• Owing to limited data on Tuberculosis(TB) in Healthcare workers, researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on the data from cross-sectional studies on Healthcare workers with tuberculosis.

•  10 studies met the inclusion criteria of which four were conducted in the northern part, four in southern India, while two in Maharashtra.

• The results of the study are:

         - The pooled prevalence of TB was found to be 2391.62 (1415.58, 3601.34) cases per  100,000 healthcare workers.

         - There was significant heterogeneity among the studies.

         -  Doctors, nurses and laboratory technicians had a prevalence of 2006.18, 2726.83 and 6468.31 per 100,000 individuals, respectively. There was wide variation in the total sample size of each profession.

         -   Frequent contact with patients with tuberculosis  increases the occupational risk of acquiring infection. 

         -  Inadequate infection control measures, improper use of personal protective equipment, poor nutrition and work stress has been attributed as causes of increased susceptibility to infection.

The study recommends mandatory training and programs of healthcare workers on TB prevention practices.

Click here to read more