Peiling Yap1, Kristin Hui Xian Tan2, Wei Yen Lim2, Timothy Barkham3, Linda Wei Lin Tan2, Mark I-Cheng Chen4, Yee Tang Wang5, Cynthia Bin Eng Chee5. 1. Communicable Disease Centre, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology, Singapore, Singapore. 2. Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore. 3. Department of Laboratory Medicine, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore. 4. Communicable Disease Centre, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology, Singapore, Singapore; Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore. Electronic address: ephcicm@nus.edu.sg. 5. Tuberculosis Control Unit, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: This first cross-sectional survey on latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in Singapore was performed by utilizing the QuantiFERON Gold In-tube (QFT-GIT) assay to collect data on the prevalence of LTBI and to identify potential risk factors associated with LTBI. METHODS: Nationwide household addresses were selected randomly for enumeration, and Singaporeans or Permanent Residents aged 18-79 years were identified. One eligible member per household was selected using the Kish grid. Each participant answered a questionnaire assessing their medical history (including tuberculosis (TB)), socio-economic factors, and lifestyle factors. They also provided a blood specimen for the QFT-GIT assay. Participants with a positive QFT-GIT result were defined as having LTBI if they were asymptomatic. To identify independent risk factors, adjusted hazard ratios were obtained using the multivariable modified Breslow-Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS: An overall QFT-GIT positivity rate of 12.7% was detected amongst 1682 Singapore residents. There was a wide variation in the positivity rate according to the participants' country of birth. Higher LTBI prevalence was also significantly associated with increasing age, lower educational and socio-economic status, and alcohol use. CONCLUSIONS: Given the high prevalence of LTBI amongst foreign-born residents from regional countries, similar studies should be conducted amongst migrants in Singapore to improve national guidelines on screening and preventive treatment against LTBI.
OBJECTIVES: This first cross-sectional survey on latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in Singapore was performed by utilizing the QuantiFERON Gold In-tube (QFT-GIT) assay to collect data on the prevalence of LTBI and to identify potential risk factors associated with LTBI. METHODS: Nationwide household addresses were selected randomly for enumeration, and Singaporeans or Permanent Residents aged 18-79 years were identified. One eligible member per household was selected using the Kish grid. Each participant answered a questionnaire assessing their medical history (including tuberculosis (TB)), socio-economic factors, and lifestyle factors. They also provided a blood specimen for the QFT-GIT assay. Participants with a positive QFT-GIT result were defined as having LTBI if they were asymptomatic. To identify independent risk factors, adjusted hazard ratios were obtained using the multivariable modified Breslow-Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS: An overall QFT-GIT positivity rate of 12.7% was detected amongst 1682 Singapore residents. There was a wide variation in the positivity rate according to the participants' country of birth. Higher LTBI prevalence was also significantly associated with increasing age, lower educational and socio-economic status, and alcohol use. CONCLUSIONS: Given the high prevalence of LTBI amongst foreign-born residents from regional countries, similar studies should be conducted amongst migrants in Singapore to improve national guidelines on screening and preventive treatment against LTBI.
Authors: Ka Chun Chong; Chi Chiu Leung; Wing Wai Yew; Benny Chung Ying Zee; Greta Chun Huen Tam; Maggie Haitian Wang; Katherine Min Jia; Pui Hong Chung; Steven Yuk Fai Lau; Xiaoran Han; Eng Kiong Yeoh Journal: Sci Rep Date: 2019-03-19 Impact factor: 4.379
Authors: Shi Zhe Gabriel Chia; Kue Bien Molly How; Maciej Piotr Chlebicki; Moi Lin Ling; Wee Hoe Gan Journal: Am J Infect Control Date: 2019-12-02 Impact factor: 2.918
Authors: Vanessa W Lim; Hwee Lin Wee; Phoebe Lee; Yijun Lin; Yi Roe Tan; Mei Xuan Tan; Lydia Wenxin Lin; Peiling Yap; Cynthia Be Chee; Timothy Barkham; Vernon Lee; Mark Chen; Rick Twee-Hee Ong Journal: BMJ Open Date: 2021-07-15 Impact factor: 2.692
Authors: Philip Kam Weng Kwan; Balamurugan Periaswamy; Paola Florez De Sessions; Wenwei Lin; James S Molton; Claire M Naftalin; Ahmad Nazri Mohamed Naim; Martin L Hibberd; Nicholas I Paton Journal: BMC Infect Dis Date: 2020-06-09 Impact factor: 3.090