Prevalence of Tuberculosis Infection Among Household Contacts of Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients in Rural Faridabad, Haryana: A Community-based Cross-sectional Study

control.This study was conducted to determine the frequency of TB infection among HHCs of PTB indicator cases residing in a pastoral region.The identification of LTBI is generally grounded in immunological assays, especially the tuberculin skin test (TST) and interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs).In this IntroductIonLatent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) refers to a condition where an individual mounts a vulnerable response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigens in the absence of clinical symptoms of active tuberculosis (TB). 1 It's estimated that around one-third of the global population is infected with M. tuberculosis.2 Although individuals with LTBI remain asymptomatic and are not infectious, approximately 5-10% will develop active TB during their lifetime, with the majority of cases occurring within the first 5 years after the initial infection.3 The liability of progression to active TB is especially advanced in certain populations, including youthful children, those with compromised vulnerable systems, and individuals with recent exposure to active TB cases.4 India bears a significant burden of LTBI, with estimates suggesting a frequency of 30-40 among the population.5 In light of this substantial burden and the ongoing transmission, it becomes essential to apply targeted webbing strategies, particularly in areas with high TB transmission.Relating to and treating individuals at advanced risk-similar to ménage connections household contacts (HHCs) of cases diagnosed with pulmonary TB (PTB)-is vital for strengthening TB prevention and 1,2,4,