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.

Challenges in recruiting children to a multidrug-resistant TB prevention trial.

BACKGROUND: Recruitment to randomised clinical trials can be challenging and slow recruitment has serious consequences. This study aimed to summarise and reflect on the challenges in enrolling young children to a multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) prevention trial in South Africa.METHODS: Recruitment to the Tuberculosis Child Multidrug-resistant Preventive Therapy Trial (TB-CHAMP) was tracked using an electronic recruiting platform, which was used to generate a recruiting flow diagram. Structured personnel questionnaires, meeting minutes and workshop notes were thematically analysed to elucidate barriers and solutions.RESULT: Of 3,682 (85.3%) adult rifampicin (RIF) resistant index cases with pre-screening outcomes, 1597 (43.4%) reported having no children under 5 years in the household and 562 (15.3%) were RIF-monoresistant. More than nine index cases were pre-screened for each child enrolled. Numerous barriers to recruitment were identified. Thorough recruitment planning, customised tracking data systems, a dedicated recruiting team with strong leadership, adequate resources to recruit across large geographic areas, and excellent relationships with routine TB services emerged as key factors to ensure successful recruitment.CONCLUSION: Recruitment of children into MDR-TB prevention trials can be difficult. Several MDR-TB prevention trials are underway, and lessons learnt from TB-CHAMP will be relevant to these and other TB prevention studies.

Dr PK Sen TAI gold medal oration.

The current write-up is for Dr P.K.Sen TAI Gold Medal Oration Award for 2020 conferred to Dr Rupak Singla and delivered on 19 th December 2020. The title chosen for the oration was "Introduction and scale up of new anti-TB drugs in India: role of NITRD.Ë® However, in the oration the role this institute has played for overall scale up of Drug-resistant TB services in India under National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) at different times from the beginning of national TB programme has also been presented. National Institute of TB and Respiratory Diseases has travelled with our country from beginning of DR-TB care. It demonstrated for the first time use of a Standardized Treatment Regimen with second line drugs for MDR-TB in field conditions. NITRD assisted NTEP for the concept of DST guided treatment. This institute guided NTEP for the management of MDR-TB failure patients with Pre-XDR and XDR-TB. Also, NITRD assisted India for the introduction of newer DR-TB drugs and scale up of newer drugs across the country. The strength of NITRD include clinical expertise, laboratory support and training division. NITRD commitment is strong and will continue to support NTEP for all endeavors in future also.

Resistencia a fármacos antituberculosos en Cuba, 2015-2017 / Resistance to tuberculosis drugs in Cuba, 2015-2017

Introducción: La tuberculosis persiste como un importante problema de salud mundial. En el 2016 se estimaron 600 000 casos de resistente a rifampicina, y entre estos 490 000 casos multidrogorresistentes. Objetivo: Describir el comportamiento de la resistencia de los aislados de M. tuberculosis de pacientes con tuberculosis pulmonar notificados en Cuba entre los años 2015-2017. Métodos: Se determinó la susceptibilidad a isoniacida y rifampicina mediante el método de la nitratasa. A los aislados resistentes a rifampicina/multidrogorresistentes se les determinó mediante el método proporcional la susceptibilidad a ofloxacina, kanamicina, amikacina y capreomicina. Resultados: El 93,2 por ciento de los aislados fueron sensibles a isoniacida y rifampicina. En 39 se identificó resistencia a isoniacida y 23 fueron resistente a rifampicina. Se identificaron 10 multidrogorresistentes. No se detectó resistencia a fármacos de segunda línea. Conclusiones: Los resultados alertan sobre la necesidad de investigar las causas que han conllevado al incremento de la tuberculosis resistente en Cuba(AU)

Introduction: Tuberculosis continues to be an important health problem worldwide. In the year 2016, as many as 600 000 cases of rifampicin resistance were estimated, among which 490 000 were multi-drug resistant. Objective: Describe the behavior of resistance to M. tuberculosis isolates in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis reported in Cuba in the period 2015-2017. Methods: Susceptibility to isoniazid and rifampicin was determined by the nitratase method. Susceptibility of rifampicin resistant / multi-drug resistant isolates to ofloxacin, kanamycin, amikacin and capreomycin was determined by the proportional method. Results: Of the isolates analyzed, 93.2 percent were sensitive to isoniazid and rifampicin. Isoniazid resistance was identified in 39 and 23 were rifampicin resistant. Ten multi-drug resistant isolates were identified. Resistance to second line drugs was not detected. Conclusions: Results warn about the need to study the factors leading to the increase in resistant tuberculosis in Cuba(AU)

Understanding the gaps in elimination of tuberculosis in India.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a highly infectious disease, and it has the highest global burden on India with 21% prevalence rate and 27% of patients who do not receive pertinent medical treatment. Although India spends 23 billion dollars annually towards medical expenses for TB, India still ranks among the top 2 countries with the highest incidence and prevalence rates with more than 300,000 deaths excluding the patients with HIV and TB calling for prompt consideration. India faces a great challenge socially and economically. They lack a uniform health care system, making it burdensome to use effective surveillance techniques for prevention of TB. Currently, India is working on resolving the issue meticulously through the web-based application program 'Nikshay' with other strategies like Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP) and World Health Organization's The End TB Strategy. India's cardinal goal is to make advanced diagnostic tools made available and public-private healthcare sector collaboration. India needs to focus more on primary prevention by effective policy formation and campaign which promote proper sanitation and vaccine administration while educating the layman.

Perfil de resistencia del Mycobacterium tuberculosis a fármacos antituberculosos de primera línea y sus combinaciones / Resistance profile of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to first-line antituberculosis drugs and their combinations

Introducción: En Colombia el control de la tuberculosis se ha visto amenazado por la resistencia a los fármacos antituberculosos y especialmente la tuberculosis multidrogorresistente. Objetivo: Determinar la resistencia global y perfiles de resistencia del Mycobacterium tuberculosis a fármacos antituberculosos de primera línea y combinaciones. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, transversal, en el que se evaluaron 2 701 pacientes con tuberculosis en el Departamento del Atlántico (Colombia), durante los años 2011 a 2016. Se valoraron aspectos sociodemográficos, clínicos y condiciones de riesgo. Se realizó análisis de frecuencias relativas y absolutas, diferencia de proporciones ((2) y razón de prevalencias. Resultados: El 66,5 por ciento de los pacientes eran hombres, el 53 por ciento tenían entre 15 y 44 años de edad. El 47,34 por ciento con pérdida en el seguimiento y el 11,62 por ciento monorresistentes a isoniacida. La resistencia en casos nuevos fue 7,30 por ciento (IC95 por ciento: 6,3-8,5), para este grupo la multidrogorresistencia fue de 1,1 por ciento; mientras que en los previamente tratados la resistencia fue de 18,27 por ciento (IC95 por ciento: 15,6- 22,4) y la multidrogorresistencia de 5,7 por ciento. Los factores asociados a resistencia fueron presencia de VIH/TB (RP= 2,6; p= 0,000), otros factores inmunosupresores (RP= 3,5; p= 0,009), contacto de paciente con tuberculosis multidrogorresistente (RP= 16; p= 0,000) y caso previamente tratado (RP= 2,24; p= 0,00). Conclusiones: Se evidencia un descenso en la resistencia global a rifampicina e isoniacida, así como en la prevalencia multidrogorresistente tanto en casos nuevos como en previamente tratados en la población estudiada; lo que genera una línea base para la toma de decisiones que permita continuar mejorando la vigilancia y control de la resistencia del M. tuberculosis a fármacos de primera línea, debido a los nuevos retos que este microorganismo representa para la salud pública(AU)

Introduction: Tuberculosis control in Colombia has been hampered by resistance to antituberculosis drugs and particularly by multi-drug resistant tuberculosis. Objective: Determine the overall resistance and resistance profiles of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to first-line antituberculosis drugs and their combinations. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted of 2 701 tuberculosis patients from Atlántico Department in Colombia in the period 2011-2016. The evaluation included sociodemographic aspects, clinical characteristics and risk conditions. Data analysis was based on relative and absolute frequencies, proportion difference (x2) and prevalence ratio. Results: Of the total sample, 66.5 percent were men and 53 percent were aged 15-44 years. 47.34 percent were lost to follow-up and 11.62 percent were monoresistant to isoniazid. In new cases resistance was 7.30 percent (CI 95 percent: 6.3-8.5) and multi-drug resistance was 1.1 percent, whereas in previously treated cases resistance was 18.27 percent (CI 95 percent: 15.6-22.4) and multi-drug resistance was 5.7 percent. The factors associated to resistance were the presence of HIV/TB (AR= 2.6; p= 0.000), other immunosuppressive factors (AR= 3.5; p= 0.009), contact with multi-drug resistant tuberculosis patient (AR= 16; p= 0.000) and previously treated case (AR= 2.24; p= 0.00). Conclusions: A reduction is observed in overall resistance to rifampicin and isoniazid, as well as in the prevalence of multi-drug resistance, both in new cases and in previously treated cases, which creates a baseline for the taking of decisions aimed at the continuing improvement of the surveillance and control of M. tuberculosis resistance to first-line drugs, due to the new challenges posed by this microorganism to public health(AU)

La tuberculosis drogorresistente en Cuba: ¿qué estamos haciendo? / Drug-resistant tuberculosis in Cuba: what are we doing?

La tuberculosis drogorresistente (TBDR) es un problema emergente en la lucha contra la tuberculosis en todo el mundo y Cuba no está exenta de este. Es un fenómeno causado por el hombre, por el uso indiscriminado de antibióticos sin la adecuada supervisión microbiológica de las cepas de micobacterium tuberculosis durante el tratamiento con drogas específicas.1,2 Probablemente el mayor problema al que nos enfrentamos con la TBDR es que, a nivel mundial, incluso aplicando los métodos diagnósticos y terapéuticos más sofisticados, no se logran tasas de curación general mayores al 70 por ciento, salvo algunos estudios puntuales que logran tasas superiores al 80 por ciento, con costosas terapias.3 El Reporte Global de Tuberculosis de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) de 2018 reportó para el 2017: 558 000 casos de TBDR en el mundo y de ellos, solo 25 por ciento fueron notificados. Las regiones de mayor incidencia de TB drogorresistente (DR) en el mundo fueron: Sudeste asiático...(AU)

Stopping of the Downtrend of Tuberculosis in Iran, a Systematic Review of Associated Risk Factors.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a public health problem in developing countries. In recent decades, the incidence of the disease has been gradually reducing in Iran. However, the reducing incidence of the disease has stopped in the country during recent years. It could be due to an increase in immigration, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and the prevalence of drug-resistant strains. In order to prevent the spread of TB cases and control this disease, it is essential to identify the predisposing factors, which may be related to bacteria, host and environment. The objective of the present systematic review was to investigate the role of potentially effective factors in the increase in TB cases in the country. The epidemiological studies that had considered the risk factors for the development of TB in populations from different regions of Iran were reviewed systematically from the beginning of 2007 to the end of June 2017 in electronic databases. Upon evaluation of the literature, these 7 major risk factors were identified in twenty-five eligible studies, including poor living conditions, drug abuse, HIV/AIDS, multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), diabetes, migration, and smoking. In conclusion, the increase in predisposing risk factors for catching TB, especially the migration and Beijing strain, shows that in the absence of accurate monitoring, TB cases will increase in the near future in Iran.

Directrices unificadas de la OMS sobre el tratamiento de la tuberculosis farmacorresistente / WHO consolidated guidelines on drug-resistant tuberculosis treatment

Las cepas del bacilo tuberculoso con farmacorresistencia (TB-DR) son más difíciles de tratar que las farmacosensibles y amenazan el progreso mundial hacia los objetivos establecidos por la Estrategia Fin de la TB, de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS). Por lo tanto, existe una necesidad imperiosa de contar con recomendaciones de política basadas en la evidencia sobre el tratamiento y la atención a los pacientes con TB-DR, de acuerdo con la evidencia más reciente y completa disponible. A este respecto, las Directrices unificadas de la OMS sobre el tratamiento de la tuberculosis farmacorresistente cumplen el mandato de la OMS de informar a los profesionales de la salud de los Estados Miembros sobre cómo mejorar el tratamiento y la atención de los pacientes con TB-DR.

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in South Korea: a retrospective analysis of national registry data in 2011-2015.

BACKGROUND: Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) poses a threat to public health as a result of high treatment costs and unsatisfactory outcomes.OBJECTIVE: To elucidate trend, demographic and clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of patients with MDR-TB between 2011 and 2015 in South Korea.METHOD: Data of patients with MDR-TB diagnosed between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2015 were retrieved from the nationwide Internet-based TB notification system and analysed retrospectively.RESULTS: During the study period, 5192 MDR-TB patients were notified. We identified an increasing number of MDR-TB patients among foreign populations (from 1.3% to 7.7%), decreasing resistance rates to other anti-TB drugs (e.g., resistance to pyrazinamide, from 40.9% to 28.2%), a decreasing interval from treatment initiation to negative conversion of sputum culture (from 165.7 to 103.7 days) and shortening of treatment duration (719.7 to 613.2 days). However, treatment success rates did not change, and had an average of 65.7%.CONCLUSION: Despite decreasing resistance rates to other drugs and faster treatment responses, treatment outcomes did not improve during the study period. Strict management of MDR-TB patients on treatment should be adopted to improve treatment outcomes.

Second nationwide anti-tuberculosis drug resistance survey in Namibia.

SETTING: Namibia ranks among the 30 high TB burden countries worldwide. Here, we report results of the second nationwide anti-TB drug resistance survey.OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence and trends of multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) in Namibia.METHODS: From 2014 to 2015, patients with presumptive TB in all regions of Namibia had sputum subjected to mycobacterial culture and phenotypic drug susceptibility testing (DST) for rifampicin, isoniazid, ethambutol and streptomycin if positive on smear microscopy and/or Xpert MTB/RIF.RESULTS: Of the 4124 eligible for culture, 3279 (79.5%) had Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolated. 3126 (95%) had a first-line DST completed (2392 new patients, 699 previously treated patients, 35 with unknown treatment history). MDR-TB was detected in 4.5% (95%CI 3.7-5.4) of new patients, and 7.9% (95%CI 6.0-10.1) of individuals treated previously. MDR-TB was significantly associated with previous treatment (OR 1.8, 95%CI 1.3-2.5) but not with HIV infection, sex, age or other demographic factors. Prior treatment failure demonstrated the strongest association with MDR-TB (OR 17.6, 95%CI 5.3-58.7).CONCLUSION: The prevalence of MDR-TB among new TB patients in Namibia is high and, compared with the first drug resistance survey, has decreased significantly among those treated previously. Namibia should implement routine screening of drug resistance among all TB patients.

A study on procedural delay in diagnosis and start of treatment in drug resistant tuberculosis under RNTCP.

BACKGROUND: Multi-drug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) has become a significant public health problem and an obstacle to effective TB control. Rapid diagnostic tests for anti tubercular drugs sensitivity have significantly reduced total time in initiation of treatment. Still there is a significant gap between MDR diagnosis and start of category IV treatment. Delay in establishing the diagnosis may cause disease progression, transmission, lost to follow up and death. This study was planned to assess the actual delay from day one of sputum examination to the day of initiation of category IV in operational settings. METHODOLOGY: MDR-TB suspected patients attending the Respiratory medicine department, JLNMC, Ajmer from June-15 to July-16 were followed from sputum examination to sample deposition for drug sensitivity testing (LPA/CBNAAT) to MDR detection to category IV initiation, for assessment of procedural delay at various steps. RESULTS: LPA group (371 patients): Sputum smear to LPA deposition mean duration was 8.02 days, LPA deposition to LPA result upload mean duration was 3.78 days, LPA deposition to patients received LPA reports mean duration was 21.73 days and reports received to PMDT site admission (if drug resistant) mean duration was 3.61 days. Total time duration in category IV initiation was 32.63 days. CBNAAT group (50 patients): Sputum smear to CBNAAT deposition mean duration was 6.70 days, CBNAAT deposition to CBNAAT result upload mean duration was 1.13 days, CBNAAT deposition to patients received CBNAAT reports mean duration was 6.53 days and reports received to PMDT site admission (if R-resistant) mean duration was 3.8 days. Total time duration in category IV initiation was 12.4 days. CONCLUSION: Major delay seen on part of receiving sensitivity reports indicates the need to stress upon field staff motivation, appropriate training, sensitisation and expert counselling.

Management of patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis.

The emergence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB; defined as resistance to at least rifampicin and isoniazid) represents a growing threat to public health and economic growth. Never before in the history of mankind have more patients been affected by MDR-TB than is the case today. The World Health Organization reports that MDR-TB outcomes are poor despite staggeringly high management costs. Moreover, treatment is prolonged, adverse events are common, and the majority of affected patients do not receive adequate treatment. As MDR-TB strains are often resistant to one or more second-line anti-TB drugs, in-depth genotypic and phenotypic drug susceptibility testing is needed to construct personalised treatment regimens to improve treatment outcomes. For the first time in decades, the availability of novel drugs such as bedaquiline allow us to design potent and well-tolerated personalised MDR-TB treatment regimens based solely on oral drugs. In this article, we present management guidance to optimise the diagnosis, algorithm-based treatment, drug dosing and therapeutic drug monitoring, and the management of adverse events and comorbidities, associated with MDR-TB. We also discuss the role of surgery, physiotherapy, rehabilitation, palliative care and smoking cessation in patients with MDR-TB. We hope that incorporating these recommendations into patient care will be helpful in optimising treatment outcomes, and lead to more MDR-TB patients achieving a relapse-free cure.

Transmission of drug-resistant tuberculosis in HIV-endemic settings.

The emergence and expansion of the multidrug-resistant tuberculosis epidemic is a threat to the global control of tuberculosis. Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis is the result of the selection of resistance-conferring mutations during inadequate antituberculosis treatment. However, HIV has a profound effect on the natural history of tuberculosis, manifesting in an increased rate of disease progression, leading to increased transmission and amplification of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. Interventions specific to HIV-endemic areas are urgently needed to block tuberculosis transmission. These interventions should include a combination of rapid molecular diagnostics and improved chemotherapy to shorten the duration of infectiousness, implementation of infection control measures, and active screening of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis contacts, with prophylactic regimens for individuals without evidence of disease. Development and improvement of the efficacy of interventions will require a greater understanding of the factors affecting the transmission of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in HIV-endemic settings, including population-based molecular epidemiology studies. In this Series article, we review what we know about the transmission of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in settings with high burdens of HIV and define the research priorities required to develop more effective interventions, to diminish ongoing transmission and the amplification of drug resistance.

Active case finding of rifampicin sensitive and resistant TB among household contacts of drug resistant TB patients in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana states of India - A systematic screening intervention.

BACKGROUND: India has the world's highest estimated burden of multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). While prevalence of MDR-TB is known to be 2-3% among new TB patients and 12-17% in previously treated patients, programmatic information on the extent of transmission of TB and MDR-TB among household contacts of known MDR-TB patients is scarce. Systematic screening of household contacts of all MDR-TB patients on treatment was implemented as an intervention in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana states of India. We undertook this prospective interventional study to measure the extent of TB symptoms developed among the household contacts of the known MDR-TB patients treated under Revised National TB Control Programme (RNTCP). The extent of rifampicin sensitive or resistance TB, bacteriologically confirmed using Xpert MTB-RIF, was examined among the symptomatic household contacts. METHODS: All MDR-TB patients registered and on treatment under RNTCP between July 2011 and Sep 2013 in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana States were selected for the study. They were contacted through home visit by the trained RNTCP teams during 11th Dec 2013 and 7th Jan 2014. All household contacts of MDR-TB patients were screened once for TB symptoms such as cough, fever, weight loss, night sweats, and haemoptysis and extra pulmonary site specific symptoms if any. If found symptomatic, two sputum specimen were collected (spot-morning) from each of the contact and transported for testing on Xpert MTB-RIF for detection of pulmonary TB with or without RR-TB. RESULTS: A total of 1750 MDR-TB patients were registered between July 2011 and Sep 2013. Of these, 1602 (91.5%) MDR-TB patients were included in the study. A total of 4858 household contacts of these 1602 patients were identified with an average of 3 contacts per MDR-TB patient. Of these, after excluding 87 (1.8%) contacts with past history of diagnosis and/or treatment for TB, 4771 (98.2%) contacts were screened for current signs and symptoms suggestive of TB. Their mean age was 28.5 years and 2151 (45%) were females. Of the 4771 contacts screened, 793 (16.6%) had at least one of the symptoms suggestive of TB of whom 781 (98.5%) had two sputum specimen transported and tested on Xpert MTB-Rif. Specimen could not be collected during the study period in 12 symptomatic patients including 4 with symptoms of extra pulmonary TB. Among 781 symptomatic contacts examined, 34 (4.4%) were bacteriologically confirmed with TB and 15 (44%) also had Rif resistance (RR). CONCLUSIONS: High extent of TB, particularly RR-TB was observed among household contacts of known MDR-TB patients with symptom screening and early diagnosis using Xpert-MTB-Rif. Regular systematic active screening for TB and MDR-TB among this highly vulnerable group using Xpert-MTB-Rif is useful in India for early diagnosis among close contacts of known MDR-TB patients.

Evaluation of the impact that the changes in tuberculosis treatment implemented in Brazil in 2009 have had on disease control in the country / Avaliação do impacto das mudanças do tratamento da tuberculose implantadas em 2009 no controle da tuberculose pulmonar no Brasil

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the impact that the 2009 changes in tuberculosis treatment in Brazil had on the rates of cure, tuberculosis recurrence, mortality, treatment abandonment, and multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). Methods: An ordinary least squares regression model was used in order to perform an interrupted time series analysis of secondary data collected from the Brazilian Tuberculosis Case Registry Database for the period between January of 2003 and December of 2014. Results: The 2009 changes in tuberculosis treatment in Brazil were found to have no association with reductions in the total number of cases (β = 2.17; 95% CI: −3.80 to 8.14; p = 0.47) and in the number of new cases (β = −0.97; 95% CI: −5.89 to 3.94; p = 0.70), as well as having no association with treatment abandonment rates (β = 0.40; 95% CI: −1.12 to 1.93; p = 0.60). The changes in tuberculosis treatment also showed a trend toward an association with decreased cure rates (β = −4.14; 95% CI: −8.63 to 0.34; p = 0.07), as well as an association with increased mortality from pulmonary tuberculosis (β = 0.77; 95% CI: 0.16 to 1.38; p = 0.01). Although there was a significant increase in MDR-TB before and after the changes (p < 0.0001), there was no association between the intervention (i.e., the changes in tuberculosis treatment) and the increase in MDR-TB cases. Conclusions: The changes in tuberculosis treatment were unable to contain the decrease in cure rates, the increase in treatment abandonment rates, and the increase in MDR-TB rates, being associated with increased mortality from pulmonary tuberculosis during the study period. Keywords: Tuberculosis, pulmonary/epidemiology; Tuberculosis, pulmonary/drug therapy; Tuberculosis, pulmonary/mortality; Interrupted time series analysis; Drug resistance, multiple; Drug compounding.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar o impacto das mudanças do tratamento da tuberculose implantadas no Brasil em 2009 no número de casos de cura, de recidiva, de óbitos, de abandono e de tuberculose multirresistente (TBMR). Métodos: Foi realizada uma análise de séries temporais interrompida utilizando o modelo de regressão pelo método dos mínimos quadrados ordinários a partir de dados secundários coletados do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação da Tuberculose entre janeiro de 2003 e dezembro de 2014. Resultados: A análise mostrou independência entre as mudanças do tratamento e a redução do número total de casos (β = 2,17; IC95%: −3,80 a 8,14; 189 p = 0,47), a redução do número de novos casos (β = −0,97; IC95%: −5,89 a 3,94; p =190 0,70) e do abandono do tratamento (β = 0,40; IC95%: 199 −1,12 a 1,93; p = 0,60). Demonstrou ainda tendência à associação com a diminuição da cura (β = −4,14; IC95%: −8,63 a 0,34; p = 0,07) e associação com aumento da mortalidade por tuberculose pulmonar (β = 0,77; IC95%: 0,16 a 1,38; p = 0,01). A TBMR aumentou significativamente tanto no período anterior quanto no período posterior às mudanças do tratamento (p < 0,0001), embora de forma independente da intervenção (β = 0,13; IC95%: −0,03 a 0,29; p = 0,12). Conclusões: As mudanças no tratamento não impediram nem a diminuição na taxa de cura e nem o aumento do abandono e da TBMR; por outro lado, se associaram ao aumento de óbitos por tuberculose pulmonar durante o período do estudo.

A systematic review of national policies for the management of persons exposed to tuberculosis.

OBJECTIVE: To describe mandates and policy gaps in tuberculosis (TB) contact investigation and management. DESIGN: We conducted a systematic review of national TB policy documents obtained using a systematic internet search and by contacting national TB programs. We included policies published in English, Spanish, and French, and abstracted data using a standardized form. RESULTS: We reviewed policy documents for 68 of 216 (31%) countries and territories. All countries recommended performing contact investigations, but 40% did not specify how contacts enter the health system for evaluation or who was responsible for this process. All countries recommended preventive therapy for contacts, but in 14 (21%) countries only young children were eligible. While four preventive therapy regimens exist, 48 (71%) countries recommended only isoniazid monotherapy. In addition, 28 (41%) countries lacked guidance on whether to give preventive therapy to contacts exposed to drug-resistant TB. Policies in 28 (41%) countries lacked recommendations for managing contacts with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) after new TB exposure. CONCLUSION: Policies recommending contact investigation and preventive therapy for contacts are widespread, but policy gaps exist in the areas of ensuring accountability and the management of vulnerable populations such as people living with HIV and those exposed to drug-resistant TB.

Management of child MDR-TB contacts across countries in the WHO European Region: a survey of current practice.

The World Health Organization European Region has one of the highest rates of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in the world, resulting in many vulnerable children being exposed each year. Evidence for preventive therapy following MDR-TB exposure is limited and current guidance is conflicting. An internet-based survey was performed to determine clinical practice in this region. Seventy-two clinicians from 25 countries participated. Practices related to screening and decision-making were highly variable. Just over half provided preventive therapy for children exposed to MDR-TB; the only characteristic associated with provision was practice within the European Union (adjusted OR 4.07, 95%CI 1.33-12.5).

Resistência às drogas antituberculose na fronteira do Brasil com Paraguai e Bolívia / Antituberculosis-drug resistance in the border of Brazil with Paraguay and Bolivia

RESUMO Objetivo Estimar as taxas de resistência às drogas entre casos de tuberculose pulmonar (TBP) para o estado de Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil, e especificamente para a região da fronteira com Paraguai e Bolívia, além de identificar fatores de risco associados. Métodos O presente estudo epidemiológico, transversal, enfocou os casos de TBP registrados de janeiro de 2007 a dezembro de 2010 no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação da Secretaria de Estado de Saúde com resultados do teste de suscetibilidade a rifampicina, isoniazida, etambutol e estreptomicina. Definiram-se como variáveis dependentes o desenvolvimento de resistência a uma única droga e a qualquer combinação de drogas. As variáveis independentes foram ser caso novo ou tratado, residência em região de fronteira ou outra região, presença ou ausência de diabetes e história de alcoolismo. Resultados Foram identificados 789 casos de TBP com teste de suscetibilidade. As características associadas à resistência foram: caso tratado (P=0,0001), região de fronteira (P=0,0142), alcoolismo (P=0,0451) e diabetes (P=0,0708). As taxas de resistência combinada, primária e adquirida no estado foram de 16,3%, 10,6% e 39,0%, e na fronteira, de 22,3%, 19,2% e 37,5%. As taxas de resistência a múltiplas drogas combinada, primária e adquirida no estado foram de 1,8%, 0,6% e 6,3%, e na fronteira, de 3,1%, 1,2% e 12,5%. Conclusões O estado deve, na região de fronteira, realizar cultura em todos os sintomáticos respiratórios, investigar o padrão de resistência nos casos confirmados, adotar o tratamento diretamente observado nos casos de TBP e desencadear ações de saúde conjuntas com os países fronteiriços. Em todo o estado, é necessário monitorar os níveis de resistência adquirida, ampliar a investigação de resistência para todos os casos tratados e adotar o tratamento diretamente observado prioritariamente entre pacientes com alcoolismo e diabetes.

ABSTRACT Objective To estimate the rate of drug resistance among pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) cases in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, and specifically in the border areas with Paraguay and Bolivia, as well as to identify associated risk factors. Method The present cross-sectional, epidemiological study focused on PTB cases recorded between January 2007 and December 2010 in the State Reportable Disease Information System with results of susceptibility tests to rifampicin, isoniazid, ethambutol, and streptomycin. Dependent variables were development of resistance to a single drug or any combination of drugs. Independent variables were being a new or treated case, living in border areas, presence/absence of diabetes, and history of alcoholism. Results There were 789 TBP cases with susceptibility testing. The following characteristics were associated with resistance: treated case (P = 0.0001), border region (P = 0.0142), alcoholism (P = 0.0451), and diabetes (P = 0.0708). The rates of combined, primary, and acquired resistance for the state were 16.3%, 10.6%, and 39.0%, vs. 22.3%, 19.2%, and 37.5% for the border region. The rates of combined, primary, and acquired multidrug resistance for the state were 1.8%, 0.6%, and 6.3%, vs. 3.1%, 1.2%, and 12.5% for the border region. Conclusions In the border region, the state should investigate drug resistance in all patients with respiratory symptoms, determine the pattern of resistance in confirmed cases, adopt directly observed treatment for cases of PTB, and develop health actions together with neighboring countries. Across the state, the levels of acquired resistance should be monitored, with investigation of resistance in all treated cases and implementation of directly observed treatment especially among patients with diabetes or alcoholism.