB)for distinguishing LTBI,the low diagnostic efficacy of biomarkers derived from the human host,and the absence of a gold standard to differentiate between LTBI and ATB.Sputum culture,as the gold standard for diagnosing tuberculosis,is time-consuming and cannot distinguish between ATB and LTBI.In this article,we review the pathogenesis of MTB and the immune mechanisms of the host in LTBI,including the innate and adaptive immune responses,multiple immune evasion mechanisms of MTB,and epigenetic regulation.Based on this knowledge,we summarize the current status and challenges in diagnosing LTBI and present the application of machine learning(ML)in LTBI diagnosis,as well as the advantages and limitations of ML in this context.Finally,we discuss the future development directions of ML applied to LTBI diagnosis.

Prevalence of Latent Tuberculosis Infection [LTBI] in Prison Officers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

This study aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the LTBI prevalence in prison officers worldwide. A systematic search was performed in PubMed, WoS, Embase, and BVS, including all articles related to LTBI prevalence and risk factors. After critical evaluation and qualitative synthesis of the identified articles, a meta-analysis was used. Five studies carried out between 2012 and 2022 were included, with a total sample size of 1718 prison officers. The overall LTBI prevalence was 50% [95% confidence interval [CI]: 48% - 52%;n = 816], with high heterogeneity between studies. Smoking [OR = 1.76;CI 95% = 1.26 - 2.46] and males [OR = 2.08;CI 95% = 1.31 - 3.31] were positively related to a higher LTBI prevalence among prison officers. Thus, preventive measures and the rapid and accurate diagnosis of new cases should be emphasized to ensure tuberculosis control, especially among risk groups such as prison officers.

Latent tuberculosis infection in health-care workers in the government sector in Brunei Darussalam:A cross-sectional study

Objective:Health-care workers(HCWs)are known to be at high risk for occupational biological hazards,and this includes exposure to mycobacterium tuberculosis(TB)which can result in either active or latent TB infection(LTBI).This study aims to provide an overview of the incidence of LTBI among HCWs in Brunei Darussalam,to examine associated risk factors,and to evaluate LTBI treatment compliance.Materials and Methods:This is a retrospective cross-sectional study which was conducted using data from January 2018 to December 2021,on notified cases of LTBI in HCWs which identified 115 cases.Demographic data,underlying medical conditions,and compliance to treatment were assessed through reviews of their electronic health records.Results:The incidence of LBTI was 14.6/year/1000 HCWs.The incidence rate reached a high of 24.6/1000 in 2020,and majority of cases were in the older age groups.There was good treatment acceptance and compliance(82.6%),and this was observed to be significantly higher in females than males(P=0.02).Conclusion:This study showed an average incidence of LTBI of 14.6/1000 HCWs over 4 years and high LTBI treatment acceptance(82.6%)and compliance.Emphasis on infection prevention and control measures in health-care settings and actions to increase awareness of LTBI are crucial interventions toward reducing the burden of LTBI.

Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria on Omalizumab Therapy and Latent Tuberculosis Infection: A New Case Report

Background: Chronic Spontaneous urticarial (CSU) is a common dermatological problem characterized by recurrent pruritic or burning wheals last less than 24 hours and treated by many modalities of therapy including systemic antihistamines and in refractory cases with Omalizumab anti-IgE antibody biological injection. Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is diagnosed based on a positive tuberculin skin test or QuantiFERON-TB test without evidence of active tuberculosis. Aim: To document a new case report of a patient with a history of CSU and latent tuberculosis on Omalizumab therapy during Isoniazid (INH) prophylaxis. Case Report: A-53-year-old woman with a history of CSU and newly identified LTBI who have been treated with INH monotherapy before starting Omalizumab injection followed up over 24 weeks course of therapy for any sign of tuberculosis reinfection. Conclusion: Omalizumab injection was used effectively for the treatment of CSU in a patient with latent tuberculosis infection with minimal risk of tuberculosis reactivation.

Acceptance of Chemo-prophylaxis for Latent Tuberculosis Infection among High School/College Student Contacts of Tuberculosis Patients in Shanghai, China

Student contacts of tuberculosis（TB）cases are susceptible to latent tuberculosis infection（LTBI）,and chemo-prophylaxis can reduce the risk of active TB among them.This study aimed to assess the acceptance of chemo-prophylaxis for LTBI among students, and their concerns regarding TB and its preventive treatment.

The Impact of Directly Observed Therapy on Preventive Treatment for Latent Tuberculosis Infection among Students in Dalian, China

Preventive treatment has an essential effect on latent tuberculosis infection(LTBI)[purified protein derivative(PPD)induration≥15 mm].Between2010 and 2013,there were 6 tuberculosis(TB)outbreaks in the universities in Dalian,China.So far,in Dalian,the directly observed therapy(DOT)and

Latent tuberculosis:Risk factors,screening and treatment in liver transplantation recipients from an endemic area

BACKGROUND Patients undergoing solid organ transplantation,particularly those who live or have lived in tuberculosis(TB)endemic areas,are at a high risk of developing TB.The majority of post-transplantation TB cases are associated with reactivation of latent TB infection(LTBI).Brazil is in a single position with overlapping areas of high TB endemicity and high transplant activity.In liver transplant(LT),one should be aware of the potential hepatotoxicity associated with the treatment regimens for LTBI.AIM To evaluate the frequency of LTBI in LT patients and treatment-related issues.METHODS This was a retrospective analysis of a cohort of cirrhotic patients aged≥18 years,who underwent LT at a high-complexity teaching hospital from January 2005 to December 2012.RESULTS Overall,429 patients underwent LT during the study period.Of these,213(49.7%)underwent the tuberculin skin test(TST)during the pre-transplant period,and 35(16.4%)of them had a positive result.The treatment for LTBI was initiated after LT in 12(34.3%)of the TST-positive patients;in 3(25.0%),treatment was maintained for at least 6 mo.CONCLUSION The prevalence of LTBI was lower than expected.Initiation and completion of LTBI treatment was limited by difficulties in the management of these special patients.

Comparison between Quanti-FERON-TB Gold In-Tube test and tuberculin skin test for diagnosis of latent tuberculosis in children: A cross-section study

Objective: To compare Quanti-FERON-TB Gold In-Tube (QFT-GIT) test and tuberculin skin test (TST) for the diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection in children. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 64 participants who were between 3 months and 14 years old and had close contact with smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis were included. Both QFT-GIT test and TST were done and the results were analyzed by SPSS software and Kappa test. Results: The distribution of gender and age according to QFT-GIT and TST results were matched (P>0.05). Overall agreement between QFT-GIT and TST for diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection in children was 75%. In addition, the contingency coefficient was 0.257, and the Kappa measure of agreement was 0.246 (P=0.034). Conclusions: Compared to TST, QFT-GIT shows no apparent advantage for diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection in children.

Does “Latent Tuberculosis Infection” (LTBI)” Really Exist? Genealogy of a Medical Nosology

Introduction: The diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is based on secular ways: chest radiography and tuberculin skin test (TST). In front of a recent enthusiasm for LTBI, this paper reports a historical perspective of this concept. Method: Bibliometric analysis and literature review from medical databases, using the terms “latent tuberculosis infection (“LTBI”), “primary tuberculosis”, “tuberculin skin test”, “tuberculosis”, and from reference books on tuberculosis. Results: In the PubMED/MEDLINE search for LTBI, a total of 7787 articles were found between 1901 and 2020, 95% from 2000 to 2020. In the first part of the 20th century, LTBI term was used for sub-clinical tuberculosis disease, the latency being also called “primary tuberculosis” or “abortive tuberculosis infection”. From 1960, randomized prospective therapeutic studies mentioned “tuberculosis chemoprophylaxis”. By the end of the 20th century, the epidemic of AIDS impeded tuberculosis decrease, making LTBI search more efficient. In 2000, the American Thoracic Society and the Centers for Disease Controls and Prevention proposed the systematic used of LTBI, relayed through public health policies. A significant higher scientific production about LTBI was noted, supported by IGRA tests commercialization. Conclusion: In the recent years, health public policies, combined with epidemiologic and economic factors, strengthened the use of LTBI terminology.

Ustekinumab Treatment in Patients with Moderate-to-Severe Psoriasis and Latent Tuberculosis Infection: A Study of 3 Case Reports

Background: Ustekinumab is a human monoclonal antibody that binds to the shared P40 subunit of interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-23 and is approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis. Latent tuberculosis (LTBI) was diagnosed based on a positive tuberculin skin test (TST) or QuantiFERON-TB test without evidence of active tuberculosis (TB). Aim: To evaluate the risk of active tuberculosis reinfection in patients with a history of psoriasis and LTBI after INH prophylaxis treated with Ustekinumab. Case Report: We are describing 3 patients with a history of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis and newly identified LTBI who have been treated with INH monotherapy before starting Ustekinumab therapy followed-up over 2 years for any sign of tuberculosis reinfection. Conclusion: Ustekinumab is an option for treating psoriasis and LTBI with minimal risk of reactivation after INH prophylaxis.

Effect of Individualized Nursing Intervention on Patients with Tuberculosis Latent Infection and Active Tuberculosis

Objective:This paper aims to explore the effect of individualized nursing intervention on patients with active tuberculosis(ATB)and latent tuberculosis infection(LTBI).Methods:The nursing study started in January 2020 and ended in January 2023.A total of 60 patients with ATB and LTBI were included,and they were divided into two groups according to the intervention schemes selected for control testing,each with 30 cases.The intervention program selected for group A was routine care,and for group B was individualized nursing.The proportion of adverse reactions,changes in the level of lung items,self-management outcomes and satisfaction were evaluated and compared.Results:After evaluating the proportion of adverse reactions,the total proportion of ATB and LTBI in group B was lower than that in group A(P<0.05).Based on the evaluation and testing of the expiratory flow(EF),expiratory volume(EV),and vital capacity(VC)after the intervention,these levels in group B showed higher outcomes than those in group A(P<0.05).The scores in terms of living habits,sleep,diet,and compliance in group B were higher than those in group A(P<0.05).The total proportion of the satisfaction of ATB and LTBI patients in group B was higher than that in group A(P<0.05).Conclusion:After the intervention of individualized nursing measures in patients with ATB and LTBI,it was found that it can not only play a positive role in the prevention and control of adverse reactions,but also improve their lung function,and promote their self-management,with good satisfaction level,thus it has high research and clinical application values.

Evaluation of Interferon-Gamma Release Assay Testing and Tuberculin Skin Test for Early Diagnosis of Tuberculosis in Children and Adolescents

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of interferon-γ release assay (IGRA), a sensitive microbiological diagnostic method, in children and adolescents with suspected tuberculosis in a country with a high burden of tuberculosis. Method: This study included 581 children and adolescents aged 4 - 19 years who were suspected of having tuberculosis, were latently infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and had received at least one dose of BCG vaccine between April 17, 2019, and February 24, 2021. The study evaluated the TST results of 106 patients who had a positive Quantiferon test and were suspected of having tuberculosis. Results: The study included 581 patients aged between 4 and 19 years. Of these, 106 patients tested positive for the Quantiferon test, while 19 were indeterminate and 456 were negative. The Quantiferon test positivity rate was 18.24%. Among the 106 QFT-Plus-positive cases, 23 patients also tested positive for TST. The difference in distribution was found to be statistically significant. Conclusion: The QFT-Plus test is considered an alternative to TST and other microbiological diagnostic methods for early tuberculosis diagnosis, particularly in children and adolescents.

A prospective longitudinal study for latent tuberculosis infection in hospital in Beijing evaluating a T-cell-based assay health-care workers in a general

Background The health-care workers （HCWs） are at high risk of acquiring infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The objectives of this study were to compare the performance of the T-SPOT.TB and tuberculin skin test （TST） for latent tuberculosis infection （LTBI）, evaluate diagnostic concordance and risk factors for LTBI, and observe the progression to active tuberculosis （TB） disease among HCWs in a general hospital in Beijing. Methods The prospective cohort study enrolled HCWs in a tertiary general hospital in Beijing, China, to evaluate LTBI with T-SPOT.TB and TST. The subjects were evaluated every 12 months during the 60-month follow-up. Results Of 101 participating HCWs, 96 and 101 had valid TST and T-SPOT.TB results, respectively. Twenty-nine （28.7%, 95% confidence interval （C/）, 19.9%-37.5%） were defined as positive by T-SPOT.TB and 53 （55.2%, 95% CI, 45.2%-64.9%） were defined as positive by TST （using a ≥10 mm cutoff）. An agreement between the two tests was poor （57.3%, K=0.18, 95% CI, 0.01%-0.52%）. In multJvariate analysis, direct exposure to sputum smear-positive TB patients was a significant risk factor for a positive T-SPOT.TB （OR 5.76; 95% CI 1.38-24.00）. Pooled frequency of antigen- specific IFN-y secreting T-cells for subjects who reported direct contact with sputum smear-positive TB patients was significantly higher than that for participants without direct contact （P=0.045）. One of 20 participants with positive result of T-SPOT.TB and TST developed active TB at 24-month follow-up.Conclusion T-SPOT.TB is a more accurate, targeted method of diagnosing LTBI than TST.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis latency-associated antigen Rv1733c SLP improves the accuracy of differential diagnosis of active tuberculosis and latent tuberculosis infection

Background: Differential diagnosis of active tuberculosis (ATB) and latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) has been a challenge for clinicians in high TB burden countries. The purpose of this study was to improve the accuracy of differential diagnosis of ATB and LTBI by using fluorescent immunospot (FluoroSpot) assay to detect specific Th1 cell immune responses. The novelmycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) latency-associated antigens Rv1733c and synthetic long peptides derived from Rv1733c (Rv1733c SLP) were used based on virulence factors early secreting antigen target-6 (ESAT-6) and culture filtrate protein-10 (CFP-10).Methods: Fifty-seven ATB cases, including 20 pathogen-confirmed ATB and 37 clinically diagnosed ATB, and 36 LTBI cases, were enrolled between January and December 2017. FluoroSpot assay was used to detect the interferon γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin 2 (IL-2) secreted by the specific T cells after being stimulated with MTB virulence factors ESAT-6 and CFP-10, MTB latency-associated antigens Rv1733c and Rv1733c SLP. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to define the best cutoff value of latency-associated antigens in the use of differentiating ATB and LTBI. The sensitivity, specificity, predictive value, and likelihood ratio of ESAT-6 and CFP-10-FluoroSpot combined with latency-associated antigen in the differential diagnosis of ATB and LTBI were also calculated.Results: Following the stimulation with Rv1733c and Rv1733c SLP, the frequency of single IL-2-secreting T cells stimulated by Rv1733c SLP had the largest area under the ROC curve, which was 0.766. With a cutoff value of 1 (spot-forming cells [SFCs]/2.5 × 105 peripheral blood mononuclear cells) for frequency, the sensitivity and specificity of distinguishing ATB from LTBI were 72.2% and 73.7%, respectively. ESAT-6 and CFP-10-FluoroSpot detected the frequency and proportion of single IFN-γ-secreting T cells;the sensitivity and specificity of distinguishing ATB from LTBI were 82.5% and 66.7%, respectively. Combined with the frequency of single IL-2-secreting T cells stimulated by Rv1733c SLP on the basis of ESAT-6 and CFP-10-FluoroSpot, the sensitivity and specificity increased to 84.2% and 83.3%, respectively.Conclusion: Rv1733c SLP, combined with ESAT-6 and CFP-10, might be used as a candidate antigen for T cell-based tuberculosis diagnostic tests to differentiate ATB from LTBI.

Evaluation of IFIT3 and ORM1 as Biomarkers for Discriminating Active Tuberculosis from Latent Infection

Objective Current commercially available immunological tests cannot be used for discriminating active tuberculosis(TB)from latent TB infection.To evaluate the value of biomarker candidates in the diagnosis of active TB,this study aimed to identify differentially expressed genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs)between patients with active TB and individuals with latent TB infection by transcriptome sequencing.Methods The differentially expressed genes in unstimulated PBMCs and in Mycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb)antigen-stimulated PBMCs from patients with active TB and individuals with latent TB infection were identified by transcriptome sequencing.Selected candidate genes were evaluated in cohorts consisting of 110 patients with TB,30 individuals with latent TB infections,and 50 healthy controls by quantitative real-time RT-PCR.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis was performed to calculate the diagnostic value of the biomarker candidates.Results Among the differentially expressed genes in PBMCs without Mtb antigen stimulation,interferon-induced protein with tetratricopeptide repeats 3(IFIT3)had the highest area under curve(AUC)value(0.918,95%CI:0.852-0.984,P<0.0001)in discriminating patients with active TB from individuals with latent TB infection,with a sensitivity of 91.86%and a specificity of 84.00%.In Mtb antigen-stimulated PBMCs,orosomucoid 1(ORM1)had a high AUC value(0.833,95%CI:0.752-0.915,P<0.0001),with a sensitivity of 81.94%and a specificity of 70.00%.Conclusion IFIT3 and ORM1 might be potential biomarkers for discriminating active TB from latent TB infection.

Development and Evaluation of a Promising Biomarker for Diagnosis of Latent and Active Tuberculosis Infection

Background:Diagnosing latent tuberculosis(TB)infection(LTBI)and active TB(ATB)is crucial for preventing disease progression and transmission.However,current diagnostic tests have limitations in terms of accuracy and sensitivity,making it challenging to diagnose these different infection states.Therefore,this study intends to develop a promising biomarker for LTBI and ATB diagnosis to overcome the limitations of the current diagnostic tests.Methods:We developed a novelmultiepitope-based diagnostic biomarker(MEBDB)fromLTBI region of differentiation antigens using bioinformatics and immunoinformatics.Immune responses induced byMEBDM were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot and cytometric bead assays.This study was conducted from April 2022 to December 2022 in the SeniorDepartment of Tuberculosis at the 8thMedical Center of PLA General Hospital,China.Blood samples were collected from participants with ATB,individuals with LTBI,and healthy controls(HCs).The diagnostic efficacy of MEBDB was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curves.Results:A novel MEBDB,designated as CP19128P,was generated.CP19128P comprises 19 helper T lymphocyte epitopes,12 cytotoxic T lymphocyte epitopes,and 8 B-cell epitopes.In silico simulations demonstrated that CP19128P possesses strong affinity for Toll-like receptors and elicits robust innate and adaptive immune responses.CP19128P generated significantly higher levels of tumor necrosis factor(TNF-α),interleukin 4(IL-4),and IL-10 in ATB patients(n=7)and LTBI(n=8)individuals compared with HCs(n=62)(P<0.001).Moreover,CP19128P-induced specific cytokines could be used to discriminate LTBI and ATB from healthy subjects with high sensitivity and specificity.Combining IL-2 with IL-4 or TNF-α could differentiate LTBI from HCs(the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve[AUC],0.976[95% confidence interval[CI],0.934-1.000]or 0.986[0.956-1.000]),whereas combining IL-4 with IL-17A or TNF-α could differentiate ATB from HCs(AUC,0.887[0.782-0.993]or 0.984[0.958-1.000]).Conclusions:Our study revealed that CP19128P is a potential MEBDBfor the diagnosis of LTBI andATB.Our findings suggest a promising strategy for developing novel,accurate,and sensitive diagnostic biomarkers and identifying new targets for TB diagnosis and management.

Active tuberculosis in inflammatory bowel disease patients under treatment from an endemic area in Latin America

BACKGROUND There has been an increase in cases of inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)in recent years.There is also greater access and availability of immunosuppressive and biological agents,which increase the risk of opportunistic infection despite improving the quality of life and promoting mucosal healing.Tuberculosis(TB)remains a public health problem,and it has a high incidence in several countries.Therefore,knowledge of the risk of developing TB in patients with IBD is important.AIM To evaluate the risk of active TB in patients with IBD under treatment from an endemic area in Latin America.METHODS A standard questionnaire included demographic variables,clinical aspects of IBD disease,history of active TB during treatment,active TB characteristics and evolution,initial screening and results and time from the start of anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNFα)to TB development.RESULTS Azathioprine,anti-TNFα and the combination of these two drugs were associated with a higher risk of active TB incidence.The TNFα blockers increased the relative risk of developing active TB compared to other treatments.All four multivariable models showed that the use of TNFα blockers alone or in combination with azathioprine was an important risk factor for the incidence of active TB.After adjustment for sex,age,type of IBD and latent TB,anti-TNFα with azathioprine increased the relative risk to 17.8 times more than conventional treatment.Late TB,which was diagnosed 3 mo after the start of anti-TNFα,was the most frequent.CONCLUSION Treatment with anti-TNFα increased the risk of active TB in IBD patients from an endemic area in Latin America.This risk was increased when anti-TNFα was combined with azathioprine.The time from the beginning of the treatment to the active TB diagnosis suggests a new TB infection.

Characterization of and advanced diagnostic methods for ocular tuberculosis and tuberculosis

Tuberculosis(TB)is an airborne infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis that usually affects the lungs.Timely treatment of active TB,diagnosis and prevention of latent TB are very important.However,extrapulmonary TB affects almost any tissues around the eye and orbit,and it then requires a high degree of suspicion to accurately diagnose.Diagnostic delays are common and may lead to morbidity.For ophthalmologists and infectious disease specialists,it is important to work together to accurately diagnose and treat ocular tuberculosis(OTB)to prevent vision loss.This review reports the latest advanced diagnostic methods for active TB and latent TB as well as various known manifestations of 0TB.Important elements of diagnosis and treatment are also reviewed.

Completion of 6-mo isoniazid preventive treatment among eligible under six children:A cross-sectional study,Lagos,Nigeria

BACKGROUND Nigeria is one of the thirty high burden countries with significant contribution to the global childhood tuberculosis epidemic.Tuberculosis annual risk for children could be as high as 4%particularly in high tuberculosis(TB)prevalent communities.Isoniazid(INH)Preventive Therapy has been shown to prevent TB incidence but data on its implementation among children are scarce.AIM To determine the completion of INH among under six children that were exposed to adults with smear positive pulmonary TB in Lagos,Nigeria.METHODS This was a hospital-based retrospective cross-sectional review of 265 medical records of eligible children<6 years old enrolled for INH across 32 private hospitals in Lagos,Nigeria.The study took place between July and September 2020.Data was collected on independent variables(age,gender,type of facility,TB screening,dose and weight)and outcome variables(INH outcome and proportion lost to follow up across months 1-6 of INH treatment).RESULTS About 53.8%of the participants were female,95.4%were screened for TB and none was diagnosed of having TB.The participants’age ranged from 1 to 72 mo with a mean of 36.01±19.67 mo,and 40.2%were between the ages of 1-24 mo.Only 155(59.2%)of the 262 participants initiated on INH completed the six-month treatment.Cumulatively,107(41.0%)children were lost to follow-up at the end of the sixth month.Of the cumulative 107 loss to follow-up while on INH,largest drop-offs were reported at the end of month 2,52(49%)followed by 20(19%),17(16%),11(10.2%)and 7(6.5%)at months 3,4,5 and 6 respectively.The analysis showed that there was no significant association between age,gender,type of facility and completion of INH treatment(P>0.005).CONCLUSION This study demonstrated suboptimal INH completion rate among children with only 6 out of 10 children initiated on INH who completed a 6-mo treatment in Lagos,Nigeria.The huge drop-offs in the first 2 mo of INH calls for innovative strategies such as the use of 60-d INH calendar that would facilitate reminder and early engagement of children on INH and their caregivers in care and across the entire period of treatment.

Barriers to the Acceptance of Tuberculosis Preventive Treatment:A Multicenter Cross-sectional Study in China

Objective We aimed to understand the willingness and barriers to the acceptance of tuberculosis(TB)preventive treatment(TPT)among people with latent TB infection(LTBI)in China.Methods A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted from May 18,2023 to December 31,2023 across 10 counties in China.According to a national technical guide,we included healthcare workers,students,teachers,and others occupations aged 15-65 years as our research participants.Results Overall,17.0%(183/1,077)of participants accepted TPT.There were statistically significant differences in the acceptance rate of TPT among different sexes,ages,educational levels,and occupations(P<0.05).The main barriers to TPT acceptance were misconceptions that it had uncertain effects on prevention(57.8%,517/894),and concerns about side effects(32.7%,292/894).Conclusion An enhanced and comprehensive understanding of LTBI and TPT among people with LTBI is vital to further expand TPT in China.Moreover,targeted policies need to be developed to address barriers faced by different groups of people.