Latent Tuberculosis in Nursing Professionals in Brazil
Author Information
Author(s): Severo Karen Gisele Person, Oliveira Julia da Silva, Carneiro Marcelo, Valim Andréia Rosane de Moura, Krummenauer Eliane Carlosso, Possuelo Lia Gonçalves
Primary Institution: Universidade de Santa Cruz do Sul
Hypothesis
What is the prevalence of latent M. tuberculosis infection among nursing professionals in a Brazilian hospital?
Conclusion
The study found that 47.3% of nursing professionals tested positive for latent tuberculosis infection.
Supporting Evidence
- 47.3% of health-care workers tested positive for latent tuberculosis infection.
- The study included 55 nursing professionals from a hospital in Brazil.
- No significant difference in TST positivity was found based on professional category.
Takeaway
Many nurses in a Brazilian hospital have a hidden infection of tuberculosis, which can be dangerous if not treated.
Methodology
A descriptive study using tuberculin skin tests to assess latent tuberculosis infection among nursing professionals.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to self-reported data and the exclusion of non-returning participants for TST reading.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and did not evaluate the effect of BCG vaccination on TST results.
Participant Demographics
The majority of participants were female (87.3%), self-declared Caucasian (96.4%), with a mean age of 29.9 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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