Tuberculosis in health care workers from a public health service in Santiago, Chile Tuberculosis en el personal de salud del servicio de salud metropolitano sur de Santiago, Chile

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the risk of tuberculosis (TBC) among health care workers (HCW) of the Southern Metropolitan Health Service (SMHS) of Santiago, Chile. Method: A retrospective study using records of patients receiving TBC treatment in the SMHS from 2001 to 2006 was performed, in which HCW were identified. Total population of HCWs at risk was calculated using annual records of personnel hired at the SMHS. Data on TBC cases and rates were compared against data of the SMSH and hazard ratio (HR) and confidence intervals obtained. Results: Fourteen cases were identified, predominantly among auxiliary personnel (n; 4, 35.7%), nursing staff and ambulance drivers (n: 2, 14.3% each). Cases occurred in personnel from 41.7% of hospitals and 10.3% of ambulatory care centers within the SMHS and 92.2% involved personnel with direct patient care or contact. Pulmonary localization was seen in 11 (78.6%), and more than half (57.2%) had a positive sputum stain or culture. All cases initiated treatm