Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) with fibrotic lesions (FL) can progress to active tuberculosis (TB). Most previous studies have used tuberculin skin tests, which have lower specificity than interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs), for LTBI diagnosis. This study evaluated the incidence of active TB among individuals with LTBI (diagnosed using IGRAs) and FL in Nishinari District, Osaka City. In total, 54 men (mean age: 68.7 years) were enrolled, of whom 10 (18.5%) were homeless, and 36 (66.7%) were welfare recipients. The median observation period was 1,084 days (range: 64-2,907 days). The incidence rate of active TB among individuals with LTBI and FL was 1.18 (95% confidence interval: 0.32-4.29) cases per 100 person-years. Among the 19 participants who had not been treated with anti-TB therapy, one (5.3%) progressed to active TB, and among the 30 participants who had completed anti-TB treatment, one (3.3%) progressed to active TB. The other 5 participants did not have TB. This study revealed the incidence of active TB among individuals with LTBI, diagnosed using IGRAs, and FL in a vulnerable urban population. The higher incidence than that reported in previous studies reinforces the importance of improved LTBI management strategies, including chest radiography screening, and LTBI treatment.
Keywords: active tuberculosis; fibrotic pulmonary lesion; hard to reach; interferon-gamma release assay; latent tuberculosis infection.