Review Article

Potential benefits and harms of the use of UV radiation in transmission of tuberculosis in South African health facilities

Marang T. Mamahlodi
Journal of Public Health in Africa | Vol 10, No 1 | a886 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4081/jphia.2019.742 | © 2024 Marang T. Mamahlodi | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 11 November 2024 | Published: 03 May 2019

About the author(s)

Marang T. Mamahlodi, Department of Health Studies, College of Human Sciences, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa

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Abstract

The incidence and prevalence of transmitted Mycobacterium tuberculosis have risen very rapidly in modern society. Environmental control measure such as ultraviolet radiation has been introduced in various health care facilities. This preventative measure has been extensively explored in the medical, legislative and public forums. However, the guidelines and manufacturer’s claims have created controversies, in terms of prevention of cross-transmission of M. tuberculosis in health care facilities. In this article, the authors reviewed the overall benefits and harms associated with the use of ultraviolet radiation in the prevention of M. tuberculosis transmission. The author concluded that there are still existing gaps in proving beyond any reasonable doubt that ultraviolet radiations absolutely prevent the spread of M. tuberculosis in South African health facilities.

Keywords

Tuberculosis; germicidal ultraviolet radiation; benefits and harms; transmission

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1. Healthcare Workers’ Perception of Measures to Reduce the Risk of New Tuberculosis Infections: A Qualitative Study Report
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doi: 10.3390/nursrep12040084