Evaluation of a population-wide, systematic screening initiative for tuberculosis on Daru island, Western Province, Papua New Guinea.

BACKGROUND: A population-wide, systematic screening initiative for tuberculosis (TB) was implemented on Daru island in the Western Province of Papua New Guinea, where TB is known to be highly prevalent. The initiative used a mobile van equipped with a digital X-ray device, computer-aided detection (CAD) software to identify TB-related abnormalities on chest radiographs, and GeneXpert machines for follow-on diagnostic testing. We describe the results of the TB screening initiative, evaluate its population-level impact and examine risk factors associated with TB detection. METHODS: Through a retrospective review of screening data, we assessed the effectiveness of the screening by examining the enrolment coverage and the proportion of people with TB among screened subjects. A cascade analysis was performed to illustrate the flow of participants in the screening algorithm. We conducted univariate and multivariate analyses to identify factors associated with TB. Furthermore, we estimated the number of additional cases detected by the project by examining the trend of routine TB case notifications during the intervention period, compared to the historical baseline cases and trend-adjusted expected cases. RESULTS: Of the island's 18,854 residents, 8,085 (42.9%) were enrolled and 7,970 (98.6%) had chest X-ray interpreted by the CAD4TB software. A total of 1,116 (14.0%) participants were considered to have abnormal CXR. A total of 69 Xpert-positive cases were diagnosed, resulting in a detection rate of 853 per 100 000 population screened. 19.4% of people with TB had resistance to rifampicin. People who were in older age groups (aOR 6.6, 95%CI: 1.5-29.1 for the 45-59 age group), were severely underweight (aOR 2.5, 95%CI:1.0-6.1) or underweight (aOR 2.1, 95%CI: 1.1-3.8), lived in households < 5 people (aOR 3.4, 95%CI:1.8-6.6) and had a past history of TB (aOR 2.1, 95%CI: 1.2-3.6) were more likely to have TB. The number of bacteriologically confirmed TB notified during the intervention period was 79.3% and 90.8% higher than baseline notifications and forecasted notifications, respectively. CONCLUSION: The screening project demonstrated its effectiveness with the high Xpert-positive TB prevalence among the participants and by successfully yielding additional cases of bacteriologically confirmed TB including rifampicin-resistant TB. The results and lessons learnt from the project should inform future TB screening initiatives in Papua New Guinea.

Estimating Post-treatment Recurrence After Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis Treatment Among Patients With and Without Human Immunodeficiency Virus: The Impact of Assumptions About Death and Missing Follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Quantification of recurrence risk following successful treatment is crucial to evaluating regimens for multidrug- or rifampicin-resistant (MDR/RR) tuberculosis (TB). However, such analyses are complicated when some patients die or become lost during post-treatment follow-up. METHODS: We analyzed data on 1991 patients who successfully completed a longer MDR/RR-TB regimen containing bedaquiline and/or delamanid between 2015 and 2018 in 16 countries. Using 5 approaches for handling post-treatment deaths, we estimated 6-month post-treatment TB recurrence risk overall and by HIV status. We used inverse-probability weighting to account for patients with missing follow-up and investigated the impact of potential bias from excluding these patients without applying inverse-probability weights. RESULTS: The estimated TB recurrence risk was 7.4/1000 (95% credible interval: 3.3-12.8) when deaths were handled as non-recurrences and 7.6/1000 (3.3-13.0) when deaths were censored and inverse-probability weights were applied to account for the excluded deaths. The estimated risks of composite recurrence outcomes were 25.5 (15.3-38.1), 11.7 (6.4-18.2), and 8.6 (4.1-14.4) per 1000 for recurrence or (1) any death, (2) death with unknown or TB-related cause, or (3) TB-related death, respectively. Corresponding relative risks for HIV status varied in direction and magnitude. Exclusion of patients with missing follow-up without inverse-probability weighting had a small impact on estimates. CONCLUSIONS: The estimated 6-month TB recurrence risk was low, and the association with HIV status was inconclusive due to few recurrence events. Estimation of post-treatment recurrence will be enhanced by explicit assumptions about deaths and appropriate adjustment for missing follow-up data.

A critical review of risk factors influencing the prevalence of extensive drug-resistant tuberculosis in India.

Globally, extensive drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) is a major element to cause morbidity and death among tuberculosis patients. The present study identifies the vital risk variables contributing to XDR-TB prevalence in India. Scopus, PubMed/Medline, Science Direct, and Google Scholar databases were searched thoroughly for the articles, using medical subject heading as a key term published between the years 2012 and 2022. According to the inclusion criteria, 11 publications were selected. Socioeconomic characteristics include employment, educational attainment, undernourishment, and the rest, and demographic factors such as gender, age, and more. Were examined in the review, whereas alcoholics, smoking, and diabetes mellitus were investigated under comorbidities and behavioral risk factors. We observed that noncompliance, poor knowledge, and insufficient health-care facilities could significantly accelerate the spread of XDR-TB, and the present review imparts a remarkable and detailed evaluation of XDR-TB. The study analysis is markedly useful for policymakers as well as researchers to discover and implement effective solutions for tuberculosis-infected patients.

Frequency of rifampicin-resistant mycobacterium tuberculosis by GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay and its correlates among 2605 probable tuberculosis patients in upper Egypt.

RATIONALE: GeneXpert MTB/RIF (Mycobacterium tuberculosis/rifampicin) assay is a method for detecting rifampicin resistance (RR-MTB) in suspected samples in less than 2 hours with high sensitivity and specificity yield. This study aimed to use the GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay to determine the frequency of RR-MTB and to study the possible influencing correlates associated with positive results. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective cross-sectional study of patients who visited TB clinic in 5 years (2016-2021). According to the data sheet of the patients, all the collected specimens were divided into 2 parts one for diagnosis by Ziehl-Neelsen stain and the other part for GeneXpert analysis. GeneXpert was also used to look for evidence of RR. RESULTS: Out of the 2605 total samples screened, 718 (27.6%) tested positive for MTB on GeneXpert assay; of them 633 (88.4%) were sensitive to Rifampicin, 83 (11.6%) were resistant to Rifampicin and 2 cases were undetermined. Factors contributing to RR-MTB were: smoker/ex-smoker, with 2.5 times more risk (p = 0.013.0, p = 0.001); recurrence cases had a 4-fold increased risk (p < 0.001); patients with very low M. tuberculosis detected on the GeneXpert MTB/RIF test were 8 times more likely to have RR-TB (P = 0.004). CONCLUSION: This study disclosed a high-rate MTB in Egyptian probable TB cases. Smoking, recurrence and cases with a very low M. tuberculosis burden noticed on the GeneXpert MTB/RIF test had augmented risk of RR-TB.

Poor treatment outcome and associated risk factors among patients with isoniazid mono-resistant tuberculosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: To date, isoniazid mono-resistant tuberculosis (TB) is becoming an emerging global public health problem. It is associated with poor treatment outcome. Different studies have assessed the treatment outcome of isoniazid mono-resistant TB cases, however, the findings are inconsistent and there is limited global comprehensive report. Thus, this study aimed to assess the poor treatment outcome and its associated risk factors among patients with isoniazid mono-resistant TB. METHODS: Studies that reported the treatment outcomes and associated factors among isoniazid mono-resistant TB were searched from electronic databases and other sources. We used Joana Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool to assess the study's quality. We assessed publication bias through visual inspection of the funnel plot and confirmed by Egger's regression test. We used STATA version 17 for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Among 347 studies identified from the whole search, data were extracted from 25 studies reported from 47 countries. The pooled successful and poor treatment outcomes were 78% (95%CI; 74%-83%) and 22% (95%CI; 17%-26%), respectively. Specifically, complete, cure, treatment failure, mortality, loss to follow-up and relapse rates were 34%(95%CI; 17%-52%), 62% (95%CI; 50%-73%), 5% (95%CI; 3%-7%), 6% (95%CI; 4%-8%), 12% (95%CI; 8%-17%), and 1.7% (95%CI; 0.4%-3.1%), respectively. Higher prevalence of pooled poor treatment outcome was found in the South East Asian Region (estimate; 40%, 95%C; 34%-45%), and African Region (estimate; 33%, 95%CI; 24%-42%). Previous TB treatment (OR; 1.74, 95%CI; 1.15-2.33), having cancer (OR; 3.53, 95%CI; 1.43-5.62), and being initially smear positive (OR; 1.26, 95%CI; 1.08-1.43) were associated with poor treatment outcome. While those patients who took rifampicin in the continuation phase (OR; 0.22, 95%CI; 0.04-0.41), had extrapulmonary TB (OR; 0.70, 95%CI; 0.55-0.85), and took second-line injectable drugs (OR; 0.54, 95%CI; 0.33-0.75) had reduced risk of poor treatment outcome. CONCLUSION: Isoniazid mono-resistant TB patients had high poor treatment outcome. Thus, determination of isoniazid resistance pattern for all bacteriologically confirmed TB cases is critical for successful treatment outcome. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022372367.

Multi-drug resistant and rifampin-resistant tuberculosis in transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: Management of multidrug-resistant (MDR) and rifampin-resistant (RR) tuberculosis is challenging. Data on transplant recipients is limited. We reviewed published literature to examine treatment choices, outcomes, and adverse effects from MDR-TB/RR-TB treatment in transplant recipients. METHODS: Multiple databases from inception to 12/2022 were reviewed using the keywords "drug-resistant TB" or "drug-resistant tuberculosis" or "multidrug-resistant TB" or "multidrug-resistant tuberculosis". MDR-TB was defined as resistance to isoniazid (H) and rifampin (R), and RR if resistant to rifampin alone. Cases without patient-level data and reports which did not describe treatment and/or outcomes for MDR-TB were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 12 patients (10 solid organ transplants and two hematopoietic cell transplants) were included. Of these, 11 were MDR-TB and one was RR-TB. Seven recipients were male. The median age was 41.5 (range 16-60) years. Pre-transplant evaluation for the majority (8/12, 66.7%) did not reveal a prior history of TB or TB treatment, but 9/12 were from TB intermediate or high-burden countries. Seven patients were initially treated with the quadruple first-line anti-TB regimen. Those who had early RR confirmation (5/12) via Xpert MTB/RIF assay were initiated on alternative therapies. Final regimens were individualized based on susceptibility profiles and tolerability. Adverse events were reported in seven recipients, including acute kidney injury (n = 3), cytopenias (n = 3), and jaundice (n = 2). Four recipients died, with two deaths attributable to TB. The remaining eight patients who survived had functioning allografts at the last follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: MDR-TB treatment in transplant recipients is associated with many complications. Xpert MTB/RIF detected RR early and guided early empiric therapy.

Outcomes from a national screening program for Ukrainian refugees at risk of drug resistant tuberculosis in Wales.

High rates of drug-resistant tuberculosis in Ukraine suggest screening is necessary to mitigate public health hazards for host populations. A pathway was implemented in Wales and data prospectively collected Between 8 April and 21 December 2022. Of 5425 Ukrainian arrivals, notifications were received by TB teams on 2395 (44%) of whom 1955 (82%) were screened. The refugees were young (median age 30, IQR 14-41), and predominantly female (66.1%). Interferon- gamma release assay (IGRA) tests were positive in 112 (6.5%). One Case of active tuberculosis was identified (0.05%). Our data supports European guidelines that routine screening of this population is not recommended, but we remain uncertain as to the risks of this population going forwards.

Boletim Epidemiológico: perfil epidemiológico dos casos novos de tuberculose drogarresistente notificados no Estado de Goiás 2015-2021 / Epidemiological Bulletin: epidemiological profile of new cases of drug-resistant tuberculosis reported in the State of Goiás 2015-2021

De acordo com a Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) a epidemia da tuberculose (TB) no mundo é classificada em três grandes listas: países de alta carga de tuberculose, países de alta carga para coinfecção TB relacionada a Síndrome da Imunodeficiência Adquirida (HIV) e países com alta carga de tuberculose drogarressitente. O Brasil se faz presente na lista de países de alta carga de tuberculose e de coinfecção TB/HIV, o que é um desafio para a detecção e acompanhamento desses casos, com uma grande representatividade epidemiológica no cenário mundial1 Sendo assim, o objetivo deste boletim é descrever o perfil epidemiológico dos pacientes considerados como casos novos de tuberculose drograrresistente notificados no estado de Goiás entre os anos de 2015 ­ 2021 e subsidiar a rede para tomada de decisões em saúde pública

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the tuberculosis (TB) epidemic in the world is classified into three major lists: countries with a high burden of tuberculosis, countries with a high burden of TB co-infection related to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV) and countries with a high burden of drug-resistant tuberculosis. Brazil is present on the list of countries with a high burden of tuberculosis and TB/HIV co-infection, which is a challenge for the detection and follow-up of these cases, with a great epidemiological representativeness on the world stage1 Therefore, the objective of this bulletin is to describe the epidemiological profile of patients considered as new cases of drug-resistant tuberculosis notified in the state of Goiás between the years 2015 ­ 2021 and subsidize the network for decision-making in public health

Epidemiology of tuberculosis in Mongolia: analysis of surveillance data, 2015-2019.

Mongolia has a high tuberculosis (TB) burden. Data from routine paper-based surveillance were used to describe the epidemiology of TB in Mongolia; the data included testing presumptive TB cases, TB notifications, drug-resistant cases, treatment outcomes and notifications in prisoners. The proportion of the population tested for TB increased between 2015 and 2019. The number and rate per 100 000 population of TB notifications decreased between 2015 and 2018 and then increased in 2019. Most TB notifications in 2019 were in the capital, Ulaanbaatar (59.3%), followed by the central (16.8%), Khangai (10.4%), east (8.5%) and west (5.0%) regions. About half of TB notifications nationally were bacteriologically confirmed (45.4% in 2015, 48.1% in 2019), with the proportion of bacteriologically confirmed TB per province or district varying from 0% to 66%. High TB notification rates were observed in 2019 for males aged 15-54 years (202 per 100 000population) and females aged 15-34 years (190 per 100 000 population). Treatment success for all forms of TB was 90% in 2019 but was below the 90% target for bacteriologically confirmed cases. Between 2015 and 2019, the number of RR/MDR-TB notifications ranged from 265 to 211. The Mongolian National Tuberculosis Programme needs to continue its efforts in TB control, to further increase the programmatic impact and reduce the TB burden. It is recommended that Mongolia continue to increase TB screening, the use of Xpert testing, contact investigations and preventive treatments, and targeting interventions to the high-burden areas identified in this subnational analysis.

Unfavorable treatment outcomes among patients with drug-resistant TB in Uganda.

BACKGROUND: Drug-resistant TB (DR-TB) remains a significant public health burden and a threat to the progress made in TB control and prevention in sub-Saharan Africa.OBJECTIVE: To determine the risk-predictors of poor treatment outcomes in patients with DR-TB in Uganda.METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of adult Ugandans who had been treated for DR-TB at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH) in Uganda.RESULTS: Of the 385 files reviewed, 332 (86.2%) met the study inclusion criteria. Of these, 226 (68.1%) were men and 193 (58.1%) were HIV-positive. A total of 73 participants (22.7%) had unfavorable treatment outcomes (treatment failure, loss to follow-up or death). History of cigarette smoking (OR 5.10, 95% CI 2.4-11.4; P < 0.001), age >60 years (OR 6.32, 95% CI 2.2-18.6; P < 0.001), anemia (OR 2.38, 95% CI 1.1-5.3; P = 0.02) and thrombocytopenia (OR 3.60, 95% CI 1.6-8.1; P <  0.001) were independent predictors of unfavorable treatment outcomes.CONCLUSION: There is a high prevalence of unfavorable treatment outcomes among patients with DR-TB. Further research is required to design a prognostic model for DR-TB patients in a resource-limited setting.

Epidemiology of tuberculosis in the Pacific island countries and areas, 2000-2020.

Objective: Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the most important infectious diseases with an estimated 9.9 million people falling ill globally in 2020. We describe the epidemiology of TB in the Pacific island countries and areas (PICs) to inform potential priority actions to implement the Western Pacific Regional Framework to End TB 2021-2030. Methods: A descriptive analysis was conducted using annual TB surveillance data submitted by national TB programmes to the World Health Organization (WHO) and TB burden estimates (incidence rates and number of deaths) generated by WHO for the PICs, for the period 2000-2020. We also analysed TB case numbers, multidrug-resistant/rifampicin-resistant TB (MDR/RR-TB), recent risk factor indicators and treatment outcomes. Results: The estimated TB incidence rate in the PICs increased between 2000 and 2020 from 62 to 69 per 100 000 population, with an 8% reduction observed since 2015. TB cases increased by 29% during 2000-2020, with 1746 cases in 2020 and a high proportion in children (19%). Bacteriological diagnosis was used for 58% of total TB cases, although some countries reported clinical diagnoses in over 60% of cases. From 2015 to 2019, 52 MDR/RR-TB cases were reported and there were 94 TB/HIV coinfected cases in 2015-2020. Treatment success was 74% in 2019 due to 18% of cases being unevaluated. In 2020, the estimated proportion of TB cases attributable to smoking, malnutrition, alcohol abuse and diabetes was 17%, 16%, 11% and 9%, respectively. Discussion: There was an increasing trend in TB cases, estimated incidence and deaths between 2000 and 2020. Laboratory services were scaled up in some PICs and case-finding activities greatly contributed to the detection of cases. To end the incidence of TB, continued efforts on case finding, contact investigation and scaling up TB preventive treatment should be prioritized. At the same time, collaboration with other sectors for risk factor management and decentralized management need to be considered.

Risk factors of multidrug resistant tuberculosis among patients with tuberculosis at selected multidrug resistance treatment initiative centres in southern Ethiopia: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the risk factors for multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) among patients with TB at selected MDR-TB treatment initiative centres, southern Ethiopia, 2021. DESIGN: An unmatched case-control study was employed. SETTING: Multidrug resistance treatment initiative centres in southern Ethiopia (Nigist Elen Mohamed Memorial Comprehensive Specialized Hospital and Butajira General Hospital). PARTICIPANTS: A total sample size of 392 (79 cases and 313 controls) were selected by the systematic sampling technique. Cases were all patients with TB with culture proven or line probe assay confirmed Mycobacterium tuberculosis resistant to at least both isoniazid and rifampicin and registered on second-line TB treatment. Controls were all patients with bacteriological (molecular) proven drug-susceptible TB strains and whose recent smear results were turned to negative and registered as cured. Both bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors of MDR-TB infections. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Identifying the risk factors for MDR-TB. RESULTS: A total of 392 participants (79 cases and 313 controls) were interviewed. Multivariable analysis showed that direct contact with known patients with TB (AOR =4.35; 95% CI: 1.45 to 9.81), history of previous TB treatment (AOR=2.51; 95% CI: 1.50 to 8.24), history of cigarette smoking (AOR=3.24; 95% CI :2.17 to 6.91) and living in rural area (AOR=4.71; 95% CI :3.13 to 9.58) were identified risk factors for MDR-TB infections. CONCLUSIONS: The study findings revealed that direct contact with known patients with TB, previous history of TB treatment, history of cigarette smoking and rural residence were potential risk factors for the occurrence of MDR-TB. In order to reduce the burden of drug resistance, strategies of controlling MDR-TB in the study area should emphasise on enhancing public health education and reducing treatment interruptions of patients with TB and drug-resistant TB.

OTOTOXICITY OF ANTIMYCOBACTERIAL THERAPY: MANIFESTATIONS, MECHANISMS OF MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL.

OBJECTIVE: The aim: To study the nature and incidence of hearing loss related to tuberculosis (TB) or resulting from antimycobacterial therapy, and its impact on treatment outcomes in patients with multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: An analysis of reports on adverse reactions, medical records and electronic database of the register of TB patients was made. The pathogen was microbiologically verified in all the patients. Patients underwent clinical and laboratory, instrumental, microbiological (BACTEC), molecular genetic (Xpert® MTB/RIF® Ultra, Xpert® MTB/XDR, GenoType® MTBDRplus/sl) examinations. To prevent the development of complications and to control adverse effects, alongside with the determination of the corrected QT interval, visual acuity, and color vision, brief peripheral neuropathy screen and audiometry were performed. RESULTS: Results: During MDR-TB treatment with aminoglycosides, therapy was more commonly interrupted during the second episode of therapy (p=0,051), while treatment failure, longer treatment duration, and hearing impairment were almost equally observed in both groups (р=0,431, р=0,432, р=0,69). Treatment success was more commonly observed among patients receiving the first course of therapy. Some patients undergoing repeated antimycobacterial therapy were transferred to palliative care (p=0,13). The short-term treatment regimen effectively prevented ototoxicity. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: Novel antimycobacterial agents and short-term TB treatment regimens increased patient compliance with treatment and reduced the incidence of certain adverse effects due to their monitoring and prevention. Due to the transition to mainly drug therapy, adverse effects such as ototoxicity were completely eliminated. This was due to personalized treatment selection, its monitoring, and assessing the outcomes.

[A meta-analysis of risk factors for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in China].

Objective: To explore the main risk factors of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in China and to provide evidence-based evidence for MDR-TB preventon and control. Methods: All relevant literatures were searched in thedatabases, such as Pubmed, Web of Science and CNKI, Wanfang, VIP and SinoMed from 2000 to 2021. Quality evaluation and data extraction were carried out, and then a meta-analysis was performed using Stata 16.0 software. Results: A total of 59 literatures (36 cross-sectional and 23 case-control) including 75 793 participants were included in this study, and meta-analysis results showed age (OR=1.27, 95%CI: 1.05-1.54), education level (OR=1.29, 95%CI: 1.02-1.65), positive sputum smear (OR=2.56, 95%CI: 1.09-6.04), pulmonary cavity (OR=1.99, 95%CI: 1.57-2.52), course of disease (OR=4.25, 95%CI: 1.95-9.30), history of tuberculosis treatment (OR=6.42,95%CI:5.40-7.63), treatment interruption (OR=2.81, 95%CI: 1.50-5.29), irregular medication (OR=5.02, 95%CI: 2.95-8.54), adverse drug reactions (OR=4.27, 95%CI: 2.22-8.19), combined chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (OR=2.21, 95%CI: 1.45-3.37), tuberculosis exposure history (OR=1.99, 95%CI: 1.36-2.91), smoking history (OR=1.35, 95%CI: 1.09-1.66) and floating population (OR=1.60, 95%CI: 1.04-2.44) were associated with the occurrence of MDR-TB. Conclusions: The high risk groups were farmer, low education level, pulmonary cavity, long course of disease, history of tuberculosis treatment, treatment interruption, irregular medication, adverse drug reaction, co-COPD, contact history of tuberculosis, smoking history, rural residence, and floating population. We should pay attention to high-risk groups, strengthen management and take effective measures such as early screening, knowledge education on tuberculosis, standardized and personalized treatment and whole-course supervision.

Acquired and Transmitted Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis among the Incarcerated Population and Its Determinants in the State of Paraná-Brazil.

(1) Background: Tuberculosis remains a public health problem in the world. The study analyzed the factors associated with drug-resistant tuberculosis in the prison population of the state of Paraná. (2) Methods: Ecological study of drug-resistant tuberculosis cases registered in the Paraná Information System, Brazil (2008 to 2018). We performed descriptive statistics of quantitative parameters calculated with absolute frequencies. Additionally, we used binary regression logistics, where the odds ratio with its respective confidence interval was calculated. (3) Results: Of the 653 cases registered as cases of tuberculosis in the incarcerated population, 98 were drug-resistant tuberculosis. We observed that educational level of up to 8 to 11 years of schooling, negative bacterial culture (test outcome) and no tobacco use were factors associated with the non-development of drug-resistant tuberculosis, while clinically confirmed pulmonary TB and positive sputum smear microscopy in the fourth month of follow-up showed an association for the development of drug resistance. (4) Conclusions: The study showed that clinically confirmed pulmonary TB and a positive sputum smear microscopy in the fourth month of follow-up were associated with drug-resistant tuberculosis.

Drug resistant tuberculosis among elderly: Challenges.

The article deals with challenges faced by the geriatric populations while on MDR treatment. Risk factors like tobacco use, low socio-economic status, previous disease, longer delays in seeking treatment and reduced mobility are some of the challenges while initiating MDR treatment. Other issues like drug-related adverse events and increased co-morbidity pose a major challenge while treating patients. Susceptibility among the geriatric age group includes various anatomical and physiological changes including nutritional deficiencies and co morbidities.

Cardiovascular risk factors among people with drug-resistant tuberculosis in Uganda.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) and its risk factors are independently associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). We determined the prevalence and associations of CVD risk factors among people with drug-resistant tuberculosis (DRTB) in Uganda. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we enrolled people with microbiologically confirmed DRTB at four treatment sites in Uganda between July to December 2021. The studied CVD risk factors were any history of cigarette smoking, diabetes mellitus (DM) hypertension, high body mass index (BMI), central obesity and dyslipidaemia. We used modified Poisson regression models with robust standard errors to determine factors independently associated with each of dyslipidaemia, hypertension, and central obesity. RESULTS: Among 212 participants, 118 (55.7%) had HIV. Overall, 196 (92.5%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 88.0-95.3) had ≥ 1 CVD risk factor. The prevalence; 95% CI of individual CVD risk factors was: dyslipidaemia (62.5%; 55.4-69.1), hypertension (40.6%; 33.8-47.9), central obesity (39.3%; 32.9-46.1), smoking (36.3%; 30.1-43.1), high BMI (8.0%; 5.0-12.8) and DM (6.5%; 3.7-11.1). Dyslipidaemia was associated with an increase in glycated haemoglobin (adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) 1.14, 95%CI 1.06-1.22). Hypertension was associated with rural residence (aPR 1.89, 95% CI 1.14-3.14) and previous history of smoking (aPR 0.46, 95% CI 0.21-0.98). Central obesity was associated with increasing age (aPR 1.02, 95%CI 1.00-1.03), and elevated diastolic blood pressure (aPR 1.03 95%CI 1.00-1.06). CONCLUSION: There is a high prevalence of CVD risk factors among people with DRTB in Uganda, of which dyslipidaemia is the commonest. We recommend integrated services for identification and management of CVD risk factors in DRTB.

[An atypical presentation of tuberculosis]. / Een atypische presentatie van tuberculose.

BACKGROUND: In 2020 there were 623 known TB infections in the Netherlands according to the Dutch ministry of health (RIVM). About 4% were located in bones and joints. The incidence of Multi Drug Resistant (MDR) TB in The Netherlands is about 1%. CASE: We describe the case of a 46-year-old female with a painful and swelling of the mid phalangeal bone of the fourth left digit. Quantiferon was positive and PCR of the biopsy for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC) in Ziehl-Neelsen staining confirmed tuberculous osteomyelitis. The strain was resistant for rifampicin, isoniazid, ethambutol and pyrazinamid classifying it as MDR. Treatment in a specialized center with second line drugs was indicated due to rare resistance. CONCLUSION: Tuberculosis may manifest anywhere throughout the body, also as an (atypical) swelling of the hand. The golden diagnostic standard for bone and joint TB is biopsy with Ziehl-Neelsen staining.

Hepatocellular Injury in Children Treated for Rifampicin-resistant Tuberculosis: Incidence, Etiology and Outcome.

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular injury has been reported commonly in adults on rifampicin-resistant and multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (RR/MDR-TB) treatment. However, there are limited data in children. METHODS: Two pharmacokinetic studies of children (0-17 years) routinely treated for RR/MDR-TB were conducted in Cape Town, South Africa between October 2011 and February 2020. Hepatocellular injury adverse events (AEs; defined as elevated alanine aminotransferase [ALT]) were documented serially. Data were analyzed to determine the incidence, etiology, risk factors, management and outcome of ALT elevation. RESULTS: A total of 217 children, median age 3.6 years (interquartile range, 1.7-7.1 years) at enrollment were included. The median follow-up time was 14.0 months (interquartile range, 9.8-17.2 months). Fifty-five (25.3%) patients developed an ALT AE. Of these, 43 of 55 (78%) patients had 54 ALT AEs attributed to their RR/MDR-TB treatment. The incidence rate of ALT AEs related to RR-TB treatment was 22.4 per 100 person-years. Positive HIV status and having an elevated ALT at enrollment were associated with time to ALT AE attributed to RR/MDR-TB treatment, with P values 0.0427 and P < 0.0001, respectively. Hepatitis A IgM was positive in 11 of 14 (78.6%) severe (grade ≥3) cases of ALT AEs. In 8 of 14 (57%) severe ALT AEs, hepatotoxic drugs were stopped or temporarily interrupted. None had a fatal or unresolved outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Hepatocellular injury in children on RR/MDR-TB treatment is common, although usually mild; having elevated ALT early in treatment and HIV-positive status are possible risk factors. Hepatitis A was a common etiology of severe ALT AE in children treated for RR/MDR-TB.

Impact of alcohol drinking and tobacco smoking on the drug-resistance of newly diagnosed tuberculosis: a retrospective cohort study in Shandong, China, during 2004-2020.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the independent and collective impact of alcohol drinking and tobacco smoking on the drug-resistance of newly diagnosed tuberculosis (TB). DESIGN: This was a retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Shandong, China. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with newly diagnosed TB from 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2020 were collected. Exclusive criteria: retreated cases; extrapulmonary tuberculosis; without information on drug susceptibility testing results, smoking or drinking habits; bacteriological identification as non-tuberculous mycobacteria. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Patients were classified into four groups including smokers only (G1), drinker only (G2), smoker +drinker (G3), non-smoker +non-drinker group (G0). We described the drug-resistant profiles, clinical factors and calculated the ORs of different drug-resistance among G1, G2, G3, compared with G0 through univariate and multivariate logistics regression models. RESULTS: Of the 7996 TB cases enrolled, the proportions of G1, G2, G3 and G0 were 8.25%, 3.89%, 16.46% and 71.40%, respectively. The rates of drug-resistant (DR)-TB, mono-resistant TB, multidrug resistant (MDR)-TB, polydrug resistant TB in G1, G2, G3 and G0 were 19.24%/16.4%/17.33%/19.08%, 11.52%/8.68%/10.94%/11.63%, 3.03%/2.57%/2.96%/3.66% and 4.70%/4.82%/3.34%/ 4.08%, respectively. G3 had a higher risk of MDR1: isoniazid +rifampin (adjusted OR (aOR)=1.91, 95% CI: 1.036 to 3.532), but had a lower risk of DR-TB (aOR=0.84, 95% CI: 0.71 to 0.99), rifampin-related resistance (aOR=0.68, 95% CI: 0.49 to 0.93), streptomycin-related resistance (aOR=0.82, 95% CI: 0.68 to 0.99), ethambutol-related resistance (aOR=0.57, 95% CI: 0.34 to 0.95), MDR3: isoniazid +rifampin+streptomycin (aOR=0.41, 95% CI: 0.19 to 0.85), any isoniazid +streptomycin resistance (aOR=0.85, 95% CI: 0.71 to 1.00). However, there were no significant differences between G1 and G0, G2 and G0 in all drug-resistant subtypes. Those patients with cavity had a higher risk of DR-TB among G3 (OR=1.35, 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.81). CONCLUSION: Although we did not found an independent impact of alcohol drinking or tobacco smoking on TB drug-resistance, respectively, these two habits had a combined effect on TB drug-resistance.