Abstract:

Objective: To analyze the status and influencing factors of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) among the elderly aged 65 and above in Haizhu District, Guangzhou City, and to provide a scientific basis for precise prevention and control of pulmonary tuberculosis in the elderly. Methods: A prospective study and stratified random sampling method were adopted. From January to December 2024, publicity points were set up at community health checkup sites in 18 streets of Haizhu District, Guangzhou City. According to the proportion of permanent residents aged 65 and above in each street, the sample size for inclusion was allocated. At each publicity point, elderly people who met the inclusion criteria and were willing to participate in the interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) were invited on-site to complete information registration and blood sample collection. The blood samples were then promptly sent to the Laboratory Department of Guangzhou Chest Hospital for IGRA testing. Other clinical data were obtained from the health management records of the elderly, including health examination reports, demographic characteristics, blood routine, and liver and kidney function information. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to analyze the influencing factors related to the occurrence of LTBI. Results: A total of 1987 elderly people aged 65 and above who met the inclusion criteria in Haizhu District were enrolled in the study, and the infection rate of LTBI was 38.70% (769/1987). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that current smokers were 1.485 times more likely to be diagnosed with LTBI than non-smokers (OR=1.485, 95%CI: 1.002-2.201), and for each 1 mmol/L increase in fasting blood glucose, the risk of LTBI increased by 5.5% (OR=1.055, 95%CI:1.002-1.110). Those who mainly followed a vegetarian diet were 10.871 times more likely to be diagnosed with LTBI than those with a balanced diet (OR=10.871, 95%CI: 1.294-91.331). On the other hand, for each 1-unit increase in blood urea nitrogen, the risk of LTBI decreased by 5.8% (OR=0.942, 95%CI: 0.892-0.995). Conclusion: The infection rate of LTBI among the elderly aged 65 and above in Haizhu District, Guangzhou City is relatively high. Special attention should be paid to high-risk groups such as smokers, those with abnormal fasting blood glucose, and those with malnutrition. It is recommended to implement comprehensive prevention and control strategies including smoking cessation intervention, blood glucose monitoring, and personalized nutritional support.

Key words: Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Infection, Aged, Factor analysis, statistics