Retreatment and Anti-tuberculosis Therapy Outcomes in Brazil Between 2015 and 2022: A Nationwide Study.

Background: Adherence to anti-tuberculosis treatment (ATT) in Brazil remains a challenge in achieving the goals set by the World Health Organization (WHO). Patients who are lost to follow-up during treatment pose a significant public health problem. This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with unfavorable ATT outcomes among those undergoing retreatment in Brazil. Methods: We conducted an observational study of patients aged ≥18 years with tuberculosis (TB) reported to the Brazilian National Notifiable Disease Information System between 2015 and 2022. Clinical and epidemiologic variables were compared between the study groups (new cases and retreatment). Regression models identified variables associated with unfavorable outcomes. Results: Among 743 823 reported TB cases in the study period, 555 632 cases were eligible, consisting of 462 061 new cases and 93 571 undergoing retreatments (44 642 recurrent and 48 929 retreatments after loss to follow-up [RLTFU]). RLTFU (odds ratio [OR], 3.96 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 3.83-4.1]) was a significant risk factor for any type of unfavorable ATT. Furthermore, RLTFU (OR, 4.93 [95% CI, 4.76-5.11]) was the main risk factor for subsequent LTFU. For death, aside from advanced age, living with HIV (OR, 6.28 [95% CI, 6.03-6.54]) was the top risk factor. Conclusions: Retreatment is a substantial risk factor for unfavorable ATT outcomes, especially after LTFU. The rates of treatment success in RLTFU are distant from the WHO End TB Strategy targets throughout Brazil. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to improve treatment adherence and outcomes in persons who experience RLTFU.

Strengthening Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis Epidemiological Surveillance in Rio de Janeiro: a multidimensional analysis.

This study aimed to reinforce the importance of the epidemiological surveillance of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in Rio de Janeiro State (RJ). Here, we reviewed seven articles we published between 2018 and 2022. This study had two phases. The quantitative phase where frequency was used to describe patient characteristics and regressions were used to evaluate the relationship between treatment outcomes and covariates. The qualitative phase where content analysis of the narratives was performed. Secondary (electronic systems) and primary (semi-structured interviews) data were used. We analyzed 2,269 MDR-TB, 58.1% MDR-TB, and 18.6% extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB) cases, of which 44.3% exhibited unfavorable outcomes. Among the 140 patients with XDR-TB, 29.3% had not undergone prior treatment for MDR-TB. The primary resistance rate in MDR-TB cases was 14.7%, revealing significant demographic and clinical disparities, particularly among women, Caucasians, and those with higher education levels. The number of cases increased from 7.69% in 2000 to 38.42% in 2018, showing an increasing trend (AAPC = 9.4; 95% CI 1.4-18.0, p < 0.001), with 25.4% underreporting. A qualitative study confirmed a high proportion of primary resistance (64.5%) and delayed diagnosis of MDR-TB. In RJ, the diagnostic and therapeutic cascade of MDR-TB must be improved using molecular tests to achieve an early diagnosis of resistance and immediate initiation of appropriate treatment, promote social protection for MDR/XDR-TB patients and their families, enhance TB contact tracing, establish and monitor hospital surveillance centers integrated with Primary Care, and unify various information systems through interoperability for better integration.

Optimizing the cascade of prevention to protect people from tuberculosis: A potential game changer for reducing global tuberculosis incidence.

The provision of tuberculosis preventive treatment is one of the critical interventions to reduce tuberculosis incidence and ultimately eliminate the disease, yet we still miss appropriate tools for an impactful intervention and treatment coverage remains low. We used recent data, epidemiological estimates, and research findings to analyze the challenges of each step of the cascade of tuberculosis prevention that currently delay the strategy implementation. We addressed research gaps and implementation bottlenecks that withhold key actions in tuberculosis case finding, testing for tuberculosis infection, provision of preventive treatment with safer, shorter regimens and supporting people to complete their treatment. Empowering communities to generate demand for preventive therapy and other prevention services in a holistic manner and providing adequate financial support to sustain implementation are essential requirements. The adoption of an effective, universal monitoring and evaluation system is a prerequisite to provide general and granular insight, and to steer progress of the tuberculosis infection strategy at global and local level.

Determination of NAT2 Genotypes in a Cohort of Patients with Suspected TB in the State of Rio de Janeiro.

The human N-acetyltransferase 2 enzyme, encoded by the NAT2 gene, plays an important role in the metabolism of isoniazid, the main drug used to treat tuberculosis. The interindividual variation in the response of patients to drug treatment for tuberculosis may be responsible for the occurrence of unfavorable outcomes. The presence of polymorphisms in genes associated with the metabolism and transport of drugs, receptors, and therapeutic targets has been identified as a major determinant of this variability. The objective of this study was to identify the genetic profile of NAT2 in the study population. Using the obtained genomic DNA followed by PCR amplification and sequencing, the frequency of nine SNPs as well as alleles associated with slow (47.9%), intermediate (38.7%), and fast acetylation phenotypes (11.3%), in addition to those whose phenotype has not yet been characterized (2.1%), was estimated. The NAT2*5B allele was identified more frequently (31.3%). The description of SNPs in pharmacogenes and the establishment of their relationship with the pharmacokinetics of an individual offer an individualized approach that allows us to reduce the unfavorable outcomes of a therapy, ensure better adherence to treatment, prevent the emergence of MDR strains, reduce the cost of treatment, and improve the quality of patients' lives.

Leveraging Social Networks to Integrate Depression Treatment into Primary Health and Tuberculosis Care in Brazil.

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) and depression are highly comorbid and linked to higher rates of death and disability. Several evidence-based treatments for depression have been successfully implemented in low- and middle-income countries, but more knowledge is needed on how to bring these innovations to scale within complex 'real world' public health systems. Objective: To explore whether the principles of social network analysis could be used to enhance receptivity to integrating depression treatment into primary care for individuals with and without TB in Brazil. Methods: We used existing scales to identify settings and providers with high receptivity and connectivity within the primary care network. We trained and supervised existing staff in three primary care sites to deliver a brief evidence-based intervention over one year, coupled with active dissemination activities. Afterwards, we reassessed receptivity among individuals involved, and not involved, in the pilot. Results: Highly significant changes were observed in mental health literacy, attitudes towards evidence-based practices, work self-efficacy, and implementation leadership supporting our hypothesis. Limited social connections between primary care clinics precluded the examination of the hypothesis that targeting settings with high connectivity could capitalize on the information flow between and transcend the decentralized structure of the network, but leveraging the centralized nature of the TB program to integrate mental health services emerged as a promising alternative. Conclusions: The findings of this study strongly suggest that social networks may be leveraged to change individual providers' attitudes, thereby contributing to the enhanced dissemination of evidence-based interventions.

Genetic Characterization and Population Structure of Drug-Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis Isolated from Brazilian Patients Using Whole-Genome Sequencing.

The present study aimed to determine the genetic diversity of isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) from presumed drug-resistant tuberculosis patients from several states of Brazil. The isolates had been submitted to conventional drug susceptibility testing for first- and second-line drugs. Multidrug-resistant (MDR-TB) (54.8%) was the most frequent phenotypic resistance profile, in addition to an important high frequency of pre-extensive resistance (p-XDR-TB) (9.2%). Using whole-genome sequencing (WGS), we characterized 298 Mtb isolates from Brazil. Besides the analysis of genotype distribution and possible correlations between molecular and clinical data, we determined the performance of an in-house WGS pipeline with other online pipelines for Mtb lineages and drug resistance profile definitions. Sub-lineage 4.3 (52%) was the most frequent genotype, and the genomic approach revealed a p-XDR-TB level of 22.5%. We detected twenty novel mutations in three resistance genes, and six of these were observed in eight phenotypically resistant isolates. A cluster analysis of 170 isolates showed that 43.5% of the TB patients belonged to 24 genomic clusters, suggesting considerable ongoing transmission of DR-TB, including two interstate transmissions. The in-house WGS pipeline showed the best overall performance in drug resistance prediction, presenting the best accuracy values for five of the nine drugs tested. Significant associations were observed between suffering from fatal disease and genotypic p-XDR-TB (p = 0.03) and either phenotypic (p = 0.006) or genotypic (p = 0.0007) ethambutol resistance. The use of WGS analysis improved our understanding of the population structure of MTBC in Brazil and the genetic and clinical data correlations and demonstrated its utility for surveillance efforts regarding the spread of DR-TB, hopefully helping to avoid the emergence of even more resistant strains and to reduce TB incidence and mortality rates.

Effect of Smoking on Longitudinal Interferon-ϒ Release Assay Results among Close Contacts of People with Pulmonary Tuberculosis.

Diagnosis of M. tuberculosis (Mtb) infection in close contacts is critical for TB control. Smoking is a risk factor for Mtb infection and TB disease but its effect on longitudinal interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) results remains unknown. We conducted a multi-site prospective study in Brazil between 2015-2019, among close contacts of adults with culture-confirmed pulmonary TB. IGRA was performed at baseline, month 6 if negative at baseline, and month 24-30 after enrollment. IGRA results were categorized as IGRA-positive (maintained from baseline to last visit), IGRA-conversion (from negative to positive at any time), IGRA-reversion (from positive to negative at any time), and IGRA-negative (maintained from baseline to last visit). Associations between IGRA results and smoking status at baseline (current/former vs never) in contacts were evaluated using propensity score-adjusted logistic regression models. Estimated propensity score was used as a covariate in models, which regressed the outcome (IGRA-positive, IGRA-conversion, IGRA-reversion) on smoking status. Of 430 close contacts, 89 (21%) were IGRA-positive, 30 (7%) were converters, 30 (7%) were reverters and 22 were indeterminate. Smoking frequency was 26 (29%) among IGRA-positive contacts, 7 (23%) in converters, and 3 (10%) in reverters. Smoking in contacts was associated with lower odds of IGRA-reversion (adjusted odds ratio = 0.16; 95% confidence interval = [0.03-0.70]). We did not detect associations between smoking and IGRA-positive or IGRA-conversion. Our findings highlight the importance of smoking on longitudinal IGRA results. This has implications for clinical care and clinical trials in which IGRA status is monitored or used as an outcome.

Transcriptomic signatures of progression to TB disease among close contacts in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 5% of people infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis progress to tuberculosis (TB) disease without preventive therapy. There is a need for a prognostic test to identify those at highest risk of incident TB, so that therapy can be targeted. We evaluated host blood transcriptomic signatures for progression to TB disease. METHODS: Close contacts (≥4 hours exposure per week) of adult patients with culture-confirmed pulmonary TB were enrolled in Brazil. Investigation for incident, microbiologically-confirmed or clinically-diagnosed pulmonary or extra-pulmonary TB disease through 24 months of follow-up was symptom-triggered. Twenty previously validated blood TB transcriptomic signatures were measured at baseline by real-time quantitative PCR. Prognostic performance for incident TB was tested using receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis at 6, 9, 12, and 24 months of follow-up. RESULTS: Between June 2015 and June 2019, 1,854 close contacts were enrolled; Twenty-five progressed to incident TB, of whom 13 had microbiologically-confirmed disease. Baseline transcriptomic signature scores were measured in 1,789 close contacts. Prognostic performance for all signatures was best within 6 months of diagnosis. Seven signatures (Gliddon4, Suliman4, Roe3, Roe1, Penn-Nicholson6, Francisco2, and Rajan5) met the minimum World Health Organization target product profile (TPP) for a prognostic test through 6 months; three (Gliddon4, Rajan5, and Duffy9) through 9 months. None met the TPP threshold through 12 or more months of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Blood transcriptomic signatures may be useful for predicting TB risk within 9 months of measurement among TB-exposed contacts, to target preventive therapy administration.

Isoniazid Monoresistance and Antituberculosis Treatment Outcome in Persons With Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Brazil.

Background: The high burden of drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) is a problem to achieve the goals of the End TB Strategy by 2035. Whether isoniazid monoresistance (Hr) affects anti-TB treatment (ATT) outcomes remains unknown in high-burden countries. Methods: We evaluated determinants of ATT outcome among pulmonary TB cases reported to the National Notifiable Disease Information System (SINAN) between June 2015 and June 2019, according to drug sensitivity testing (DST) results. Binomial logistic regression models were employed to evaluate whether Hr was associated with an unfavorable ATT outcome: death or failure, compared to cure or treatment completion. Results: Among 60 804 TB cases reported in SINAN, 21 197 (34.9%) were included in the study. In this database, the frequency of unfavorable outcomes was significantly higher in those with Hr in contrast to isoniazid-sensitive persons with pulmonary TB (9.1% vs 3.05%; P < .001). Using a binomial logistic regression model, Hr was independently associated with unfavorable outcomes (odds ratio, 3.34 [95% confidence interval, 2.06-5.40]; P < .001). Conclusions: Hr detected prior to ATT was predictive of unfavorable outcomes at the national level in Brazil. Our data reinforce the need for high-TB-burden countries to prioritize DST to detect Hr. Effective treatment regimens for Hr-TB are needed to improve outcomes.

Prediction Models for Adverse Drug Reactions During Tuberculosis Treatment in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) treatment-related adverse drug reactions (TB-ADRs) can negatively affect adherence and treatment success rates. METHODS: We developed prediction models for TB-ADRs, considering participants with drug-susceptible pulmonary TB who initiated standard TB therapy. TB-ADRs were determined by the physician attending the participant, assessing causality to TB drugs, the affected organ system, and grade. Potential baseline predictors of TB-ADR included concomitant medication (CM) use, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), age, body mass index (BMI), sex, substance use, and TB drug metabolism variables (NAT2 acetylator profiles). The models were developed through bootstrapped backward selection. Cox regression was used to evaluate TB-ADR risk. RESULTS: There were 156 TB-ADRs among 102 of the 945 (11%) participants included. Most TB-ADRs were hepatic (n = 82 [53%]), of moderate severity (grade 2; n = 121 [78%]), and occurred in NAT2 slow acetylators (n = 62 [61%]). The main prediction model included CM use, HbA1c, alcohol use, HIV seropositivity, BMI, and age, with robust performance (c-statistic = 0.79 [95% confidence interval {CI}, .74-.83) and fit (optimism-corrected slope and intercept of -0.09 and 0.94, respectively). An alternative model replacing BMI with NAT2 had similar performance. HIV seropositivity (hazard ratio [HR], 2.68 [95% CI, 1.75-4.09]) and CM use (HR, 5.26 [95% CI, 2.63-10.52]) increased TB-ADR risk. CONCLUSIONS: The models, with clinical variables and with NAT2, were highly predictive of TB-ADRs.

The Xpert® MTB/RIF cycle threshold value predicts M. tuberculosis transmission to close contacts in a Brazilian prospective multicenter cohort.

BACKGROUND: The Xpert® MTB/RIF rapid molecular test provides a quantitative measure of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) DNA in the form of cycle threshold (Ct) values. This information can be translated into mycobacterial load and used as a potential risk measure of bacterial spread for tuberculosis cases, which can impact infection control. However, the role of Ct values in assessing Mtb transmission to close contacts has not yet been demonstrated. METHODS: A prospective study was performed to investigate the association between Xpert® MTB/RIF Ct values and Mtb transmission to close contacts of patients with culture-confirmed pulmonary TB in a multi-center Brazilian cohort. We evaluated clinical and laboratory data, such as age, sex, race, smoking habits, drug use, alcohol use, chest radiograph, Xpert® MTB/RIF results among pulmonary tuberculosis cases, and QuantiFERON(QFT)-Plus results at baseline and after six months for close contacts who had a negative result at baseline. RESULTS: A total of 1,055 close contacts of 382 pulmonary tuberculosis cases were included in the study. The median Ct values from pulmonary tuberculosis cases of QFT-Plus positive (at baseline or six months) close contacts were lower compared with those who were QFT-Plus negative. An adjusted logistic regression demonstrated that reduced Ct values from the index cases were independently associated with QFT-Plus conversion from negative to positive (OR: 1.61, 95% CI: 1.12-2.32) after adjusting for clinical characteristics. CONCLUSION: Close contacts of pulmonary TB index cases exhibiting low Xpert MTB/RIF Ct values displayed higher rates of TB infection, reflecting Mtb transmission.

As redes vivas na produção do cuidado com o usuário na centralidade do tratamento para tuberculose multidroga resistente / Las redes vivas en la producción del cuidado con el usuario en la centralidad del tratamiento para la tuberculosis multidrogo resistente / Live networks in care production with the user at the center of the treatment for multidrugresistant tuberculosis

Vivenciamos a trajetória de uma usuária-guia no tratamento para tuberculose multidroga resistente (TB-MDR). As narrativas das redes vivas na produção de cuidado apontam para os seguintes itens: 1) cuidar no ato de viver: suplantar os estigmas e cultivar vínculos que ajudem a superar os discursos fomentados pelo medo, preconceitos, exclusão e invisibilidade dos sujeitos; 2) redes vivas de cuidado: os entremeios da norma; e 3) as interfaces de atenção usuário-trabalhador da saúde: como desmistificar o julgamento dos trabalhadores da saúde, que, subordinados a protocolos limitantes, muitas vezes estigmatizam o usuário como "abandonador de tratamento"?. A usuária-guia vislumbrou que cuidar é se desterritorializar, é colocar os desejos como potência para transformação, saindo do modus operandi rumo à criatividade, tendo o usuário no centro do processo. (AU)

Presenciamos la trayectoria de una usuaria-guía en el tratamiento para tuberculosis multidrogo resistente (TB-MDR). Las narrativas de las Redes Vivas en la producción de cuidado señalan: 1) cuidar en el acto de vivir: suplantar los estigmas y cultivar vínculos que ayuden a superar los discursos fomentados por el miedo, prejuicios, exclusión e invisibilidad de los sujetos. 2) Redes Vivas de cuidado: los entresijos de la norma y 3) las interfaces de atención usuario-trabajador de la salud: ¿cómo desmistificar el juicio de los trabajadores de la salud quienes, subordinados a protocolos limitantes, muchas veces estigmatizan al usuario como "abandonador de tratamiento"? La usuaria-guía vislumbró que cuidar es desterritorializarse, es colocar los deseos como potencia para trasformación, saliendo del modus operandi rumbo a la creatividad, colocando al usuario en el centro del proceso. (AU)

We followed the trajectory of a guiding user undergoing treatment for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). The narratives of Live Networks in care production showed: 1) Caring in the act of living: Overcoming stigmas and cultivating bonds that help overcome discourses fostered by fear, prejudice, exclusion and invisibility of subjects; 2) Live Networks of care: The in-betweens of the norm; and 3) Interfaces of user-health worker care: How can we demystify the judgment of health workers who, subordinated to limiting protocols, often stigmatize the user as someone who "abandons the treatment"? The guiding user perceived that caring means deterritorializing oneself, expressing one's desires as power for transformation, and leaving the modus operandi towards creativity, with the user at the center of the process. (AU)

Analysis of catastrophic costs incurred by patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in an outpatient clinic in the state of Rio de Janeiro.

BACKGROUND: Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a serious global public health concern associated with social vulnerability. In Brazil, the Unified Health System (SUS, Portuguese) provides free diagnosis and treatment for MDR-TB; however, other expenses may still be incurred for patients and their families which, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), can be catastrophic when these costs surpass 20.0% of the annual household income. This study aimed to assess the extent of catastrophic costs related to the diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of MDR-TB among patients receiving care at an outpatient clinic in Rio de Janeiro. METHODS: This prospective study used convenience sampling from July 2019 to June 2021. Data regarding direct and indirect costs were collected using a standardized questionnaire endorsed by the WHO. To analyze any impoverishment occurred from MDR-TB, a threshold established by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics for 2019 and 2020 of US$ 79,562 and US$ 94,5273, respectively, was applied. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis, including mean; standard deviation; variation coefficient; median; and maximum, minimum, and interquartile ranges. RESULTS: A total of 65 patients were interviewed. Among the participants, 73.8% experienced catastrophic costs, with indirect costs exerting the most significant impact (median: US$ 3,825.9), in contrast to direct costs (median: US$ 542.7). When comparing the periods before and after diagnosis, the prevalence of poverty increased from 12.0% to 28.0%. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the support from the SUS in Brazil, diagnostic and therapeutic cascades incur additional costs, exacerbating social vulnerability among patients with MDR-TB.

Pharmacogenetics of tuberculosis treatment toxicity and effectiveness in a large Brazilian cohort.

Background: Genetic polymorphisms have been associated with risk of anti-tuberculosis treatment toxicity. We characterized associations with adverse events and treatment failure/recurrence among adults treated for tuberculosis in Brazil. Methods: Participants were followed in Regional Prospective Observational Research in Tuberculosis (RePORT)-Brazil. We included persons with culture-confirmed drug-susceptible pulmonary tuberculosis who started treatment between 2015-2019, and who were evaluable for pharmacogenetics. Treatment included 2 months of isoniazid, rifampin or rifabutin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol, then 4 months of isoniazid and rifampin or rifabutin, with 24 month follow-up. Analyses included 43 polymorphisms in 20 genes related to anti-tuberculosis drug hepatotoxicity or pharmacokinetics. Whole exome sequencing was done in a case-control toxicity subset. Results: Among 903 participants in multivariable genetic association analyses, NAT2 slow acetylator status was associated with increased risk of treatment-related grade 2 or greater adverse events, including hepatotoxicity. Treatment failure/recurrence was more likely among NAT2 rapid acetylators, but not statistically significant at the 5% level. A GSTM1 polymorphism (rs412543) was associated with increased risk of treatment-related adverse events, including hepatotoxicity. SLCO1B1 polymorphisms were associated with increased risk of treatment- related hepatoxicity and treatment failure/recurrence. Polymorphisms in NR1/2 were associated with decreased risk of adverse events and increased risk of failure/recurrence. In whole exome sequencing, hepatotoxicity was associated with a polymorphism in VTI1A , and the genes METTL17 and PRSS57 , but none achieved genome-wide significance. Conclusions: In a clinical cohort representing three regions of Brazil, NAT2 acetylator status was associated with risk for treatment-related adverse events. Additional significant polymorphisms merit investigation in larger study populations.

Cost analysis of GenoType® MTBDRplus and GenoType® MTBDRsl at the State Laboratory of São Paulo, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to evaluate the costs of GenoType® MTBDRplus and MTBDRsl incurred during the diagnosis of first- and second-line drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) in São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: Mean and activity-based costs of GenoType® were calculated in a referral laboratory for TB in Brazil. RESULTS: The mean cost value and activity-based cost of GenoType® MTBDRplus were USD 19.78 and USD 35.80 and those of MTBDRsl were USD 54.25 and USD 41.85, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The cost of GenoType® MTBDRplus was reduced owing to the high number of examinations performed and work optimization.

Barriers and Facilitators to Integrating Depression Treatment Within a TB Program and Primary Care in Brazil.

Tuberculosis (TB) and depression is common and is associated with poor TB outcomes. The World Health Organization End TB Strategy explicitly calls for the integration of TB and mental health services. Interpersonal Counseling (IPC) is a brief evidence-based treatment for depression that can be delivered by non-mental health specialists with expert supervision. The goal of this study was to explore potential barriers and facilitators to training non-specialist providers to deliver IPC within the TB Control Program and primary care in Itaboraí, Rio de Janeiro state. Data collection consisted of six focus groups (n = 42) with health professionals (n = 29), program coordinators (n = 7), and persons with TB (n = 6). We used open coding to analyze the data, followed by deductive coding using the Chaudoir multi-level framework for implementation outcomes. The main structural barriers identified were poverty, limited access to treatment, political instability, violence, and social stigma. Organizational barriers included an overburdened and under-resourced health system with high staff turnover. Despite high levels of stress and burnout among health professionals, several provider-level facilitators emerged including a high receptivity to, and demand for, mental health training; strong community relationships through the community health workers; and overall acceptance of IPC delivered by any type of health provider. Patients were also receptive to IPC being delivered by any type of professional. No intervention-specific barriers or facilitators were identified. Despite many challenges, integrating depression treatment into primary care in Itaboraí using IPC was perceived as acceptable, feasible, and desirable.

Nontuberculous mycobacteria in patients of a specialty hospital.

The incidence and clinical characteristics of NTM diseases in Brazil remain relatively unknown. The present study describes the diagnosis of NTM isolates, the clinical presentation and treatment outcomes. We analyzed NTM isolates in patients of a tertiary hospital in the Southeast region of Brazil, from January 2008 to July 2019. The ATS/IDSA criteria for diagnosis and treatment of these patients was applied. Mycobacterium kansasii were identified in 13/113 (11.5%) patients. In 59/113 (52.2%) patients who met the ATS criteria for disease, 29/59 (49.1%) received treatment, and 22/29 (75.8%) were cured. The major species identified was M. kansasii. The most frequent symptoms among the treated patients were dyspnea and cough, and the proportion of cured patients was high.

From Raw Data to FAIR Data: The FAIRification Workflow for Brazilian Tuberculosis Research.

Among the main factors that negatively influence the decision-making process, it is possible to highlight the low quality, availability, and integration of population health data. This study aims to highlight the difficulty of research based on tuberculosis data available in Brazil. The FAIR methodology is a solution for standardizing data and sharing information about the disease. All the main actors involved, including those who generate data and administrators of information systems, should be encouraged to know their strengths and weaknesses. Continuously fostering strategies to promote data quality is, therefore, a strong stimulus for strengthening national health information systems and can potentially benefit from recommendations on how to overcome the inherent limitations of these information systems. Data quality management in Brazilian tuberculosis information systems is still not carried out organized and systematically. According to the FAIR principles, the evaluation demonstrates only 37.75% of compliance.

A Computational Infrastructure for Analyzing Tuberculosis Research Data in Brazil.

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the infectious diseases that currently causes the most deaths, with 6.4 million new cases recorded in 2021. Although it is a curable disease, drug-resistant strains emerge due to a lack of hygiene and low-quality or inappropriate medications, among other factors. With this in mind, the World Health Organization initiated the End TB Strategy campaign to improve the health system in the fight against tuberculosis. For this, reliable and high-quality health data is necessary to create effective public policies. However, despite technological advancements such as emerging concepts like Big Data and the Internet of Things, generating health information faces several obstacles. Therefore, the present work aims to describe a pipeline for TB research in Brazil to contribute to obtaining high-quality data.