[Sputum smear-positive tuberculosis diagnosed after hospitalization]

Area of Science:

• Infectious Disease Epidemiology
• Hospital Infection Control
• Public Health

Context:

• Tuberculosis (TB) infection control programs utilize a hierarchy of administrative, environmental, and respiratory protection measures.
• Administrative controls are paramount for minimizing exposure risk to infectious TB patients.
• Nosocomial TB infections pose a significant risk in healthcare settings.

Purpose:

• To evaluate the risk of nosocomial tuberculosis infection in patients not initially suspected of having TB.
• To analyze delays in TB diagnosis and identify patient demographics at risk.
• To emphasize the importance of considering TB in differential diagnoses for admitted patients.

Summary:

• Over 10 years, 126 TB cases were diagnosed, with 51 having positive sputum smears.
• Fifteen patients, not initially suspected of TB, were at risk of nosocomial infection, with a mean age of 66.3 years.
• Diagnostic delays occurred in some cases, highlighting the need for vigilance, especially for patients admitted from emergency rooms or other departments.

Impact:

• Highlights the critical need to consider tuberculosis in initial patient assessments to prevent diagnostic delays.
• Underscores the importance of adequate ventilation in general hospital rooms for managing unexpected TB admissions.
• Reinforces the necessity of ensuring healthcare workers' proficiency in using N95 respirators for effective respiratory protection.