Prevalence and Risk Factors of Latent Tuberculosis Infection among People Living with HIV in Mongolia

Tuberculosis (TB) remains the leading cause of death among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV). Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) poses a serious challenge because immune suppression substantially increases the risk of progression to active disease. In Mongolia, where TB incidence is high, little is known about LTBI prevalence and risk factors among PLHIV. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of LTBI and identify risk factors for LTBI in Mongolia.

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using secondary data from the AIDS/STI Surveillance and Research Department of the National Centre for Communicable Diseases between September 2023 and January 2024. A total of 196 PLHIV without active TB were screened using the QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus test. Sociodemographic and clinical variables were analyzed with chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression.

The prevalence of LTBI was 39.3% (77/196). Interruption of antiretroviral therapy was significantly associated with (odds ratio, 27.7; 95% confidence interval, 3.04-252.2). The history of TB contact was also associated with high risk (P=0.047). Viral load level and duration of HIV infection were not significantly associated with LTBI.

These findings indicate that LTBI prevalence among PLHIV in Mongolia is high, comparable to other high-burden settings. Ensuring continuous ART use, implementing systematic LTBI screening, and expanding preventive therapy are critical to reduce progression to active TB and to strengthen TB/HIV control efforts.