Increasing frequency of tuberculosis among staff in a South African district hospital: impact of the HIV epidemic on the supply side of health care

Abstract

To describe the changing frequency of tuberculosis among staff in a South African hospital, and to compare incidence in health workers with that in ancillary staff, the number and type of cases of tuberculosis among staff diagnosed between 1991 and 1996 were ascertained. The incidence rate of tuberculosis among health workers and ancillary staff was compared with the age-specific rate in the community (20–59 years old). In 1991–1992, 2 cases of tuberculosis were diagnosed among hospital staff; but in 1993–1996 there were 20 cases diagnosed (annualized incidence rates 138/100000 and 690/100 000; P < 0·0001). Of 14 cases tested (64%), 12 (86%) were infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Most cases (82%) successfully completed treatment, but 4 died (18%). The incidence of tuberculosis amongst health workers ( 558 100 000 person-years of observation [PYO]) and ancillary staff ( 445 100000 PYO) was not significantly different ( P = 0·7), but it was lower than the incidence rate among 20–59 years old people in the community ( 1543 100000 ). Tuberculosis has increased amongst hospital staff, secondary to the impact of HIV. The HIV epidemic is having a substantial impact on the health of hospital staff and interventions to counter this are urgently needed.