Latent Tuberculosis Infection among Children and Adults in the Regions with High Prevalence of Tuberculosis

Abstract

The objective: to assess the prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) among risk groups in the adult and pediatric population in Siberian and Far Eastern Federal Districts. Subjects and Methods. Federal and sectoral statistical reporting data (Forms No. 33, 8, 30) for 2018-2021 from Siberian and Far Eastern Federal Districts were retrospectively analyzed. Also, additionally collected data on TRA testing in 2021 in the pediatric and adult population registered as Group VIA of Dispensary Follow-up were analyzed. Results. The existing forms of statistical reporting do not allow performing reliable assessment of LTBI prevalence and effectiveness of preventive measures in both adults and children. In many regions of Siberian and Far Eastern Federal Districts, there is insufficient coverage with LTBI testing. In 2021, the proportion of children aged 0-17 years with LTBI was 1.9% in Siberian Federal District, and 2.2% in Far Eastern Federal District varying from 0.4 to 31.3% in different regions. In 2021, the proportion of LTBI among contacts, both children and adults, made 17.4-19.9%, on average in the Siberian and Far Eastern Federal Districts varying significantly in different regions from 4.8 to 47.6%.