Tuberculin skin test evaluation in healthcare workers and distribution by occupation

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Tuberculosis (TB) is a potential occupational threat for healthcare workers (HCWs)worldwide. We aimed to evaluate the tuberculin skin test (TST) and investigated if there was anydifference between occupations.METHODS: This was designed as a prospective study. The analysis was performed on 331participants. Purified protein derivative was administered to all cases. In addition, cases’ age, gender,and smoking status were questioned and their comorbidities were recorded. Both shoulder areaswere checked, and the Bacille Calmette‑Guérin (BCG) scar counts were recorded.RESULTS: Out of a total of 331 participants, 207 were female and 124 were male; meanage was 39 ± 8 (min; 18, max; 61) and TST was 12 ± 6 mm. The cases were categorized byconsidering participants’ exposure to TB (Group‑1 ‑ Doctor; Group‑2 ‑ Midwife‑Nurse‑HealthTechnician‑Laboratorian; Group‑3 ‑ Technician‑Administrative Staff; Group‑4 ‑ Secretary‑AuxilliaryStaff; and Group‑5 ‑ Security, Cleaning, Cafeteria Staff). When compared in terms of TST, therewas a statistically significant difference (P < 0.001). The cases had at least 1 and maximum 3 BCGscars. Based on this, three groups were formed. Two hundred and twenty‑three cases had 2 scars,58 had 1, and 41 had 3. Significant difference was found among three groups, and similarly, therewas a statistically significant difference in paired comparisons (P < 0.001; for all comparisons).While the difference was detected in the group with two BCG scars, there was no difference in othergroups (P = 0.7, 0.001, and 0.5, respectively). There was a significant difference in terms of TSTbetween genders (P < 0.001).CONCLUSION: Exposure to TB may vary according to professions, but the socioeconomic situationcannot be determined by professions.