First assessment of interferon gamma release assay results among healthcare workers at a general hospital in China

Abstract

Introduction China has a very high tuberculosis (TB) burden. The interferon‐gamma release assay (IGRA) is more specific for the diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) than the tuberculin skin test, especially among populations with a high degree of coverage by the BCG vaccine. Objectives To evaluate the first screening of healthcare workers (HCW) for LTBI using the IGRA at a general hospital in Beijing. Methods A pilot screening program for LTBI was triggered by accidental contact between HCW and two patients with active TB in the emergency department (ED). Given the necessity of estimating the overall LTBI prevalence in the institution, a sample of 518 HCW was enrolled in our cross‐sectional study. The second IGRA was repeated with 43 of the 121 HCW in the ED after exposure to index TB cases. Data on putative risk factors were collected with a self‐administered questionnaire. Results The prevalence of LTBI in the targeted population was 21.8%. Differences in the prevalence of LTBI were significantly related to age, employment duration, and history of occupational exposure. A lack of childhood BCG vaccination was independently associated with the prevalence of LTBI (adjusted OR: 1.686, 95% CI: 1.045‐2.723, P = .0325). No new LTBI was diagnosed 12 weeks postexposure. No HCW adopted the preventive treatment for LTBI. Conclusions Considering the high morbidity of LTBI among HCW even in general hospitals, it is essential to formulate government policies and institutional operation protocols for the systematic screening, registration, and administration of prophylaxes for the control of LTBI.

Management of latent tuberculosis infection in China: Exploring solutions suitable for high-burden countries

“…LTBI prevalence among household contacts was found to be relatively high (32-48%) (Zhang et al, 2019;Hu et al, 2012). The TB infection rate in healthcare workers (HCWs) was found to range from 15% to 70% depending on the level and the location of the hospital (Guo et al, 2018;Di et al, 2014). IGRA positivity was observed to be lower than 10% in schoolchildren and adolescents (Hu et al, 2013;Li et al, 2017).…”

The Effect of Latent Tuberculosis Infection on Ovarian Reserve and Pregnancy Outcomes among Infertile Women Undergoing Intrauterine Insemination: A Retrospective Cohort Study with Propensity Score Matching

“…LTBI prevalence among household contacts varied from 32 to 48% [6,7]. The TB infection rate in healthcare workers was found to range from 15% to 70% [8,9]. IGRA positivity was observed to be lower than 10% in schoolchildren and adolescents [10,11].…”

Implementing a continuous quality-improvement framework for tuberculosis infection prevention and control in healthcare facilities in China, 2017–2019

“…Other studies have found lower but substantial levels of LTBI among HCWs in China, ranging from 22% to 34%. [8][9][10] In a cross-sectional study of 31 health facilities in China, regular facility-based IPC training and implementation was associated with low HCW LTBI prevalence, 10 highlighting the importance of facility IPC policies.…”