To identify spatial social contact processes related to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB): weighted networks model

Abstract Background: Tuberculosis is known as one of the main health problems, especially in developing countries.This study aimed to visualize, statistically model and describe the weighted networks of MTB cases to identify MTB-related social contact processes. Methods: In this case-control study, we applied weighted network analysis to assess the network of person-time spent in stores, workplaces, restaurants, mosques, Police bases, homes, hospitals, colleges, hairdressers', schools, contact homes, health centers, cinemas, parks, and markets. Results: The result shows the extracted modules of locations based on the connectivity followed by the person-time at each location. The correlation (p-value) between TB and the turquoise, blue, and brown modules were 0.058 (0.351), 0.004 (0.943), and 0.117 (0.039) respectively. Among the modules, the brown is the most important one in which homes, contact homes, health centers and hospitals have a significant connection with each other. Therefore, it was found that the person time in 4 places is related to the occurrence of tuberculosis. Conclusion: In this study, it was found that most transmission of tuberculosis infection occurs in home, contact homes, health centers and hospitals. These place evaluations allow identification of people with more contact and in need of screening, and it critically leads to the identification of more patients with active TB.