O-221 OCCUPATIONAL TUBERCULOSIS AMONG HEALTHCARE WORKERS: A REPORTED OF TWELVE CASES

Abstract Introduction Tuberculosis (TB) is a human disease caused by Mycobacterium Tuberculosis, and transmitted by airborne pathway. The objective of this study is to draw up the epidemiological and professional profile of healthcare workers (HCWs) with TB at the Ibn Rochd University Hospital Center in Casablanca. Methods This is a retrospective study of twelve cases among HCWs with TB, collected over a 28 months period (December 2018- March 2021). Results Twelve HCWs were reported to have pleuropulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis. The patients were predominantly female, with an average age of 28.6 years and an average professional seniority of 3 years. All had a normal medical examination on recruitment with a history of BCG vaccination. They included three nurses, three resident physicians, two physiotherapists, two radiology technicians and two ambulance technicians. Ten HCWs worked in high TB risk services. Five cases had pulmonary localization, lymph node in four cases, pleuropulmonary, plural and multifocal in only one case for each. Four cases have declared as occupational disease. Nine cases benefited from medium-term sick leave. Discussion Studies estimate that the TB risk among HCWs is about three times higher than in the general population. A higher risk of acquiring TB was associated with certain work locations (laboratory, emergency facilities …), occupational categories (radiology technicians, nurses...),a professional activity duration more than 10 years and certain acts that generate aerosols(bronchial endoscopy, orotracheal intubation,aspiration, respiratory physiotherapy...). Conclusion High incidence of TB among HCWs requires the adoption of strict preventive measures to limit its spread in the healthcare workplace.