Tuberculosis Infection in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

Background Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have a heightened susceptibility to tuberculosis infection (TBI). Latent TBI can progress to active tuberculosis (TB). We used Interferon-Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) to determine the frequency of TBI in patients with CKD. Materials and Methods Data were used from patients with CKD (18–65 years) attending OPD and IPD of MY Hospital, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, who underwent IGRA as the primary diagnostic tool over 1 year. Patients with CKD with active TB, immunocompromised status, or on immunosuppression were excluded. Investigations (chest radiograph, sputum AFB if indicated) were done to rule out active TB. Results Of the 250 participants, 17.6% (95% CI: 12.9%–22.3%) tested positive for IGRA, with the majority in CKD stage V, with no significant association between CKD stage and IGRA positivity ( p = 0.740). There was a negative association between BCG vaccination and IGRA positivity results (Chi-square p =0.012; Fisher’s Exact Test p =0.013). There was a significant direct relationship between IGRA positivity and dialysis duration ( p < 0.001). Conclusion The prevalence of TBI among patients with CKD was 17.6% (95% CI: 12.9%–22.3%), and was related to the duration of dialysis