Mixed methods study on latent tuberculosis among agate stone workers and advocacy for testing silica dust exposed individuals in India.
Sci Rep
; 14(1): 13830, 2024 06 15.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38879714
ABSTRACT
The 2021 tuberculosis (TB) preventive treatment guidelines in India included silicosis as a screening group, yet latent TB infection (LTBI) testing for silica-dust-exposed individuals is underemphasized. Focusing on an estimated 52 million silica-dust-exposed workers, particularly agate-stone workers in Khambhat, Gujarat, our study aims to estimate LTBI prevalence, identify predictors, and gather insights from TB and silicosis experts. Employing a sequential explanatory mixed-methods approach, a cross-sectional study involved 463 agate-stone workers aged ≥ 20 years in Khambhat, using IGRA kits for LTBI testing. In-depth interviews with experts complemented quantitative findings. Among agate-stone workers, 58% tested positive for LTBI, with predictors including longer exposure, type of work, and BCG vaccination. Our findings reveal a nearly double burden of LTBI compared to the general population, particularly in occupations with higher silica dust exposure. Experts advocate for including silica-dust-exposed individuals in high-risk groups for LTBI testing, exploring cost-effective alternatives like improved skin sensitivity tests, and shorter TB preventive treatment regimens to enhance compliance. Future research should explore upfront TB preventive treatment for silica-dust-exposed individuals with high LTBI prevalence and optimal exposure duration. This study underscores the urgent need for policy changes and innovative approaches to TB prevention among silica-dust-exposed populations, impacting global occupational health strategies.
Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Silicosis
/
Exposición Profesional
/
Dióxido de Silicio
/
Polvo
/
Tuberculosis Latente
Límite:
Adult
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
/
Middle aged
País/Región como asunto:
Asia
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Sci Rep
Año:
2024
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
India
Pais de publicación:
Reino Unido