Burden of Tuberculosis Infection in Children and Adolescents Living in Same Household with Sputum Positive Adults in Abuja Using Interferon-γ Release Assays

Abstract

Background: Children and adolescents living in the same household with adults who have sputum-positive pulmonary tuberculosis are at increased risk of tuberculosis infection. Early identification of this group is important for timely preventive intervention. Aim: To determine the prevalence and risk factors for tuberculosis infection among children and adolescents living in the same household with sputum-positive adults in Abuja using an interferon-gamma release assay. Study design: A cross-sectional hospital-based study. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at two directly observed therapy short-course tuberculosis clinics in Gwagwalada, Abuja, over eight months, from September 2025 to April 2026. Methodology: Asymptomatic children and adolescents aged 0-15 years who lived with index tuberculosis cases in their homes were consecutively enrolled until the required sample size was reached. Relevant demographic details, degree of household exposure, type of housing, place of residence, number of household members, number of children and number of children aged <5 years in the home were collected using a structured questionnaire. Blood samples were also collected for interferon-gamma release assay, and data entry and analysis were performed using SPSS version 23. Results: Of the 206 recruited subjects, 109 (52.9%) were female, 81 (39.3%) were aged 10-15 years and 73 (35.4%) were aged <5 years. Their mean age and body mass index were 7.3 +/- 4.6 [0.1, 15] years and 16.2 +/- 3.4 kg/m² [10.9, 26.5], respectively. Most participants were from low socio-economic households, 179 (86.9%), and semi-urban environments, 166 (80.6%). The index TB cases were mainly the fathers, 80 (38.8%), and mothers, 69 (33.5%), of the subjects. The prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection was 137 (66.5%). Multivariate analysis showed that rural residence [OR: 186.32, 95% CI: 2.56 to 1345.00; P=.03] and overweight [OR: 0.18, 95% CI: 0.04 to 0.92; P=.04] were significantly associated with latent tuberculosis infection. Conclusion: The study showed a high prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection among children and adolescents living in the same household with sputum-positive adults. Strengthened community-based contact tracing is recommended.