Tuberculosis in health professionals: a new perspective on an old problem

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Historically, health professionals were not considered at higher risk for tuberculosis (TB) infection than the general population.
• Early 20th-century studies indicated increased TB infection rates among healthcare students, yet skepticism persisted regarding occupational risk.
• Despite historical skepticism, evidence now highlights healthcare professionals as a population predisposed to TB infection and active disease.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and contribute to the understanding of nosocomial (hospital-acquired) tuberculosis transmission among healthcare workers.
• To address the occupational risks of TB infection in healthcare settings within an endemic country.

Main Methods:

• This study is a review of existing literature and historical data on tuberculosis transmission.
• Analysis of findings from tuberculin skin tests among healthcare students from 1920-1930.
• Examination of reports describing TB infection rates in healthcare professionals.

Main Results:

• Significant findings on positive tuberculin skin tests emerged between 1920-1930, suggesting higher infection rates in healthcare students.
• Healthcare professionals are increasingly recognized as a population group highly susceptible to acquiring and developing active TB.
• Despite initial skepticism, current understanding points to a significant occupational risk for TB among health workers.

Conclusions:

• There is an urgent need for the scientific community and healthcare professionals to acknowledge the heightened risk of TB infection.
• Mobilization and implementation of targeted actions are essential to minimize the risk of occupational TB acquisition in healthcare settings.
• Proactive measures are required to protect healthcare workers from tuberculosis in endemic regions.