The incidence of tuberculosis in English laboratory workers with M. tuberculosis was reported to be how many times higher than for the general population?

The correct choice indicates that the incidence of tuberculosis among English laboratory workers handling M. tuberculosis is reported to be five times higher than that of the general population. This higher incidence can be attributed to the specific occupational exposure that laboratory workers face.

Laboratory settings that work with pathogens such as M. tuberculosis may have higher risks associated with aerosols and direct handling of cultures, thereby increasing the likelihood of transmission. Research studies and reports highlight the correlation between such occupational risks and increased rates of infection within these workers, leading to the identification of this significant elevation in incidence.

Understanding the context of this question is important for sanitarian practice since it illustrates the need for robust safety measures and infection control protocols in laboratory environments to protect personnel from occupational hazards associated with infectious diseases.