Exploring the Tuberculosis Risk Among Indian Health Workers

New Delhi: Underlining critical occupation risks in the health sector, a new study has found that cases of tuberculosis are a lot more prevalent among healthcare workers in India in comparison to the general population. The analysis of 10 separate studies conducted in the last two decades between 2004 and 2023 found an average prevalence of 2,391.6 cases per 100,000 healthcare workers in India, far higher than the rate of 300 cases per 1 lakh population. The study, titled Prevalence of Tuberculosis Among Healthcare Workers in India: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, is a collaborative effort by Dr Ravindra Nath from Teerthanker Mahaveer University, Moradabad, along with Dr Jugal Kishore, Dr Pranav Ish, Dr Aninda Debnath, and Dr Nitin Panwar, from VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital, and Dr Anirban Bhaumik from Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar Medical College and Hospital, Delhi.

Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the most critical public health challenges globally, particularly in countries with high endemic rates such as India, which alone accounts for approximately one-fourth of the global TB burden, the study said. This infectious disease, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is predominantly spread through airborne particles, making it a significant occupational hazard, especially in healthcare settings. The incidence of TB among healthcare workers (HCWs) is alarmingly high, reflecting broader systemic vulnerabilities within healthcare infrastructures.

Studies have indicated that TB incidence rates in HCWs are three times higher than those observed in the general population. Despite the acknowledged risks, comprehensive epidemiological data on TB among HCWs in India is sparse and often inconsistent, Dr Jugal Kishore highlighted.

The analysis identified particularly high TB prevalence rates among laboratory technicians (6,468.31 cases per 100,000), doctors (2,006.18 per 100,000), and nurses (2,726.83 per 100,000). Factors contributing to the high TB rates include inadequate ventilation and poor air circulation in healthcare facilities significantly increasing the risk of airborne transmission of TB.

Given these findings, the authors strongly recommend measures to protect HCWs, including ensuring consistent use of PPE and conducting routine TB screening for all HCWs. They also advocate for investing in better ventilation systems and dedicated isolation rooms in healthcare environments.