Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Tuberculosis (TB) is a major health threat in both developed and developing nations. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of reactivity to the Mantoux test or tuberculin skin test (TST) among health sciences students after an open case of TB infection was detected in one of the students.
DESIGN AND SETTING
A cross-sectional screening survey among students of the Health Sciences College for Girls in Jeddah conducted in June 2010.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS
Students were screened using a standardized TST, and the bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) scars were later inspected.
RESULTS
Of 320 students, only 296 (92.5%) participated in the survey. Thirty-five (12%) had a positive test reactivity (≥10 mm). Seventy-six (25.7%) students had no BCG vaccination scar.
CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of a positive TST was high among students when considered as a primary diagnostic method for latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Strengthening infection control measures is recommended during students' health care training.

Links

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Authors

Murad MA, Abdulmageed SS

Institution

Health Sciences College, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. samoia01@yahoo.com

Source

Annals of Saudi medicine 32:5 pg 527-9

MeSH

Adolescent
Cross-Sectional Studies
Female
Humans
Prevalence
Saudi Arabia
Students
Tuberculin Test
Tuberculosis
Young Adult

Pub Type(s)

Journal Article

Language

eng

PubMed ID

22871624