Prevalência de infecção latente pelo Mycobacterium tuberculosis entre estudantes da área da saúde de uma universidade pública em Vitória, ES, Brasil

Prevalence and risk factors of latent tuberculosis infection among college students: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

College students are at increased risk of tuberculosis (TB), which increases their likelihood of developing latent tuberculosis infections (LTBI). This study aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of LTBI and identify its risk factors.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang and CBM databases (10 March 2022) for studies published in any language. The pooled prevalence of LTBI was estimated using random effects methods. Factors associated with LTBI were evaluated by determining standardised mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI). All analyses were performed using the Stata 15.1.

RESULTS

A total of 50 studies from 18 countries were included, with 44 tuberculin skin test (n = 623,732) and 19 interferon gamma release assay (n = 38,266) estimates. The prevalence of a positive tuberculin skin test was 20% (95% CI: 17-23%), and the prevalence of a positive interferon gamma release assay was 9% (95% CI: 7%-11%) among college students. Older age (SMD: 1.67, 95% CI: 1.31-2.13), no Bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccination/scar (SMD: 1.51, 95% CI: 1.06-2.16), contact with TB cases (SMD: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.11-1.62), clinical training (SMD: 1.93, 95% CI: 1.65-2.26) and overweight/obesity (SMD: 1.17, 95% CI: 1.06-1.30) were associated with a higher prevalence of LTBI. Sex was not associated with LTBI prevalence.

CONCLUSION

College students have an increased risk of LTBI, although it varies by geographical area. This meta-analysis provides evidence of risk factors for LTBI in college students. Infection control measures should be conducted for college students with LTBI.

Latent tuberculosis infection in healthcare workers in low- and middle-income countries: an updated systematic review

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at increased risk of latent tuberculosis (TB) infection (LTBI) and TB disease.We conducted an updated systematic review of the prevalence and incidence of LTBI in HCWs in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), associated factors, and infection control practices. We searched MEDLINE, Embase and Web of Science (January 1, 2005-June 20, 2017) for studies published in any language. We obtained pooled estimates using random effects methods and investigated heterogeneity using meta-regression.85 studies (32 630 subjects) were included from 26 LMICs. Prevalence of a positive tuberculin skin test (TST) was 14-98% (mean 49%); prevalence of a positive interferon-γ release assay (IGRA) was 9-86% (mean 39%). Countries with TB incidence ≥300 per 100 000 had the highest prevalence (TST: pooled estimate 55%, 95% CI 41-69%; IGRA: pooled estimate 56%, 95% CI 39-73%). Annual incidence estimated from the TST was 1-38% (mean 17%); annual incidence estimated from the IGRA was 10-30% (mean 18%). The prevalence and incidence of a positive test was associated with years of work, work location, TB contact and job category. Only 15 studies reported on infection control measures in healthcare facilities, with limited implementation.HCWs in LMICs in high TB incidence settings remain at increased risk of acquiring LTBI. There is an urgent need for robust implementation of infection control measures.

Prevalência e fatores associados à infecção pelo Mycobacterium tuberculosis entre agentes comunitários de saúde no Brasil, usando-se a prova tuberculínica

Resumo Este artigo tem por objetivo determinar a prevalência e os fatores associados à infecção latente pelo Mycobacterium tuberculosis entre agentes comunitários de saúde (ACS), usando dois pontos de corte da prova tuberculínica 5mm e 10mm. Trata-se de estudo transversal, com dados coletados sobre sexo, idade, cicatriz de BCG, prova tuberculínica (PT) anterior, tempo que trabalha na profissão de ACS, atuar em unidade básica de saúde (UBS), ter tido contato intradomiciliar com tuberculose (TB), usar álcool, ser fumante e apresentar comorbidades. Para controle de variáveis de confusão e estimativa da medida de efeito (OR), foi empregada a regressão logística. Aplicou-se PT, com leitura após 48-72 horas. As prevalências foram de 57,88% e 37,3%, respectivamente, para 5mm e 10mm. Manteve-se associada à positividade para o ponto de corte de 10mm a condição de trabalhar em UBS com Programa de Controle de Tuberculose (PCT) implementado e já ter tido contato intradomiciliar com TB. Já para o ponto de corte de 5mm, trabalhar em UBS com PCT e implementado. São necessárias ações de conscientização nos municípios e fortalecimento das ações de educação permanente sobre a temática.