Towards tuberculosis elimination: an action framework for low-incidence countries.

This paper describes an action framework for countries with low tuberculosis (TB) incidence (<100 TB cases per million population) that are striving for TB elimination. The framework sets out priority interventions required for these countries to progress first towards "pre-elimination" (<10 cases per million) and eventually the elimination of TB as a public health problem (less than one case per million). TB epidemiology in most low-incidence countries is characterised by a low rate of transmission in the general population, occasional outbreaks, a majority of TB cases generated from progression of latent TB infection (LTBI) rather than local transmission, concentration to certain vulnerable and hard-to-reach risk groups, and challenges posed by cross-border migration. Common health system challenges are that political commitment, funding, clinical expertise and general awareness of TB diminishes as TB incidence falls. The framework presents a tailored response to these challenges, grouped into eight priority action areas: 1) ensure political commitment, funding and stewardship for planning and essential services; 2) address the most vulnerable and hard-to-reach groups; 3) address special needs of migrants and cross-border issues; 4) undertake screening for active TB and LTBI in TB contacts and selected high-risk groups, and provide appropriate treatment; 5) optimise the prevention and care of drug-resistant TB; 6) ensure continued surveillance, programme monitoring and evaluation and case-based data management; 7) invest in research and new tools; and 8) support global TB prevention, care and control. The overall approach needs to be multisectorial, focusing on equitable access to high-quality diagnosis and care, and on addressing the social determinants of TB. Because of increasing globalisation and population mobility, the response needs to have both national and global dimensions.

Molecular epidemiology of tuberculosis in Havana, Cuba, 2009.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the proportion of tuberculosis cases attributable to recent transmission and the risk factors possibly associated with tuberculosis clustering. METHODS: Population-based study combining information from epidemiological investigation of tuberculosis cases notified to the National Tuberculosis Control Program in Havana, Cuba, in 2009 with the results of genotyping of Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates with variable number tandem repeat of mycobacterial interspersed repetitive units (MIRU-VNTR) typing. RESULTS: Of 186 cases, 61 were genotyped: 33 patterns and five clusters with 19, 7, 3, 2 and 2 cases were found. The proportion of cases due to recent transmission was 45% (95% confidence interval 33-58%). Routine contact investigation failed to identify a substantial number of epidemiological links. A history of living in a closed setting was strongly associated with clustering. CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of cases due to recent transmission in Havana in 2009 is high. The existing control measures in closed settings should be strengthened. A study on a larger number of cases and for a longer time period should be carried out to obtain more precise estimates. Further studies on the utility and cost-effectiveness of the addition of molecular epidemiology techniques to support the progress towards tuberculosis elimination in Cuba, a low-incidence resource-limited setting, are also needed.

A prevalence study in Guadalajara, Mexico, comparing tuberculin skin test and QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) is a prevalent disease throughout the world. The extent of TB illness in childhood is not clear; recent data shows that 10-20% of the cases are found in children under 15 years old. In 2017, 1 million children developed the disease, of which 9% were co-infected with HIV. METHODS: A cross-sectional study that analyzed 48 children diagnosed with HIV-infection in Guadalajara, Mexico. The tuberculin skin test (TST) and QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube test (QFT) were performed and compared to diagnose latent TB infection (LTBI). RESULTS: The average age was 9 years old (± 4), with an age range of 1-16 years; the 6-12-year-old group predominated with 50% of cases. 27 patients (56%) were male; 83% had received the BCG vaccination and 23% had a history of being contacts of TB cases. In the study, 40 patients (83%) were without immunosuppression; seven (15%) with moderate immunosuppression, and only one patient had severe immunodeficiency. Overall, 3 of the 48 children (6.2%) had a positive TST, while 8 out of 48 (16.6%) had a positive QFT. The concordance between the two tests was 89.6% (43/48) with Kappa = 0.5 (95% CI, 0.14-0.85). CONCLUSIONS: The QFT test represents an opportunity in the diagnosis of LTBI, particularly in pediatric HIV- patients. This is the first study that compares the two tests (TST and QFT) in children with HIV-infection in Guadalajara, Mexico.

[Tuberculosis incidence strata in Cuban municipalities: 1999-2002 and 2003-2006]. / Estratos de incidencia de tuberculosis en los municipios de Cuba: 1999-2002 y 2003-2006.

OBJECTIVE: identify Cuban municipalities with high, medium, and low incidence of tuberculosis (TB), compare incidence rates for the periods 1999-2002 and 2003-2006, and analyze distribution of the disease by population density and economic activity. METHODS: TB incidence was calculated by municipality, confidence interval (95%), and the percentage of variation for the defined strata according to population density and the predominant economic activity. The municipalities were divided into three categories based on incidence (> 10 per 100 000; > 5 per 100 000 to < 10 per 100 000, and < 5 per 100 000), and maps were plotted. RESULTS: the proportion of municipalities with an incidence of < 5 per 100 000 rose from 35.5% to 57.4% between the two periods, while the proportion of municipalities with an incidence of > 10 per 100 000 fell from 22.5% to 5.9%. National incidence fell by 28.7%-from 8.7 per 100 000 in 1999-2002 to 6.2 in 2003-2006. Municipalities that were not very densely populated and where agricultural activities predominated showed significant reductions in incidence. The rates in densely populated municipalities devoted primarily to industrial and service activities are still high. CONCLUSIONS: TB incidence is gradually and sustainably declining in the majority of municipalities. Differentiated strategies are needed to reduce TB incidence rates in municipalities where they continue to be relatively high.

Pulmonary tuberculosis case detection through fortuitous cough screening during home visits.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the yield of active tuberculosis (TB) case detection among risk groups during home visits with passive detection among patients at health services. METHODS: In April 2004, in a first phase, we introduced, active screening for coughing among all family members of patients that were visited at home by their family doctor or nurse for other reasons. Subsequently, from October 2004 onwards, active screening was restricted to family members belonging to groups at risk of TB. RESULTS: The overall detection rate of TB increased from 6.7/100,000 during passive detection at health services before the intervention to 26.2/100,000 inhabitants when passive detection was complemented by active case finding. Active screening among risk groups yielded 35 TB cases per 1000 persons screened compared to 20 TB cases per 1000 persons passively screened at health services. Active case finding was particularly efficient in those coughing for 3 weeks or more (107/1000 screened). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that active case finding in groups at risk during home visits increases the case detection rate in the population and permits the identification of cases that may not be detected through passive case finding at health facility level.

The Challenge of Eliminating Childhood Tuberculosis in Cuba.

WHO's 2015 End Tuberculosis Strategy can succeed only through universal health coverage, social protection, poverty alleviation and effective multisector actions to tackle social determinants in general. The pediatric age group is particularly vulnerable to tuberculosis and historically neglected worldwide. However, this group is a priority within Cuba's National Tuberculosis Control Pro-gram that has functioned since 1970, and Cuba is considered a low-incidence country with rates < 7 per 100,000 population since 2011. Tuberculosis incidence in children aged <15 years is <1 per 100,000, similar to that reported in high-income countries and rep-resenting less than 2% of total cases in Cuba. Since 1999, no deaths from tuberculosis, coinfection with HIV or resistance to the two first-line TB drugs have been reported in affected children, and most diagnosed cases correspond to early, primary forms of the disease. These results place Cuba among the countries on track to eliminate TB by 2050. This article reviews the pillars and components of the 2015 End TB Strategy and the strategies devel-oped by the National Tuberculosis Control Program that enabled Cuba to bring incidence below the 2035 targets of WHO's End TB strategy. The article also proposes other actions Cuba can take, despite limited resources, to eliminate TB, particularly in the pedi-atric age group.KEYWORDS Tuberculosis, communicable disease control, disease control programs, preventive health services, child health, World Health Organization, Cuba.

[An alternative for improving the diagnosis of smear-negative tuberculosis and other bronchopulmonary disorders in Cuba]. / Una alternativa para mejorar el diagnóstico de la tuberculosis con baciloscopia negativa y otros problemas broncopulmonares en Cuba.

OBJECTIVE: The diagnosis of tuberculosis in patients with negative acid-fast bacillus smears poses a challenge to both clinicians and public health authorities. In an attempt to aid diagnosis in such cases, an expert committee was established in Ciudad de La Habana, Cuba in 1995. The aim of this study was to describe the progress of the committee's work and the corresponding results for the period 1996 through 2003. PATIENTS AND METHODS: For each patient studied by the commission, we analyzed the following data: patient's residence and referring center, tentative diagnosis proposed by the attending physician, history of antibiotic treatment, and final diagnosis made by the commission. RESULTS: Of the 1703 patients studied, 84.8% were from La Habana, 48.4% were 55 years or older, and 63.8% were men. Between 2001 and 2003, 11.3% of patients were already on antituberculosis treatment when their case was studied by the commission. The corresponding percentage for 1996 through 2000 was 16.9% (P=.001). Active tuberculosis was confirmed in 43.1% of a total of 918 patients with full test results during the period 1996 through 2000 and in 52.2% of a total of 619 patients (52.2%) during the period 2001 through 2003 (P< .001). Of 344 patients with suspected pulmonary tuberculosis and negative acid-fast bacillus smears between 2001 and 2003, 128 (37.2%) were diagnosed with active tuberculosis. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that the work of the commission is viable, sustainable, and useful for preventing overdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment, and that it also serves an educational purpose.

Moving Closer to Tuberculosis Elimination through Institutional Scientific Collaboration: Opportunities for Cuba and the USA.

Global efforts to eliminate tuberculosis by 2050 continue to challenge health systems. In countries with low reported tuberculosis incidence, such as the USA (3.1/100,000 population) and Cuba (6.9/100,000), differences in classification by income level and health systems' overall organizational structure are evident. However, the two countries' low tuberculosis incidence, geographic proximity, robust research capacity and shared health priority for tuberculosis elimination provide fertile territory to strengthen collaboration for tuberculosis control in clinical, laboratory and community settings. Two tuberculosis symposia in Cuba-one at the Cuba Salud Convention in 2015 and the other at the International Forum on Hygiene and Epidemiology in 2016-were instrumental in stimulating dialogue on continued efforts towards eliminating tuberculosis by 2050. In this article, we describe tuberculosis burden in the USA and Cuba, critically analyze strengths and challenges experienced in areas of low tuberculosis incidence and provide recommendations for future institutional collaboration to support tuberculosis elimination and improved population health. KEYWORDS Tuberculosis/epidemiology, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, prevention, communicable disease control, disease eradication, disease elimination, international cooperation, Cuba, USA.

Modelo general de la determinación social de la salud para la tuberculosis

Introducción : El avance hacia la eliminación de la tuberculosis en Cuba, depende de la justicia social para las personas afectadas y sus familiares, barrio por barrio, área de salud por área de salud y municipio por municipio. Para potenciar las dimensiones de su determinación social será necesario un modelo de eliminación local asentado en su enfoque general. Objetivo : Describir un modelo general con enfoque sistémico de la determinación social en salud, aplicado a la tuberculosis. Métodos : Se realizó un estudio cualitativo basado en una revisión documental de artículos sobre la determinación social, con diseño de un modelo explicativo, simple para su comprensión, con componentes estructurales, intermedios e individuales para ser adaptado en el tema de la tuberculosis. Resultados : El modelo planteado tiene como entrada la voluntad política, dependiente del poder establecido que determina las políticas públicas, interactuando con las dimensiones intermedias como aspectos centrales y con las dimensiones individuales de carácter sociodemográficas, socioculturales y socioeconómicas. Estas a su vez retroalimentan e influyen nuevamente en la Voluntad política y las Políticas públicas, cerrando el ciclo sistémico. Además, se incluye el control interactivo del sistema. Conclusiones : Además de los modelos planteados en la literatura nacional revisada, abundar en su enfoque sistémico contribuye a facilitar la comprensión del monitoreo de la Determinación social de la tuberculosis por parte del personal encargado de dar sostenibilidad del control hacia la eliminación.

Introduction : Progress towards the tuberculosis elimination in Cuba depends on social justice for the people affected and their families, neighborhood by neighborhood, health area by health area and municipality by municipality. To enhance the dimensions of its social determination, a local elimination model based on its general approach will be necessary. Objective: To describe a general model with a systemic approach to Social determination in health, applied to tuberculosis. Methods : A qualitative study based on a documentary review of articles on social determination was carried out, with the design of an explanatory model, simple for its understanding, with structural, intermediate and individual components to be adapted to the topic of tuberculosis. Results : The proposed model has as input the political will, dependent on the established power that determines public policies, interacting with the intermediate dimensions as central aspects and with the individual dimensions of a sociodemographic, sociocultural and socioeconomic nature. These, in turn, feedback and once again influence the political will and Public policies, closing the systemic cycle. In addition, interactive control of the system is included. Conclusions : In addition to the models proposed in the national literature reviewed, abounding in its systemic approach contributes to facilitate the understanding of the monitoring of the Social determination in health in tuberculosis by the personnel in charge of providing sustainability of control towards elimination.

Control de la tuberculosis pulmonar en el personal de Enfermería en instituciones hospitalarias / Control of Pulmonary Tuberculosis among the Nursing Personnel in Hospital Institutions

Introducción: La tuberculosis pulmonar es uno de los problemas de salud pública más importante a nivel mundial. El personal de la salud tiene mayor probabilidad de contraer la infección con Mycobacterium tuberculosis por su exposición incrementada a pacientes con la enfermedad. Objetivo: Sistematizar el control de la tuberculosis pulmonar en el personal de enfermería en instituciones hospitalarias. Métodos: Revisión integrativa en las bases de datos SciELO y Medline, mediante los descriptores (DeCS): "tuberculosis/tuberculose", "Personal de Enfermería/pessoal de enfermagem/health personnel", "prevención/prevencao/prevention", a través de los operadores booleanos AND y OR. Se establecen las categorías de análisis para una mejor organización del conocimiento. Se establecieron como criterios de inclusión, artículos completos en español, portugués e inglés, que refirieran de manera clara la metodología y los resultados obtenidos. Se incluyeron 10 referencias, que evidencian que existen diversos factores para la transmisión del bacilo de la tuberculosis, en el personal de atención en salud, como el número de pacientes con tuberculosis pulmonar atendidos al año. Es esencial la concientización de las medidas para su control. Diversas publicaciones documentan experiencias de la aplicación de medidas de control, con sus respectivas recomendaciones, mediante el análisis de sus ventajas, desventajas y en algunos casos, de su rentabilidad. Conclusiones: Las evidencias científicas exponen que las medidas de control de la tuberculosis en las instituciones hospitalarias son una estrategia eficaz para prevenir la transmisión de la enfermedad al personal de enfermería(AU)

Introduction: Pulmonary tuberculosis is one of the most important public health problems worldwide. The healthcare personnel are more likely to contract infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, because of their increased exposure to patients with the disease. Objective: To systematize the control of pulmonary tuberculosis among the nursing personnel in hospital institutions. Methods: An integrative review in the SciELO and Medline databases was carried out, using the Health Sciences Descriptors (DeCS) tuberculosis/tuberculose [tuberculosis], Personal de Enfermería/pessoal de enfermagem/health personnel [nursing personnel], prevención/prevenção/prevention, through the Boolean operators AND and OR. The analysis categories were established for better knowledge organization. The established inclusion criterions were complete articles published in Spanish, Portuguese and English, which clearly referred to the methodology and obtained results. Ten references were included, showing that there are several factors for the transmission of the tuberculosis bacillus in the health care personnel, as being the number of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis attended per year. Awareness-raising is essential concerning measures for its control. Publications document experiences regarding the application of control measures, with their respective recommendations, by analyzing their advantages, disadvantages and, in some cases, their cost-effectiveness. Conclusions: Scientific evidence show that tuberculosis control measures in hospital institutions are an effective strategy for preventing transmission of the disease to nursing personnel(AU)

Desigualdades territoriales de la tuberculosis entre los municipios de La Habana, 2015 y 2016-2020 / Territorial Inequalities of Tuberculosis between the Municipalities of Havana, 2015 and 2016-2020

La Habana notifica el 30% de casos de tuberculosis (TB) en Cuba. Objetivo: valorar las desigualdades territoriales en la ocurrencia de TB en los municipios de La Habana, 2015 y 2016-2020 según algunos determinantes intermedios e individuales. Métodos: estudio ecológico de series temporales sobre las notificaciones de TB en 2015 y 2016-2020. La fuente fue la base de vigilancia del MINSAP. Calculamos la tasa del periodo (TP), la referencia fue la menor, estimamos las diferencias absolutas y relativas, y el Riesgo Atribuible Poblacional Porcentual. Estimamos la TP en menores y mayores de 19 años. Según la TP, propusimos dos escenarios: -reducción 5% anual a todos los municipios, según Hitos de OMS y -reducción discriminada 5% anual a municipios con TP < 9 y 7% los ≥ 9/100.000. Calculamos dos índices de dispersión y proporciones de TB en VIH y reclusos. Categorizamos los municipios según metas renovadas hacia la eliminación. Resultados: el municipio de referencia fue Playa (5,5), la diferencia relativa fue 3,3 veces más en Habana Vieja. Cotorro y Guanabacoa no aportaron casos pediátricos. El segundo escenario tuvo desigualdad moderada. Predominaron los TB-VIH, en Habana Vieja (13,1%). 11/15 municipios categorizaron en control satisfactorio. Conclusiones: las desigualdades en general son moderadas en los municipios Habana, no obstante, las tasas de TB infantil son muy bajas en los territorios, dos de ellos alcanzaron la meta de eliminación. La coinfección TB/VIH concentra las mayores proporciones en algunos municipios. (AU);

Havana notifies 30% of cases of tuberculosis (TB) in Cuba. Objective: to assess the territorial inequalities in the occurrence of TB in the municipalities of Havana, 2015 and 2016-2020 according to some intermediate and individual determinants. Methods: ecological study of time series on TB notifications in 2015 and 2016-2020. The source was the MINSAP surveillance base. We calculated the period rate (TP), the reference was the lowest, we estimated the absolute and relative differences, and the Percentage Population Attributable Risk. We estimate the PT in children under and over 19 years of age. According to the TP, we proposed two scenarios: -5% annual reduction to all municipalities, according to WHO Milestones and -discriminated 5% annual reduction to municipalities with TP < 9 and 7% those ≥ 9/100,000. We calculated two dispersion indices and proportions of TB in HIV and inmates. We categorized the municipalities according to renewed goals towards elimination. Results: the reference municipality was Playa (5.5), the relative difference was 3.3 times more in Habana Vieja. Cotorro and Guanabacoa did not provide pediatric cases. The second scenario had moderate inequality. TB-HIV predominated in Old Havana (13.1%). 11/15 municipalities categorized in satisfactory control. Conclusions: inequalities were generally moderate in the Havana municipalities, however, the rates of childhood TB are very low in the territories, two of them reached the elimination goal. TB/HIV coinfection concentrates the highest proportions in some municipalities. (AU)

La tuberculosis en el municipio Marianao: tendencias en dos periodos recientes, 2001­2005 y 2015­2020 / Tuberculosis in the Marianao Municipality: Trends in Two Recent Periods, 2001-2005 and 2015-2020

Introducción: Marianao históricamente ha sido un municipio de La Habana con alta carga de tuberculosis. Una nueva mirada sería importante.

Introduction: Marianao has historically been a municipality of Havana with a high bur-den of tuberculosis. A new look would be important.

Alternativas de procesos para la búsqueda de casos de tuberculosis bajo condiciones económicas limitadas. Cuba 2022-2025 / Process Alternatives for the Tuberculosis Case Finding under Limited Economic Conditions. Cuba 2022-2025

Ejecutar procesos efectivos de búsqueda de casos de tuberculosis es crucial para acele-rar el paso hacia su eliminación. El empeoramiento de las condiciones económicas mun-diales y nacionales no nos permite aplicar extensivamente las tecnologías rápidas mo-leculares idóneas de diagnóstico. Consideramos sensato entonces aplicar algoritmos alternativos que satisfagan las necesidades nacionales presentes hasta que las condi-ciones permitan la cobertura completa de las tecnologías moleculares recomendadas. Sugerimos introducir la radiografía digital para todos los algoritmos, utilizar mejor la microscopía de fluorescencia LED y la óptica convencional ya probadas. En conclusión, es preciso que este enfoque de trabajo, que procura optimizar la efectividad y eficiencia del programa, se introduzca en la práctica cotidiana hasta que lo idóneo sea permisible

Executing effective tuberculosis case-finding processes is crucial to accelerate the path towards elimination of the disease. The worsening of global and national economic conditions do not allow us to extensively apply rapid molecular diagnostic technolo-gies. We consider it sensible and necessary to apply alternative algorithms that meet the current national needs, until conditions allow full coverage of the recommended molecular technologies. We suggest introducing digital X-rays for all algorithms, bet-ter use of LED fluorescence microscopy and conventional optics already appropriate-ly tested. In conclusion, it is necessary that this approach that seeks to optimize the effectiveness and efficiency of the Cuban program be introduced into daily practice until the ideal is permissible

[Costs estimation of tuberculosis cases detection. La Habana Vieja Municipality, Cuba. 2002]. / Estimación de los costos de la detección de casos de tuberculosis. Municipio Habana Vieja. 2002.

BACKGROUND: The Cuban Tuberculosis Control Program has been able to significantly reduce the tuberculosis cases incidence in all its forms. La Habana Vieja municipality has maintained the highest incidence in Havana City province during 5 years and one of the highest in the country. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the cost of Tuberculosis cases detection in Habana Vieja municipality, in the year 2002. METHODS: A descriptive retrospective study to estimate the costs with social perspective was carried out. The costs of cases detection and their departures in health facilities were considered. For patients with cough/expectoration > or =14 days (RS+14) the pocket expense and monetary losses for labour absences were considered. Costs were expressed in equivalent Cuban pesos to American dollars (1 CUC = 1 USD). Information from official records in health institutions and from interviews to workers and RS+14 was obtained. RESULTS: Social cost of tuberculosis cases detection for an RS+14 was in average 24,11 CUC, and institutional cost was 12,55; for clinical investigation 0.37; for sputum smear microscopy 2,25; for culture 7,05; for thorax X-ray 1,67; for notification 3,07; and for registering 0,36. CONCLUSIONS: The biggest costs were observed in sputum smear microscopies and cultures performance; salaries and reagents were the issues contributing more in that cost. The results obtained in this study could be extrapolated to other municipalities in the country with social and economic conditions similar to La Habana Vieja.

Estratificación espacial de la tuberculosis en menores de 15 años de edad en las provincias occidentales de Cuba, 2011-2015 / Spatial stratification of tuberculosis in the western provinces of Cuba, 2011-2015 in children under 15 years

Introducción: La tuberculosis infantil posee baja incidencia en Cuba, no obstante, se considera un indicador de transmisión reciente de la enfermedad. Objetivo: Estratificar espacialmente la tuberculosis en menores de 15 años de edad en la región occidental de Cuba en el periodo 2011-2015, según las metas progresivas hacia la eliminación de la enfermedad. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio ecológico de series temporales. La estatificación espacial de la tuberculosis se realizó a partir de técnicas geoespaciales que asignan a cada territorio valores ponderados graduados con respecto a los rangos establecidos de las medias geométricas de las tasas de notificación en el periodo. Los estratos se corresponden con las metas progresivas hacia la eliminación de la tuberculosis. Resultados: Se encontraron en la categoría de ultracontrol muy avanzado las provincias La Habana [municipios Plaza de la Revolución (2,4), Centro Habana (3,7), San Miguel del Padrón (2,1), Diez de Octubre (1,6) y Marianao (1,0)], Mayabeque [Melena del Sur (3,5) y San José de las Lajas (1,4)] y Matanzas [Unión de Reyes (1,1)]. Conclusiones: La presencia de diferentes estratos geoespaciales de la tuberculosis en menores de 15 años de edad en la región occidental de Cuba constata la necesidad de diseñar estrategias que se adecuen a la realidad de los diferentes territorios. El abordaje geoespacial fortalece la estratificación epidemiológica de acuerdo a las metas progresivas hacia la eliminación de la tuberculosis(AU)

Introduction: Children tuberculosis has a low incidence in Cuba, however, it is considered an indicator of recent transmission of the disease. Objective: Spatially stratify tuberculosis in children under 15 years of age in the western region of Cuba in the period 2011-2015, according to the progressive goals towards the elimination of the disease. Methods: An ecological time series study was conducted. The spatial stratification of tuberculosis was carried out from geospatial techniques that assign to each territory weighted values graded with respect to the established ranges of the geometric means of the notification rates in the period. The strata correspond to the progressive goals towards the elimination of tuberculosis. Results: The provinces of Havana [municipalities : Plaza de la Revolución (2.4), Centro Habana (3.7), San Miguel del Padrón (2.1), Diez de Octubre (1.6) and Marianao (1.0)], Mayabeque (municipalities : Melena del Sur (3.5) and San José de las Lajas (1.4)] and Matanzas [municipalities : Unión de Reyes (1.1)] were found in the category of very advanced ultracontrol. Conclusions: The presence of different geospatial strata of tuberculosis in children under 15 years of age in the western region of Cuba confirms the need to design strategies that adapt to the reality of the different territories. The geospatial approach strengthens the epidemiological stratification according to the progressive goals towards the elimination of tuberculosis(AU)

Factores asociados a la distribución espacial de la tuberculosis en La Habana, 2015 / Factors associated with the spatial distribution of tuberculosis in Havana, 2015

Introducción: El año 2015 es el marco de referencia temporal internacional para evaluar las acciones de la estrategia Fin a la tuberculosis. La eliminación de la enfermedad como problema de salud requiere de la identificación de poblaciones y territorios en mayor riesgo, y de los determinantes de su distribución geográfica. Objetivo: Determinar la influencia de factores socioeconómicos, demográficos y geoespaciales en la distribución espacial de la tuberculosis en La Habana en el año 2015. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio ecológico. Se describió la distribución espacial del total de casos de tuberculosis, la confección TB/VIH y los casos TB/reclusos a nivel de municipio; así como de variables socioeconómicas, demográficas y geoespaciales con datos disponibles de todos los municipios de la provincia. Se realizaron mapas temáticos para cada una de las variables. Posteriormente, se realizó un análisis de superposición de capas. Resultados: Se observó una mayor concentración de casos en el centro-sur de la provincia; principalmente en los municipios Centro Habana, Habana Vieja, Diez de Octubre y Boyeros, a excepción de este último, estos municipios son los más densamente poblados, los que tienen mayor ocupación del suelo y condiciones de vida más desfavorables. Conclusiones: La distribución espacial de la tuberculosis en La Habana está estrechamente relacionada al comportamiento de variables socioeconómicas, demográficas y geoespaciales en sus diferentes municipios. Estas variables deben ser tomadas en cuenta en intervenciones de salud dirigidas a la eliminación de la enfermedad en la provincia(AU)

Introduction: The year 2015 constitutes the international time frame of reference to evaluate the actions of the End tuberculosis strategy. The elimination of the disease as a health problem requires the identification of populations and territories at greatest risk, and the determinants of their geographical distribution. Objective: Determine the influence of socio-economic, demographic and geospatial factors on the spatial distribution of tuberculosis in Havana in 2015. Methods: An ecological study was conducted. The spatial distribution of total TB cases, TB/HIV and TB/inmate cases at the municipality level was described; as well as socio-economic, demographic and geospatial variables with data available from all municipalities in the province. Thematic maps were made for each of the variables. Subsequently, a layer overlap analysis was performed. Results: A higher concentration of cases was observed in the center-south of the province; mainly in the municipalities of Centro Habana, Habana Vieja, Diez de Octubre and Boyeros ; with the exception of the latter, these municipalities are the most densely populated, those with the highest land occupation and the most unfavorable living conditions. Conclusions: The spatial distribution of tuberculosis in Havana is closely related to the behavior of socio-economic, demographic and geospatial variables in its different municipalities. These variables should be taken into account in health interventions aimed at eliminating the disease in the province(AU)

Impacto sobre la incidencia de la tuberculosis en Cuba, 1994-2015 / Impact on the incidence of tuberculosis in Cuba, 1994-2015

Introducción: La incidencia es fundamental para evaluar la carga de tuberculosis. Objetivo: Valorar el impacto del Programa Nacional de Control de la Tuberculosis en la incidencia de la tuberculosis en Cuba en el periodo 1994-2015. Métodos: Estudio de series temporales de la incidencia de tuberculosis en el periodo 1994-2015. Se estimó la tendencia exponencial y las variaciones de las tendencias de casos nuevos notificados en Cuba y sus provincias; los totales y medias anuales de los periodos 1994-1999, 1999-2015 y 1994-2015. Se calcularon las diferencias absolutas y relativas entre las provincias cubanas desde 1994-2015. Resultados: La tendencia general de la tasa fue descendente. El periodo de 1994-1999 visualizó una reducción de -0,33x100 000(-505 casos) y entre 1999 y 2015 fue de -0,42(-448 casos). La reducción media anual entre 1994-1999 fue de -0,07 y de 1999-2015 fue de -0,03. En 1994, 1999 y 2015 se notificaron 1616 casos (14,7), 1111(10,0) y 651(5,8), respectivamente. En 1994 la mayor tasa correspondió a la provincia de Cienfuegos (23,1) con riesgo atribuible poblacional porcentual del 65,8 por ciento. En 1999 y 2015 las mayores tasas se presentaron en Ciego de Ávila (18,3) y (9,5), respectivamente (riesgo atribuible poblacional porcentual del 60,7 por ciento en 1999 y del 75,8 por ciento en 2015). En 1994 y 1999 todas las provincias tuvieron tasas > 5,0. En 2015, ocho provincias mostraron tasas < 5,0. En 1999 la provincia con mayor variación de su tasa anual fue Cienfuegos (-0,65) y en 2015 Camagüey (-0,73). Conclusiones: El Programa Nacional de Control de la Tuberculosis en Cuba obtuvo hasta el 2015 una discreta disminución sostenida de la incidencia de la enfermedad en el país; pero no es suficiente para lograr su eliminación, por lo que se requieren nuevas intervenciones diferenciadas y priorizadas(AU)

Introduction: Incidence is critical to assess the burden of tuberculosis. Objective: Assess the impact of the National Program of Tuberculosis Control on the incidence of tuberculosis in Cuba in the period 1994-2015. Methods: Study of time series of tuberculosis incidence in the period 1994-2015. The exponential trend and variations in the trends of new cases reported in Cuba and its provinces were estimated; also the annual totals and averages for the periods 1994-1999, 1999-2015 and 1994-2015. The absolute and relative differences between the Cuban provinces from 1994-2015 were calculated. Results: The overall trend of the rate was downward. The period from 1994-1999 had a reduction of -0.33x100 000 (-505 cases) and between 1999 and 2015 it was -0.42 (-448 cases). The average annual reduction between 1994-1999 was -0.07 and from 1999-2015 it was -0.03. In 1994, 1999 and 2015, 1616 cases (14.7), 1111 (10.0) and 651 (5.8) were reported, respectively. In 1994 the highest rate corresponded to the province of Cienfuegos (23.1) with a percentage population attributable risk of 65.8percent. In 1999 and 2015, the highest rates occurred in Ciego de Ávila (18.3) and (9.5), respectively (percentage population attributable risk of 60.7percent in 1999 and 75.8percent in 2015). In 1994 and 1999 all provinces had rates > 5.0. In 2015, eight provinces showed rates < 5.0. In 1999 the province with the greatest variation in its annual rate was Cienfuegos (-0.65) and in 2015 Camagüey (-0.73). Conclusions: The National Program of Tuberculosis Control in Cuba obtained until 2015 a discreet sustained decrease in the incidence of the disease in the country; but it is not enough to achieve its elimination, so new differentiated and prioritized interventions are required(AU)

Tendencias y desigualdades de la tuberculosis en provincias cubanas para potenciar intervenciones diferenciadas / Tuberculosis trends and inequalities in Cuban provinces to promote differentiated interventions

Introducción: El análisis de tendencias y desigualdades en la ocurrencia de la tuberculosis en Cuba resulta importante para realizar intervenciones diferenciadas. Objetivo: Valorar las tendencias y desigualdades del comportamiento de la tuberculosis en las provincias La Habana, Mayabeque y Ciego de Ávila. Métodos: Estudio ecológico de series temporales de las tasas de notificaciones de tuberculosis en el periodo 2009-2017. Se utilizó la base de datos de vigilancia de tuberculosis del Ministerio de Salud Pública. Se analizaron las tendencias de las tasas de notificación en periodos trienales mediante regresión lineal simple. Se calcularon variaciones totales y anuales de las tasas, proporciones de tuberculosis por trienios en personas con VIH y privados de libertad, medias geométricas y desigualdades de las tasas. Se categorizaron las provincias y municipios según metas hacia la eliminación de la enfermedad. Resultados: La tendencia en Mayabeque y La Habana fue ascendente, la variación total fue del 70,0 por ciento y del 9,0 por ciento, respectivamente. Ciego de Ávila mostró valores relativos dos veces más que Cuba. En La Habana predominaron personas con VIH (38 por ciento); en Mayabeque se incrementaron los dos grupos vulnerables, mientras que en Ciego de Ávila fueron los privados de libertad. La Habana y Mayabeque categorizaron en ultra control avanzado; Ciego de Ávila en control satisfactorio consolidado; del total de los 36 municipios estudiados, 8 (22,2 por ciento) se encontraban en ultracontrol muy avanzado y ninguno en preeliminación. Conclusiones: Los resultados sobre la tendencia de las tasas de tuberculosis y sus desigualdades en las tres provincias sugieren la realización de intervenciones diferenciadas para avanzar hacia la eliminación de esta enfermedad(AU)

Introduction: The analysis of trends and inequalities in the occurrence of tuberculosis in Cuba is important for differentiated interventions. Objective: Assess the trends and inequalities of tuberculosis in the provinces of Havana, Mayabeque and Ciego de Ávila. Methods: Ecological study of time series of tuberculosis. notification rates in the period 2009-2017. The Tuberculosis surveillance database of the Ministry of Public Health was used. Trends in reporting rates in triennial periods were analyzed using simple linear regression. The following were calculated: total and annual variations in rates, proportions of tuberculosis by triennium in people with HIV and deprived of liberty, geometric means and inequalities of rates. The provinces and municipalities were categorized according to goals towards the elimination of the disease. Results: The trend in Mayabeque and Havana was upward, the total variation was 70.0percent and 9.0percent, respectively. Ciego de Ávila showed relative values twice as much as Cuba. In Havana, people with HIV predominated (38percent); in Mayabeque the two vulnerable groups increased, while in Ciego de Ávila they were those deprived of liberty. Havana and Mayabeque categorized in advanced ultra control; Ciego de Ávila in consolidated satisfactory control; of the total of the 36 municipalities studied, 8 (22.2percent) were in very advanced ultracontrol and none in pre-elimination. Conclusions: The results obtained on the trend of tuberculosis rates and their inequalities in the three provinces suggest the realization of differentiated interventions to advance towards the elimination of this disease(AU)

Algunas desigualdades sociodemográficas de la tuberculosis entre las regiones geográficas de Cuba / Some sociodemographic inequalities of tuberculosis among the geographic regions in Cuba

Introducción: El estudio de la ocurrencia de la tuberculosis en los territorios geográficos es importante para guiar a los decisores en las intervenciones diferenciadas. Objetivo: Evaluar las desigualdades en la ocurrencia de tuberculosis y de algunas variables sociodemográficas individuales entre las regiones geográficas cubanas. Métodos: Estudio ecológico de series temporales combinado con un estudio descriptivo sobre el número de casos y las tasas de incidencia de tuberculosis en Occidente, Centro y Oriente. Obtuvimos la información de la base de datos nacional de vigilancia de tuberculosis. Calculamos las tasas de incidencia y sus medias geométricas, la menor fue referencia para calcular las diferencias absolutas y relativas. Estimamos las tendencias de las incidencias regionales y las proporciones de algunas variables individuales. Resultados: La región oriental mostró la menor media geométrica de las tasas (5,2) y fue la referencia: su tendencia resultó descendente con reducción total de 22,6 %. En la incidencia predominaron los hombres de 15-64 años en las tres regiones (63,8 %). Los menores de 15 años estuvieron entre 0,4-1,3 %. La región oriental presentó menos defunciones (25,9 %). La occidental aportó 44,2 % de la tuberculosis pulmonar y 46,3 % del diagnóstico bacteriológico. Conclusiones: La región occidental presentó las desigualdades más importantes y mayor riesgo en la ocurrencia de tuberculosis. Se debe profundizar en el análisis de los determinantes individuales posiblemente relacionados y realizar intervenciones diferenciadas.

Introduction: The study of the occurrence of tuberculosis in the geographic territories is important to guide decision-makers in the differentiated interventions. Objective: To identify inequalities in the occurrence of tuberculosis and evaluate some individual sociodemographic variables among the geographic regions in Cuba. Methods: Ecological time series study combined with a descriptive study on the number of cases and the incidence rate of tuberculosis in the western, central and eastern regions. We gathered data from the national tuberculosis surveillance database. The incidence rate and the geometric means were calculated, the lowest was the reference to calculate absolute and relative differences. We estimated the regional incidence trends and the proportions of some individual variables. Results: The eastern region showed the lowest geometric mean of the rates (5.2) and was the reference. It had a downward trend, with a total reduction of 22.6%. Men aged 15-64 years prevailed in the three regions (63.8%). Those under 15 years of age were between 0.4% and 1.3%. The eastern region had the fewest deaths (25.9%). The western region accounted for 44.2% of pulmonary tuberculosis cases and 46.3% of bacteriological diagnoses. Conclusions: The Western region had the most significant inequalities and a higher risk of tuberculosis. It should be further analyzed the probable relationship among individual determinants and carry out differentiated interventions.

Drug-resistant tuberculosis in Cuba. Results of the three global projects.

SETTING: The spread of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR TB) in the world remains a major public health problem. Surveillance of anti-TB drug resistance is therefore an essential tool for monitoring the effectiveness of TB control program and, through policy development, for improving national and global TB control. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of anti-TB drug resistance in Cuba during the execution of the three global projects. DESIGN: Drug-resistance was determined using the proportion method in 1528 Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains to first line anti-TB drugs. RESULTS: Resistance in new cases was 8.3%, 4.6% and 5.0%; MDR was 0.7%, 0% and 0.3% in the first (1997), second (2000) and third (2004) global projects, respectively. In new cases, none showed resistance to the four drugs. There were among previously treated cases statistically significant decreases in the prevalence of resistance to at least one drug when comparing the results obtained in the three global projects. CONCLUSIONS: The contributed data through Cuba demonstrated that our country is relatively free of MDR strains, reflecting the good National Control Program and the possibility of TB elimination in Cuba.