Prevalence and Factors Associated with Latent Tuberculosis Infection among People Living with HIV in Kantang, Trang

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of LTBI and identify factors associated with LTBI among PLHIV receiving care at Kantang Hospital, Trang Province, Thailand. This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2024 to May 2025 and included 194 HIV-infected adults aged ≥18 years. LTBI was diagnosed using the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), with a positive result defined as an induration of ≥5 mm in the absence of clinical symptoms or radiographic evidence suggestive of active tuberculosis. Factors associated with LTBI were evaluated using univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses. Statistical significance was defined as a p-value <0.05. Thirty participants had a positive TST result, corresponding to an LTBI prevalence of 15.5%. Univariable analysis identified sex, dyslipidemia, total white blood cell count, and smoking as variables potentially associated with LTBI (p<0.10). In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, smoking was the only independent factor significantly associated with LTBI (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 51.74; 95% confidence interval [CI] 15.21–176.02; p<0.001). Smoking was identified as the only independent risk factor associated with LTBI. These findings support routine LTBI screening and the implementation of smoking cessation interventions among PLHIV to reduce the risk of progression to active tuberculosis.