TITLE:
Prevalence of Latent Tuberculosis Infection [LTBI] in Prison Officers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
AUTHORS:
Thiago Poss Moreira, Gustavo Henrique Baraca Sanvezzo, Maico Trevisol, Renan William Mesquita, Luiza Scalcon de Oliveira, Lia Beatriz Henke de Azevedo, Cleide Viviane Buzanello Martins, Lirane Elize Defante Ferreto
KEYWORDS:
Latent Tuberculosis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Meta-Analysis, Prevalence, Occupational Exposure
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Respiratory Diseases,
Vol.14 No.1,
February
29,
2024
ABSTRACT: This study aimed to perform a systematic review and
meta-analysis to determine the LTBI prevalence in prison officers worldwide. A
systematic search was performed in PubMed, WoS, Embase, and BVS, including all
articles related to LTBI prevalence and risk factors. After critical evaluation
and qualitative synthesis of the identified articles, a meta-analysis was used.Five studies carried out between 2012 and 2022 were
included, with a total sample size of 1718 prison officers. The overall LTBI
prevalence was 50% [95% confidence interval [CI]: 48% - 52%; n = 816], with high heterogeneity between
studies. Smoking [OR = 1.76; CI 95% = 1.26 - 2.46] and males [OR = 2.08; CI 95% = 1.31 - 3.31] were positively related
to a higher LTBI prevalence among prison officers. Thus, preventive measures and the rapid and accurate
diagnosis of new cases should be emphasized to ensure tuberculosis control,
especially among risk groups such as prison officers.