TB infection among staff at Tygerberg Academic Hospital, South Africa

Abstract

This study was undertaken in order to characterise the occurrence, clinical spectrum and treatment outcomes of tuberculosis (TB) infection among staff at Tygerberg Academic Hospital over an 11-year period. A retrospective analysis was performed of all patients presenting to the occupational health and infectious diseases departments at the facility for the period 1 January 1996 till 31 December 2006. One hundred and thirty cases of TB were identifed; 69 cases (53.1%) occurred in healthcare workers and 41 (31.5%) in ancillary hospital staff. Nursing staff were the most commonly affected healthcare worker group. There were 100 cases of pulmonary TB (76.9%) and 23 cases of extra-pulmonary TB (17.7%). HIV infection and diabetes mellitus occurred in 14 (18.2% of patients tested) and 15 (11.5%) patients, respectively. There were six cases of MDR TB; four of these occurred in diabetic staff members. This study highlights the need for improved screening and prevention of TB among hospital staff, specifcally among nursing staff. Infection control policies should further emphasise the need for protection of diabetic and HIV-infected staff members.