In:
Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, Cambridge University Press (CUP), Vol. 22, No. 02 ( 2001-02), p. 88-93
Abstract:
To identify risk factors associated with tuberculin reactivity in healthcare workers (HCWs). Design: Cross-sectional survey of tuberculin reactivity (2 TU of purified protein derivative (PPD) RT23, using the Mantoux two-step test). Setting: Two general hospitals located in a region with a high prevalence of tuberculosis and high bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) coverage. Participants: Volunteer sample of HCWs. Results: 605 HCWs were recruited: 71.2% female; mean age, 36.4 (standard deviation [SD], 8.2) years; 48.9% nurses, 10.4% physicians, 26.8% administrative personnel; mean time of employment, 10.9 (SD, 6.7) years. PPD reactivity (≥10 mm) was found in 390 (64.5%). Multivariate analysis revealed an association of tuberculin reactivity with occupational exposure in the hospital: participation in autopsies (odds ratio [OR] , 9.3; 95% confidence interval [CI 95 ], 2.1-40.5; P =.003.), more than 1 year of employment (OR, 2.4; CI 95 , 1.1-5.0; P =.02), work in the emergency or radiology departments (OR, 2.0; CI 95 ,1.03-3.81; P =.04), being physicians or nurses (OR, 1.5; CI 95 , 1.04-2.11; P =.03), age (OR, 1.04; CI 95 , 1.02-1.07 per year of age; P & lt;.001), and BCG scar (OR, 2.1; CI 95 , 1.2-3.4; P =.005). Conclusions: Although the studied population has a high baseline prevalence of tuberculosis infection and high coverage of BCG vaccination, nosocomial risk factors associated with PPD reactivity were identified as professional risks; strict early preventive measures must be implemented accordingly.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0899-823X
,
1559-6834
Language:
English
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Publication Date:
2001
detail.hit.zdb_id:
639378-0
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2106319-9
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