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Abstract

Background: Tuberculosis remains a major global public health challenge. This study determined the prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) using the Interferon-Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) and identified associated risk factors among household contacts of pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Roi Et Province.

Method: This cross-sectional analytic study included 334 pulmonary tuberculosis patients (index cases) and their 359 household contacts in Roi Et Province. The data was collected using screening and follow-up tools for TB patients and household contacts between October 1, 2024, and September 30, 2025. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Categorical variables were compared using Chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests, while continuous variables were analyzed using independent t-test or Mann–Whitney U test, as appropriate. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine factors independently associated with latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI).

Results: Out of the 359 household contacts, 99 (27.6%) were found to have latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) or positive IGRA results. Significant risk factors for LTBI consisted of sharing a living space with the patient for more than 8 hours per day (Adjusted OR = 2.44; 95%CI: 1.47–4.07) and the presence of pulmonary cavitation in the index patient (Adjusted OR = 5.11; 95%CI: 2.95–8.86).

Conclusion: The Prevalence of LTBI among household contacts in Roi Et was 27.6%. Prolonged daily exposure of more than 8 hours and pulmonary cavitation in index cases were independently associated with latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI).

Keywords: Latent tuberculosis infection, Interferon-Gamma Release Assay, Household contacts, Risk factors

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