ABSTRACT

Tuberculin skin test (TST) is an useful method for detect tuberculin infection, firstly to individuals with high risk to tb infection as tb close contacts and health care workers (hcws) of tb clinics. Periodical testing to hcws let us to do epidemiologic surveillance of tuberculosis, and to take preventive measures. The objectives of this survey were: to estimate the prevalence of infection in hcws of the Pneumology Unit of Hospital General of Mexico (HGdeMéx) and to train a nurse in this technic. Department of Clinical Epidemiologist and Health Care Services of Pneumology Unit enrolled 291 hcws for TST and the results were obtained in 139 (47.8%) individuals, and 55 (39.6%) were reactors to DPP. Gender and years of age of individuals, and area and time of work in hospital were taken in account. Absences of personal to DPP reading, affected the objectives. Rate on infection obtained were compared with other observed in hcws, and with others no exposed groups. We emphasize the importance of TST in epidemiological and clinical studies.

KEYWORDS

Tuberculin skin test, prevalence of tuberculosis infection, DPP reading, tuberculosis in hospitals..

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