Infecção latente pelo Mycobacterium tuberculosis em trabalhadores da saúde na Bahia / Latent Infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis in health Workers in Bahia, Brazil

Objetivo: Estimar a prevalência de positividade do Teste Tuberculínico (TT) no rastreamento da infecção latente pelo Mycobacterium tuberculosis (ILTB) e identificar fatores associados entre trabalhadores da Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS) e média complexidade no segundo maior município do Estado da Bahia. Métodos: Inquérito epidemiológico, com 370 participantes, que avaliou dados sociodemográficos, ocupacionais, consumo de tabaco, álcool e variáveis relacionadas à tuberculose (TB), no período de abril/2021 a março/2022. Aplicou-se o TT por via intradérmica, com leitura após 72h. Resultados: A prevalência de positividade do TT foi de 41,3% e 17,6% para TT ≥ 5mm e TT ≥ 10mm, respectivamente. Para TT ≥ 5mm, as variáveis associadas foram: possuir cicatriz da vacina Bacilo Calmette-Guérin (BCG) e contato prévio com pessoas com TB. Conclusão: A prevalência de positividade do TT foi elevada entre os participantes do estudo. Fazem-se necessárias medidas de proteção ambiental, coletiva e individual para redução do risco de ILTB.

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of tuberculin test (TT) positivity in screening for Latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection (LTBI) and to identify associated factors in Primary Health Care (PHC) and medium complexity workers in the second largest municipality in the State of Bahia, Brazil. Methods: Epidemiological survey with 370 workers on sociodemographic and occupational data, tobacco and alcohol use and variables related to Tuberculosis (TB), during April 2021 and March 2022. TT was applied intradermally, with reading after 72 hours. Results: The prevalence of positive TT was 41.3% and 17.6% for TT ≥ 5mm and TT ≥ 10mm, respectively. For TT ≥ 5mm, the associated variables were: presence of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine scar and previous contact with TB patients. Conclusion: The prevalence of TST positivity was high among study participants. Environmental, collective and individual protection measures are necessary to reduce the risk of LTBI.

Latent tuberculosis infection status among freshmen in boarding middle schools in Longgang District of Shenzhen City / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To analyze the current status of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) among freshmen in boarding middle schools in Longgang District, Shenzhen, so as to provide reference for formulating tuberculosis prevention and control strategies in the next stage.@*Methods@#Data for tuberculosis health examination conducted among primary and secondary school students in Longgang District of Shenzhen in September 2022 to May 2023 were utilized to analyze the latent tuberculosis infection rate, and to explore the differences in latent tuberculosis infection rate among different grades, school nature, school categories and school levels.@*Results@#The latent tuberculosis infection rate among freshmen in boarding secondary schools in Longgang District, Shenzhen in 2022 was 2.45%. The infection rate among full middle school (6.45%) and high school (3.37%) were higher than that in boarding junior high school (0.28%), nine year education school (0) and twelve year education school (1.00%) ( P <0.01). Moreover, the infection rate of high school freshmen (2.68%) was higher than that of bording junior high school (0.33%), and the rate of public schools (2.87%) and municipal schools (3.24%) were higher than those of private schools (1.78%) and distric-level schools (2.13%) respectively, with statistical significance observed for all differences( χ 2=43.58, 25.15, 22.69, P <0.01).@*Conclusions@#The latent tuberculosis infection rate among new boarding secondary students is relatively low in Longgang District of Shenzhen. However, the infection rate is higher in high school, public and municipal school. School should fully guarantee sports participation of students, enhance students awareness of tuberculosis through health knowledge lectures, and reduce the incidence of tuberculosis among students.

Prevalence of positive tuberculin skin test in a Brazilian sample of rheumatoid arthritis and spondylarthritis patients

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Patients with rheumatic diseases have an increased risk of infections, especially tuberculosis. In this study, we aimed to recognize the positivity rate of tuberculosis skin test in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and spondyloarthritis and the characteristics of the patients with positive results. METHODS: Retrospective study of tuberculosis skin test results in patients followed from 2004 to 2021 in a single rheumatology unit. Data related to clinical and epidemiological features, along with treatment information referring to the period in which the tuberculosis skin test was performed, were collected from patients' charts. RESULTS: A total of 723 tests were identified (448 tests in 269 rheumatoid arthritis patients and 275 in 174 spondyloarthritis patients). In the rheumatoid arthritis sample, 31/275 (11.5%) individuals had positive tests, and in the spondyloarthritis, 38/174 (21.8%) had positive tests. In the rheumatoid arthritis sample, patients with positive tuberculosis skin tests used a higher dose of methotrexate than those with negative results (median of 25 mg/week versus median of 20 mg/week respectively; p=0.02). In the spondyloarthritis sample, tuberculosis skin test positivity was associated with alcohol ingestion (13.1% versus 2.9% in users and non-users respectively; p=0.02) and sulfasalazine use (15.7% of positivity in users versus 5% in non-users; p=0.01). CONCLUSION: The tuberculosis skin test-positive prevalence in rheumatoid arthritis was lower than in the spondyloarthritis sample. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis using a higher dosage of methotrexate or with spondyloarthritis using sulfasalazine had more frequency of tuberculosis skin test positivity and should be carefully followed by the attending physician in order to avoid the appearance of full-blown tuberculosis.

Tuberculose latente entre pessoas vivendo com HIV e contatos num estado hiperendêmico / Tuberculosis latente entre personas que viven con el VIH y contactos en un estado hiperendémico / Latent tuberculosis among people living with HIV and contacts in a hyperendemic state

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar a tuberculose latente entre pessoas vivendo com HIV e contatos de pessoas com tuberculose. Métodos Estudo transversal, quantitativo, realizado no estado do Pará, a partir dos casos de infecção tuberculosa latente notificados entre os anos 2019 e 2020. Os dados foram extraídos do Sistema de Informação de Infecção Latente por Tuberculose, na Secretaria de Estado de Saúde Pública, no período de novembro a dezembro de 2021. Para análise, utilizaram-se a estatística descritiva, o teste qui-quadrado e o teste G, além da razão de prevalência, no Bioestat 5.3, com nível de significância de 5%. Resultados Foram estudados 1.116 casos de tuberculose latente, sendo 653 em 2019 e 463 em 2020. O desfecho indicou baixa proporção de tratamentos completos (n=734). Entre os registros, 371 eram de pessoas vivendo com HIV e 416 contatos de casos de tuberculose. Observou-se associação da infecção latente em pessoas vivendo com HIV e contatos com as variáveis sexo, idade, procedência e situação de encerramento (p<0,0001). Conclusão A tuberculose latente em pessoas vivendo com HIV e contatos apresenta diferentes padrões quando associada ao perfil sociodemográfico, sendo necessário priorizar a identificação desses grupos para a adoção de ações estratégicas que impactem no controle da doença.

Resumen Objetivo Evaluar la tuberculosis latente entre personas que viven con el VIH y los contactos de personas con tuberculosis. Métodos Estudio transversal, cuantitativo, realizado en el estado de Pará, a partir de casos de infección por tuberculosis latente notificados entre los años 2019 y 2020. Los datos se extrajeron del Sistema de Información de Infección por Tuberculosis Latente, de la Secretaría de Salud Pública del Estado de Pará, en noviembre y diciembre de 2021. Para el análisis se utilizó la estadística descriptiva, la prueba ji cuadrado y la prueba G, además de la razón de prevalencia, en Bioestat 5.3, con nivel de significación de 5 %. Resultados Se estudiaron 1.116 casos de tuberculosis latente, de los cuales 653 fueron en 2019 y 463 en 2020. El resultado indicó baja proporción de tratamiento completo (n=734). Entre los registros, 371 eran de personas que viven con el VIH y 416 contactos de casos de tuberculosis. Se observó relación entre la infección latente en personas que viven con el VIH y los contactos, con las variables sexo, edad, procedencia y situación de cierre (p<0,0001). Conclusión La tuberculosis latente en personas que viven con el VIH y contactos presenta diferentes patrones al relacionarla con el perfil sociodemográfico, por lo que es necesario priorizar la identificación de estos grupos para adoptar acciones estratégicas que impacten en el control de la enfermedad.

Abstract Objective To assess latent tuberculosis among people living with HIV and contacts of people with tuberculosis. Methods This is a cross-sectional, quantitative study, carried out in the state of Pará, based on cases of latent tuberculosis infection reported between 2019 and 2020. Data were extracted from the Latent Tuberculosis Infection Information System, at the State Department of Public Health, from November to December 2021. For analysis, descriptive statistics, chi-square test and G test were used, in addition to prevalence ratio, in Bioestat 5.3, with a significance level of 5%. Results A total of 1,116 cases of latent tuberculosis were studied: 653 in 2019 and 463 in 2020. The outcome indicated a low proportion of complete treatments (n=734). Among the records, 371 were of people living with HIV and 416 were of contacts of tuberculosis cases. An association was observed between latent infection in people living with HIV and contacts with the variables sex, age, origin and termination situation (p<0.0001). Conclusion Latent tuberculosis in people living with HIV and contacts presents different patterns when associated with the sociodemographic profile, making it necessary to prioritize the identification of these groups in order to adopt strategic actions that impact disease management.

Tuberculose latente em pacientes com doença de Crohn em um hospital universitário do nordeste brasileiro estudo retrospectivo / Latent tuberculosis in patients with crohn's disease in a university hospital in northeastern brazil: a retrospective study

ABSTRACT Background: Among chronic condition problems, tuberculosis still represents a serious public health problem globally. Objective: To investigate latent tuberculosis infection in patients with Crohn's disease. Retrospective, descriptive cross-sectional study of quantitative analysis. Methods: The research was conducted on diagnosed cases of Crohn's disease at the University Hospital located in a city in Northeastern Brazil. All cases of patients with Crohn's disease undergoing isoniazid or rifampicin therapy for latent tuberculosis (LTBI) were included in the study. The data obtained were subsequently subjected to statistical analysis using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) program. Results: We analyzed 235 medical records, and it was observed that 56% were male, with a mean age of 42.7. Among these, 54% declared themselves as brown, 31% had completed high school, and 47% were residents of the city of Teresina. Regarding the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of the studied patients classified as having ILTB, 34% of the medical records were diagnosed by tuberculin test, 48.51% were investigated by x-ray examination, and the recent location affected the colon with 27%. Conclusion: Overall, the health profile of the participants in this study aligns with findings previously established in the literature, particularly studies conducted in other Brazilian states, as well as in other developing countries.

RESUMO Objetivo: Investigar a infecção latente por tuberculose (ILTB) em pacientes com doença de Crohn no período de janeiro de 2005 a dezembro de 2019. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo, descritivo transversal realizado nos casos diagnosticados de doença de Crohn do hospital universitário em uma cidade do nordeste brasileiro. Foram incluídos todos os casos de pacientes com doença de Crohn em terapia com isoniazida ou rifampicina para tuberculose latente que fazem acompanhamento no HU-UFPI. Os dados sobre doença de Crohn e tuberculose latente foram obtidos do banco de dados que foi solicitado ao HU-UFPI após aprovação da proposta de pesquisa no Comitê de Ética e Pesquisa da UFPI. Foram identificados todos os casos de pacientes com doença de Crohn com ILTB diagnosticados no HU-UFPI. Os dados foram analisados estatisticamente no programa Statistical Package for the Social Sciences-SPSS. Resultados: Foram analisados 235 prontuários, observou-se que 56% eram do sexo masculino, com a média de idade 42,7. 54% se declaravam pardos, 31% tinham o ensino médio completo e 47% residentes na cidade de Teresina. As características clínico-epidemiológicas dos pacientes estudados classificados como portadores de ILTB. 34% dos prontuários tinham diagnóstico pela prova tuberculínica, 48,51% foram investigados através do exame de raio x. Houve dados semelhantes em relação ao comportamento inicial e recente da doença de Cronh sendo 62% e 47% com a doença não estenosante/não penetrante, respectivamente, ao que se refere a localização inicial 31% acometido no colón e íleo terminal/colón, e a localização recente acometido no colón com 27%. Conclusão: Em síntese observou se que, o perfil de saúde dos participantes do presente estudo assemelha-se com os resultados previamente estabelecidos pela literatura, como estudos realizados em outros estados brasileiros e outros países em desenvolvimento. Esse trabalho contribuiu para ampliar o conhecimento sobre a doença de Crohn, bem como propor estratégias na melhoria da investigação do diagnóstico de tuberculose latente e ou doença, porém sugere novos estudos nesta temática em questão.

Frecuencia de infección tuberculosa latente en estudiantes de Medicina en una universidad privada de Paraguay

Introducción: la infección tuberculosa latente es un estado de respuesta inmune tipo hipersensibilidad celular retardada del organismo a la estimulación por antígenos de Mycobacterium tuberculosis sin evidencia clínica y radiológica de tuberculosis. Puede ser diagnosticada mediante la prueba de tuberculina o derivado proteico purificado de tuberculina. Objetivos: determinar la frecuencia de infección tuberculosa latente en estudiantes de Medicina y las variables asociadas a una reacción positiva en la prueba de tuberculina. Metodología: se realizó un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal, en el cual se procedió a realizar la prueba de tuberculina por el método de Mantoux utilizando 0,1 ml de derivado proteico purificado de tuberculina Tubersol, en estudiantes de la carrera de Medicina de una universidad. Resultados: participaron 290 estudiantes. La frecuencia de infección tuberculosa latente fue 19,3%. Al relacionar las variables demográficas con la reacción positiva en la prueba de tuberculina, los hombres presentaron 1,895 veces mayor probabilidad de dar positivo a la prueba de tuberculina que las mujeres. Conclusiones: la frecuencia de infección tuberculosa latente en estudiantes de la carrera de Medicina fue 19,3% y la variable que presentó asociación estadística a la prueba de tuberculina positiva fue el sexo masculino.

Introduction: Latent tuberculosis infection is a state of delayed cellular hypersensitivity immune response of the organism to stimulation by Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigens without clinical and radiological evidence of tuberculosis. It can be diagnosed by tuberculin test or tuberculin purified protein derivative. Objectives: To determine the frequency of latent tuberculosis infection in medical students and the variables associated with a positive reaction in the tuberculin test. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out, in which the tuberculin test was made by the Mantoux method using 0.1 ml of purified protein derivative of Tubersol tuberculin in students of the medicine career of a university. Results: Two hundred ninety students participated. The frequency of latent tuberculosis infection was 19.3%. When relating the demographic variables to the positive reaction in the tuberculin test, men were 1,895 times more likely to test positive for the tuberculin test than women. Conclusions: The frequency of latent tuberculosis infection in medical students was 19.3% and the variable that presented a statistical association with the positive tuberculin test was male sex.

Incidence, Diagnosis and Treatment of Otorhinolaryngologicl, Head and Neck Tuberculosis: A Prospective Clinical Study

Abstract Introduction Tuberculosis is a disease of diversified presentation. It affects almost all organs in the body, and otorhinolaryngological, head and neck involvement is not an exception. Objective To increase awareness about the different clinical presentations of otorhinolaryngological, head and neck tuberculosis, the techniques employed to diagnose it, and to assess the response to the treatment. Methods We conducted a prospective study of 114 patients who presented primarily with otorhinolaryngological, head and neck tuberculosis. Routine blood investigations, chest radiographs, the tuberculin test, and sputum examination for the presence of acid-fast bacilli were performed in all cases. Site-specific investigations were performed in relevant cases only. The patients were treated according to the antitubercular treatment (ATT) regimen recommended by the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare's National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP), and they were followed up clinically two and six months after starting the ATT. Results Tubercular cervical lymphadenopathy was the most common clinical presentation (85.96%), followed by deep neck abscess (5.27%). Fine-needle aspiration cytology proved to be a reliable tool for the diagnosis of tubercular lymphadenopathy. Improvement at the end of 2 and 6 months of the ATT was observed in 90.35% and 96.50% of the cases respectively. Conclusion The diagnosis of otorhinolaryngological, head and neck tuberculosis requires a high index of clinical suspicion, and the ATT proved to be very effective in reducing the severity of the disease.

Propuesta de modalidad de catastro de infección tuberculosa en contactos escolares de colegios secundarios / Modality proposal of tuberculosis infection screening in high school contacts

Resumen El catastro sistemático de contactos con el objetivo de identificar y tratar a aquellos con infección tuberculosa es uno de los pilares establecidos por la OMS en su Estrategia de Fin a la Tuberculosis. El riesgo de infección tuberculosa en contactos escolares, aunque menor que en los domiciliarios, es significativo. Sin embargo, es bajo el cumplimiento del tratamiento preventivo y varios puntos se prestan a discusión, como ser el corte de la prueba tuberculínica a utilizar, el beneficio de iniciar un tratamiento quimioprofiláctico en ausencia de infección demostrada o de realizar estudios en contactos de casos índice no bacilíferos. Este escrito aborda dichos temas y propone, con evidencia actualizada, una modalidad de estudio para contactos en instituciones de enseñanza secundaria. Dicho catastro propone identificar a los infectados utilizando el punto de corte de 5 mm en la prueba de tuberculina, ofreciendo tratamiento preventivo y seguimiento activo solamente a aquellos con una prueba positiva.

Abstract The systematic registry of contacts with the objective of identifying and treating those with tuberculosis infection is one of the pillars established by the WHO in the end Tuberculosis Strategy. The risk of tuberculosis infection in school contacts, although lower than in households, is significant. However, compliance with preventive treatment is low and several points are open to discussion, such as the cutoff of the tuberculin test to be used, the usefulness of starting a chemoprophylactic treatment in the absence of confirmed infection or carrying out studies in contacts of non-bacilliferous index cases. This paper ad dresses these issues and proposes, with updated evidence, a screening modality for contacts in higher education institutions. This screening proposes to identify those infected using the cut-off point of 5 mm in the tuberculin test, offering preventive treatment and active follow-up only to those with a positive test.

The clinical utility of tuberculin skin tests: a single-center experience

Background: Tuberculin skin test (TST) has played an essential in the diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) for nearly a century. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the general characteristics of patients tested with TST in a tertiary hospital within two years. Methods: All patients who were evaluated to screen for tuberculosis and received a TST were included. The Mantoux method was used for TST administration. Results: A total of 661 patients, 345 (52.2%) men and 316 (47.8%) women, with a mean age of 43.0 ±15.9 years, were included in the study. Accordingly, TST was performed prior to anti-TNF biological agent therapy for 50% (331) of the participants, for LTBI screening before solid organ and/or hematological stem cell transplantation for 20.4% (135), for screening following contact with tuberculosis for 25.1% (166), for screening of healthcare professionals for 1.1% (7), and medical report for 3.3% (22). 2.7% of the patients who took TST were diagnosed with active tuberculosis (14 with pulmonary tuberculosis and 4 with extrapulmonary tuberculosis). QuantiFERON-TB Gold (QFT) test was performed in 332 (50.2%) patients with anergic TST results. According to TST and QFT test results, 28.3% (187) of the patients were started on tuberculosis prophylaxis. Conclusion: While TST is most performed for LTBI screening prior to biological agent therapy, almost one-fourth of patients taking TST require tuberculosis prophylaxis. On the other hand, about half of the patients require an additional QFT test.

Antecedentes: La prueba de la tuberculina ha jugado un papel fundamental en el diagnóstico de la infección latente por tuberculosis durante casi un siglo. Objetivo: Investigar las características generales de los pacientes a los que se les realizó la prueba de tuberculina en un hospital de tercer nivel. Métodos: Se incluyeron todos los pacientes que fueron incluidos en un tamizaje de tuberculosis mediante la prueba de tuberculina. Se utilizó el método de Mantoux para la administración de esta prueba. Resultados: Se incluyeron en el estudio un total de 661 pacientes, 345 (52.2%) hombres y 316 (47.8%) mujeres, con una edad media de 43.0 ±15.9 años. La prueba de tuberculina se realizó en el 50% (331) de los participantes, antes de la terapia con agentes biológicos anti-TNF; En el 20.4% (135) se hizo la prueba antes del trasplante de órganos sólidos y/o células madre hematológicas; para el 25.1% (166) se realizó tras contacto con la tuberculosis, el 1.1% (7) para tamizaje de los profesionales sanitarios y con informe médico para el 3.3% (22). El 2.7% de los pacientes que se realizaron la prueba de tuberculina fueron diagnosticados con tuberculosis activa (14 pulmonar y 4 extrapulmonar). La prueba QuantiFERON-TB Gold (QFT) se realizó en 332 (50.2 %) pacientes con resultados anérgicos para tuberculina. Según los resultados de las pruebas de tuberculina y QFT, el 28.3% (187) de los pacientes iniciaron profilaxis antituberculosa. Conclusión: Si bien la prueba de tuberculina se realiza comúnmente para la detección de tuberculosis latente antes de la terapia con agentes biológicos, casi una cuarta parte de los pacientes que se les hizo la prueba de tuberculina requieren profilaxis para tuberculosis. Por otro lado, aproximadamente la mitad de los pacientes requieren una prueba QFT adicional.

A Systematic Review of Prevalence and Risk Factors of Latent Tuberculosis Infection Among Medical and Nursing Students

@#Introduction: Clinical training may expose medical and nursing students to workplace hazards comparable to those encountered by healthcare workers (HCWs). This study was designed to investigate the prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) and associated risk factors among medical and nursing students. Methods: Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria, a systematic review was conducted utilising four electronic databases to appraise and synthesise the literature on LTBI which used the tuberculin skin test (TST) and the blood interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA). Results: Original articles published in the English language between 2010 and 2020 were included, yielding 14 relevant articles. The average prevalence of LTBI in high-burden countries was 38.2% for TST and 20.6% for the IGRA test. According to TST and IGRA findings, the average prevalence of LTBI in nations with an intermediate burden was 16.7% and 4.7 %, respectively. The average prevalence was 2.8% and 1.1% from the TST and IGRA tests for low-burden countries, respectively. A greater risk of LTBI was shown to be related with an increase in age among postgraduate medical school students, a history of Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccination, origin from high-risk tuberculosis (TB) countries, increased hours of hospital exposure, a history of contact with TB cases, a high body mass index, older age group students, and a lower TB knowledge score. Conclusion: The available evidence from this review emphasised the importance of developing and implementing efficient and cost-effective TB infection-control programmes, particularly in high-burden countries and amongst students at risk.

Analysis of tuberculosis screening for newly enrolled students in Hunan Province from 2018 to 2020 / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To understand tuberculosis screening for newly enrolled students in Hunan Province and to provide reference for scholl based tuberculosis (TB) prevention and control.@*Methods@#During 2018 to 2020, TB screening was carried out for newly enrolled students in Hunan Province, and the screening results were statistically analyzed by descriptive analysis and χ 2 test.@*Results@#In 2018-2020, the average incidence rate of TB among students in Hunan Province was 20.90/100 000, with a decreasing trend by year ( χ 2 trend =89.45, P <0.01), the screening rate of TB in schools was 87.30%, and the screening rate for newly enrolled students was 86.81%, with downward trend by year ( χ 2 trend =2 843.34, 83 443.77, P <0.01). The proportion of suspicious symptoms, close contact, and active pulmonary TB patients among students were 0.53%, 0.21%, and 1.73/10 000, respectively, with decreasing trends by year( χ 2 trend =8 624.05, 2 215.48, 99.14, P <0.01). The proportion of strong positive PPD/ IGRA positive, changes in imaging examination and culturepositive of mycobacterium tuberculosis were 1.52%,0.20% and 12.40%, with increasing trends by year ( χ 2 trend =529.18, 147.65, 25.89, P <0.01). There were statistically significant differences in the proportion of suspicious symptoms, close contact, strong positive PPD/positive IGRA, changes in imaging examination and the proportion of patients with tuberculosis in the regional classification and school classification ( χ 2=529.18, 8 823.13, 705.63, 2 068.03, 1 299.00, 4 318.73 , 33.12, 2 329.07, 35.80, 1 781.65, P <0.01). There was no statistically significant difference in the proportion of culture positive of mycobacterium tuberculosis in the regional classification and school classification ( P >0.05).@*Conclusion@#The screening rate of newly enrolled student showed an upward trend, and the incidence rate of tuberculosis among students showed downward trend. Newly enrolled students among fresh students in high school have the highest PPD positive/IGRA positive rate and the proportion of pulmonary tuberculosis in the student population. It is necessary to increase the screening among fresh students in high school. In areas with conditions, tuberculosis screening of senior two students can be considered.

Prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection among patients with interstitial lung disease requiring immunosuppression / Prevalência de infecção latente por tuberculose em pacientes com doença pulmonar intersticial com necessidade de imunossupressão

ABSTRACT Objective To characterize the prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in patients with interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) requiring immunosuppression. Only 5 to 10% of individuals infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis develop tuberculosis, and certain groups of patients have an increased risk of illness, such as the immunocompromised. Patients with ILDs are frequently treated with immunosuppressants and, therefore, might have a higher risk of developing the disease. Methods Prospective study conducted at the ILD reference center of the Federal University of Paraná from January 2019 to December 2020. The screening of LTBI was performed with the use of the tuberculin skin test (TST). Results The sample consisted of 88 patients, of whom 64.8% were women, with a mean age of 61.4 years. The most frequent diagnoses were autoimmune rheumatic disease ILD (38.6%) and hypersensitivity pneumonitis (35.2%). The most common immunosuppressant in use at the time of the TST was prednisone, either in combination with mycophenolate (19.3%) or alone (17.1%). The majority of participants had fibrotic lung disease, characterized by a reticular interstitial pattern on chest computed tomography (79.5%) and moderate to severe functional impairment (mean FVC 69.2%). A prevalence of LTBI of 9.1% (CI 95%, 2.1%-15.1%) was found, with a TST median of 13. Conclusion Patients with ILD who are treated with immunosuppressants are not commonly screened for LTBI, despite being under a greater risk of progression to active disease. This study suggests the need for a more cautious approach to these patients.

RESUMO Objetivo Caracterizar a prevalência de Infecção Latente por Tuberculose (ILTB) em pacientes com Doenças Pulmonares Intersticiais (DPIs) que necessitam de imunossupressão. Apenas 5 a 10% dos indivíduos infectados pelo Mycobacterium tuberculosis desenvolvem tuberculose, sendo que certos grupos de pacientes apresentam maior risco de doença, tais como os imunocomprometidos. Pacientes com DPIs são frequentemente tratados com imunossupressores, portanto, podem apresentar maior risco de desenvolver a doença. Métodos Estudo prospectivo conduzido no Centro de Referência para DPI da Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), entre Janeiro de 2019 e Dezembro de 2020. O rastreio de ILTB foi realizado por meio da Prova Tuberculínica (PT). Resultados A amostra foi composta por 88 pacientes, dos quais 64,8% eram mulheres, com, em média, 61,4 anos de idade. Os diagnósticos mais frequentes foram DPI associada a doença reumática autoimune (DRAI) (38,6%) e pneumonite de hipersensibilidade (35,2%). Prednisona foi o imunossupressor mais comumente utilizado à época da PT, em combinação com micofenolato (19,3%) ou isoladamente (17,1%). A maioria dos participantes tinha doença pulmonar fibrótica, caracterizada por infiltrado reticular em tomografia computadorizada de tórax (79,5%), bem como comprometimento funcional moderado a grave (Capacidade Vital Forçada (CVF) média de 69,2%). Observou-se uma prevalência de ILTB de 9,1% (Intervalo de Confiança (IC) 95%, 2,1%-15,1%), com mediana da PT de 13. Conclusão Não é comum que pacientes com DPI tratados com imunossupressores sejam avaliados quanto à presença de ILTB, apesar de estarem sob um maior risco de progressão para doença ativa. Este estudo sugeriu a necessidade de uma abordagem mais cuidadosa em relação a esses pacientes.

Latent tuberculosis screening before kidney transplantation in the South of Brazil / Rastreamento de tuberculose latente antes do transplante renal no Sul do Brasil

Abstract Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a prevalent infection after kidney transplantation (KT) in high-burden countries. Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) screening includes previous TB history, chest radiograph findings, and tuberculin test (TST) and/or interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs) results. We aimed to compare our routine LTBI screening of KT candidates and living donors (LD) with their IGRA results, and evaluate if this would improve isoniazid (INH) treatment referral. Methods: We evaluated adult KT candidates and LD with complete routine LTBI screening and QuantiFERON-TB® Gold In-Tube (QFT) testing. Blood samples were collected from April 4th, 2014 to October 31st, 2018, with follow-up until October 31st, 2019. Results: There were 116 KT recipients, with 30% QFT-positive results. Positive QFT was associated with past TB history (p=0.007), positive TST (p<0.0001), residual radiographic lesions (p=0.003), and diabetes (p=0.035). There were 25 LD, 40% had positive QFT. Positive QFT was associated with a positive TST (p=0.002). Positive QFT results increased INH referral in 80%. Post-transplant TB incidence was 2.6% in a median follow-up of 2 (1-33) months. No variables were associated with post-transplant TB. TB patients had inferior, although non-significant, 5-year graft survival (66.7% vs. 76.5%) (p = 0.402). Conclusion: In the present study, the association of QFT to our routine LTBI screening incremented INH treatment referral, but there was still a high incidence of post-transplant TB, possibly related to other forms of infection, such as new exposure and donor transmission.

Resumo Histórico: Tuberculose (TB) é uma infecção relativamente comum pós-transplante renal (TR) em países com alta prevalência da doença. O rastreamento de infecção latente por tuberculose (ILTB) inclui histórico prévio de TB, achados de radiografia do tórax, resultados do teste tuberculínico (TT) e/ou de ensaio de liberação de interferon-gama (IGRAs). Nosso objetivo foi comparar nossa avaliação de rotina de candidatos ao TR e doadores vivos (DV) com seus resultados de IGRA, avaliando se aumentaria o encaminhamento para tratamento com isoniazida (INH). Métodos: Avaliamos candidatos adultos ao TR e DV com rastreamento para ILTB de rotina completo e coleta de testes QuantiFERON-TB® Gold In-Tube (QFT). Coletamos amostras sanguíneas de 4 de Abril, 2014 - 31 de Outubro, 2018, com acompanhamento até 31 de Outubro, 2019. Resultados: Avaliamos 116 receptores de TR, 30% sendo QFT-positivo. QFT positivo foi associado ao histórico prévio de TB (p=0,007), TT positivo (p<0,0001), lesões radiográficas residuais (p=0,003), diabetes (p=0,035). Avaliamos 25 DV, 40% apresentaram QFT positivo. QFT positivo foi associado a TT positivo (p=0,002). Resultados positivos do QFT aumentaram o encaminhamento para INH em 80%. A incidência de TB pós-transplante foi 2,6% em uma mediana de acompanhamento de 2 (1-33) meses. Nenhuma variável foi associada à TB pós-transplante. Pacientes com TB tiveram sobrevida do enxerto em 5 anos inferior, embora não-significativa (66,7% vs. 76,5%) (p = 0,402). Conclusão: Neste estudo, a associação do QFT à nossa avaliação de ILTB de rotina aumentou o encaminhamento para tratamento com INH, mas ainda houve alta incidência de TB pós-transplante, possivelmente relacionada a outras formas de infecção, como nova exposição e transmissão pelos doadores.

Comparison of the effect of screening test for different tuberculin dosage forms for close contacts of tuberculosis in colleges and universities in Nanning / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To understand the similarities and differences in different dosage forms of tuberculin test for college students having close contact with tuberculosis in Nanning colleges and universities in order to provide reference for the prevention and control of tuberculosis.@*Methods@#A total of 7 771 students were screened for symptoms and tuberculin skin test(TST)、X radiographs from 2018 to 2019 in Nanning.The used doses of Purified Protein Derivative of Tuberculin (TB-PPD) in 2018 and 2019 were 2 IU and 5 IU respectively.@*Results@#A total of 916 positive cases were detected in 2 years, with the total positive rate of 11.79%. Total strong positive number was 184 and the strong positive rate was 2.37%. The number of tuberculosis patients was 17. Positive rate of the students from grade one to grade four was 13.88%, 8.57%, 10.59%, 10.29%, respectively. The difference was statistically significant(χ 2=46.30，P＜0.01). The positive rates of male and female in the past two years were 13.24%(500/3 777) and 10.42%(416/3 994), respectively (χ 2=17.84, P<0.01)，and there was no significant difference in the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis among TST positive patients (χ 2=0.29,P=0.59). The positive and strong positive rates of 2 IU dose and 5 IU dose were 7.57%, 15.04%, respectively, the difference in dosage forms were statistically significant (χ 2=114.41,P<0.01). The tuberculosis case detection rate (CDR) of moderate & above positive subjects of 2 IU and 5 IU dose was 6.92% and 2.07%, respectively, the difference was statistically significant(χ 2=6.60，P=0.02).@*Conclusion@#More positive tuberculosis cases (including moderate & strong positive) can be detected by using 5 IU dose, though it is may not have advantage over discovering tuberculosis patients comparing to 2 IU dose. However, it is more critical to minimize the following cases and control the outbreak in university.

Tuberculin skin test in close contacts in case of school tuberculosis outbreak / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To evaluate the role of tuberculin skin test prified protein derivative (PPD) in defining the screening scope of close contacts of tuberculosis cases in disposal of tuberculosis outbreak in schools.@*Methods@#In a senior middle school in August 2019, 1 553 students of the grade two were tested by PPD because of a school tuberculosis outbreak. PPD results were compared to grade one students without any association with this tuberculosis epidemic, who were also tested by PPD when beginning school. Potential association between PPD distribution characteristics and tuberculosis case distribution were analyzed.@*Results@#Twenty nine grade two students were diagnozed as tuberculosis infection, seven of which were PPD positive, and with the same MIRU-VNTR genotype. In grade one, 0.1 % (1/796) student showed strong PPD positive, 34.3% (273/796) student showed positive. For grade two students, significant higher rate of strong PPD positive [5.9% (45/757)], and PPD positive [52.0% (394/757)] were observed ( χ 2=45.71, 49.90, P <0.01). Proportion of strong PPD positive in the first floor of the teaching building ( 19.4 %), where tuberculosis cases clustered, was significantly higher than that in other floors ( χ 2=89.81, P <0.01); Number of strong PPD positive students increased with TB cases in each floor of the teaching building ( r =0.99, P <0.01). Proportion of strong PPD positive and PPD positive in floors of the dormitory, where TB cases lived, was significantly higher than in other floors ( χ 2=49.4, 64.9 , P <0.01). Number of strong PPD positive and PPD positive students increased with TB cases in each floor of the teaching building ( r =0.84, 0.56, P <0.01).@*Conclusion@#Strong PPD positive rate well reflects tuberculosis infection of close contacts, and is recommended for defining the scope of screening.

Prevalence of latent tuberculosis and associated factors in patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis / Prevalência de tuberculose latente e fatores associados em pacientes com doença renal crônica em hemodiálise / Prevalencia de tuberculosis latente y factores asociados en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica en hemodiálisis

Objective: to identify the prevalence of latent tuberculosis in patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis and associated factors. Method: a cross-sectional study conducted with 176 patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis. The tuberculin test was performed with the standardized antigen, distributed by the Brazilian Ministry of Health, and the reading occurred after 72 to 96 hours of the application. An association test (Chi-square, Fisher's exact), prevalence ratio, and multivariate regression tests were performed. Results: the prevalence of latent tuberculosis diagnosed through Tuberculosis Skin Test was 8.5% (15/176). The "has/has had diabetes" (aOR: 0.117; 95%CI: 0.015-0.92) and "having regular garbage collection (aOR: 0.076; 95%CI: 0.008-0.702) factors were associated with a lower probability of having a Positive skin test. Conclusion: the low prevalence of latent tuberculosis identified and the factors associated with it reinforce the need for screening for latent tuberculosis infection for diabetics combined with an analysis of previous risk factors and comorbidities.

Objetivo: identificar a prevalência de tuberculose latente em pacientes com doença renal crônica em hemodiálise e fatores associados. Método: estudo transversal realizado com 176 pacientes com doença renal crônica em hemodiálise. O teste tuberculínico foi realizado com o antígeno padronizado, distribuído pelo Ministério da Saúde do Brasil, e a leitura ocorreu após 72 a 96 horas da aplicação. Foram realizados teste de associação (Qui-quadrado, exato de Fisher), razão de prevalência e regressão multivariada. Resultados: a prevalência de tuberculose latente (teste tuberculínico positivo) foi de 8,5% (15/176). Os fatores "tem/teve diabetes" (ORa:0,117; IC95% 0,015-0,92) e "ter coleta de lixo regular" (ORa:0,076; IC95% 0,008-0,702) foram associados a menores probabilidades de ter teste tuberculínico positivo. Conclusão: a baixa prevalência de tuberculose latente identificada e os fatores associados à mesma reforçam a necessidade de uma triagem da infecção latente por tuberculose para diabéticos combinada com a análise de fatores de risco e comorbidades prévias.

Objetivo: identificar la prevalencia de tuberculosis latente en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica en hemodiálisis y factores asociados. Método: estudio transversal realizado con 176 pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica en hemodiálisis. La prueba cutánea de la tuberculina se realizó con el antígeno estandarizado, distribuido por el Ministerio de Salud de Brasil, y la lectura se realizó después de 72 a 96 horas de la aplicación. Se realizaron pruebas de asociación (Chi-cuadrado, exacta de Fisher), razón de prevalencia y regresión multivariante. Resultados: la prevalencia de tuberculosis latente (prueba de tuberculina positiva) fue de 8,5% (15/176). Los factores "tiene/ha tenido diabetes" (ORa: 0,117; IC del 95%: 0,015-0,92) y "tener recolección regular de residuos" (ORa: 0,076; IC del 95%: 0,008-0,702) se asociaron con menores probabilidades de tener una prueba de tuberculina positiva. Conclusión: la baja prevalencia de tuberculosis latente registrada y sus factores asociados refuerzan la necesidad del cribado de la infección tuberculosa latente en diabéticos combinado con el análisis de factores de riesgo y comorbilidades previas.

A simple protocol for tuberculin skin test reading certification / Um protocolo simples para a certificação da leitura da prova tuberculínica / Un protocolo simple para la certificación de la lectura de la prueba cutánea de tuberculina

Although tuberculosis preventive therapy is one of the cornerstones for eliminating the disease, many barriers exist in the cascade of care for latent tuberculosis infection, including the need to certify healthcare professionals for reading tuberculin skin tests (TST). This paper proposes and evaluates a simple protocol for TST reading training. Primary care workers from different backgrounds received a 2-hour theoretical course, followed by a practical course on bleb reading. Blebs were obtained by injecting saline into sausages and then in volunteers. A certified trainer then evaluated the effectiveness of this protocol by analyzing the trainees' ability to read TST induration in clinical routine, blinded to each other's readings. Interobserver agreement was analyzed using the Bland-Altman test. The trainees' reading accuracy was calculated using two cut-off points - 5 and 10mm - and the effect of the number of readings was analyzed using a linear mixed model. Eleven healthcare workers read 53 saline blebs and 88 TST indurations, with high agreement for TST reading (0.07mm average bias). Sensitivity was 100% (94.6; 100.0) at 5mm cut-off and 87.3% (75.5; 94.7) at 10mm cut-off. The regression model found no effect of the number of readings [coefficient: -0.007 (-0.055; 0.040)]. A simple training protocol for reading TST with saline blebs simulations in sausages and volunteers was sufficient to achieve accurate TST induration readings, with no effect observed for the number of readings. Training with saline blebs injected into voluntary individuals is safer and easier than the traditional method.

A terapia preventiva da tuberculose é uma das bases para a eliminação da tuberculose. Entretanto, existem muitas barreiras na cascata de cuidados da infecção latente de tuberculose, incluindo a necessidade de certificação dos profissionais de saúde para a leitura da prova tuberculínica (PPD). Aqui, propomos e avaliamos um protocolo simples para capacitação na leitura do PPD. Profissionais na atenção primária com diferentes formações receberam um curso teórico de duas horas, seguido por um curso prático sobre a leitura da enduração. Nas sessões práticas, as pápulas foram obtidas pela injeção de solução salina em salsichas, e depois em voluntários. Depois, a eficácia do protocolo foi avaliada por um instrutor credenciado, com base na capacidade do aluno de ler a enduração do PPD na rotina clínica (em formato duplo-cego em relação às respectivas leituras). A concordância inter-observador foi analisada com o teste de Bland-Altman. A acurácia das leituras dos alunos foi calculada com dois pontos de corte: 5 e 10mm. O efeito do número de leituras foi analisado com um modelo linear misto. Onze profissionais de saúde leram 53 pápulas de solução salina e 88 endurações de PPD. A concordância na leitura dos PPDs foi alta (média de 0,07mm de viés). A sensibilidade foi 100% (94,6; 100,0) com o ponto de corte de 5mm e 87,3% (75,5; 94,7) com o ponto de corte de 10mm. No modelo de regressão, não houve efeito do número de leituras [coeficiente: -0,007 (-0,055; 0,040)]. Um protocolo simples de treinamento em leitura da prova tuberculínica com simulações usando pápulas criadas com solução salina em salsichas e em voluntários foi suficiente para alcançar leituras acuradas da enduração da prova, sem efeito observado pelo número de leituras. O treinamento com pápulas criadas com solução salina em voluntários é mais seguro e mais fácil, comparado com o treinamento tradicional.

La terapia preventiva de la tuberculosis es una de las piedras angulares para la erradicación de la tuberculosis. No obstante, existen muchas barreras en la cascada de cuidado de una infección latente de tuberculosis, incluyendo la necesidad de certificación, en el caso de los profesionales de atención en salud, para la lectura de la prueba cutánea de tuberculina (TST). Aquí proponemos y evaluamos un protocolo simple para el entrenamiento en la lectura de TST. Trabajadores de salud de atención primaria de diferentes contextos recibieron un curso de 2 horas teórico, seguido de una práctica en la lectura de la ampolla. Las ampollas se obtienen inyectado una solución salina en salchichas y luego en voluntarios. Posteriormente, la eficacia de este protocolo fue evaluada mediante un formador certificado a través de la habilidad del personal en formación para la lectura de induración del TST en la rutina clínica, con lecturas cegadas entre ellos. Se analizó la concordancia entre los observadores usando el test Bland-Altman. La precisión de la lectura por parte del personal en formación se calculó usando dos puntos de corte: 5 y 10mm. El efecto del número de lecturas fue analizado usando un modelo lineal mixto. Once trabajadores de salud leyeron 53 soluciones salinas en ampollas y 88 induraciones TST. La concordancia en la lectura del TST fue alta (0,07mm promedio de sesgo). La sensibilidad fue de un 100% (94,6; 100,0) usando los 5mm de corte y 87,3% (75,5; 94,7) usando los 10mm de corte. En el modelo de regresión, no hubo efecto del número de lecturas [coeficiente: -0,007 (-0,055; 0,040)]. Un simple protocolo de entrenamiento para la lectura TST con simulaciones, usando solución salina en ampollas en salchichas y voluntarios fue suficiente para alcanzar lecturas precisas de induración TST, sin efectos observados por el número de lecturas. El entrenamiento con ampollas salinas en personas voluntarias es más seguro y más fácil que el entrenamiento tradicional.

Incidence of Latent Tuberculosis Infection in a Study of School Contacts Comparing Two Cut-off Points of the Tuberculin Test / Incidencia de infección tuberculosa latente en un estudio de contactos escolares comparando dos puntos de corte de la prueba de tuberculina

Introduction: The risk of tuberculosis infection is associated with close and prolonged contact. Daily contact, poorly ventilated classrooms or delay in diagnosing the index case in a school setting could contribute to contagion. Objective: To know the incidence of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in school contacts comparing two cut-off points of the tuberculin test (PPD, Purified Protein Derivative): ≥ 10mm and ≥ 5mm. To determine the degree of compliance with the performance of control and chemoprophylaxis (ChP) studies. Materials and Methods: We carried out a retrospective analysis of bacillary TB school contacts in teenagers between 12 and 19 years old of the Programmatic Area of the Hospital Parmenio Piñero between February 2016 and December 2017. The evaluation included chest x-ray, lab tests and PPD. We analyzed 2 cut-off points of the PPD: ≥ 10mm and ≥ 5mm, and repeated the test after 3 months in cases with negative results. Primary ChP with isoniazid was indicated for all the contacts, and secondary ChP for those with basal PPD+ or conversion at the third month. We considered ChP compliance in cases where patients followed > 80% of the indicated regime. Results: 331 (89%) of 373 students to be evaluated participated in the study. TB was diagnosed in 4 students (1.2%) through chest x-ray, and they were excluded. Within the remaining 327, the mean age was 15 ± 1.6 years, and 132 (40%) were male. The basal PPD was ≥ 10mm in 20 cases (6.1%), being more frequent in the group of 16-19 years versus the 12-15 years: 10.7% vs. 3.1%; p = 0.004. There wasn't any significant difference regarding sex. 135 contacts (45%) did the second PPD, and 3 conversions were found (2.2%). Primary ChP was indicated for everyone, and secondary ChP for 23 contacts, with 75% and 26% compliance respectively, and without any significant association with age or sex. 4 adverse events were reported (1.2%): polineuritis (n=2), skin allergy and food intolerance. 63 contacts (19.3%) were positive PPD, with PPD ≥ 5mm, being more frequent in males: 26.5% vs. 14.4%, p = 0.006; and in 16-19 vs. 12-15 years: 28.2% vs. 13.2%; p < 0.001. With the second PPD we observed 3 conversions (2.2%). Conclusion: We found 6.1% of LTBI considering a PPD+ ≥ 10mm and 19.3% with PPD ≥ 5mm. Compliance with the second PPD and the secondary ChP scheme was low.

Comparação do ensaio de inteferon-gamma e teste cutâneo tuberculínico para diagnóstico de tuberculose latente em profissionais de saúde de um centro de referência terciária para tuberculose do Estado da Bahia / Comparation of the interferon gamma release assay and tuberculin skin test for diagnosis of latent tuberculosis in health professionals at a tertiary tuberculosis reference center, State of Bahia

Introdução: o Teste Cutâneo Tuberculínico (TCT) tem sido utilizado como diagnóstico para a Tuberculose Infecção Latente (TBIL). Os profissionais de saúde, principalmente os que trabalham com assistência a pacientes com tuberculose (TB), têm risco elevado de contrair a doença ou a TBIL. Normas de biossegurança e qualificação da equipe de trabalho são fundamentais para o controle da Tb entre os profissionais de saúde. Atualmente testes diagnósticos mais específicos para a TBIL têm sido utilizados como alternativa para o padronizado TCT, dentre eles o QuantiFERON-TB Gold (QTF®). Objetivo: comparar e avaliar os resultados obtidos no QTF® e Teste Cutâneo Tuberculínico dos profissionais de saúde de um centro de referência terciário para Tuberculose. Metodologia: o projeto foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa da Fundação Bahiana Desenvolvimento Científico e pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa da instituição hospitalar. Foi utilizado o banco de dados do setor de medicina ocupacional da Instituição e os 87 voluntários que atenderam aos critérios do estudo foram categorizados e distribuídos em dois grupos: TCT negativo (<5mm) e TCT positivo (>5mm). Foi realizada coleta de sangue para o teste QTF®. Resultados: dos 47 profissionais de saúde TCT negativo 53,2% tiveram resultado QTF negativo. Dos 40 profissionais TCT positivo, 67,5% apresentaram resultado QTF® positivo. O grau de concordância do índice kappa foi de 0,24. Conclusão: O QTF® não mostrou uma especificidade superior quando comparado ao TCT.

Introduction: tuberculin Skin test (TST) is a test used to Latent tuberculosis Infection (LTBI) diagnosis. Health professional, principally those that work with tuberculosis (TB) patients, have a high risk of contract and developing the disease or LTBI. Biosecurity norms and professional qualification are fundamentals to TB control in care centers. Actually some diagnosis tests with higher specificity of LTBI are used as an alternative to the TST, such as QuantiFERON-TB Gold (QTF®). Objective: to compare and evaluate the results obtained in the Quantiferon-TB Gold® and TST, of health professionals from a tertiary referral center for Tuberculosis. Methodology: the project was approved by a Research Ethics Committee of FBDC, and by the CEP of the hospital institution. The data base of the occupational medicine sector and the health professionals were categorized and distributed in two groups: Negative Tuberculin test and Positive Tuberculin test. The 93 volunteers who met the criteria and agreed to participate, signed the consent form, with subsequent data collection. A blood collection was also performed to perform Quantiferon-TB Gold® test. Results: of the 47 PS negative Tuberculin test, 53.2% had negative Quantiferon-TB Gold® results and 46.8% positive. Of the health professional positive Tuberculin test, 32.5% presented negative Quantiferon-TB Gold® result and 67.5% positive. Conclusion: quantiferon-TB Gold® did not show superior specificity when compared to Tuberculin test on this coorte.

Diagnostic performance of a commercial ELISA used as a complementary test for bovine tuberculosis in two bovine herds with different disease status / Desempenho diagnóstico de um ELISA comercial usado como teste complementar para tuberculose bovina em dois rebanhos bovinos com diferentes estágios de controle da doença

Bovine tuberculosis is a worldwide spread zoonotic disease. Intradermal tuberculinizations are the most used diagnostic tests in the world. Serological tests can be an ancillary diagnosis for bovine tuberculosis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the ELISA Mycobacterium Bovis Antibody Test Kit IDEXX ™ in infected herds, which were in different disease control stages. One hundred and twenty animals from two dairy herds of Minas Gerais state, Brazil, were subjected to the ELISA serological test and the comparative cervical tuberculin test (CCT). Diagnostic test parameters were estimated using Bayesian latent class models and concordance between tests estimated by the frequentist approach. The ELISA test presented lower sensitivity than CCT in both herds. Its sensitivity was higher in the herd in sanitation process. Specificity estimates were above 95% in both herds. Kappa index indicated low concordance or even disagreement between tests. According to the results, the ELISA IDEXX should not be used as substitution for CCT. The tests must not be associated in series. Parallel association increased diagnostic sensitivity in the herd which was in the process of sanitation.(AU)

A tuberculose bovina é uma zoonose de distribuição mundial cujos testes mais utilizados para o diagnóstico são as tuberculinizações intradérmicas, simples e compartivas. Contudo, testes sorológicos podem constituir diagnósticos auxiliares. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o desempenho diagnóstico do teste ELISA Mycobacterium Bovis Antibody Test Kit IDEXX ® em rebanhos bovinos infectados, que se encontravam em diferentes estágios de controle da doença. Cento e vinte animais de dois rebanhos leiteiros provenientes do estado de Minas Geais-Brasil foram submetidos ao ELISA e à tuberculinização cervical compartiva (TCC). Avaliou-se o desempenho dos testes por meio de modelos Bayesianos de classe latente e a concordância entre os eles, por meio de estatística frequentista. Uma maior sensibilidade do teste foi observada no rebanho previamente tuberculinizado. Em ambos os rebanhos o TCC foi mais sensível que o ELISA. Especificidade acima de 95% foi encontrada em ambos os rebanhos. Foram observadas baixa concordância ou mesmo discordância entre os testes. De acordo com os resultados obtidos, o teste ELISA-IDEXX não deve ser utilizado em substituição à TCC, tampouco devem ser associados em série. Houve aumento da sensibilidade quando os testes foram associados em paralelo no rebanho que já se encontrava em processo de saneamento.(AU)