Meta-analysis of latent tuberculosis in healthcare workers inIran: a retrospective review

Background and Aim : Here we review the status of latent tuberculosis (LTB) in Iranianhealthcare workers (HCWs).Mycobacteria are microorganisms that cause various human diseases.These microorganisms are divided into two groups: tuberculosis (TB) and non-TBmycobacteria.۱,۲ One-third of the world’s population is infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosisas a latent TB (LTB) infection. In approximately ۱۰–۱۵% of individuals with LTB, the infectionmay progress to active TB.۳ Currently TB is an important global public health concern. In additionto the policies announced by the World Health Organization (WHO) to eradicate TB, it is also vitalto develop highsensitivity diagnostic methods for both LTB and active TB.۴,۵Methods : A literature search was conducted using keywords according to the Preferred ReportingItems for Systematic Review and Meta Analyses instructions. Cross-sectional studies publishedfrom ۱ January ۲۰۰۰ through ۱ January ۲۰۱۹ were retrieved. Meta-analysis was performed usingComprehensive Meta-Analysis software using the random effects model, Cochran’s Q and I۲ tests.Publication bias was estimated by funnel plot and Egger’s linear regression test.Results : Among ۷۷۴ articles retrieved in the primary literature search, ۲۱ studies met theeligibility criteria. No publication bias was observed among the included studies (p=۰.۰۷). Theprevalence of LTB ranged from ۷% to ۶۳% in Iranian HCWs from different geographical areas.The overall combined prevalence of LTB among Iranian HCWs was ۳۰.۹% (۹۵% confidenceinterval ۲۴.۲ to ۳۸.۵). Also, ۵۲.۴% of the included studies showed a significant correlation betweenoccupation and LTB incidence (p<۰.۰۵).Conclusion : The prevalence of LTB was high among Iranian HCWs. This requires developingcomprehensive information databases and surveillance systems for detecting LTB among HCWs.It is also essential to periodically screen for LTB in HCWs to provide a timely diagnosis of theinfection. It is recommended to perform a tuberculin skin test, a useful tool for screening andtreatment of LTB, on an annual basis in HCWs.

کلیدواژه ها:

healthcare workers ، latent tuberculosis ، Mycobacterium tuberculosis