Risk of latent tuberculosis infection among healthcare workers in Italy: a retrospective study with Quantiferon Test

Abstract

Summary Objective The latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is a state of persistent immune response to stimulation by Mycobacterium Tuberculosis antigens without clinical manifestation: the healthcare workers (HCWs) have a higher exposure risk so prevention is an important challenge for occupational medicine. The aim of our study is to evaluate the prevalence of LTBI among HCWs of the Foundation Policlinic “Tor Vergata”. Methods This is a retrospective study conducted by analyzing the clinical records of 825 HCWs of the PTV, from January 1st to December 31th 2016. To evaluate the TB infection we used the Quantiferon TB Gold interferon-gamma release assay. Results Our study underlines the low prevalence of LTBI in the Italian healthcare workers. Conclusion Although the LTBI status is not contagious, the diagnosis and the safety strategies require specific clinical and preventive considerations.