Saudi guidelines for testing and treatment of latent tuberculosis infection

 [bib_ref] The epidemiology of tuberculosis among foreign-born persons in the United States, Mckenna [/bib_ref] [bib_ref] Tuberculin skin testing. The state of the art, Reichman [/bib_ref] [bib_ref] Tuberculin skin testing. Can it contain the impending tuberculosis epidemic? Postgrad, Amin [/bib_ref] [bib_ref] Of postulates and peccadilloes: Robert Koch and vaccine (tuberculin) therapy for tuberculosis, Burke [/bib_ref] [bib_ref] Prevalence of tuberculosis infection in the United States population: the national health..., Bennett [/bib_ref] [bib_ref] LTBI: latent tuberculosis infection or lasting immune responses to M. tuberculosis? A..., Mack [/bib_ref] 

## Prevalence of ltbi in saudi arabia
The total number of reported tuberculosis cases in the year 2008 was 3 918 cases in a population of approximately 24 807 273. TB not Tuberculosis in Saudi Arabia affects mainly young and middle-aged individuals; most of them aged between 15 and 44 years old. The incidence of all cases was estimated at 15.8/100 000; the incidence of smear-positive tuberculosis was 8.2/100 000. However, WHO 2007 estimation of the incidence of TB new cases was 46/100 000 population/year, the incidence of new smear positive cases was 21/100 000 population/year and the estimated prevalence of all forms of TB cases was 65/100 000 population/year.Al Kassimi et al in 1993 [bib_ref] Nationwide community survey of tuberculosis epidemiology in Saudi Arabia, Al-Kassimi [/bib_ref] conducted the first comprehensive and nationwide tuberculin survey in the Saudi Arabian general population with urban/rural stratification. Using a definition of a positive tuberculin test of 10 mm or more, 33% of the subjects had a positive TST, and 56% were aged 45 years and older. Given that false positive reactions can occur in almost all populations, the most important determinant of the utility of a TST is the expected prevalence of true latent TB infection. The incidence of smear-positive cases of pulmonary tuberculosis varies widely between countries. Based on the observation by Styblo 9 of the relationship between the incidence of smear-positive pulmonary TB and the annual risk of TB infection (ARI), one can calculate the ARI based on the expected prevalence of latent TB infection in persons of a given age. In Saudi Arabia, the estimated incidence of active TB (all forms) is 46 per 100 000 and the incidence of smear-positive TB is 21 cases per 100 000, which gives an annual risk of infection of 0.35%.Using the Stabylo 9 calculation, the prevalence of LTBI at 10 and 20 years is 3.4% and 6.7% respectively, placing Saudi Arabia in the intermediate prevalence (2%-14%) category. 11
Administrative technique for the TST The administration of TST requires proper technique by trained professionals. A standard tuberculin syringe with a 27-gauge needle should be used to inject five tuberculin units of purified protein derivative (PPD) or two tuberculin units of RT-23 intradermally. Usually, the volar or inner surface of the forearm is used. The area of the skin selected for testing should be free of any cutaneous or subcutaneous lesion that could interfere with any interpretation. The injection should be intradermal, and neither too deep nor too shallow. A small wheal measuring approximately 5 mm in diameter should be elicited at the time of injection. If incorrect administration is suspected, a second test dose can be given immediately at a site that is at least 5 cm away from the first one.As a result of its tendency to be adsorbed by glass and plastics, tuberculin materials should never be transferred to secondary containers. It should be administered as soon as feasible after filling the syringe, ideally within 20 minutes. Long-term storage of prefilled syringes is not recommended. Tuberculin material should be kept refrigerated but not frozen, and most importantly, kept protected from light.

## Reading the tst
The tuberculin reaction is a classic, delayed type, hypersensitivity immune reaction. This means that the reaction begins within 24 hours, is maximal between 48 and 72 hours after injection, and then wanes over the next few days. Reading is done between 48 and 72 hours after administration.
The transverse diameter of the induration, but not erythema, is demarcated using the ball-point technique. The induration is measured and recorded in millimeters. If there is no reaction, the size should be recorded as 0 mm and not simply as "negative". Similarly readings of "doubtful" or "positive" are discouraged, particularly in individuals in whom repeated testing is done (see below).Adverse reactions to tuberculin skin testing are uncommon. Local allergic reactions to tuberculin or its components can occur in 2% to 3% of those tested usually in the form of a rash on the arm. Generalized rash has also been observed. These reactions begin shortly after injection and disappear within 24 hours. Severe blistering is possible, for which topical steroids are frequently given, although there is no evidence of their efficacy. The blistered area should be covered with a dry dressing and the patient advised to keep it clean and not to scratch it. 4

## Interpretation of the tst

## False-negative tst
Many factors can cause false-negative tests including viral, bacterial, or fungal infections. The most important GUIDELINES FOR LTBI guidelines cause of a false-negative TST is HIV infection. In HIVinfected persons, the likelihood of a false-negative TST is inversely proportional to the CD4 count: it is uncommon at CD4 counts above 500/mL, and almost universal when the CD4 count is less than 200/mL. Saudi Arabia has a low prevalence of HIV infection of less than 0.01%. [bib_ref] Human immunodeficiency virus and tuberculosis co-infection in Saudi Arabia. Eastern Mediterranean health..., Alrajhi [/bib_ref] [bib_ref] Epidemiology of the human immunodeficiency virus in Saudi Arabia; 18-year surveillance results..., Madani [/bib_ref] HIV infection is therefore not an important cause of a false-negative TST in Saudi Arabia.
It is important to note that patients with active TB can have false-negative tests at the time of diagnosis, particularly those with more advanced disease.Anergy testing with control antigens to which most normal adolescents and adults should react, such as mumps and Candida, have been used to determine whether people can have true-or false-negative tuberculin reactions. However, anergy testing is not routinely recommended in persons who are HIV-infected or otherwise immunocompromised because of the evidence that this testing is unreliable.Other causes of false-negative TSTs are presented in [fig_ref] Table 1: Causes of false-negative tuberculin skin testing Technical factors [/fig_ref].

## False-positive tst
BCG vaccination was started in 1964 in Saudi Arabia and a 95.9% coverage rate was achieved by 2007.The BCG vaccine is given at birth without any booster doses. A case-control study in Saudi Arabia determined the protective effect of the BCG vaccine using the same BCG strain (freeze-dried glutamate BCG, Japan laboratory Tokyo). [bib_ref] Efficacy of BCG vaccine in the prevention of tuberculosis: Meta-analysis of the..., Colditz [/bib_ref] This study demonstrated an 82% protective effect in the 5-14-year-old age group, but no protective effect 25 years after vaccination. [bib_ref] Efficacy of BCG vaccine in the prevention of tuberculosis: Meta-analysis of the..., Colditz [/bib_ref] In several other studies following BCG vaccination in infancy, tuberculin reactivity was seen to wane rapidly so that there was little discernible effect by the age of five years. However, those vaccinated at a later age have larger TST reactions that wane more slowly, with 15% to 25% of the reactions persisting beyond ten years. [bib_ref] Correlation between tuberculin sensitivity after 2 months and 5 years among BCG..., Horwitz [/bib_ref] [bib_ref] BCG vaccination and interpretation of PPD test results, Li [/bib_ref] [bib_ref] Interpretation of the tuberculin skin test in Mycobacterium bovis BCG-vaccinated Singaporean schoolchildren, Chee [/bib_ref] [bib_ref] Tuberculin response of Sri Lankan children after BCG vaccination at birth, Karalliedde [/bib_ref] [bib_ref] Tuberculin skin test survey in a pediatric population with high BCG vaccination..., Menzies [/bib_ref] [bib_ref] False-positive tuberculin skin tests: What is the absolute effect of BCG and..., Farhat [/bib_ref] A meta-analysis including more than 24 studies found that only 1% of patients who received BCG during infancy were TST positive if tested more than ten years after BCG vaccination. However, there was a greater and more long-lasting effect on TST if BCG was given later in life, such as during the primary or secondary school-going years. [bib_ref] Protective effect of BCG against tuberculosis meningitis and miliary tuberculosis: A meta-analysis, Rodrigues [/bib_ref] Most of the international guidelines recommend ignoring BCG' s effect on the interpretation of TST in persons at increased risk of developing active TB. 4

## Nontuberculous mycobacteria
Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are another major cause of false-positive TST. [bib_ref] Tuberculin skin test survey in a pediatric population with high BCG vaccination..., Menzies [/bib_ref] [bib_ref] Latent tuberculosis infection, Jasmer [/bib_ref] The prevalence of NTM varies considerably between regions, countries, and even within countries. There are few studies of the prevalence of NTM in the Middle East. Two recent hospital-based studies in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia identified NTM in 18 of 325 (5.9%) and 70 of 286 (24.5%) specimens, respectively. [bib_ref] Species spectrum of nontuberculous mycobacteria isolated from clinical specimens in Kuwait, Mokaddas [/bib_ref] [bib_ref] Comparison of clinico-radiological features of patients with positive cultures of nontuberculous mycobacteria..., Bahammam [/bib_ref] An earlier similar study from Saudi Arabia gave an intermediate figure of 9%. [bib_ref] Tuberculosis in Saudi Arabia: Epidemiology and incidence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and other..., Zaman [/bib_ref] A nationwide population-based survey, however, revealed a much lower figure of 0.004%. [bib_ref] Nationwide community survey of tuberculosis epidemiology in Saudi Arabia, Al-Kassimi [/bib_ref] A recent meta-analysis involving more than 18 studies found that NTM is not a clinically important cause of false-positive TST, particularly in areas of high TB prevalence. 28

## Serial tuberculin testing (conversion or boosting)
When repeated tuberculin testing has been performed, a substantial number of individuals may manifest an increased tuberculin reaction on their second test in the absence of any obvious exposure. It is now realized that this reflects an anamnestic response representing the restimulation of previously acquired immunity from earlier exposure. [bib_ref] Interpretation of repeated tuberculin tests: Boosting, conversion, and reversion, Menzies [/bib_ref] This phenomenon, termed "boosting", results from a previous mycobacterial exposure, including remote BCG vaccination, nontuberculous mycobacterial exposure, or remote infection with MTB. [bib_ref] Interpretation of repeated tuberculin tests: Boosting, conversion, and reversion, Menzies [/bib_ref] It is important to distinguish boosting from the phenomenon of tuberculin conversion which occurs after an initial tuberculin infection. This is because the risk of developing active tuberculosis in persons who manifest the "boosting" phenomenon is actually lower than those -Defective antigens because of improper storage (exposure to light or heat) or manufacturing -Contamination, improper dilution -Injection of too little tuberculin, or too superficial, or too deeply (should be intradermal) -Prolonged storage within the syringe before administration (more than 20 minutes) -Inexperienced or biased reader -Error in recording Biological factors: -Viral, bacterial, or fungal infections -HIV (especially if CD4 count <200) -Live virus vaccination within the past two months -Metabolic derangement, protein depletion, chronic renal failure, severe malnutrition, stress (surgery, burns) -Concurrent use of immunosuppressive drugs: (corticosteroids, TNF inhibitors, and others) -Very young <6 months or elder -Diseases of lymphoid organs: (lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, sarcoidosis)

## Guidelines for ltbi
guidelines with an initial positive TST, and much lower than in persons with tuberculin conversion. [bib_ref] Interpretation of repeated tuberculin tests: Boosting, conversion, and reversion, Menzies [/bib_ref] In persons with conversion, the risk of disease is between 5% and 20% over the next two years alone. It is difficult to distinguish the phenomena of boosting and conversion simply on the basis of size, although if the second reaction is >15 mm, it is most likely to be conversion. If the second TST is performed soon (within two weeks) after the first and there is no intervening exposure, then boosting is most likely the cause for a positive TST. If the second test is performed months to years after the first, and there has been exposure to MTB (such as contacts of active cases), then the cause for a positive TST is considered to be recent TST conversion, indicating TB infection. [bib_ref] Interpretation of repeated tuberculin tests: Boosting, conversion, and reversion, Menzies [/bib_ref] In some clinical situations, it may be necessary to repeat the TST on a periodic basis. An initial two-step testing protocol is recommended in this situation. The most common situation is when persons enter an environment where there might be a risk of exposure to TB (e.g., persons entering professions or facilities with an increased risk of occupational exposure such as health care or prisons). [bib_ref] Interpretation of repeated tuberculin tests: Boosting, conversion, and reversion, Menzies [/bib_ref] If the initial TST is negative (<10 mm), then a second test should be performed 1 to 4 weeks later to elicit the booster phenomenon.Boosting can be seen after intervals as long as two years, but this phenomenon is maximal if the two tests are between one and four weeks apart, and a shorter interval is always more practical. If the second tuberculin test is negative (<10 mm), the individual can be considered to be truly negative. If on subsequent retesting, the tuberculin test is positive, this can be considered as a true conversion. This is strong evidence of new infection and should therefore be treated. [bib_ref] Interpretation of repeated tuberculin tests: Boosting, conversion, and reversion, Menzies [/bib_ref] A TST conversion is defined as a TST reaction of 10 mm or more plus as an increase of 6 mm or more of induration from the previous TST results within a twoyear period, regardless of age. [bib_ref] Interpretation of repeated tuberculin tests: Boosting, conversion, and reversion, Menzies [/bib_ref] [bib_ref] Booster effect of two-step tuberculin skin testing among hospital employees from areas..., Mazrou [/bib_ref] The ATS/CDC/ IDSA definition of conversion requires an increase of 10 mm or more from the previous TST result.This more stringent criteria will be more specific but less sensitive to detect conversion.

## Indications for tst and who should be treated
Routine screening of asymptomatic subjects is not recommended. [bib_ref] Latent tuberculosis infection, Nuermberger [/bib_ref] The risk-benefit ratio for treating LTBI depends principally on whether the individual is truly infected and is at substantial risk of developing active TB disease. Therefore, TST screening for LTBI should be reserved for those groups with a high risk of recent infection, or who are at high risk of progression from LTBI to TB disease as outlined in .
Normal healthy individuals with LTBI have an annual risk of 0.1% (1 per 1000) of developing active TB. [bib_ref] How much isoniazid is needed for prevention of tuberculosis in immunocompetent adults, Comstock [/bib_ref] Depending on the individual' s clinical condition, the annual risk of disease, if infected, can range from more than 10% for HIV patients to 1 to 2% for patients on hemodialysis. [bib_ref] Risk factors for tuberculosis in HIV-infected persons: A prospective cohort study: The..., Antonucci [/bib_ref] [bib_ref] Risk of tuberculosis in dialysis patients: Association of tuberculin and 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene reactivity..., Christopoulos [/bib_ref] [bib_ref] Tuberculosis in dialyzed patients, Pradhan [/bib_ref] High-risk individuals are those whose risk for reactivation is at least six times higher than for normal, healthy individuals. [bib_ref] Risk factors for tuberculosis in HIV-infected persons: A prospective cohort study: The..., Antonucci [/bib_ref] [bib_ref] A prospective study of the risk of tuberculosis among HIV-infected patients, Guelar [/bib_ref] [bib_ref] A prospective study of the risk of tuberculosis among intravenous drug users..., Selwyn [/bib_ref] [bib_ref] Tuberculosis in maintenance haemodialysis patients. Study from an endemic area, Malhotra [/bib_ref] [bib_ref] The epidemiology of tuberculosis in gold miners with silicosis, Cowie [/bib_ref] [bib_ref] Risk factors for developing tuberculosis in HIV-1-infected adults from communities with a..., Wood [/bib_ref] [bib_ref] Recent studies in the epidemiology of tuberculosis, based on the risk of..., Sutherland [/bib_ref] [bib_ref] Controlled chemoprophylaxis trials in tuberculosis: A general review, Ferebee [/bib_ref] [bib_ref] Tuberculosis risk in persons with "fibrotic" x-ray lesions, Steinbruck [/bib_ref] Moderate-risk individuals are those whose risk for reactivation is 3 to 6 times higher than for normal, healthy individuals. [bib_ref] Tuberculosis associated with infliximab, a tumor necrosis factor alpha-neutralizing agent, Keane [/bib_ref] [bib_ref] Antirheumatic drugs and the risk of tuberculosis, Brassard [/bib_ref] [bib_ref] Glucocorticoid use, other associated factors, and the risk of tuberculosis, Jick [/bib_ref] [bib_ref] The role of diabetes mellitus in the higher prevalence of tuberculosis among..., Pablos-Mendez [/bib_ref] [bib_ref] Incidence and coincidence of diabetes mellitus and pulmonary tuberculosis in a Swedish..., Silwer [/bib_ref] [bib_ref] Diabetes mellitus and pulmonary tuberculosis, Boucot [/bib_ref] [bib_ref] Incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis among diabetics, Kim [/bib_ref] [bib_ref] The prognosis of a positive tuberculin reaction in childhood and adolescence, Comstock [/bib_ref] Low-risk individuals are those at slightly increased risk for reactivation and whose risk is 1.5 to 3 times higher than for normal, healthy individuals. [bib_ref] Tuberculosis morbidity of young men in relation to tuberculin sensitivity and body..., Palmer [/bib_ref] [bib_ref] Smoking and tuberculosis: An association overlooked, Maurya [/bib_ref] [bib_ref] Smoking and mortality from tuberculosis and other REFERENCES GUIDELINES FOR LTBI guidelines..., Gajalakshmi [/bib_ref] [fig_ref] Table 4: Relative risk for developing active tuberculosis by selected clinical conditions We recommend... [/fig_ref] shows the estimated risks for TB relative to healthy individuals in various conditions. Defining a positive tuberculin reaction is dependent on the size of the TST: 5 mm is considered positive in high-risk individuals whereas 10 mm is considered positive in moderate-risk individuals. For persons at low risk for TB and with high risk of exposure to NTM (for whom tuberculin testing is not generally indicated), 15 mm of induration is considered positive. Treatment for LTBI is contraindicated in patients with active TB disease and in patients with severe liver disease. 4
The principle indications and precautions in latent tuberculosis testing and treatment 1. The goal of testing for latent tuberculosis infection is to identify individuals who are at risk of new infection, and to identify individuals at increased risk of reactivation due to the biological factors listed in [fig_ref] Table 1: Causes of false-negative tuberculin skin testing Technical factors [/fig_ref] 5.1 If the radiograph is normal and the patient has no symptoms or physical findings consistent with TB, treatment of LTBI may be indicated. 5.2 If the radiograph is normal but the patient has a clinical presentation consistent with TB, further workup is indicated and treatment of LTBI should be delayed until active TB has been ruled out.

## If the radiograph is abnormal and consistent
with TB, specimens of sputum (using sputum induction if necessary) should be obtained. Starting treatment pending the culture results or waiting for culture results before starting therapy, is a clinical judgment dependent on benefit-risk considerations. 5.4 If a radiograph is abnormal but was taken more than three months prior to evaluation, a new radiograph should be performed at the time of evaluation. 5.5 If the abnormality on the chest radiograph is of questionable significance, consultation with an expert is recommended.

## Aims of and recommended regimens for ltbi treatment
The term, 'treatment of LTBI' has been adopted to highlight the fact that the patient is considered to be infected with live (although dormant) bacilli, which could cause active TB disease in the future, and that there is effective treatment available for this infection.

## Aim of treatment
Treatment of LTBI is intended to prevent the development of active TB disease. In the past, this has been referred to as ' chemoprophylaxis' or 'preventive therapy' . Latent tuberculosis infection is associated with a low burden of organisms; therefore, treatment of latent infection requires fewer drugs than active disease to decrease the risk of developing active tuberculosis without creating drug resistance. In most of the cases, use of a single antituberculosis agent is sufficient for the treatment of latent infection, but not for active disease. This regimen should be reserved for those individuals who cannot tolerate INH or for persons exposed to cases with resistance to INH, but susceptible to RIF.
- Rifampin (RIF) alone for four months is generally recommended for adults. - Rifampin alone for six months is generally recommended for children. [bib_ref] Targeted tuberculin skin testing and treatment of latent tuberculosis infection in children..., Pediatrics [/bib_ref] - Rifabutin (RFB) may be substituted for rifampin in the above regimens in situations where rifampin cannot be given, such as in HIV-infected persons taking protease inhibitors or non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. 4

## D. rifampin and pyrazinamide for two months-not recommended
This regimen is not recommended due to fatal hepatotoxicity. Therefore, it should generally NOT be offered as initial therapy to persons with LTBI for either HIVnegative or HIV-infected persons.

## Monitoring of treatment
- Education about adverse effects associated with the treatment of LTBI, with advice to stop treatment and promptly seek medical evaluation if serious adverse effects occur. - Follow-up evaluation at least monthly, including careful questioning and a brief physical examination to assess for evidence of hepatitis or other adverse effects, symptoms of TB disease, and adherence to the regimen. - All persons receiving treatment for LTBI should be monitored clinically for symptoms and signs of adverse drug reactions, beginning at the first initial aminase concentrations exceed three times the upper limit of the normal range when accompanied by symptoms, or five times the upper limit of the normal range in asymptomatic patients.

## Treatment of latent tuberculosis in special situations

## Pregnancy/lactation
Pregnancy has minimal influence on the pathogenesis of TB and there is no evidence to suggest a greater risk of progression of LTBI to active disease during pregnancy.The treatment of LTBI during pregnancy remains controversial. However, under ordinary circumstances, physicians should delay treatment until two to three months after delivery.However, for pregnant women who are HIV-positive or at high risk of progression to active disease and to prevent its consequences on the RIF + PZA: Generally should not be offered for treatment of LTBI.
mother and the fetus, initiation of therapy should not be delayed on the basis of pregnancy alone, even during the first trimester.INH can be given to pregnant women and is not toxic to the unborn child, even during the first four months of gestation. 4,7,61-66 Pregnant women taking INH should receive vitamin B6. Breastfeeding is not contraindicated when the mother is being treated for LTBI. 4

## Treatment of hiv-infected persons
Recommendations for HIV-infected adults are in general similar those for HIV-negative adults, although the quality of evidence and strengths of the recommendations vary. [bib_ref] Acquired rifamycin monoresistance in patients with HIV-related tuberculosis treated with once-weekly rifapentine..., Vernon [/bib_ref] [bib_ref] Identification and management of tuberculosis, Jerant [/bib_ref] [bib_ref] Preventive therapy for tuberculosis in HIV-infected persons: International recommendations, research, and practice, De Cock [/bib_ref] If isoniazid is chosen for treatment of LTBI in persons with HIV infection, nine months of therapy is recommended rather than six months. In addition, rifampin should generally be avoided in persons who are taking protease inhibitors (PIs) or NNRTIs.However, the management of persons co-infected with HIV and LTBI can be highly complex. Our recommendation is that management should be attempted in consultation with physicians who are experts in the treatment of TB and HIV.

## Persons with fibrotic lesions/suspected disease
Patients who have a chest radiograph demonstrating upper lobe fibronodular changes or scarring compatible with previous TB and a positive TST (>5 mm) without evidence of active disease and no history of treatment for TB, are considered at high risk of reactivation and should receive treatment. [bib_ref] Tuberculosis risk in persons with "fibrotic" x-ray lesions, Steinbruck [/bib_ref] [bib_ref] Tuberculosis in a cohort of Southeast Asian Refugees: A five-year surveillance study, Nolan [/bib_ref] Persons with evidence suggestive of healed, primary TB (i.e., calcified solitary pulmonary nodules, calcified hilar lymph nodes, and apical pleural capping) have only slightly increased risk for TB (about double that of the healthy). Their risk for TB and need for treatment of LTBI should be determined by considering other risk factors. 4

## Renal failure
Patients with chronic renal failure are at a high risk of reactivation (relative risk, 10.0-25.3) and all patients with positive reaction are recommended for therapy. [bib_ref] Tuberculosis in maintenance haemodialysis patients. Study from an endemic area, Malhotra [/bib_ref] However, anergic reaction is common among patients requiring hemodialysis, even in patients resident in endemic areas, so that TST may not be very sensitive to detect LTBI. In the absence of randomized trials that are specific for this population, nine months of isonizid (INH) is recommended. 4

## Children and adolescents
Infants and young children (i.e., those younger than five years of age) with LTBI are at high risk of progression to active TB. If untreated, they have up to 40% likelihood of developing active TB. [bib_ref] The prognosis of a positive tuberculin reaction in childhood and adolescence, Comstock [/bib_ref] [bib_ref] Preventive effects of isoniazid in the treatment of primary tuberculosis in children, Mount [/bib_ref] In particular, young children in contact with adults with active TB (i.e., household contacts) are at high risk for developing TB disease and should therefore be targeted for LTBI therapy (after ruling out active TB). The risk of progression decreases gradually through childhood. Infants and young children are more likely than older children and adults to develop life-threatening forms of TB, especially meningeal and disseminated disease. INH therapy for LTBI is more effective for children than adults, with risk reduction of 70-90%. Infants, children, and adolescents generally tolerate INH better than adults. [bib_ref] Preventive effects of isoniazid in the treatment of primary tuberculosis in children, Mount [/bib_ref] The only recommended regimen for the treatment of LTBI in HIV-negative children is a nine-month course of INH as self-administered daily therapy or by DOT twice weekly.Routine administration of pyridoxine is not recommended for children taking INH, but should be given to (1) breastfeeding infants, (2) children and adolescents with diets likely to be deficient in pyridoxine, and (3) children who experience paresthesias while taking INH. RIF alone has been used for the treatment of LTBI in infants, children, and adolescents when INH could not be tolerated, or when the child has had contact with a patient infected with an INH-resistant but RIF-susceptible organism. If RIF alone is used, then a six-month treatment regimen is recommended. [bib_ref] Preventive effects of isoniazid in the treatment of primary tuberculosis in children, Mount [/bib_ref] Liver disease Patients with chronic liver disease with LTBI pose a special problem, as all available regimens are potentially hepatotoxic. Four months of RIF may be safer although the efficacy of such a regimen has not been established. [bib_ref] Safety of treatment of latent tuberculosis infection in compensated cirrhotic patients during..., Jahng [/bib_ref] [bib_ref] Safety and efficacy of isoniazid chemoprophylaxis administered during liver transplant candidacy for..., Singh [/bib_ref] However, frequent clinical and laboratory monitoring for drug side effects is prudent.

## Solid organ transplantation
Solid organ transplantation is associated with a very high risk of LTBI reactivation to active TB. The incidence of infection among such patients is estimated to be 20-74 times that for the general population. [bib_ref] The high incidence of tuberculosis among renal transplant recipients in India, Sakhuja [/bib_ref] [bib_ref] Mycobacterium tuberculosis in lung transplant recipients, Miller [/bib_ref] [bib_ref] Clinical presentation and outcome of tuberculosis in kidney, liver, and heart transplant..., Aguado [/bib_ref] [bib_ref] Rifampin preventive therapy for tuberculosis in Boston's homeless, Meyers [/bib_ref] They should be treated for LTBI if their TSTs are positive. Safety of INH remains a concern, especially in liver transplant recipients, but is generally safe as long as pretreatment liver transaminase levels are normal. Common strategies include INH for nine months or RIF for four months. Patients should be treated during the pretransplant period, if possible.

## Contacts of patients with drug-susceptible tuberculosis index case
Persons who are contacts of patients with drug-susceptible TB and who have positive tuberculin skintest reactions should be treated with one of the recommended regimens listed above.In addition, some tuberculin-negative close contacts who are at high risk to develop severe active disease (e.g., children younger than five years of age) should be treated and another skin test performed a few weeks after contact has ended. If the repeat skin test is negative, the treatment should be discontinued. [bib_ref] Latent tuberculosis infection, Nuermberger [/bib_ref] Immunosuppressed persons, including those with HIV infection, who are close contacts of persons with active TB, should also receive treatment, even if repeat skin testing remains negative. 4,31

## Contacts of index cases with isoniazid-resistant tuberculosis
For TST-positive contacts of index or source cases with INH-resistant TB, we recommend treatment with four months of RIF; this appeared to be effective for tuberculin converters in two outbreaks of INH-resistant TB. 80, [bib_ref] Rifampin preventive therapy for tuberculosis infection: experience with 157 adolescents, Villarino [/bib_ref] In situations in which RIF cannot be used, rifabutin can be substituted.

## Contacts of patients with a multidrug-resistant tuberculosis index case
Treatment of LTBI after possible exposure to multidrug-resistant TB has not been evaluated in a randomized trial. For those who are at high risk of progression to active TB, preventive therapy with two drugs to which the organism is expected to be susceptible is recommended. Ideally, the selection of drugs should be guided by in vitro susceptibility test results from the isolate to which the patient was exposed and is presumed to be infected.
For persons who are likely to be infected with MDR-TB and are at high risk of developing TB, treatment should be with at least two active agents. Pyrazinamide (PZA) and ethambutol (EMB) or PZA and fluoroquinolones (FQN) have been recommended for 6 to 12 months. 82 However, the latter regimen is very poorly tolerated; 83 hence, we recommend an FQN (levaquin or moxifloxacin) and EMB as the preferred regimen for adults. PZA and EMB are recommended for 9 to 12 months for children because FQN use is contraindicated in pediatric patients. [bib_ref] Latent tuberculosis infection, Nuermberger [/bib_ref] All persons with suspected latent MDR-TB infection should be followed for at least two years, regardless of the treatment regimen. When FQN and EMB can-not be used, experts recommend using a combination of two other drugs to which the infecting organism is likely to be susceptible.

## Use of interferon release assays
A major advance in recent times has been the development of T-cell-based interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs). [bib_ref] Metaanalysis: new tests for the diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection: Areas of..., Menzies [/bib_ref] [bib_ref] Systematic review: T-cell-based assays for the diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection: An..., Pai [/bib_ref] IGRAs are in vitro tests that are based on interferon-gamma (IFN-) release after stimulation by antigens (such as early secreted antigenic target 6 [ESAT-6] and culture filtrate protein 10 [CFP-10]) which are more specific to MTB than the purified protein derivative (PPD). Two IGRAs are currently available as commercial kits that are US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved, and marked for use in Europe: the QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube (QFT) assay (Cellestis Ltd., Carnegie, Australia) and the T-SPOT.TB assay (Oxford Immunotec, Abingdon, UK). Of the two commercial tests, the QFT assay is simple and easy to use because of its ELISA format, and less expensive.
There are many potential advantages of these new tests. They are standardized and quality-controlled laboratory tests that provide results in a single patient visit. They do not have a 'booster' effect, and can be repeated without the need for two-step testing. They have excellent specificity and are unaffected by BCG and NTM (estimated specificity >98%). [bib_ref] Metaanalysis: new tests for the diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection: Areas of..., Menzies [/bib_ref] [bib_ref] Systematic review: T-cell-based assays for the diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection: An..., Pai [/bib_ref] The high specificity of IGRAs is likely to be useful in BCG-vaccinated individuals, particularly in countries where TST specificity is compromised by BCG vaccination after infancy or by multiple BCG vaccinations.
Sensitivity of IGRAs and TST is not consistent across tests and populations, but IGRAs appear to be at least as sensitive as the TST (estimated with active TB as the surrogate reference standard). [bib_ref] Metaanalysis: new tests for the diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection: Areas of..., Menzies [/bib_ref] [bib_ref] Systematic review: T-cell-based assays for the diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection: An..., Pai [/bib_ref] However, IGRAs should not be used to diagnose active TB because they cannot distinguish between LTBI and active disease.
IGRAs have some disadvantages, including higher material cost, the need for an equipped laboratory, and a requirement to draw peripheral blood. Evidence is still limited on the prognostic (predictive) value of these tests, and their added value in TB diagnosis and control. Furthermore, the interpretation of IGRA conversions and reversions is unclear, and evidence is rather limited in children and immunocompromised populations. Many studies on IGRA are ongoing in this area to properly define the role of IGRA in day-to-day clinical practice. [bib_ref] T-cell assays for the diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection: Moving the research..., Pai [/bib_ref] 

## Use of igra for the diagnosis of latent tb infection
The use of IGRAs is steadily increasing in low or intermediate incidence countries. More than a dozen countries (e.g., USA, UK, Canada, Germany, France, Switzerland, Japan, Netherlands) now have at least one guideline or statement on the use of IGRAs. There is considerable diversity in how various countries currently recommend and use IGRAs. For example, the CDC guidelines for the USA recommend using either TST or IGRA for LTBI testing. In contrast, many countries (e.g., UK, Canada, Spain, Italy) recommend a two-step approach where TST is done first, followed by IGRA. Globally, the two-step approach seems to be the most popular and possibly a very cost-effective strategy. However, because of the potential boosting effect of TST on IGRA results, [bib_ref] A double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial of three antituberculosis chemoprophylaxis regimens in patients..., Van Zyl-Smit [/bib_ref] it may be best to collect blood for IGRA at the time the TST is read (i.e., within three days of placing PPD).

## Recommendations
1. IGRAs should not be used to diagnose active TB in adults. In children, they may be used as an adjunct test, in combination with TST, chest x-ray, and microbiological investigations. A negative IGRA alone should not be used to rule out active TB. 2. In BCG-vaccinated individuals (adults and children), IGRAs may be used to confirm a positive TST result (i.e., to check if the TST result is a false positive). If a positive TST result is confirmed by a positive IGRA result, LTBI treatment should be initiated after ruling out active TB. 3. In immunocompromised patients, if a false-negative TST result is suspected, IGRAs may be used to rule out LTBI.

# Conclusions
Saudi Arabia is a country of medium prevalence for TB infection. The TST remains a useful tool in the identification of subjects with latent TB infection. NTM infection and BCG vaccination (routinely given in infancy) do not interfere with the interpretation of the test in adolescents and adults. Patients at high risk of developing active TB should be treated with the standard regimens advocated in this statement after due care is taken in excluding active TB disease.
[table] Table 1: Causes of false-negative tuberculin skin testing Technical factors: (potentially correctable) [/table]
[table] Table 2 Table 3: Indications for tuberculin skin testing.A. Individuals with increased risk for new infection: (all patients should be tested regardless of age) -Close contacts of persons with active pulmonary TB -Persons whose tuberculin skin tests have converted to positive (10 mm induration and >6 mm increase) within the past two years -Persons who live or work in clinical or institutional settings where TB exposure may Children four years of age 3. Low risk: test not indicated Target for tuberculin skin testing and who should be considered for treatment. Completion of therapy is based on the total number of doses administered, not the duration of therapy alone. iii. Treatment interruptions of more than two months require another evaluation to exclude active TB before restarting therapy. INH for nine months has not been compared directly with daily administration but is considered to be an acceptable alternative, provided all doses of therapy are directly observed. 4b. Six months INH alone-acceptable alternative: INH may be given for six months if there are any concerns about side effects or adherence. [/table]
[table] Table 4: Relative risk for developing active tuberculosis by selected clinical conditions We recommend withholding INH if serum trans- [/table]
[table] Table 5: Recommended drug regimens for the treatment of LTBI. [/table]