Evaluation and treatment of latent tuberculosis infection among healthcare workers in Korea: A multicentre cohort analysis

Seon-Sook Han, Su Jin Lee, Jae-Joon Yim, Jin Hwa Song, Eun Hye Lee and Young Ae Kang

PLOS ONE, 2019, vol. 14, issue 9, 1-11

Abstract: Objective: Healthcare workers (HCWs) are one of the target groups for systematic testing and treatment of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in a setting of low TB incidence. We performed this study to describe the testing of HCWs for LTBI and analyse the acceptance and completion of treatment of LTBI. Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted in four university-affiliated hospitals between January 1 and December 31, 2018. HCWs with positive interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) during LTBI screening were analysed. We assessed the acceptance and completion of LTBI treatment. Results: Overall, 893 HCWs were IGRA positive. Among them, 609 HCWs visited the clinic for evaluation of LTBI. Of 609 HCWs who were evaluated, 302 (49.6%) were offered treatment for LTBI. The proportion of acceptance for treatment was 64.5% (195 of 302 HCWs). The treatment course was completed by 143 of 195 HCWs (73.3%). Three months of isoniazid and rifampin (3HR) was used in 137 HCWs (70.3%) and 4 months of rifampin (4R) in 58 (29.7%). 72 HCWs (36.9%) experienced at least one adverse drug events, but there was no different characteristics between completer and non-completer. Conclusion: The acceptance and completion of LTBI treatment were unsatisfactory. Subjective perspective regarding obstacles to treatment of LTBI needs to be explored to increase compliance to LTBI treatment.

Date: 2019
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:plo:pone00:0222810

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0222810

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