Latent and Active Tuberculosis: Evaluation of Injecting Drug Users

Abstract

Background: There is a high risk of tuberculosis (TB) infection among injecting drug users (IDUs).Objectives: This study aimed to determine the frequency of latent and active TB infection among IDUs. Keywords: Latent Tuberculosis; Drug Users; TuberculinImplication for health policy/practice/research/medical education: There is a high rate of drug users in the society. Injecting drug users (IDUs) are a population with high-risk behaviors. Tuberculosis is a neglected infection among IDUs. The high prevalence of TB among IDUs indicates the need for TB screening tests for this high risk population.

Estimating the prevalence of positive tuberculin skin test reactions in general population and high-risk groups: A meta-analysis

“…reported that the prevalence of latent TB infection among Iranian intravenous drug users was 18.3%, which was similar in both genders. [ 32 ] Selwyn[ 33 ] found that the results of TST survey among HIV-positive patients were in keeping with the results of our meta-analysis.…”

The single recombinant M. tuberculosis protein DPPD provides enhanced performance of skin testing among HIV-infected tuberculosis patients

“…This could potentially be delineated by incorporating a demographically similar BCG "naïve" population (such as individuals in the United States), but this introduces social and geographical (environmental mycobacteria) variables that makes them less than ideal comparators. The use of TST for the diagnosis of active disease in HIV-infected individuals has been controversial with previous studies reporting reduced sensitivity in this population (Goldstein et al 1994;Graham et al 1992;Johnson et al 1992;Lifson et al 1993;Mamani et al 2013;Whittle et al 1993). It is therefore noteworthy that we also found that the DPPD appeared to be more sensitive for the detection of active TB in HIV-infected individuals than PPD.…”

“…The use of TST for the diagnosis of active disease in HIV-infected individuals has been controversial with previous studies reporting reduced sensitivity in this population (Goldstein et al 1994 ; Graham et al 1992 ; Johnson et al 1992 ; Lifson et al 1993 ; Mamani et al 2013 ; Whittle et al 1993 ). It is therefore noteworthy that we also found that the DPPD appeared to be more sensitive for the detection of active TB in HIV-infected individuals than PPD.…”

Skin tests for the detection of Mycobacterial infections: achievements, current perspectives, and implications for other diseases

“…Among groups for whom immunological-based TB testing results are traditionally poor, Mtb infection is especially problematic in immune-compromised individuals that have an increased likelihood of progression to disease such that TB is a leading cause of death in HIV/AIDS patients. The use of TST for the diagnosis of active disease in HIV-infected individuals has been controversial with previous studies reporting reduced sensitivity in this population (Goldstein et al 1994 ; Graham et al 1992 ; Johnson et al 1992 ; Lifson et al 1993 ; Mamani et al 2013 ; Whittle et al 1993 ).…”