Prevalence and predictors of latent tuberculosis infection among Italian State Policemen engaged in assistance to migrants: a national cross-sectional study

摘要: Objectives Better knowledge about tuberculosis (TB) and latent TB infection (LTBI) epidemiology is a crucial step for the development of effective strategies towards control elimination this deadliest persistent health threat. No study has investigated LTBI in policemen who act as an interface with cross-border migrants. Methods A survey to measure prevalence assess demographic, professional clinical features potentially associated tuberculin skin test (TST) positivity was performed Italian State Police (ISP) employees engaged, even occasionally, relief activities, hospitality, photographical identification, escorting accompanying migrants, regardless contact active cases. Variables TST were evaluated univariate multivariate analysis. Results From September December 2014, 4225 ISP workers underwent screening completed questionnaire data collection, according procedures. The positive 9.9% individuals: no cases registered among entire population. Age, previous BCG vaccination work category resulted independently positivity. Conclusions This first providing updated engaged assistance migrants furnish preliminary evidence possible associations between different conditions that need be deeply prospective studies.