The risk of latent tuberculosis infection in respiratory therapists in a country with intermediate incidence

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Respiratory therapists (RTs) are exposed to aerosols more frequently than other health care workers (HCWs) and might bear a higher risk for tuberculosis (TB) infection. The QuantiFERON-TB Gold (QFTG) test was used to evaluate the risk for TB infection in Taiwan, a country with intermediate TB incidence. METHODS: A cross-sectional screening of HCWs, including RTs and other HCWs, with the QFTG test was conducted in Taiwan between October 2008 and December 2011. Those with initially negative QFTG results accepted repeated QFTG testing 1 y later. The positive rates of QFTG in RTs and other HCWs were compared. The risk factors for positive QFTG and QFTG conversion, including occupational group, age, duration of employment, and gender, were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 274 HCWs were enrolled, including 43 RTs, 163 nurses, and 68 other HCWs. The positive rates of QFTG were 14.0% in RTs, 6.1% in nurses, and 8.8% in other HCWs, which were not significantly different among the 3 groups. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the risk for positive QFTG positively correlated with increased age and the duration of employment, but did not relate to gender or occupational group. Of 81 HCWs with initially negative QFTG results, 4 (4.9%) had positive conversion on repeat QFTG testing 1 y later. The risk for QFTG conversion in HCWs was not related to occupational group, gender, age, or duration of employment. CONCLUSION: RTs had no higher risk for latent TB infection than other HCWs in a country with intermediate TB incidence.