Evaluation of Tuberculin Skin Test Seroconversion Among the Staff in Qaemshahr Razi Hospital, 2015-2017

Background and Tuberculosis is a contagious disease caused by mycobacterium tuberculosis. Approximately 30% of the world's population is infected, 5-10% of whom develop active tuberculosis. The aim of this study was to determine the tuberculin skin test conversion.
A cross-sectional study was conducted in 114 staff working in Qaemshahr Razi Hospital, 2015-2017. Demographic characteristics and the results of tuberculin skin test (TST) were recorded in a checklist. Data analysis was done in SPSS V20.
The participants included 15.8% males and 84.2% females (mean age: 29.42±5.03). Among the subjects, 33% had latent tuberculosis. TST was positive in 11.4% in first evaluation and 36.84% had positive TST in the second assessment. TST seroconversion was observed in 25.44%, in 61.4% the working experience was more than 10 years, and 61.5% worked in infectious department. There were significant associations between the positive result of TST and age, gender, and working experience (P=0.002, P=0.021, and P=0.01, respectively). We observed significant differences in the results of TST between the first and second evaluation (P Hospital staff are at high risk for developing tuberculosis due to direct contact with tuberculosis patients. Due to TST seroconversion they should be screened for TB annually. Isolation of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis and practical trainings should be considered in order to prevent infection in staff. Personal protective equipment is also needed for individuals working in hospitals.