Tuberculosis Risk among Medical Trainees, Pune, India

Insights

Tuberculosis (TB) incidence was high among medical trainees in Pune, India, with 3.9% infected. Some cases showed drug resistance or severe treatment complications.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Occupational Health

Background:

  • Medical trainees are a vulnerable population for infectious diseases due to potential exposure in healthcare settings.
  • Understanding tuberculosis (TB) incidence in this demographic is crucial for implementing targeted prevention strategies.
  • Previous data on TB among medical trainees in India may be limited.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the incidence of tuberculosis among medical trainees at a public hospital in Pune, India.
  • To identify drug resistance patterns in tuberculosis cases within this cohort.
  • To document any severe adverse events associated with TB treatment in medical trainees.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective study was conducted over a 1-year period (2012-2013) at a public hospital.
  • Data were collected on all medical trainees (n=662) working at the institution.
  • Tuberculosis cases were identified, and drug resistance profiles (including isoniazid and multidrug resistance) were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • A total of 26 cases of tuberculosis (3.9%) were reported among 662 medical trainees.
  • The estimated incidence rate was 3,279 cases per 100,000 person-years.
  • Drug resistance was observed in 4 cases: 3 isoniazid-resistant and 1 multidrug-resistant.
  • One trainee experienced fulminant hepatitis after initiating TB treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Medical trainees in Pune, India, exhibit a significant burden of tuberculosis.
  • The presence of drug-resistant TB highlights the need for vigilant surveillance and appropriate treatment regimens.
  • Severe treatment complications like hepatitis underscore the importance of close monitoring during TB therapy in this population.

Related Concept Videos

Pulmonary Tuberculosis I01:29

Pulmonary Tuberculosis I

Tuberculosis, often called TB, is a contagious illness primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lung parenchyma but can also impact other body parts.
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
1.2K
Pulmonary Tuberculosis V01:28

Pulmonary Tuberculosis V

Medical management of tuberculosis (TB) patients involves a comprehensive approach that includes diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring. The specific strategies can vary depending on the type of tuberculosis (latent or active), the patient's overall health status, and other considerations.
Latent tuberculosis infection occurs when TB bacteria are present in a person's body, but are not causing illness or symptoms. It is not contagious, and preventive treatment is crucial to avoid the...
761
Pulmonary Tuberculosis II01:28

Pulmonary Tuberculosis II

Tuberculosis, or TB, is a bacterial infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While its primary impact is on the lungs, leading to pulmonary tuberculosis, it can also affect various other organs, a condition referred to as extrapulmonary tuberculosis.
Here is a detailed explanation of its pathophysiology:
Transmission: The process begins when a person inhales droplet nuclei containing M. tuberculosis. These are typically released into the air when an individual with pulmonary or...
2.0K
Pulmonary Tuberculosis III01:31

Pulmonary Tuberculosis III

Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious infection primarily affecting the lung parenchyma but which can also affect other body parts. TB can be classified based on disease development, presentation, and the affected anatomical site.
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
1.3K
Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV01:26

Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV

Tuberculosis, more commonly referred to as TB, is an infectious disease stemming from Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While it primarily impacts the lungs, TB can also affect other body areas. Given its severity and global impact, timely and accurate diagnosis is crucial for controlling its spread and improving patient outcomes.
Several diagnostic approaches are used to detect TB. The conventional method is the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), also known as the Mantoux test. However, this method has...
628
Transmission-based Precautions II: Airborne and Protective Environment01:25

Transmission-based Precautions II: Airborne and Protective Environment

Transmission-based precautions are for patients infected or suspected to be infected (or colonized) with organisms posing a significant risk to others. The transmission precautions include airborne and protective environment precautions.
Airborne precautions:
Use airborne precautions when treating patients known or suspected to have diseases that spread through the air—for example, tuberculosis or measles. These organisms are present in smaller droplets expelled by an infected person and...
2.2K