Actualización en la detección de la tuberculosis a través de pruebas moleculares / An update on the detection of tuberculosis through molecular testing

La tuberculosis es una enfermedad infecciosa respiratoria que afecta a un tercio de la población mundial y es una amenaza significativa para la salud global. La detección de la tuberculosis de manera temprana es crucial para un tratamiento eficaz y prevenir su propagación. Una solución para mejorar el diagnóstico y abordar la resistencia a los medicamentos antituberculosos es el uso de pruebas moleculares de alto rendimiento para la identificación del Mycobacterium tuberculosis y su susceptibilidad. Este estudio de revisión narrativa busca describir las generalidades, la eficacia, la sensibilidad, las ventajas y las limitaciones de las principales pruebas moleculares; Truenat® MTB, MTB plus y MTB-RIF, Abbott RealTime MTB y MTB RIF/INH en el sistema m2000sp y m2000rt y FluoroType MTBDR, además, de compararlas con GeneXpert MTB/RIF o Xpert Ultra, utilizadas para la detección del patógeno resistente a medicamentos tuberculosos. Estas pruebas utilizan diversas técnicas para la detección del ADN del Mycobacterium tuberculosis y la cuantificación de la carga bacteriana con alta sensibilidad y especificidad, resultados rápidos, reducción de los errores humanos, así como la detección temprana de cepas drogo-resistentes. A pesar de que requieren infraestructura especializada y competencias profesionales para su implementación, representan avances significativos con el potencial de mejorar la atención sanitaria y la gestión de la tuberculosis. Estas pruebas moleculares, comparadas con el GeneXpert, son una alternativa viable, aunque esta última tecnología sigue siendo la preferida en áreas con recursos limitados

Tuberculosis is a respiratory infectious disease that affects one third of the world's population and is a significant threat to global health. Detecting tuberculosis early is crucial for effective treatment and preventing its spread. One solution to improve diagnosis and address antituberculosis drug resistance is the use of high-throughput molecular tests for the identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and its susceptibility. This narrative review study seeks to describe the generalities, efficacy, sensitivity, advantages and limitations of the main molecular tests: Truenat® MTB, MTB plus and MTB-RIF, Abbott RealTime MTB and MTB RIF/INH on the m2000sp and m2000rt system and FluoroType MTBDR, and to compare them with GeneXpert MTB/RIF or Xpert Ultra, used for the detection of the tuberculosis drug-resistant pathogen. These tests use various techniques for the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA and quantification of bacterial load with high sensitivity and specificity, rapid results, reduction of human error, as well as early detection of drug-resistant strains

Utilidad de GeneXpert MTB/RIF en el diagnóstico de tuberculosis frente a la baciloscopia / Utility of GeneXpert MTB/RIF in the Diagnosis of Tuberculosis Compared to Sputum Smear Microscopy

Introducción: La implementación de un método diagnóstico adecuado y eficiente es crucial para la detección temprana de la tuberculosis. Esto no solo permite un control efectivo de la enfermedad para evitar su transmisión y progresión hacia estadios más graves, además previene el desarrollo de resistencia a los fármacos en los pacientes.Objetivo: Evaluar la utilidad de la prueba molecular GeneXpert MTB/RIF en el diag-nóstico de Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, en comparación con la bacilos-copia, utilizando el cultivo como referencia.Material y Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, observacional y no expe-rimental de corte transversal, se incluyeron 253 muestras de pacientes de ambos sexos y de variados rangos de edad, que fueron evaluadas mediante baciloscopia, GeneXpert MTB/RIF y cultivo. El estudio se centró en muestras procesadas en un Hospital público de la ciudad de Quito durante el período de enero de 2021 a mayo de 2022Resultados: La prueba molecular GeneXpert MTB/RIF mostró una sensibilidad del 94,7% y una especificidad del 93,9% para el diagnóstico de Mycobacterium tu-berculosis complex. Además, se identificó un caso de resistencia a la rifampicina.Conclusión: Este estudio confirma la eficacia de la prueba molecular GeneXpert MTB/RIF sobre la baciloscopia para el diagnóstico oportuno de Mycobacterium tu-berculosis complex. Sin embargo, es esencial considerar las diversas condiciones de las muestras y pacientes para optimizar la precisión diagnóstica

Introduction: Implementing an appropriate and efficient diagnostic method is cru-cial for the early detection of tuberculosis. This not only allows for effective control of the disease to prevent its transmission and progression to more severe stages but also prevents the development of drug resistance in patients.Objective: To evaluate the utility of the GeneXpert MTB/RIF molecular test in diag-nosing Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, compared to sputum smear micros-copy, using culture as the reference. Material and Methods: A descriptive, observational, and non-experimental cross-sectional study was conducted, including 253 samples from patients of both sexes and various age ranges, which were assessed using sputum smear micros-copy, GeneXpert MTB/RIF, and culture. The study focused on samples processed at a Quito ́s Public Hospital during the period from January 2021 to May 2022.Results: The GeneXpert MTB/RIF molecular test showed a sensitivity of 94.7% and a specificity of 93.9% for the diagnosis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis com-plex. Additionally, a case of resistance to rifampicin was identified.Conclusion: This study confirms the effectiveness of the GeneXpert MTB/RIF mo-lecular test over sputum smear microscopy for the timely diagnosis of tuberculosis. However, it is essential to consider the diverse conditions of the samples and pa-tients to optimize diagnostic accuracy

Tuberculosis abdominal en pediatría: presentación de un caso / Abdominal tuberculosis in pediatrics: A case report

La tuberculosis es una enfermedad infectocontagiosa cuya forma de presentación más frecuente es la pulmonar; la afectación abdominal es poco frecuente, por lo que su diagnóstico continúa siendo un desafío. Las manifestaciones clínicas de la tuberculosis abdominal así como sus hallazgos en el examen físico suelen ser inespecíficos y, en muchas ocasiones, similares a los de otras patologías, por lo que es fundamental considerarla entre los diagnósticos diferenciales. Se presenta el caso clínico de un paciente de sexo masculino, de 15 años de edad, hospitalizado por un síndrome febril prolongado asociado a dolor abdominal, diarrea, sudoración nocturna y pérdida de peso

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease which most commonly compromises the respiratory system, whereas abdominal involvement is rare, thus its diagnosis is a challenge. The clinical manifestations of abdominal tuberculosis as well as its physical examination findings are usually non-specific and, frequently, similar to those of other diseases, so it is critical to consider abdominal tuberculosis among the differential diagnoses. Here we report the clinical case of a 15-year-old male patient hospitalized for a prolonged febrile syndrome associated with abdominal pain, diarrhea, night sweats, and weight loss.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis resistente a Rifampicina en la provincia de El Oro-Ecuador / Rifampicin-resistant mycobacterium tuberculosis in the province of Oro-Ecuador / Mycobacterium tuberculosis resistente à Rifampicina na província de Oro-Equador

Introducción. La tuberculosis es una de las enfermedades infecciosas más antiguas y comunes, causada por una bacteria en forma de bastón, o bacilo, llamada Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Esta enfermedad es tratable con antibióticos, los cuales se prescriben durante meses debido a la lenta tasa de crecimiento de las bacterias. Entre los fármacos utilizados la Rifampicina se utiliza terapéuticamente para combatir esta enfermedad, sin embargo, algunos pacientes pueden presentar o desarrollar resistencia a este antibiótico, por lo que, es importante completar el tratamiento para evitar el desarrollo de bacterias farmacorresistentes y la re ocurrencia de la enfermedad. Objetivo. Caracterizar el Mycobacterium tuberculosis resistente a Rifampicina en la provincia de El Oro. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un estudio con un enfoque cuantitativo, de tipo descriptivo y no experimental. La muestra se obtuvo de la base de datos del laboratorio clínico del área de micobacterias del Hospital Teófilo Dávila en el período 2019 - 2022, quienes luego de aplicar la prueba molecular rápida GeneXpert MTB/RIF o ULTRA determinaron que 48 pacientes presentaron resistencia a la Rifampicina en el tratamiento de la Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Resultados. El reporte del laboratorio evidenció que en el año 2022 se estableció el mayor número de casos de resistencia a Rifampicina para el tratamiento de Mycobacterium tuberculosis, alcanzando el 33,3%; el grupo etario de mayor afectación fue el adulto joven (20 a 49 años) con un 52,1%, y con una frecuencia elevada de 66,7% el sexo masculino. La comorbilidad con mayor predominio estuvo en los pacientes diagnosticados Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2 con un 27,1% y la condición de ingreso de pacientes con resistencia a Rifampicina, son de nuevos casos con 75%. Conclusiones. En la provincia de El Oro, entre el año 2019 - 2022 se presentaron 48 casos resistentes al antibiótico Rifampicina en el tratamiento de la TB, entre ellos el 75% corresponden a una resistencia inicial, es decir, pacientes que no fueron tratados contra la enfermedad, el otro 25% engloba a aquellos pacientes que recayeron en la enfermedad, fracaso o perdida de seguimiento por parte del laboratorio de vigilancia, área de micobacterias del Hospital Teófilo Dávila.

Introduction. Tuberculosis is one of the oldest and most common infectious diseases, caused by a rod-shaped bacterium, or bacillus, called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This disease is treatable with antibiotics, which are prescribed for months due to the slow growth rate of the bacteria. Among the drugs used, Rifampicin is used therapeutically to combat this disease, however, some patients may present or develop resistance to this antibiotic, therefore, it is important to complete the treatment to avoid the development of drug-resistant bacteria and the reoccurrence of the disease. Objective. To characterize the Mycobacterium tuberculosis resistant to Rifampicin in the province of El Oro. Materials and methods. A quantitative, descriptive and non-experimental study was carried out. The sample was obtained from the database of the clinical laboratory of the mycobacteria area of the Teófilo Dávila Hospital in the period 2019 - 2022, who after applying the rapid molecular test GeneXpert MTB/RIF or ULTRA determined that 48 patients presented resistance to Rifampicin in the treatment of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Results. The laboratory report showed that in the year 2022 the highest number of cases of resistance to Rifampicin for the treatment of Mycobacterium tuberculosis was established, reaching 33.3%; the age group most affected was young adults (20 to 49 years) with 52.1%, and with a high frequency of 66.7% in the male sex. The most prevalent comorbidity was in patients diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus type 2 with 27.1% and the condition of admission of patients with resistance to Rifampicin, are new cases with 75%. Conclusions. In the province of El Oro, between 2019 - 2022 there were 48 cases resistant to the antibiotic Rifampicin in the treatment of TB, among them 75% correspond to an initial resistance, that is, patients who were not treated against the disease, the other 25% encompasses those patients who relapsed in the disease, failure or loss of follow-up by the surveillance laboratory, mycobacteria area of the Teófilo Dávila Hospital.

Introdução. A tuberculose é uma das doenças infecciosas mais antigas e mais comuns, causada por uma bactéria em forma de bastonete, ou bacilo, chamada Mycobacterium tuberculosis. A doença pode ser tratada com antibióticos, que são prescritos por meses devido à lenta taxa de crescimento da bactéria. Entre os medicamentos utilizados, a rifampicina é usada terapeuticamente para combater essa doença; no entanto, alguns pacientes podem desenvolver resistência a esse antibiótico, por isso é importante concluir o tratamento para evitar o desenvolvimento de bactérias resistentes aos medicamentos e a recorrência da doença. Objetivo. Caracterizar o Mycobacterium tuberculosis resistente à rifampicina na província de El Oro. Materiais e métodos. Foi realizado um estudo quantitativo, descritivo e não experimental. A amostra foi obtida do banco de dados do laboratório clínico da área de micobactérias do Hospital Teófilo Dávila no período de 2019 a 2022, que, após aplicar o teste molecular rápido GeneXpert MTB/RIF ou ULTRA, determinou que 48 pacientes apresentavam resistência à rifampicina no tratamento de Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Resultados. O laudo laboratorial demonstrou que o maior número de casos de resistência à Rifampicina para o tratamento do Mycobacterium tuberculosis se estabeleceu em 2022, atingindo 33,3%; a faixa etária mais afetada foi a de adultos jovens (20-49 anos) com 52,1%, e com alta frequência de 66,7% no sexo masculino. A comorbidade mais prevalente foi em pacientes diagnosticados com Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2 com 27,1% e a condição de admissão de pacientes com resistência à Rifampicina, são casos novos com 75%. Conclusões. Na província de El Oro, entre 2019 e 2022, houve 48 casos resistentes ao antibiótico Rifampicina no tratamento da TB, entre eles 75% correspondem a uma resistência inicial, ou seja, pacientes que não foram tratados contra a doença, os outros 25% incluem aqueles pacientes que recaíram na doença, falha ou perda de monitoramento pelo laboratório de vigilância, área de micobactérias do Hospital Teófilo Dávila.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis y virus linfotrópico humano, una co-infección fatal / Mycobacterium tuberculosis and human lymphotropic virus, a fatal co-infection

La tuberculosis es una infección de alta incidencia en Latinoamérica. Su presentación como infección activa está determinada por factores de riesgo del hospedero. Comunicamos el caso clínico de una mujer joven que presentó una forma grave de tuberculosis pulmonar. Al explorar sus factores de riesgo se confirmó un estado de inmunosupresión profundo, causado por un linfoma de células T, asociada a una co-infección por virus linfotrópico T humano tipo 1. Se destacan los aspectos microbiológicos y de pronóstico de la co-infección de Mycobacterium tuberculosis y HTLV-1

Tuberculosis is a high-incidence infection in Latin America. Its presentation as an active infection is determined by risk factors in the host. We report the case of a young woman who presented a severe form of pulmonary tuberculosis. When exploring her risk factors, a profound state of immunosuppression was found, caused by T-cell lymphoma, associated with co-infection with human lymphotropic virus. Microbiological and prognostic aspects of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and HTLV-1 co-infection are highlighted.

Ag85B with c-di-AMP as mucosal adjuvant showed immunotherapeutic effects on persistent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in mice

Tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, remains the leading cause of mortality by a single infectious agent in the world. M. tuberculosis infection could also result in clinical chronic infection, known as latent TB infection (LTBI). Compared to the current limited treatment, several subunit vaccines showed immunotherapeutic effects and were included in clinical trials. In this study, a subunit vaccine of Ag85B with a novel mucosal adjuvant c-di-AMP (Ag85B:c-di-AMP) was delivered intranasally to a persistent M. tuberculosis H37Ra infection mouse model, which also presented the asymptomatic characteristics of LTBI. Compared with Ag85B immunization, Ag85B:c-di-AMP vaccination induced stronger humoral immune responses, significantly higher CD4+ T cells recruitment, enhanced Th1/Th2/Th17 profile response in the lung, decreased pathological lesions of the lung, and reduced M. tuberculosis load in mice. Taken together, Ag85B:c-di-AMP mucosal route immunization provided an immunotherapeutic effect on persistent M. tuberculosis H37Ra infection, and c-di-AMP, as a promising potential mucosal adjuvant, could be further used in therapeutic or prophylactic vaccine strategies for persistent M. tuberculosis infection as well as LTBI.

Masa nasal como único compromiso extrapulmonar de infección por M. Tuberculosis / Nasal mass as the only extrapulmonary compromise of M. Tuberculosis infection / Massa nasal como único compromisso extrapulmonar da infecção por M. Tuberculose

La tuberculosis aún es un problema de salud pública mundial. La infección causada por Mycobacterium tuberculosis se manifiesta de forma principal a nivel pulmonar. Sin embargo, alrededor del 20 % de los casos se presentan en otras localizaciones anatómicas y solo el 2 % tiene afectación del tracto respiratorio superior. Se presenta el caso de una mujer de 75 años, reconsultante al servicio de otorrinolaringología por epistaxis, lesiones postillosas en cavidad nasal y hallazgo de masa nasal. Posterior a la resección quirúrgica de la lesión, se logró la comprobación microbiológica de infección por M. tuberculosis. Se realizan estudios para descartar compromiso pulmonar y de otras localizaciones. Posterior al inicio de tratamiento antituberculoso se logró resolución completa de la lesión y no recurrencia de los síntomas. Las formas extrapulmonares de la infección por M. tuberculosis y, en especial las que afectan la región de la cabeza y el cuello, requieren un alto índice de sospecha para su diagnóstico. Los métodos de diagnóstico como la prueba de PCR y los cultivos de tejidos permiten un óptimo inicio del manejo médico de acuerdo con la epidemiología local y las condiciones del paciente.

Tuberculosis is still a global public health burden. Infection caused by the bacillus Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. Tuberculosis) manifests mainly in the lungs. However, around 20 % of cases occur in other anatomical locations and only 2 % have upper respiratory tract involvement. We present the case of a 75-year-old female patient, who returned to the otorhinolaryngology service due to epistaxis and postillomous lesions in the nasal cavity with a finding of a nasal mass. After surgical resection of the lesion, microbiological confirmation of M. tuberculosis infection is achieved. Studies are performed to rule-out lung involvement, as well as other locations. After the initiation of tuberculosis treatment, complete resolution of the lesion and no recurrence of symptoms is documented. Extrapulmonary forms of M. tuberculosis infection, and especially those involving the head and neck region, require a high index of suspicion for their diagnosis. Diagnostic methods such as PCR testing and tissue cultures allow optimal initiation of medical management according to local epidemiology and patient conditions.

A tuberculose ainda é um problema de saúde pública global. A infecção causada pelo Mycobacterium tuberculoses manifesta-se principalmente nos pulmões. Entretanto, cerca de 20% dos casos ocorrem em outras localizações anatômicas e apenas 2% apresentam comprometimento do trato respiratório superior. É apresentado o caso de uma mulher de 75 anos que retornou ao serviço de otorrinolaringologia por quadro de epistaxe, lesões com crostas em cavidade nasal e descoberta de massa nasal. Após ressecção cirúrgica da lesão, foi realizada verificação microbiológica de infecção por M. tuberculoses. Estudos são realizados para descartar envolvimento pulmonar e otras localizações. Após início do tratamento antituberculoso, houve resolução completa dalesão e não houve recidiva dos sintomas. As formas extrapulmonares da infecção por M. tuberculoses, especialmente aquelas que acometem a região de cabeça e pescoço, requerem alto índice de suspeita para diagnóstico. Métodos de diagnóstico, como testes de PCR e culturas de tecidos, permitem o início ideal do tratamento médico de acordó com a epidemiologia local e as condições do paciente.

Guideline for clinical diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis in kidney transplant recipients in China (2023 edition) / 器官移植

This guideline aims to provide comprehensive and practical guidance for clinical management of tuberculosis in kidney transplant recipients. First, it summarizes the particularity of tuberculosis in kidney transplant recipients, and highlights the high incidence and diverse clinical manifestations. To better understand the patients' conditions, relevant assessment of tuberculosis is recommended before kidney transplantation. Extensive attention should be paid to the monitoring of tuberculosis after kidney transplantation. Regarding the diagnosis, the guideline explicitly introduces common diagnostic approaches for tuberculosis, and evaluates the applicability in kidney transplant recipients. After the diagnosis is confirmed, it discusses how to balance the treatment and rejection of tuberculosis under the background of immunosuppressants, and focuses upon the potential drug interaction. In terms of prevention, it emphasizes the screening of tuberculosis prior to kidney transplantation. This guideline is designed to deepen the understanding of medical staff for tuberculosis management in kidney transplant recipients, promote more effective clinical practice and improve the quality of life of the recipients.

Comparative study of drug susceptibility testing and whole genome test testing anti-tuberculosis drug resistance / 国际检验医学杂志

Objective To compare the categorical agreement between drug susceptibility testing(DST)and whole genome sequencing(WGS)for the detection of drug resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis(MTB),and to explore the characteristics of WGS for MTB drug resistance detection.Methods A total of 71 MTB clinical isolates retained in West China Hospital of Sichuan University from 2018 to 2020 were included in this study.The MTB strains were tested for resistance to 14 anti-tuberculosis drugs,including Isoniazid(INH),Rifampicin(RIF),Rifabutin(RFB),Ethambutol(EMB),Streptomycin(SM),Moxifloxacin(MFX),Ofloxacin(OFX),Levofloxacin(LFX),Amikacin(AMK),Kanamycin(KAN),Capreomycin(CPM),Para-aminosalicylic acid(PAS),Ethionamide(ETH)and Clofazimine(CLO),using both DST(colorimetric redox indicator meth-od)and WGS methods.Kappa test was performed to analyze the results of drug resistance detection for both methods.Results Based on DST and WGS methods to detect anti-tuberculosis drug resistance in seventy-one MTB clinical isolates,the results showed that the agreement rate of RIF,RFB,SM,MFX,OFX and LFX ex-ceeded 90.00％,and the kappa values were all greater than 0.80,with near perfect agreement;The agreement rates of INH and EMB were 84.51％and 81.69％,and Kappa values were 0.68 and 0.54,respectively,with fair agreement.No more than two drug resistant MTB strains of AMK and KAN were detected by both meth-ods,and the resistance rate was less than 3.00％.The agreement rates of CPM,ETH,PAS,and CLO ranged from 61.97％to 91.55％,and the Kappa values were less than 0.40,with slight or fair agreement.Conclusion There are differences in the ability of WGS to detect resistance to various anti-tuberculosis drugs,and it is more effective in detecting resistance to six anti-tuberculosis drugs,including RIF,RFB,SM,MFX,OFX and LFX,while there are still certain differences in detecting resistance to other anti-tuberculosis drugs compared with DST.It is necessary to further clarify the detailed resistance mechanisms of relevant anti-tu-berculosis drugs and to explore the standardization of WGS for drug resistance detection.

Comparison of Four Methods in the Diagnosis of Bone Tuberculosis / 昆明医科大学学报

Objective To compare the diagnostic value of smear acid-fast staining,TB-DNA,X-pert MTB/RIF and culture of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.Methods Four methods were used to detect the perifocal pus of the patients with bone destruction in orthopaedics department within one year,and the results were analyzed statistically,the indexes included sensitivity,specificity,positive predictive value and negative predictive value.Results The sensitivity,specificity,positive predictive value,negative predictive value,and Youden index were 31.75%,100.00%,100.00%,53.74%and 0.32 respectively.TB-DNA had a sensitivity of 88.89%,a specificity of 98.00%,a positive predictive value of 98.25%,a negative predictive value of 87.50%,and a Youden Index of 0.87.Xpert MTB/Rif had a sensitivity of 95.23%,a specificity of 68.00%,and a positive predictive value of 78.95%,the negative predictive value was 91.90%,the Youden index was 0.63.The sensitivity,the specificity,the positive predictive value,the negative predictive value and the Youden index were 41.27%,100.00%,100.00%,57.47%and 0.41 respectively,(χ2 = 77.354,P<0.005).Conclusion Among the four methods,TB-DNA has a good Sensitivity and specificity,Xpert mtbrif has a good sensitivity,TB-DNA and Xpert mtbrif ha a good authenticity,and both positive and negative predictive values are high,it has good value in the diagnosis of bone tuberculosis.

Research Progress of Non-coding RNA in Autophagy of Macrophages During Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection / 华中科技大学学报(医学版)

Tuberculosis(TB)is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis(MTB).Autophagy plays an im-portant role in eliminating MTB which can interfere with host autophagy through a variety of mechanisms,therefore,escape the killing of macrophages to survive and reproduce in the host cells for a long time.There are many kinds of differential expressed non-coding RNAs(ncRNAs)in macrophages upon MTB infection.These ncRNAs can affect the elimination of MTB by regula-ting the expression of autophagy-related genes in multiple processes of autophagy.Elucidating these regulatory networks are of great significance for the development of new anti-TB drugs.Therefore,the known mechanisms of ncRNAs that regulates the autophagy of MTB infected macrophages were summarized,and the process of autophagy and the main regulatory functions of ncRNAs were introduced in this review,in order to provide new perspectives for the pathogenesis of TB and the development of anti-TB drugs.

Application value of ultrasound-guided multimodal examinations in the diagnosis of lymph node mycobacterial infection / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the application value of ultrasound-guided multimodal examinations in the diagnosis of lymph node mycobacterial infection.Methods:The clinical data of 42 patients with suspected lymph node mycobacterial infection who were initially diagnosed at the Affiliated Hospital of Shaoxing University from January 2019 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent an ultrasound-guided lymph node-negative pressure puncture. Acid-fast staining, bacterial culture, pathological examination or their combination were used to screen lymph nodes for mycobacterial infection. The results were compared with those of acid-fast staining and bacterial culture of sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid smears.Results:The combined application of acid fast staining, bacterial culture, and pathological examination for the puncture fluid smear showed a positive rate of 71.4% (30/42), which was significantly higher than the positive rate [26.2% (11/42)] for acid fast staining of the puncture fluid smear, the positive rate [42.9% (18/42)] for bacterial culture of the puncture fluid, and the positive rate [50.0% (21/42)] of pathological examination ( χ2 = 17.20, 7.00, 4.04, P < 0.001, P < 0.01, P = 0.040). The positive rate for sputum smear and bacterial culture was 21.4% (9/33). The positive rate for acid fast staining and bacterial culture of the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was 28.6% (12/30). The differences were statistically significant ( χ2 = 21.11, 15.43, both P < 0.001). Conclusion:Ultrasound-guided negative pressure aspiration and puncture biopsy of lymph nodes combined with acid fast staining, bacterial culture, and pathological examinations can markedly increase the detection rate and diagnostic rate of mycobacterial infection.

Mycobacterium abscessus keratitis after LASIK surgery / Ceratite por Mycobacterium abscessus após cirurgia LASIK

ABSTRACT A 33-year-old male presented with unilateral subacute infectious keratitis 4 weeks after surgery. Corneal inflammation was resistant to standard topical antibiotic regimens. During diagnostic flap lifting and sampling, the corneal flap melted and separated. Through flap lifting, corneal scraping, microbiological diagnosis of atypical mycobacteria, and treatment with topical fortified amikacin, clarithromycin, and systemic clarithromycin, clinical improvement was achieved.

RESUMO Paciente do sexo masculino, 33 anos, apresentou ceratite infecciosa subaguda unilateral 4 semanas após a cirurgia. A inflamação da córnea foi resistente aos regimes de antibióticos tópicos padrão. A aba da córnea foi derretida e seccionada durante o levantamento e amostragem para diagnóstico. A melhora clínica só foi alcançada após levantamento do retalho, raspagem e diagnóstico microbiológico de micobactérias atípicas e tratamento com amicacina fortificada tópica, claritromicina e claritromicina sistêmica.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis latent infection in healthcare students: systematic review of prevalence / Infecção latente por Mycobacterium tuberculosis em estudantes da área da saúde: revisão sistemática de prevalência / Infección latente por Mycobacterium tuberculosis en estudiantes de la salud: revisión sistemática de la prevalencia

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study was to synthesize the evidence on the prevalence of latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection (LTBI) among undergraduate health care students. Methods: A systematic review of prevalence with meta-analysis was conducted. Prospective and retrospective cohorts and cross-sectional studies involving probable exposure to M. tuberculosis during undergraduate education, along with the tuberculin skin test (TST) or interferon-γ release assay (IGRA) for investigation of latent tuberculosis were searched. Searches were conducted in MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, LILACS, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Independent reviewers were responsible for the selection and inclusion of studies. Data were extracted, critically appraised, and synthesized using the JBI approach. PRISMA was used to report the study. Results: Twenty-two studies were analyzed. The overall prevalence in healthcare undergraduate students was 12.53%. Conclusion: The prevalence of LTBI in undergraduate health students was high for such a highly educated population. Screening with TST and/or IGRA and chemoprophylaxis, when necessary, should be provided to undergraduate health students when in contact with respiratory symptomatic patients.

RESUMO Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi sintetizar as evidências sobre a prevalência de infecção de Mycobacterium tuberculosis (ILTB) entre estudantes de graduação da área da saúde. Método: Foi realizada uma revisão sistemática de prevalência com metanálise. Coortes prospectivas e retrospectivas e estudos transversais envolvendo provável exposição a M. tuberculosis durante a graduação, juntamente com o teste tuberculínico (TT) ou ensaio de liberação de interferon-γ (IGRA) para investigação de tuberculose latente foram pesquisados. As buscas foram realizadas nas bases de dados MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, LILACS, Scopus e Web of Science. Revisores independentes foram responsáveis pela seleção e inclusão dos estudos. Os dados foram extraídos, avaliados criticamente e sintetizados utilizando a abordagem JBI. PRISMA foi usado para relatar o estudo. Resultados: Vinte e dois estudos foram analisados. A prevalência geral em estudantes de graduação da área da saúde foi de 12,53%. Conclusão: A prevalência de ILTB em estudantes de graduação em saúde foi alta para uma população com alto nível de escolaridade. Triagem com TT e/ou IGRA e quimioprofilaxia, quando necessária, deve ser fornecida aos estudantes de graduação da área da saúde quando em contato com pacientes sintomáticos respiratórios.

RESUMEN Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio fue sintetizar la evidencia sobre la prevalencia de infección latente por Mycobacterium tuberculosis (ILTB) entre estudiantes universitarios de la salud. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión sistemática de la prevalencia con metanálisis. Cohortes prospectivas y retrospectivas y estudios transversales que involucran exposición probable a M tuberculosis durante la educación universitaria, junto con la prueba cutánea de tuberculina (TST) o el ensayo de liberación de interferón-γ (IGRA) para la investigación de tuberculosis latente. Las búsquedas se realizaron en las bases de datos MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, LILACS, Scopus y Web of Science. Revisores independientes fueron responsables de la selección e inclusión de los estudios. Los datos se extrajeron, se evaluaron críticamente y se sintetizaron utilizando el enfoque JBI. Se utilizó PRISMA para informar el estudio. Resultados: Se analizaron veintidós estudios. La prevalencia global en estudiantes universitarios en salud fue del 12,53%. Conclusión: La prevalencia de LTBI en estudiantes universitarios de salud fue alta para una población con un nivel educativo tan alto. Se debe proporcionar tamizaje con TST y/o IGRA y quimioprofilaxis, cuando sea necesario, a los estudiantes universitarios en salud cuando estén en contacto con pacientes sintomáticos respiratorios.

Evaluation of the GeneXpert MTB/RIF to diagnose tuberculosis in a public health laboratory

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVES To evaluate the performance of geneXpert MTB/Rif versus conventional methods (bacilloscopy and culture) in the diagnosis of tuberculosis in a Central Public Health Laboratory (LACEN, Tocantins), Northern Brazil. METHODS Retrospective study, with information from 1,973 suspected cases of tuberculosis from patients treated from January 2015 to December 2020. RESULTS From the culture (reference standard), the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of the geneXpert MTB/Rif were 100%, 97%, 74%, 100%, and 97%, respectively, against 85%, 98%, 80%, 98%, and 97% of bacilloscopy. CONCLUSIONS The geneXpert MTB/Rif performed similarly to culture and better than bacilloscopy. Although positive cases with negative culture should be evaluated with caution, its routine use is important for the early detection of tuberculosis.

Perianal Tuberculosis in an Immunocompetent Patient: Exploring the Uncommon Manifestation

Abstract As it is an infrequent etiology, the diagnosis of perianal tuberculosis is challenging, especially in the absence of a pulmonary focus. TB should be considered in the differential diagnosis of perianal ulcers, fistulas, abscesses, mainly in non-healing and recurrent anal lesions. Treatment with anti-TB agents can provide complete recovery. Furthermore, these lesions are often diagnosed later after complete histopathological and mycobacterial results, where the benefit of avoiding morbid multiple surgeries by effective anti-TB treatment is lost. We reported a rare case of an immuno-competent patient with perianal TB, which was the first manifestation of the disease. A fit-and-well man in his 20s presented a large perianal abscess. Unexpectedly, his chest X-ray showed a rounded hyper-transparency in the left lung. The abscess was drained. Posterior investigation with culture analysis from pus swabs and sputum revealed the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex infection. After completing the 6 months of oral administration of anti-TB drugs, the patient was asymptomatic. By highlighting this unusual manifestation, we aim to improve clinicians' awareness of perianal TB, facilitating early recognition and appropriate management.

Leprosy and its impact on the quality of life of people with physical disabilities: a scoping review / Lepra e impactos en la calidad de vida de personas con discapacidades físicas: revisión de alcance / Hanseníase e impactos na qualidade de vida de pessoas com incapacidades físicas: revisão de escopo

ABSTRACT Objectives: to identify and synthesize, from the literature, the impacts of physical disability caused by leprosy on the quality of life of individuals receiving care within the Health Care Network. Methods: this is a scoping review conducted following the JBI recommendations. The databases used in the search included the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Lilacs, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Scopus, Embase, Leprosy Information Services, and Google Scholar. Results: 1690 documents were identified, of which 36 were included in the review. Physical disability caused by leprosy affects the quality of life in the areas of daily activities, socioeconomic aspects, psychological well-being, pain, and overall well-being. Conclusions: we identified the impairments caused by physical disability in the quality of life, highlighting the need for prevention, promotion, and rehabilitation actions, such as screening, case management, and health education.

RESUMEN Objetivos: identificar y sintetizar, a partir de la literatura, los impactos de la discapacidad física causada por la lepra en la calidad de vida de los individuos atendidos en la Red de Atención a la Salud. Métodos: se trata de una revisión de alcance, realizada de acuerdo con las recomendaciones del JBI. Las bases de datos utilizadas en la búsqueda fueron el Sistema de Análisis y Recuperación de Literatura Médica en Línea, la Biblioteca Cochrane, Web of Science, Lilacs, el Índice Cumulativo de Literatura en Enfermería y Ciencias Afines, Scopus, Embase, Leprosy Information Services y Google Scholar. Resultados: se identificaron 1690 documentos, de los cuales 36 fueron parte de la revisión. La discapacidad física causada por la lepra afecta la calidad de vida en términos de actividades de la vida diaria, socioeconómicas, psicológicas, dolor y bienestar general. Conclusiones: se identificaron los compromisos causados por la discapacidad física en la calidad de vida, indicando la necesidad de acciones de prevención, promoción y rehabilitación, como el seguimiento, el acompañamiento de los casos y la educación en salud.

RESUMO Objetivos: identificar e sintetizar, a partir da literatura, os impactos da incapacidade física causada pela hanseníase na qualidade de vida dos indivíduos atendidos na Rede de Atenção à Saúde. Métodos: trata-se de uma revisão de escopo, realizada de acordo com as recomendações do JBI. As bases de dados utilizadas na busca foram Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, Cochrane library, Web of Science, Lilacs, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Scopus, Embase, Leprosy Information Services e Google Scholar. Resultados: foram identificados 1690 documentos, dos quais 36 compuseram a revisão. A incapacidade física causada pela hanseníase impacta na qualidade de vida no âmbito de atividades de vida diária, socioeconômico, psicológico, da dor e no bem-estar geral. Conclusões: foram identificados os comprometimentos causados pela incapacidade física na qualidade de vida, indicando a necessidade de ações de prevenção, promoção e reabilitação, como rastreamento, acompanhamento dos casos e educação em saúde.

The potential of a self-nano emulsifying drug delivery system for ethanol extract of red betel vine as an antibacterial agent against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Aims@#Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are still a problem in the world. This study was aimed to develop the self-nano emulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) formulation of red betel vine leaf ethanol extract, which has the potential as an antibacterial agent against M. tuberculosis and P. aeruginosa. @*Methodology and results@#Red betel vines were extracted using the maceration method with 70% ethanol. SNEDDS ethanol extract was prepared using high-energy and low-energy methods, while the formulation was evaluated in the form of % transmittance, particle size, polydispersion index and zeta potential to accelerated stability tests. The SNEDDS formula of the extract, passing the stability test, was further tested for accelerated antibacterial activity. The presence of M. tuberculosis was tested using the resazurin microtiter assay (REMA) method, while P. aeruginosa was tested using the dilution method by determining the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) value. In this study, the SNEDDS formula of the extract, which included nanoemulsion, had a particle size of 16-17 nm (<200 nm), PI 0.52-0.55 D (<0.7 D), zeta potential -18.03-24.96 mV (<30 mV) and % transmittance of 94-96% (>90%). MBC of SNEDDS formula against M. tuberculosis becomes apparent at concentrations <1%, whereas in the case of P. aeruginosa, this phenomenon is observed at a concentration as low as 0.0312%. @*Conclusion, significance and impact of study: @#Research findings suggest that the SNEDDS formula of red betel vine leaf ethanol extract was stable and has the potential as an antibacterial agent against M. tuberculosis and P. aeruginosa.

Expert consensus on the bi-directional screening for Mycobacterium tuberculosis and human immunodeficiency virus / 上海预防医学

Tuberculosis （TB） and human immunodeficiency virus infection / acquired immune deficiency syndrome （HIV/AIDS） are both serious global public health threats. Early detection of infected persons and/or patients through TB/HIV bi-directional screening is crucial for prevention and control strategy in China and globally. In recent years， with the promotion and application of new TB and HIV detection technologies worldwide， TB/HIV bi-directional screening technologies and strategies have made remarkable changes. This expert consensus introduces the significance and challenges of TB/HIV bi-directional screening， summarizes important progress of research and applications， and makes recommendations on screening measures and procedures to further strengthen TB/HIV bi-directional screening in China.

Latest advances in the development of tuberculosis vaccines in global clinical trials: a review / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the biggest infectious killers worldwide. Vaccine is the most satisfactory tool for prevention of TB; however, Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), the widely used vaccine in clinical for the prevention of TB, has limitations in protective effects. Development of novel TB vaccines is therefore of urgent need. Currently, there are 15 novel TB vaccine candidates in clinical trials, including live-attenuated vaccines, inactivated vaccines, subunit vaccines and viral-vectored vaccines, which open the door for the ultimate target of the End TB Strategy. This review summarizes the latest advances in the development of TB vaccines in global clinical trials, so as to provide insights into TB control.