A systematic review and meta-analysis of Latent tuberculosis infection in Health care workers in Iran: Latent tuberculosis infection in HCWs
نویسندگان
1 Department of Microbiology, Islamic Azad University of Damghan, Damghan, Iran
2 Department of Microbiology, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
3 3Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran 4Evidence-Based Phytotherapy and Complementary Medicine Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
4 Cellular and Molecular Gerash Research Center, Gerash University of Medical Sciences, Gerash, Iran
doi
10.22037/nbm.v10i3.37526چکیده
Background: Health care workers (HCWs) are more likely to get latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) because ofthe direct contact they may have with patients and carriers. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalenceof LTBI in HCWs.Materials and Methods: In the present study, we searched from 1st 2010 to the end of 2021 in various databasessuch as; PubMed, Scopus, Web of sciences, and Google Scholar for studies presented LTBI in HCWS. Afterapplying inclusion and exclusion criteria and quality assessment, obtained data were analyzed by ComprehensiveMeta-analysis (CMV) software.Results: In total, 22 studies met the eligibility criteria to include in the present systematic review and metaanalysis. The combined prevalence of LTBI was reported by 25.9% (95% CI: 19.3-33.7). No publication biaswas seen among studies included based on Eger’s regression test (p=0.04).Conclusion: Our study showed a high prevalence of LTBI in HCWs. Therefore, periodical screening of HCWswith Suitable tests is essential to prevent this high prevalence. According to the results of this systematicreview and meta-analysis, the rate of LTBI in Iranian HCWs is high. Therefore, periodical screening anddiagnostic tests such as TST are necessary for the timely diagnosis and treatment of these individuals to prevent changing LTBI to an active form of tuberculosis.
