Prevalence and Incidence of Latent Tuberculosis Infection in Georgian Healthcare Workers

Jennifer A. Whitaker, Veriko Mirtskhulava, Maia Kipiani, Drew A Harris, Nino Tabagari, Russell R Kempker and Henry M Blumberg

PLOS ONE, 2013, vol. 8, issue 3, 1-8

Abstract: Background: Tuberculosis is a major occupational hazard in low and middle-income countries. Limited data exist on serial testing of healthcare workers (HCWs) with interferon-γ release assays (IGRAs) for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI), especially in low and middle-income countries. We sought to evaluate the rates of and risk factors for LTBI prevalence and LTBI test conversion among HCWs using the tuberculin skin test (TST) and QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-tube assay (QFT-GIT). Methods: A prospective longitudinal study was conducted among HCWs in the country of Georgia. Subjects completed a questionnaire, and TST and QFT-GIT tests were performed. LTBI testing was repeated 6-26 months after baseline testing. Results: Among 319 HCWs enrolled, 89% reported prior BCG vaccination, and 60% worked in TB healthcare facilities (HCFs). HCWs from TB HCFs had higher prevalence of positive QFT-GIT and TST than those from non-TB HCFs: 107/194 (55%) vs. 30/125 (31%) QFT-GIT positive (p

Date: 2013
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:plo:pone00:0058202

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0058202

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