Current concepts in the diagnosis of tuberculosis

Lange, Christoph; Schaberg, T.; Diel, R.; Greinert, U.

doi:10.1055/s-2006-932523

Cited by 16 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 24 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Unclassified

Order By: Relevance

“…Older TST results were conducted with the multipuncture test (GT 10, Behring Tuberculin). A TST with indurations >5 mm was considered positive according to the German national guidelines [28]. …”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Risk of latent TB infection in individuals employed in the healthcare sector in Germany: a multicentre prevalence study

et al. 2010

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

BackgroundHealthcare workers are still recognised as a high-risk group for latent TB infection (LTBI). Therefore, the screening of people employed in the healthcare sector for active and LTBI is fundamental to infection control programmes in German hospitals. It was the aim of the study to determine the prevalence and putative risk factors of LTBI.MethodsWe tested 2028 employees in the healthcare sector with the QuantiFERON-Gold In-tube (QFT-IT) test between December 2005 and May 2009, either in the course of contact tracing or in serial testing of TB high-risk groups following German OSH legislation.ResultsA positive IGRA was found in 9.9% of the healthcare workers (HCWs). Nurses and physicians showed similar prevalence rates (9.7% to 9.6%). Analysed by occupational group, the highest prevalence was found in administration staff and ancillary nursing staff (17.4% and 16.7%). None of the individuals in the trainee group showed a positive IGRA result. In the different workplaces the observed prevalence was 14.7% in administration, 12.0% in geriatric care, 14.2% in technicians (radiology, laboratory and pathology), 6.5% in admission ward staff and 8.3% in the staff of pulmonary/infectious disease wards. Putative risk factors for LTBI were age (>55 years: OR14.7, 95% CI 5.1-42.1), being foreign-born (OR 1.99, 95% CI 1.4-2.8), TB in the individual's own history (OR 4.96, 95% CI 1.99-12.3) and previous positive TST results (OR 3.5, 95% CI 2.4-4.98). We observed no statistically significant association with gender, BCG vaccination, workplace or profession.ConclusionThe prevalence of LTBI in low-incidence countries depends on age. We found no positive IGRA results among trainees in the healthcare sector. Incidence studies are needed to assess the infection risk. Pre-employment screening might be helpful in this endeavour.

show abstract

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Risk of latent TB infection in individuals employed in the healthcare sector in Germany: a multicentre prevalence study

et al. 2010

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…The transverse diameter of the induration was measured. Because all participants were known to be at high risk for infection, a diameter of more than 5 mm was considered positive, in accordance with German guidelines (Lange et al 2006). The observers were blinded to the IGRA results as were the lab-technicians to the TST results.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evaluation of the interferon-γ release assay in healthcare workers

Nienhaus

Schablon

Bâcle

et al. 2007

Int Arch Occup Environ Health

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Aufgrund der in Tuberkulin enthaltenen kreuzreaktiven Antigene kann die Reaktion jedoch auch nach vorangegangener Infektion mit NTM oder M. bovis BCG positiv ausfallen [53]. Die Kreuzreaktivität bei BCG-Geimpften lässt individuell unterschiedlich über die Zeit nach.…”

Section: Tuberkulin-hauttestunclassified