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Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology

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Open Access 01-12-2011 | Research

Screening for tuberculosis and prediction of disease in Portuguese healthcare workers

Authors: José Torres Costa, Rui Silva, Felix C Ringshausen, Albert Nienhaus

Published in: Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology | Issue 1/2011

Abstract

Introduction

Results of systematic screening of healthcare workers (HCWs) for tuberculosis (TB) with the tuberculin skin test (TST) and interferon-γ release assays (IGRA) in a Portuguese hospital from 2007 to 2010 are reported.

Methods

All HCWs are offered screening for TB. Screening is repeated depending on risk assessment. TST and QuantiFERON Gold In-Tube (QFT) are used simultaneously. X-ray is performed when TST is > 10 mm, IGRA is positive or typical symptoms exist.

Results

The cohort comprises 2,889 HCWs. TST and IGRA were positive in 29.5%, TST-positive but IGRA-negative results were apparent in 43.4%. Active TB was diagnosed in twelve HCWs - eight cases were detected during screening and four cases were predicted by IGRA as well as by TST. However, the progression rate in IGRA-positive was higher than in TST-positive HCWs (0.4% vs. 0.2%, p-value 0.06).

Conclusions

The TB burden in this cohort was high (129.8 per 100,000 HCWs). However, the progression to active TB after a positive TST or positive IGRA was considerably lower than that reported in literature for close contacts in low-incidence countries. This may indicate that old LTBI prevails in these HCWs.

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Title: Screening for tuberculosis and prediction of disease in Portuguese healthcare workers
Authors: José Torres Costa
Rui Silva
Felix C Ringshausen
Albert Nienhaus
Publication date: 01-12-2011
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology / Issue 1/2011
Electronic ISSN: 1745-6673
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1745-6673-6-19

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Screening for tuberculosis and prediction of disease in Portuguese healthcare workers

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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