Tuberculosis screening among health sciences students in Saudi Arabia in 2010

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Tuberculosis (TB) is a major health threat in both developed and developing nations. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of reactivity to the Mantoux test or tuberculin skin test (TST) among health sciences students after an open case of TB infection was detected in one of the students. DESIGN AND SETTING: A cross-sectional screening survey among students of the Health Sciences College for Girls in Jeddah conducted in June 2010. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Students were screened using a standardized TST, and the bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) scars were later inspected. RESULTS: Of 320 students, only 296 (92.5%) participated in the survey. Thirty-five (12%) had a positive test reactivity (≥10 mm). Seventy-six (25.7%) students had no BCG vaccination scar. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of a positive TST was high among students when considered as a primary diagnostic method for latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Strengthening infection control measures is recommended during students’ health care training.