Latent tuberculosis infection in adolescents aged 15-17

<b>Introduction:</b> The incidence of tuberculosis still is highest among young males. Young men with latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) are an important group at risk of developing tuberculosis. <b>Aims and objectives:</b> The LTBI studied based on the results of the recombinant tuberculosis allergen (RTAtest) and the influence of epidemiological, social and clinical risk factors evaluated. <b>Methods:</b> 102 patients records (aged 15-17 years) with LTBI were analyzed. The first group - 60 boys, the second group - 42 girls. The RTA test results divided by size: slightly positive (1-4mm), moderately positive (5-9mm), brightly positive (10-14mm) and hyperergic (15mm and more). <b>Results:</b> At first group the sample size of RTA test was 11.0±4.5 mm, at second group - 13.8±4.1 mm. 6.7% young men had slightly positive tests, 21.7% - moderately positive, 46.6% - pronounced positive, hyperergic - 25.0%. The girls showed no slightly positive tests, 11.9% - moderately positive, pronounced positive - 50%, hyperergic - 38.1%. 8 (13.3%) boys and 6 (14.3%) girls had contact with TB patients. 20% of adolescents in each group had single-parent families. Frequent acute respiratory infections and ENT diseases had a statistically significant difference in the development of hyperergic tests (Mann-Whitney U-test, p &lt;0.05) - 9 boys (15%) and 13 girls (31.0%). <b>Conclusion:</b> At more than 50%&nbsp;boys with LTBI the results of the RTA tests were pronounced positive or hyperergic and the distribution in terms of severity was more proportional than at girls’ group.&nbsp;Contact with a TB patients, incomplete family, a history of childhood infections, frequent respiratory infections showed as risk factors for LTBI.