Higher prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis revealed by Xpert MTB/RIF ultra among drug users in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo

Abstract

DUs are a population at risk of TB that should not be neglected among all KVPs in Kinshasa. In this specific population, the determination of TB prevalence was significantly improved with the use of Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra compared to hot AFB-Neelsen staining. Among the DU included in the present study, those who habitually consumed alcohol in its different forms, diazepam for non-medical purposes, and tobacco, were significantly more infected than the others. DUs should be considered for systemic screening for pulmonary TB alongside other key populations such as people living with HIV and Xpert should be maintained as a first-line test instead of microscopy. Further studies also including asymptomatic participants are needed to assess the burden due to pulmonary TB in DUs as well as in their living environment.