Evaluation of Latent Tuberculosis in Health Care Workers of Chest Diseases Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Health care workers are particularly at risk of acquiring tuberculosis. Tuberculin skin test (TST) is widely used for the detection of latent tuberculosis and the identification of health care workers (HCWs) who require chemoprophylaxis. The present study reports the results of a two-year tuberculosis surveillance among HCW in a chest disease hospital, using TST.

Materials and Methods: A total of 238 HCW were included into the study. 2 TU (0.1 mL) PPD was injected to HCW and after 72 hours, the results were evaluated measuring the diameter of enduration. More than 10 mm enduration for cases who had no BCG and 15 mm enduration for cases who had BCG were accepted positive. The test was repeated after 10 days for negative reactions. Age, gender, the number of BCG scar, occupation, contact with tuberculosis, presence of chronic disease, history of tuberculosis, history of tuberculosis in family and tuberculosis symptoms were asked to the HCW and their answers were recorded. PA lung X-ray was taken for each HCW included into the study.

Results: 18 (13.2%) in 2013-2014 and 8 (%5.8) in 2014-2015 had a positive TST.

Conclusion: Tuberculosis control programs, personnel training should be carried out and TST should be made when starting to work for the prevention of tuberculosis in health care workers.