Prevalence of latent TB among health care workers in four major tertiary care hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT

Tuberculosis [TB] infection represents a global health problem and a great risk to Health Care Workers [HCWs]. Identifying individuals, particularly HCWs with latent tuberculosis infection [LTBI] will support TB control through chemoprophylaxis and prevent cross-infection. This study aimed to identify prevalence of Latent TB among a two-year new hires of HCWs in 4 major tertiary care hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. 2650 recently [2-years] hired HCWs were surveyed for latent TB using Tuberculin Skin Test [TST]. Data was collected from January 2008 to December 2009. Induration due to TST equal to or more than 10 mm. within 48-72 hours was considered positive. The results of TST were correlated with other variables such as age group, gender, job category, country of origin. as an overall rate, 291[11%] out of 2650 were positive for TST, with the highest significant positive rates among physicians [14.9%] and nurses [12.9%] compared to students as a reference group. No statistically significant difference was detected between both sexes. The highest significant positive TST rates were found among HCWs in the age group of 50 years and older [32.6%] compared to 10-19 years age group as a reference group, and among HCWs coming from sub-Saharan countries [61.1%] compared to Saudi HCWs with the lowest positive rates [5%] as a reference group. LTB is prevalent among newly hired HCWs in Riyadh tertiary hospitals. Standard programs for detection and treatment of LTB should be encouraged