The prevalence and risk factors for latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in patients with chronic kidney disease

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at a heightened risk of developing active tuberculosis (TB), primarily due to the reactivation of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) [1, 2]. The incidence of TB is significantly higher in CKD patients, particularly in those undergoing dialysis, where the risk is estimated to be 10–25 times greater than in the general population. Additionally, mortality rates in these patients with TB are twice as high compared to CKD patients without TB.

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of LTBI and identify associated risk factors among CKD patients, including those in both the pre-dialysis and dialysis stages, in comparison to healthy individuals. The QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube Test was employed to assess the presence of LTBI in the study participants. This test is used to detect latent tuberculosis infection by measuring the interferon-gamma response to TB-specific antigens.

In conclusion, CKD patients are at a significantly elevated risk of active TB due to the activation of latent tuberculosis infections. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of LTBI and its related risk factors in CKD patients, both before and during dialysis, in comparison to healthy controls. The QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube Test was used as the diagnostic method for identifying LTBI in the study participants. Understanding the prevalence and risk factors of LTBI in CKD patients can aid in developing effective preventive strategies and improving patient outcomes.

For more detail about this study go to this article written by Agnieszka Magryś, one of the inventors of KARVADERM.

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