Prevalence of tuberculosis infection in immunological-competent prison inmates using Interferon Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) in a central jail of Assam, India

<h2>Abstract</h2><h3>Abstract</h3> Tuberculosis, the leading cause of death among infectious origin, globally causes disease to more than 10 million people each year. Available estimates indicate a higher prevalence amongst vulnerable populations. <h3>Aim and objectives</h3> To estimate the prevalence of tuberculosis infection among immunological-competent prison inmates using Interferon Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) in a Central Jail of Assam, India, and to assess knowledge and practice related to tuberculosis infection, mode of transmission, and measures to prevent it. <h3>Methods</h3> An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among immunological-competent-prison inmates of a Central Jail of Assam. The sample size was 220; calculated using nMaster software. Socio-demographic, environmental, anthropometric, behavioral, dietary, and knowledge were assessed. Interferon Gamma Release Assay test to detect Tuberculosis infection was done and all symptomatic were tested by NAAT (Nucleic Acid Amplification Test). Statistical analysis included univariate analysis, with Chi-square tests (or Fischer's Exact Test for small sample sizes) used to assess the association between categorical variables. <h3>Results</h3> Tuberculosis infection was found in 24.2 %, while 71.2 % were negative and 4.6 % were indeterminate. History of Tuberculosis was present in 10.8 % (24) of which 37.5 % (9) had pulmonary Tuberculosis. Behavioral risk factors like current smoking were found among 33.8 % (75) while alcohol consumption was 63.1 % (140). Co-morbidity like diabetes [7 (3.2 %)], HIV/AIDs [1.4 % (3)], hepatitis B along with HIV [1 (0.5 %)] was present. Most participants [178 (80.2 %)] had ever heard of tuberculosis, while 53.6 % did not know how TB is transmitted. Anthropometric examination revealed the average body mass index as 21.82 ± 3.87 and the majority were on deficient diet. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Ongoing tuberculosis infection among prison inmate suggest implementation of different preventive strategies in prison like increasing awareness programs, regular screening, dietary improvement, environmental measures and better health care service provisions.