Tuberculosis and latent tuberculosis infection among healthcare workers in Kisumu, Kenya

Abstract

Abstractobjective To assess prevalence and occupational risk factors of latent TB infection and history of TB disease ascribed to work in a healthcare setting in western Kenya.methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey among healthcare workers in western Kenya in 2013. They were recruited from dispensaries, health centres and hospitals that offer both TB and HIV services. School workers from the health facilities' catchment communities were randomly selected to serve as the community comparison group. Latent TB infection was diagnosed by tuberculin skin testing. HIV status of participants was assessed. Using a logistic regression model, we determined the adjusted odds of latent TB infection among healthcare workers compared to school workers; and among healthcare workers only, we assessed work-related risk factors for latent TB infection.results We enrolled 1005 healthcare workers and 411 school workers. Approximately 60% of both groups were female. A total of 22% of 958 healthcare workers and 12% of 392 school workers tested HIV positive. Prevalence of self-reported history of TB disease was 7.4% among healthcare workers and 3.6% among school workers. Prevalence of latent TB infection was 60% among healthcare workers and 48% among school workers. Adjusted odds of latent TB infection were 1.5 times higher among healthcare workers than school workers (95% confidence interval 1.2-2.0). Healthcare workers at all three facility types had similar prevalence of latent TB infection (P = 0.72), but increasing years of employment was associated with increased odds of LTBI (P < 0.01).conclusion Healthcare workers at facilities in western Kenya which offer TB and HIV services are at increased risk of latent TB infection, and the risk is similar across facility types. Implementation of WHO-recommended TB infection control measures are urgently needed in health facilities to protect healthcare workers.

Estimating the prevalence of positive tuberculin skin test reactions in general population and high-risk groups: A meta-analysis

“…It should be noted that 22% of the population living in this region were HIV positive. [ 23 ] Results of a meta-analysis[ 24 ] showed that the prevalence of latent TB infection among medical and nursing students in the low- and middle-income countries was 12%, which is similar to that observed in the current meta-analysis. That study reported the risk of TB infection among health-care workers as of 25–5361 per 100,000 population.…”

Is latent tuberculosis infection challenging in Iranian health care workers? A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…According to results of the current meta-analysis, the prevalence of LTBI in Iranian’s HCWs is estimated at 27.1% [1]. Among the low and middle-income countries, the prevalence of LTBI in Kenya [63], Zimbabwe [64], Russia [65], Brazil [66], Vietnam [67], Rwanda [68], China [69] and South Africa [70] has been higher than in Iran [1]. The prevalence of LTBI in HCWs of Italy [71], Norway [72] and India [73] is reported to be equal to or less than Iran.…”

Tuberculosis infection control practices and associated factors among healthcare workers in hospitals of Gamo Gofa Zone, Southern Ethiopia, institution-based cross-sectional study

“…among HCWs compared to school workers (39%) [9]. The prevalence of LTBI was 60% among HCWs compared to school workers (48.2%) in Kenya [10].…”

“…A finding from Rwanda showed that the prevalence of LTBI was 69% among HCWs compared to school workers (39%) [ 9 ]. The prevalence of LTBI was 60% among HCWs compared to school workers (48.2%) in Kenya [ 10 ].…”