Prevalence of latent tuberculosis in homeless persons: A single-centre cross-sectional study, Germany.

ABSTRACT: PURPOSE:Homeless persons have a high risk for tuberculosis. The prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection and the risk for a progression to active tuberculosis is higher in the homeless than in the general population. The objective was to assess the prevalence and risk factors of tuberculosis/latent tuberculosis infection in a homeless population in Germany. METHODS:Homeless individuals (n = 150) were enrolled in a cross-sectional study at three shelters in Münster, Germany (October 2017-July 2018). All participants were screened using an ELISPOT interferon-γ release assay (IGRA). Those participants tested positive/borderline by IGRA provided three sputa for microbiological analysis (line probe assay, microscopy, culture) and underwent a chest X-ray to screen for active pulmonary TB. Ris

SUBMITTER: von Streit F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6435138 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature