Spatial Overlap Between Latent Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Infection and Venezuelan Migrants

Abstract Background Migrants are a high-risk group for TB and LTBI due to social determinants of health, such as poor living conditions and limited healthcare access. Since 2015, Roraima has faced significant Venezuelan migration, necessitating enhanced health surveillance efforts. Understanding the geographical conditions and their impact on migrants' health is crucial. This study aimed to evaluate the spatial overlap of TB and LTBI incidence in Boa Vista, Roraima, and its correlation with the Venezuelan migrant population from 2018 to 2022. Methods An ecological study was carried out, using data from the Tuberculosis Notifiable Diseases Information System and the Information System for LTBI. The study population consisted of TB-notified cases and LTBI living in Boa Vista during the study period. Spatial distribution patterns were assessed with thematic maps and local Getis-Ord statistics to identify hotspots, Kendall's W statistics to assess the TB and LTBI incidence overlap, and the Pearson correlation coefficient to evaluate the relationship between LTBI incidences and the proportion of Venezuelan migrants. Results Typical heterogeneous distributions of both LTBI and TB were observed; TB hotspots were present in the western and southern zones, and LTBI in the central and southern zones. The overlapping of the incidence of LTBI and TB pointed to significant agreement between the average annual incidence rates of LTBI and TB. There was a significant correlation between the LTBI incidence rate and the proportion of Venezuelan migrants. Conclusion The identification of LTBI risk areas could support health surveillance actions and targeted control and prevention and measures, especially for vulnerable populations.