Latent Tuberculosis and Associated Factors Among Adults Living With HIV in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo: A Cross-Sectional Study
BACKGROUND: Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is more frequent among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (PLHIV), in whom immunosuppression favors reactivation. However, data from sub-Saharan Africa remain limited. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of LTBI and identify its associated factors among adults living with HIV in Kinshasa. METHODS: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted between May 2022 and October 2025 in nine HIV care centers in Kinshasa. Adult HIV-positive patients were consecutively recruited. LTBI was screened using the tuberculin skin test (TST) and/or interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs). Socio-demographic, clinical, and immunological data, including CD4 cell counts, were collected. Associated factors were identified using multivariate logistic regression at a significance level of p < 0.05. RESULTS: Among 248 participants, 74.7% were women. The mean age was 45.5 ± 10.7 years, and the median CD4 count was 321 cells/µL (IQR: 281-390). Overall, 25.8% were IGRA-positive and 30.6% TST-positive, with 38.3% indeterminate IGRA results. The main factors associated with LTBI were CD4 count <200 cells/µL (IGRA: adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 3.34; TST: aOR = 3.64), history of positive TST (IGRA: aOR = 2.50; TST: aOR = 2.78), and contact with an active TB case (IGRA: aOR = 2.94). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of LTBI among adults living with HIV in Kinshasa is high. Severe immunosuppression, prior exposure, and contact with active TB cases are key determinants. These findings highlight the importance of screening and preventive therapy to reduce progression to active tuberculosis.
- Journal
- Public health challenges(2026 Sep)
- Authors
- 11名
- Type
- Journal Article