Reliable in the immunocompromised

Who are the immunocompromised?

Many diagnosed with an underlying condition don’t realize that they are immunocompromised.1 Those with compromised immune systems face a higher risk of contracting tuberculosis (TB) and a higher risk of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) becoming active. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has published the following list of people at high-risk for developing active TB disease once infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB):2,3

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Persons living with diabetes

34,200,000 people live with diabetes4

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Persons living with Crohn’s disease or other inflammatory bowel disease

3,000,000 people live with Crohn’s disease or other inflammatory bowel disease5

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Persons living with rheumatoid arthritis

1,500,000 people live with rheumatoid arthritis6

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Persons living with HIV/AIDS

1,200,000 people live with HIV/AIDS7

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Persons living with chronic kidney disease

37,000,000 people live with chronic kidney disease8

  • Persons who are receiving immunosuppressive therapy
  • Persons who were recently infected with MTB (within the past 2 years)
  • Persons with a history of untreated or inadequately treated active TB disease
  • Persons living with leukemia, lymphoma or cancer of the head, neck or lung
  • Persons who have had a gastrectomy or jejunoileal bypass
  • Persons who weigh less than 90% of their ideal body weight
  • Persons who smoke cigarettes or abuse drugs or alcohol
  • Populations defined locally as having an increased incidence of active TB disease, possibly including medically underserved or low-income populations

Why are the immunocompromised at risk?

There are many reasons for the increased risk faced by those with compromised immune systems. These include:

  • Risk of progression from LTBI to active TB can be much higher than in a healthy population9
  • TB infection can increase the progression of comorbid conditions, such as HIV10
  • Management of TB can be complicated by drug interactions and cumulative toxicities11
  • Reduced T cell counts and functionality can make it difficult for some tests to detect an immune response to MTB infection12
immunocompromised
Hear Nicole’s challenges after her active TB diagnosis while on a biologic

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