Increased risk of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection related to the occupational exposures of health care workers in Chiang Rai, Thailand.

Abstract

Chiang Rai Hospital HCWs had an increased risk for Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, which was significantly associated with occupational exposure. Where BCG coverage is high, a TST cut-off of > or = 15 mm may correlate better with M. tuberculosis infection than does a cut-off of > or = 10 mm. Effective, affordable infection control measures are needed for health care facilities in developing countries such as Thailand, where HCWs may be at increased risk for M. tuberculosis infection from occupational exposures.