Mixed methods study on latent tuberculosis among agate stone workers and advocacy for testing silica dust exposed individuals in India | Scientific Reports

In summary, our findings reveal that among agate-stone workers, the prevalence of latent TB infection exceeded that reported for the general population. Notably, exposure to silica dust emerged as a significant factor, especially prolonged exposure and engagement in specific work settings involving polishing and chipping of agate stones. Experts concurred with these findings and advocated for targeting agate-stone workers and other similarly silica-dust-exposed occupational groups for latent TB testing and subsequent TB preventive treatment, aiming to mitigate the burden of TB within these vulnerable populations.