PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Anja Schablon
AU  - Genia Diner
AU  - Ute Anske
AU  - Felix Ringshausen
AU  - Albert Nienhaus
TI  - Risk of latent tuberculosis infection among healthcare trainees
DP  - 2012 Sep 01
TA  - European Respiratory Journal
PG  - P2863
VI  - 40
IP  - Suppl 56
4099  - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/40/Suppl_56/P2863.short
4100  - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/40/Suppl_56/P2863.full
SO  - Eur Respir J2012 Sep 01; 40
AB  - Objective: The prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) and the risk of tuberculosis infection in nursing students in Germany are unknown. Therefore nursing trainees were followed over a three-year period for the prevalence and risk of LTBI.Method: In a prospective cohort study, all trainees (n=194) who began training as a nurse or carer at the Vivantes Healthcare Training Institute in Berlin on 1 October 2008, and 1 April 2009, were IGRA-tested at three different times. IGRAs were performed at the start of training and at the end of the first and third years of training. Socio-demographic data and possible risk factors were recorded.Results: The cohort consisted as of the baseline survey (when they began their training) of a total of 194 trainees. 70% were female. The average age was 23. The LTBI prevalence was 2.1% (4/194). 40 trainees quit before completing their training. In the first follow-up test, 2 out of 154 tested IGRA-positive, and 151 had constantly negative results. One IGRA was constantly positive and there was one conversion and one reversion. In the second follow-up test upon completion of the training there was again one conversion, one reversion and one constantly positive test result over the three years (own TB anamnesis). No case of active tuberculosis was diagnosed over the three-year observation period.Conclusion: Prevalence and infection rates are low among trainees. Negative IGRA test results proved very constant. Therefore IGRA testing in this low risk group is feasable. However, screening should focus on trainees with personal risk factors for TB. All others should only be tested after they have been in close contact with a TB index patient.