High risk of <i>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</i> infection during the Hajj pilgrimage

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Annually more than 2 million pilgrims from all over the world attend the Hajj in Saudi Arabia. Overcrowding during this pilgrimage leads to a high risk of transmission of airborne infectious diseases. Tuberculosis (TB) is common among hospitalized pilgrims, but the overall risk of acquiring Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection during this pilgrimage is not known. We conducted a prospective study to assess the risk of M. tuberculosis infection among Hajj pilgrims. METHODS: We measured the immune response to TB antigens using a whole-blood assay (QuantiFERON TB assay) prior to departure and 3 months after return from the Hajj pilgrimage. RESULTS: Of 357 paired assays, 149 pilgrims were negative prior to the Hajj and 15 (10%) of these had a significant rise in immune response to TB antigens. CONCLUSIONS: Pilgrims may be at high risk of acquiring M. tuberculosis infection during the Hajj. This has significant public health implications for TB control in countries with large Muslim populations.