[Results of the 2023 Screening Project for Latent Tuberculosis Infection among Temporary Day Laborers in Care...

Since August 2016, the Republic of Korea (ROK) has mandated tuberculosis (TB) and latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) screening of workers and staff in high-risk institutions and facilities, including medical institutions, postpartum care centers, schools, kindergartens, daycare centers, and child welfare facilities following Article 11 of the Tuberculosis Prevention Act. These settings are considered vulnerable due to their high potential for TB outbreaks and significant public health impacts. In 2023, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) implemented an LTBI screening project targeting workers in infant and toddler care facilities to establish and guide systematic screening practices. In total, 56,550 individuals were screened using this method. The overall LTBI prevalence was 25.9% (n=14,656 individuals). The prevalence of LTBI increased with age: 1.7% (1 person) in individuals <20 years of age, 4.4% (277 people) in 20-34, 12.0% (1,211 people) in 35-49, 25.9% (3,082 people) in 50-64, and 35.8% (10,085 people) in those aged ≥65 years. Among 14,656 individuals diagnosed with LTBI, 3,516 (24.0%) initiated treatments. The treatment initiation rate was 37.3% (1,707 individuals) among those aged <65 years who received recommended treatment. Of those who began treatment, 72.2% (1,232) completed the treatment. Regarding treatment facilities, 22.8% of LTBI treatments were managed by public health centers and 77.2% by medical centers. The treatment completion rates were higher in medical centers (72.8%) and in public health centers (67.2%). ROK is actively working to prevent TB outbreaks in pediatric and adolescent care facilities by following the Tuberculosis Prevention Act, which mandates facility workers' TB and LTBI screening. The KDCA plans to continue strengthening public awareness and encouraging adherence to screening protocols to address potential blind spots in TB prevention.