Incidence of occupational latent tuberculosis infection in South African healthcare workers.

ABSTRACT: The test-specific incidence of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in healthcare workers from sub-Saharan Africa is unknown. 505 healthcare workers from South Africa were screened at baseline, and after 12 months, with a questionnaire, the tuberculin skin test (TST), and two T-cell assays (T-SPOT.TB and QuantiFERON-TB Gold-In-Tube). Test-specific conversion rates were calculated. The prevalence of presumed LTBI at baseline was 84, 69 and 62% using the TST, QuantiFERON-TB Gold-In-Tube and T-SPOT.TB, respectively. The annual test-specific conversion rate, depending on the cut-off point used, was as follows: TST 38%; QuantiFERON-TB Gold-In-Tube 13-22%; and T-SPOT.TB 18-22%. Annual reversion rates were 4, 7 and 16%, respectively. The annual TST conversion rate was significantly higher than th

SUBMITTER: Adams S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5523975 | biostudies-literature | 2015 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature