Possible sex difference in latent tuberculosis infection risk among close tuberculosis contacts. (September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wada, Paul Y.; Costa, Allyson G.; Araújo-Pereira, Mariana; Barreto-Duarte, Beatriz; Souza, Alexandra B.; Rocha, Michael S.; Figueiredo, Marina C.; Turner, Megan M.; Rolla, Valeria C.; Kritski, Afrânio L.; Cordeiro-Santos, Marcelo; Andrade, Bruno B.; Sterling, Timothy R.; Rebeiro, Peter F.
• Is Part Of: International journal of infectious diseases. Volume 122(2022)
• Page Start: 685
• Page End: 692
• Publication Date: 2022-09
• Subjects: Latent tuberculosis -- Sex difference -- Interferon-Gamma release assay -- Health status disparities; Communicable diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable Diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable diseases; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.9
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2022.07.031
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1201-9712

Abstract

Highlights: Overall, 6% more female close contacts developed latent tuberculosis infection than men. Modeling resulted in limited attenuation of observed sex-specific effect sizes. Subtle differences in quantitative assay measurements may reveal a biological basis. Findings should be confirmed in other study populations to increase precision. Yet, this provides some evidence for an unconfounded sex difference. Abstract: Objectives: More men than women develop and die of tuberculosis (TB). Fewer data exist on sex differences in latent TB infection (LTBI). We assessed for potential sex differences in LTBI acquisition among close TB contacts. Methods: Regional Prospective Observational Research for TB-Brazil is an observational multi-center cohort of individuals with culture-confirmed pulmonary TB and their close contacts. Participants were enrolled from five sites in Brazil from June 2015 - June 2019. Close contacts were followed for 24 months after enrollment, with LTBI defined as a positive interferon-γ release assay (IGRA; QuantiFERON 3 rd or 4 th generation) at baseline or 6 months. We performed univariate, bivariate, and multivariable logistic regression and propensity-score weighted models to assess odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for LTBI acquisition by birth sex among close contacts. Results: Of 1093, 504 (46%) female close contacts were IGRA positive compared to 295 of 745 (40%) men. The unadjusted OR for IGRA positivity among women vs men was 1.31 (95% CI: 1.08-1.58). Bivariate adjustments yielded ORs in women vs men ranging from 1.19 to 1.33 ( P -value range: <0.01-0.07). Multivariable regression and weighted models yielded similar ORs in women vs men, of 1.14 (95% CI: 0.92-1.41) and 1.15 (95% CI: 0.94-1.40), respectively. Conclusion: The point estimate for LTBI among close TB contacts in Brazil was higher in women, though less pronounced in multivariable models. If the sex difference in LTBI is confirmed in additional settings, studies of possible underlying differences in socio-behavioral factors or TB pathogenesis are warranted.