Influence of work conditions on clinical and epidemiologic manifestations of tuberculosis in uranium extraction enterprise workers

Objective was to evaluate influence of work conditions on clinical and epidemiologic manifestations of tuberculosis in workers engaged into extraction and processing of uranium ores.

Materials and methods. Retrospective study with total sampling method covered tuberculosis cases in working inhabitants of Krasnokamensk town in Zabaikalsk region, aged 20–60 years (2005–2015). Formed sample (n=94) was divided into two groups: main group — workers of uranium-extracting enterprise (n=40), reference group — workers of enterprises not connected with uranium production (n=54). In the groups analyzed, the study covered longstanding dynamics of morbidity and clinical manifestations of tuberculosis process. Evaluation also included tuberculosis risk in workers of uranium production, in dependence on levels of radiation exposure and length of service.

Results. Higher average long-term level of tuberculosis morbidity was proved to be characteristic for the uranium production workers (Me=70.10/0000 [40.2–115.5]), not depending on level (Me=13.20/0000 [9.7–31.8]) and trend of morbidity among working inhabitants of the town (rs=0.382; p=0.247). Tuberculosis process has more unfavorable clinical manifestations in the uranium production workers with higher level of radiation exposure (group A personnel). Among them, more frequent discharge of the causative agent, in comparison with workers suffering from tuberculosis and having less level of radiation exposure (group B personnel) (52% and 16% respectively; p=0.022). Th e maximal tuberculosis risk was demonstrated for group A personnel with length of service from 5 to 15 years (OP=2.7 [1.1–7.0]).

Conclusion. Work conditions of uranium enterprise workers have negative influence on tuberculosis morbidity level and result in highly contagious types of tuberculosis.

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