Pulmonary tuberculosis in healthcare workers of the North-West Federal District
The purpose of this study was to investigate trends of morbidity and course of pulmonary tuberculosis in healthcare workers at the North-West Federal District during the period of 2000 - 2017. Methods. This is a retrospective study. Medical records of North-West Federal Research Center of Hygiene and Public Health from the years 2000 - 2017 were analyzed. Results. Cases of pulmonary tuberculosis in healthcare workers were included in the analysis. The highest morbidity of pulmonary tuberculosis was registered in 2006 (19%), 2007 (16%) and 2010 (21%). Information on habitation of tuberculosis patients was of particular interest. Physicians (34%), nurses (54%), cleaning personnel (7%) and technicians (5%) were among healthcare workers with pulmonary tuberculosis. Tuberculosis was diagnosed during preventive examination in 48% and at presentation in 52% of cases. Conclusion. Majority of new cases of pulmonary tuberculosis in healthcare workers were diagnosed at presentation with advanced clinical symptoms. This situation is associated with an increased risk of the infection spread. Preventive measures should be developed in order to diagnose tuberculosis in an earlier stage.