Incidence of tuberculosis infection among healthcare workers: risk factors and 20-year evolution

Publié le 06 décembre 2013 • Catégorie(s) : En une, Risques biologiques • Mot(s) clef(s) : tuberculose

Auteur Irma Casas
Auteur Maria Esteve
Auteur Rosa Guerola
Auteur Ignasi García-Olivé
Auteur Juan Roldán-Merino
Auteur Carlos Martinez-Rivera
Auteur Juan Ruiz-Manzano
Volume 107
Numéro 4
Pages 601-607
Publication Respiratory medicine
Date Apr 2013
Résumé OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI), and risk factors for tuberculosis skin test (TST) conversion among Healthcare workers (HCWs) during a 20-year follow-up period. DESIGN: Prospective cohort analysis. Surveillance was conducted from January 1, 1988, to December 31, 2007. SETTING: 600-bed tertiary referral hospital in Barcelona, Spain. PARTICIPANTS: HCWs in risk for occupational tuberculosis (TB) exposure, with negative baseline TST, direct contact with patients and/or biological samples and at least one follow-up visit with TST. METHODS: TST is performed in HCWs with no previous history of TB or no previous positive TST. When TST is negative this test is performed once a year in high-risk workers, or at least every 2 years according to the hospital’s guidelines. In all cases an interview questionnaire to gather information on possible risk factors was performed. RESULTS: The study included 614 HCWs, 27% worked in areas of risk for TB exposure. Annual incidence rate had decreased from 46.8 per 100 person-years in 1990 to 1.08 per 100 person-years in 2007. Cumulative incidence was higher in HCWs who work in high-risk areas (p = 0.004) and in time periods from 1990 to 1995, and from 1996 to 2001 (p < 0.0001). Cox regression model showed a hazard ratio of 1.55 (CI 95%; 1.05-2.27) in high-risk workers, adjusted by gender, age and professional status. CONCLUSIONS: Incidence of LTBI among HCWs is high, although it decreased throughout the follow-up period. It is crucial to maintain surveillance programs in HCWs.