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. Risk factors for tuberculosis/latent tuberculosis infection were analysed using a standardized questionnaire.
Results: Of the 142 evaluable IGRA, 21 (15%) were positive and two (1%) were borderline. No participant with a positive/borderline IGRA had an active tuberculosis as assessed by chest X-ray and microbiology. A negative IGRA was associated with a citizenship of a low-incidence country for tuberculosis (according to WHO, p = 0.01), low-incidence country of birth (p<0.001) or main residence in a low-incidence country in the past five years (p = 0.002).
Conclusions: The prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection (diagnosed by a positive/borderline IGRA) was 16%; no active tuberculosis was detected. The highest risk for latent tuberculosis infection was found in patients from high-incidence countries. This population at risk should be either treated for latent tuberculosis infection or need to be monitored to early detect a progression into active disease.