Abstract

COMPARATIVE STUDY FOR EVALUATING T SPOT-TB IN ANALYSIS BETWEEN LOW AND HIGH RISK SUBJECTS - A PILOT STUDY

Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is a non- communicable asymptomatic condition, which might develop into active tuberculosis. Health care workers in contact with active TB cases are at high risk. Impact of exposure in high TB endemic population remains to be studied. Objective: To study the prevalence of IGRA positivity in high risk health care worker and comparing with clinical and radiological data. Methods: From a tertiary care institute, 40 subjects of which low risk subjects (16), high risk subjects / health care workers (24) were recruited randomly. TSPOT TB spot counting was done and correlation with the clinical data and radiology was analysed. Results: Out of 18 positive results, 16 were HCWs (66.67%), 2 were of low risk group (12.5%). Among the HCWs, doctors had the maximum percentage of the positive results (71.42%). Administration related workers all had negative results. Correlation was established between different antigens used. 8 subjects with normal chest x ray also had TSPOT positive result. Conclusion: HCW’s especially those proximally exposed are at greater risk of having positive T SPOT assay. Chest X ray may not be an adequate screening tool. The exact significance and clinical implication need study even in high endemic population

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