Latent tuberculosis infection prevalence in rural Madagascar
Gouri Sadananda, Astrid M. Knoblauch, Andry Andriamiadanarivo, Kimmerling Razafindrina, Ideal Ambinintsoa, Roger Mario Rabetombosoa, Christine Pando, Lai Yu Tsang, Peter M. Small, Niaina Rakotosamimanana, Simon Grandjean Lapierre
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Understanding latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection (LTBI) prevalence is crucial for the design of TB control strategies. There are no data on LTBI in rural Madagascar. METHODS: Tuberculin skin tests were performed in 98 adults aged >15 y in five rural villages in the Ifanadiana district, Madagascar. RESULTS: Of adults, 78.6% were positive for LTBI, ranging between 28.6% and 95.0% among villages. The majority (65.3%) showed an induration reaction of >15 mm. CONCLUSIONS: LTBI prevalence is high in rural Madagascar. Long-term TB control strategies including LTBI testing and treatment must account for high and heterogeneous prevalence in remote, underdeveloped areas.