ABSTRACT
In 2015, Australia updated premigration screening for tuberculosis (TB) disease in children 2-10 years of age to include testing for infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis and enable detection of latent TB infection (LTBI). We analyzed TB screening results in children <15 years of age during November 2015-June 2017. We found 45,060 child applicants were tested with interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) (57.7% of tests) or tuberculin skin test (TST) (42.3% of tests). A total of 21 cases of TB were diagnosed: 4 without IGRA or TST, 10 with positive IGRA or TST, and 7 with negative results. LTBI was detected in 3.3% (1,473/44,709) of children, for 30 applicants screened per LTBI case detected. LTBI-associated factors included increasing age, TB contact, origin from a higher TB prevalence region, and testing by TST. Detection of TB and LTBI benefit children, but the updated screening program's effect on TB in Australia is likely to be limited.
Subject(s)
Latent Tuberculosis , Mycobacterium tuberculosis , Australia/epidemiology , Child , Humans , Interferon-gamma Release Tests/methods , Latent Tuberculosis/diagnosis , Latent Tuberculosis/epidemiology , Mass Screening/methods , Tuberculin Test/methodsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Molecular mechanisms determining the transmission and prevalence of drug resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) in Papua New Guinea (PNG) are poorly understood. We used genomic and drug susceptibility data to explore the evolutionary history, temporal acquisition of resistance and transmission dynamics of DR-TB across PNG. METHODS: We performed whole genome sequencing on isolates from Central Public Health Laboratory, PNG, collected 2017-2019. Data analysis was done on a composite dataset that also included 100 genomes previously sequenced from Daru, PNG (2012-2015). RESULTS: Sampled isolates represented 14 of the 22 PNG provinces, the majority (66/94; 70%) came from the National Capital District (NCD). In the composite dataset, 91% of strains were Beijing 2.2.1.1, identified in 13 provinces. Phylogenetic tree of Beijing strains revealed two clades, Daru dominant clade (A) and NCD dominant clade (B). Multi-drug resistance (MDR) was repeatedly and independently acquired, with the first MDR cases in both clades noted to have emerged in the early 1990s, while fluoroquinolone resistance emerged in 2009 (95% highest posterior density 2000-2016). We identified the presence of a frameshift mutation within Rv0678 (p.Asp47fs) which has been suggested to confer resistance to bedaquiline, despite no known exposure to the drug. Overall genomic clustering was significantly associated with rpoC compensatory and inhA promoter mutations (p < 0.001), with high percentage of most genomic clusters (12/14) identified in NCD, reflecting its role as a potential national amplifier. CONCLUSIONS: The acquisition and evolution of drug resistance among the major clades of Beijing strain threaten the success of DR-TB treatment in PNG. With continued transmission of this strain in PNG, genotypic drug resistance surveillance using whole genome sequencing is essential for improved public health response to outbreaks. With occurrence of resistance to newer drugs such as bedaquiline, knowledge of full drug resistance profiles will be important for optimal treatment selection.
Subject(s)
Mycobacterium tuberculosis , Noncommunicable Diseases , Tuberculosis, Lymph Node , Tuberculosis, Multidrug-Resistant , Antitubercular Agents/pharmacology , Antitubercular Agents/therapeutic use , Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial/genetics , Humans , Microbial Sensitivity Tests , Mutation , Papua New Guinea/epidemiology , Phylogeny , Tuberculosis, Lymph Node/drug therapy , Tuberculosis, Multidrug-Resistant/drug therapyABSTRACT
This article explores socio-spatial dimensions of risk and how they can enhance understanding of a high burden tuberculosis (TB) context in the South Fly District of Papua New Guinea. We report on select findings from a qualitative study that included 128 semi-structured in-depth interviews and 10 focus group discussions with a wide range of South Fly District community members. Using the conceptual framework of 'riskscapes' to examine emic perspectives on risk, space and practice, we map key elements of TB riskscapes on Daru Island, South Fly District, along with solutions for navigating through these riskscapes. Overcrowding, lack of water, sanitation and hygiene, as well as food insecurity and undernutrition, were identified as common elements within participants' riskscapes, that compounded upon each other to create the perception of an assemblage of risk favourable to TB transmission.
Subject(s)
Tuberculosis , Focus Groups , Humans , Papua New Guinea/epidemiology , Qualitative Research , Tuberculosis/epidemiologyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: In vitro laboratory and animal studies demonstrate a synergistic role for the combination of vancomycin and antistaphylococcal ß-lactams for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteremia. Prospective clinical data are lacking. METHODS: In this open-label, multicenter, clinical trial, adults with MRSA bacteremia received vancomycin 1.5 g intravenously twice daily and were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive intravenous flucloxacillin 2 g every 6 hours for 7 days (combination group) or no additional therapy (standard therapy group). Participants were stratified by hospital and randomized in permuted blocks of variable size. Randomization codes were kept in sealed, sequentially numbered, opaque envelopes. The primary outcome was the duration of MRSA bacteremia in days. RESULTS: We randomly assigned 60 patients to receive vancomycin (n = 29), or vancomycin plus flucloxacillin (n = 31). The mean duration of bacteremia was 3.00 days in the standard therapy group and 1.94 days in the combination group. According to a negative binomial model, the mean time to resolution of bacteremia in the combination group was 65% (95% confidence interval, 41%-102%; P = .06) that in the standard therapy group. There was no difference in the secondary end points of 28- and 90-day mortality, metastatic infection, nephrotoxicity, or hepatotoxicity. CONCLUSIONS: Combining an antistaphylococcal ß-lactam with vancomycin may shorten the duration of MRSA bacteremia. Further trials with a larger sample size and objective clinically relevant end points are warranted. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12610000940077 (www.anzctr.org.au).
Subject(s)
Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology , Bacteremia/drug therapy , Floxacillin/pharmacology , Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus/isolation & purification , Staphylococcal Infections/drug therapy , Vancomycin/pharmacology , Administration, Intravenous , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Animals , Bacteremia/microbiology , Drug Therapy, Combination/methods , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , New Zealand , Prospective Studies , Staphylococcal Infections/microbiology , Time Factors , Treatment Outcome , Young AdultABSTRACT
In 2011, Save the Children India launched a project for the disadvantaged population of Rajasthan, Bihar and Odisha. As a baseline activity, neonatal deaths during January-December 2012 were investigated using modified verbal autopsy tool in six sub-district-level administrative units (blocks) adopting 30-cluster sample survey approach. Our study reported a total of 189 neonatal deaths of which 50% occurred at home and 39% happened on Day 1. About half of the deaths occurred in blocks from Bihar. High number of neonatal deaths belonged to households that were below poverty line (64%) and other disadvantaged classes (46%); among mothers who were illiterate (65%), <20 years of age (54%) and during their first-order births (36%). Birth asphyxia was a major cause of neonatal deaths across all blocks. These findings indicate need for easy and early access to transport services, specialized neonatal care and advocacy targeted towards increasing community awareness.
Subject(s)
Autopsy , Cause of Death , Infant Mortality , Operations Research , Child, Preschool , Cluster Analysis , Delivery of Health Care , Family Characteristics , Female , Health Care Surveys , Humans , India/epidemiology , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Rural PopulationABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic led to extensive vaccination campaigns worldwide, including in Australia. Immunity waning and the emergence of new viral variants pose challenges to the effectiveness of vaccines. Our study aimed to assess the relative effectiveness (rVE) of 3 and 4 compared with 2 doses of COVID-19 vaccine. The study focuses on the Victorian population, a majority of whom had no prior exposure to the virus before vaccination. METHODS: We used routinely collected data for the state of Victoria, Australia, to assess rVE during an Omicron-dominant period, 1 June 2022 to 1 March 2023. Immunisation, notifications, hospitalisations and mortality data for residents aged 65 years and older were linked for analysis. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to estimate the rVE against COVID-19 hospitalisation or death, accounting for key confounders with vaccination as a time-varying covariate. RESULTS: In 1,070,113 people 65 years or older who had received their second dose, a third and fourth dose of a COVID-19 vaccine significantly reduced the hazard of hospitalisation or death compared to two doses. rVE was highest within two weeks from administration at 40 % (95 % CI: 0 % to 64 %) and 66 % (95 % CI: 60 % to 71 %) for a third and fourth dose, respectively. Additional protection conferred by third and fourth doses waned over time from administration. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings underscore the need for additional vaccine doses and updated vaccine strategies. These findings have implications for public health advice and COVID-19 vaccine strategies. Further research and monitoring of vaccine effectiveness in real-world settings are warranted to inform ongoing pandemic response efforts.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 Vaccines , COVID-19 , Humans , Victoria/epidemiology , COVID-19/prevention & control , Vaccination , ImmunizationABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: COVID-19 outbreaks in acute care settings can have severe consequences for patients due to their underlying vulnerabilities, and can be costly due to additional patient bed days and the need to replace isolating staff. This study assessed the cost-effectiveness of clinical staff N95 masks and admission screening testing of patients to reduce COVID-19 hospital-acquired infections. METHODS: An agent-based model was calibrated to data on 178 outbreaks in acute care settings in Victoria, Australia between October 2021 and July 2023. Outbreaks were simulated under different combinations of staff masking (surgical, N95) and patient admission screening testing (none, RAT, PCR). For each scenario, average diagnoses, COVID-19 deaths, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) from discharged patients, and costs (masks, testing, patient COVID-19 bed days, staff replacement costs while isolating) from acute COVID-19 were estimated over a 12-month period. FINDINGS: Compared to no admission screening testing and staff surgical masks, all scenarios were cost saving with health gains. Staff N95s + RAT admission screening of patients was the cheapest, saving A$78.4M [95%UI 44.4M-135.3M] and preventing 1,543 [1,070-2,146] deaths state-wide per annum. Both interventions were individually beneficial: staff N95s in isolation saved A$54.7M and 854 deaths state-wide per annum, while RAT admission screening of patients in isolation saved A$57.6M and 1,176 deaths state-wide per annum. INTERPRETATION: In acute care settings, staff N95 mask use and admission screening testing of patients can reduce hospital-acquired COVID-19 infections, COVID-19 deaths, and are cost-saving because of reduced patient bed days and staff replacement needs.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: A disproportionate number of COVID-19 deaths occur in Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACFs), where better evidence is needed to target COVID-19 interventions to prevent mortality. This study used an agent-based model to assess the role of community prevalence, vaccination strategies, and non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) on COVID-19 outcomes in RACFs in Victoria, Australia. Methods: The model simulated outbreaks in RACFs over time, and was calibrated to distributions for outbreak size, outbreak duration, and case fatality rate in Victorian RACFs over 2022. The number of incursions to RACFs per day were estimated to fit total deaths and diagnoses over time and community prevalence.Total infections, diagnoses, and deaths in RACFs were estimated over July 2023-June 2024 under scenarios of different: community epidemic wave assumptions (magnitude and frequency); RACF vaccination strategies (6-monthly, 12-monthly, no further vaccines); additional non-pharmaceutical interventions (10, 25, 50% efficacy); and reduction in incursions (30% or 60%). Results: Total RACF outcomes were proportional to cumulative community infections and incursion rates, suggesting potential for strategic visitation/staff policies or community-based interventions to reduce deaths. Recency of vaccination when epidemic waves occurred was critical; compared with 6-monthly boosters, 12-monthly boosters had approximately 1.2 times more deaths and no further boosters had approximately 1.6 times more deaths over July 2023-June 2024. Additional NPIs, even with only 10-25% efficacy, could lead to a 13-31% reduction in deaths in RACFs. Conclusion: Future community epidemic wave patterns are unknown but will be major drivers of outcomes in RACFs. Maintaining high coverage of recent vaccination, minimizing incursions, and increasing NPIs can have a major impact on cumulative infections and deaths.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Disease Outbreaks , Homes for the Aged , Humans , COVID-19/epidemiology , COVID-19/prevention & control , COVID-19/mortality , Victoria/epidemiology , Homes for the Aged/statistics & numerical data , Aged , Disease Outbreaks/prevention & control , Disease Outbreaks/statistics & numerical data , SARS-CoV-2 , Vaccination/statistics & numerical data , Systems AnalysisABSTRACT
Objectives: To compare serological evidence of prior severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection with linked coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) case notification data in Victoria, Australia, and to determine in vitro SARS-CoV-2 neutralisation activity based on prior infection and vaccination history. Design, setting, participants: Four cross-sectional serological surveys were conducted between 30 June and 31 October 2022 (a period of Omicron BA.4/BA.5 dominance) using 1,974 residual serum samples obtained from the Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory. Serological results were linked to COVID-19 case notification and vaccination data. Surrogate virus neutralisation testing was performed to obtain in vitro inhibition estimates by anti-nucleocapsid serostatus and COVID-19 vaccination history. Main outcome measures: Adjusted anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike and nucleocapsid seropositivity by sex, age and region of residence; adjusted proportion of cases notified by anti-nucleocapsid serostatus, age and number of COVID-19 vaccination doses received; adjusted percentage in vitro inhibition against wildtype and Omicron BA.4/BA.5 SARS-CoV-2 variants by anti-nucleocapsid serostatus and COVID-19 vaccination history. Results: The prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid antibodies was inversely proportional to age. In October 2022, prevalence was 84% (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 75-93%) among 18-29-year-olds, compared to 39% (95% CI: 27-52%) among ≥ 80-year-olds. In most age groups, approximately 40% of COVID-19 cases appear to have been notified via existing surveillance mechanisms. Case notification was highest among individuals older than 80 years and people who had received COVID-19 vaccine booster doses. In vitro neutralisation of Omicron BA.4/BA.5 sub-variants was highest for individuals with evidence of both prior infection and booster vaccination. Conclusions: Under-notification of SARS-CoV-2 infections in the Victorian population is not uniform across age and vaccination strata. Seroprevalence data that give insights into case notification behaviour provide additional context for the interpretation of existing COVID-19 surveillance information.
Subject(s)
Antibodies, Viral , COVID-19 Vaccines , COVID-19 , SARS-CoV-2 , Vaccination , Humans , COVID-19/epidemiology , COVID-19/prevention & control , COVID-19/immunology , Male , Female , Victoria/epidemiology , Middle Aged , Adult , SARS-CoV-2/immunology , Aged , Adolescent , Young Adult , Antibodies, Viral/blood , COVID-19 Vaccines/immunology , COVID-19 Vaccines/administration & dosage , Cross-Sectional Studies , Seroepidemiologic Studies , Aged, 80 and over , Child , Child, Preschool , Age Factors , Infant , Antibodies, Neutralizing/bloodABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence and trends of human hookworm infection (HWI) in the Northern Territory over the past 10 years, and to assess the influence of the community children's deworming program (CCDP). DESIGN, PATIENTS AND SETTING: A retrospective observational analysis of consecutive microbiologically confirmed cases of HWI in patients diagnosed at NT government health care facilities and the main private laboratory servicing the NT between January 2002 and July 2012. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Annual prevalence of HWI (2002-2011); age, sex, Indigenous status, residence, haemoglobin level and eosinophil count of patients with HWI; and proportion of patients within the CCDP target population (children aged 6 months to 16 years, who should receive 6-monthly albendazole). RESULTS: From 64 691 faecal samples examined during the study period, hookworm was detected in 112 patients. There was a downward trend in the annual prevalence of HWI, falling from 14.0 cases per 100 000 population (95% CI, 8.8-19.2) in 2002 to 2.2 per 100 000 population (95% CI, 0.3-4.1) in 2011. Only 16 patients (14.3%) fell within the CCDP target population. Seventy-one patients (63.4%) were living in remote communities, and 94 (84.7%) were recorded as Indigenous Australians. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of HWI in the NT reduced over the 10-2013 period. HWI predominantly occurs in individuals outside the CCDP target population. Our data support continuation of the CCDP in conjunction with improvements in housing, health hardware and health promotion. Continued use of albendazole in individuals beyond the CCDP may facilitate the eventual eradication of HWI from the NT.
Subject(s)
Albendazole/administration & dosage , Ancylostomatoidea/isolation & purification , Hookworm Infections/drug therapy , Hookworm Infections/epidemiology , Adolescent , Age Distribution , Animals , Child , Child, Preschool , Cohort Studies , Female , Hookworm Infections/diagnosis , Humans , Infant , Male , Northern Territory/epidemiology , Prevalence , Retrospective Studies , Risk Assessment , Sex Distribution , Treatment Outcome , Young AdultABSTRACT
Tuberculosis (TB) is a major public health issue in Papua New Guinea, with incidence rates particularly high in the South Fly District of Western Province. We present three case studies, along with additional vignettes, that were derived from interviews and focus groups carried out between July 2019 and July 2020 of people living in rural areas of the remote South Fly District depicting their challenges accessing timely TB diagnosis and care; most services within the district are only offered offshore on Daru Island. The findings detail that rather than 'patient delay' attributed to poor health seeking behaviours and inadequate knowledge of TB symptoms, many people were actively trying to navigate structural barriers hindering access to and utilisation of limited local TB services. The findings highlight a fragile and fragmented health system, a lack of attention given to primary health services, and undue financial burdens placed on people living in rural and remote areas associated with costly transportation to access functioning health services. We conclude that a person-centred and effective decentralised model of TB care as outlined in health policies is imperative for equitable access to essential health care services in Papua New Guinea.
Subject(s)
Government Programs , Tuberculosis , Humans , Papua New Guinea/epidemiology , Focus Groups , Health Behavior , Tuberculosis/diagnosis , Tuberculosis/drug therapy , Tuberculosis/epidemiologyABSTRACT
Background: Oral Antiviral (OAV) COVID-19 treatments are widely used, but evidence for their effectiveness against the Omicron variant in higher risk, vaccinated individuals is limited. Methods: Retrospective study of two vaccinated cohorts of COVID-19 cases aged ≥70 years diagnosed during a BA.4/5 Omicron wave in Victoria, Australia. Cases received either nirmatrelvir-ritonavir or molnupiravir as their only treatment. Data linkage and logistic regression modelling was used to evaluate the association between treatment and death and hospitalisation and compared with no treatment. Findings: Of 38,933 individuals in the mortality study population, 13.5% (n = 5250) received nirmatrelvir-ritonavir, 51.3% (n = 19,962) received molnupiravir and 35.2% (n = 13,721) were untreated. Treatment was associated with a 57% (OR = 0.43, 95% CI 0.36-0.51) reduction in the odds of death, 73% (OR = 0.27, 95% CI 0.17-0.40) for nirmatrelvir-ritonavir and 55% (OR = 0.45, 95% CI 0.38-0.54) for molnupiravir. Treatment was associated with a 31% (OR = 0.69, 95% CI 0.55-0.86) reduction in the odds of hospitalisation, 40% (OR = 0.60, 95% CI 0.43-0.83) for nirmatrelvir-ritonavir and 29% (OR = 0.71, 95% CI 0.58-0.87) for molnupiravir. Cases treated within 1 day of diagnosis had a 61% reduction in the odds of death (OR = 0.39, 95% CI 0.33-0.46) compared with 33% reduction for a delay of 4 or more days (OR = 0.67, 95% CI 0.44-0.97). Interpretation: Treatment with both nirmatrelvir-ritonavir or molnupiravir was associated with a reduction in death and hospitalisation in vaccinated ≥70 years individuals during the Omicron era. Timely, equitable treatment with OAVs is an important tool in the fight against COVID-19. Funding: There was no funding for this study.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Few low-incidence countries are on track to achieve the ambitious target of reaching TB pre-elimination by 2035. Australia is a high-income country with a low burden of TB, which is particularly concentrated in migrant populations. As part of Australia's migration program, permanent, provisional and humanitarian visa applicants are screened for TB, along with some applicants for temporary visas. METHODS: We calculated the prevalence of all forms of active TB and bacteriologically-confirmed TB among onshore and offshore applicants for visas to Australia from July 2014 to June 2017, and investigated associated risk factors using logistic regression. FINDINGS: Visa applicants were predominantly young adults from various Asian countries. Among 2,381,217 applicants, 1263 cases of active TB were diagnosed, including 852 cases of bacteriologically-confirmed TB. Overall TB prevalence was 53.0 per 100,000, corresponding to one TB diagnosis for every 1887 applicants screened. TB rates increased with age and were higher among humanitarian applicants and those previously treated for TB, although most cases occurred in applicants without these risk factors. TB prevalence by country of origin was similar to WHO estimates for some countries, but considerably lower for others. For several highly represented countries of origin, rates appear to have fallen relative to earlier comparable studies. INTERPRETATION: Prevalence of TB among visa applicants to Australia and the consequent risk to the Australian community appear to be declining and remain low. In this context, support for TB control programs overseas and preventive interventions are likely to have the greatest impact on domestic TB burden. FUNDING: No specific funding was received for this study. JMT is a recipient of an Early Career Fellowship from the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (APP1142638).
ABSTRACT
We show that the orthogonal projection operator onto the range of the adjoint T â of a linear operator T can be represented as UT, where U is an invertible linear operator. Given a Normal random vector Y and a linear operator T, we use this representation to obtain a linear operator T Ë such that T Ë Y is independent of TY and Y - T Ë Y is an affine function of TY. We then use this decomposition to prove that the conditional distribution of a Normal random vector Y given T Y , where T is a linear transformation, is again a multivariate Normal distribution. This result is equivalent to the well-known result that given a k-dimensional component of a n-dimensional Normal random vector, where k < n , the conditional distribution of the remaining ( n - k ) -dimensional component is a ( n - k ) -dimensional multivariate Normal distribution, and sets the stage for approximating the conditional distribution of Y given g ( Y ) , where g is a continuously differentiable vector field.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Myanmar is one of the countries in the Asia-Pacific region hit hardest by the HIV epidemic that is concentrated among urban areas and key populations. In 2014, the National AIDS Programme (NAP) launched a new model of decentralized service delivery with the establishment ART satellite sites with care delivered by HIV peer workers. Methods: ART satellite sites are implemented by non-government organizations to service high burden HIV areas and populations that suffer stigma or find access to public sector services difficult. They provide continuity of HIV care from outreach testing, counseling, linkage to care, and retention in care. Anti-retroviral (ART) initiation occurs at health facilities by specialist physicians. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of people living with HIV (PLHIV) who were initiated on ART from 2015 to 2016 at five ART satellite sites in Yangon, Myanmar to assess outcomes and time from enrolment to ART initiation. Results: Of 1,339 PLHIV on ART treatment in 2015-16, 1,157 (89%) were retained, and 5% were lost from care and 5% reported dead, at the end of March 2018. Attrition rates (death and lost-to-follow-up) were found to be significantly associated with a CD4 count ≤ 50 cells/mm3 and having baseline weight ≤ 50 kg. Median time taken from enrolment to ART initiation was 1.9 months (interquartile range: 1.4-2.5). Conclusion: We report high rates of retention in care of PLHIV in a new model of ART satellite sties in Yangon, Myanmar after 3 years of follow-up. The delays identified in time taken from enrolment to ART initiation need to be explored further and addressed. This initial study supports continuation of plans to scale-up ART satellite sites in Myanmar. To optimize outcomes for patients and the program and accelerate progress to reduce HIV transmission and end the HIV epidemic, operational research needs to be embedded within the response.
ABSTRACT
The emergence and spread of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) poses a major threat to the global targets for TB control. In recent years, an evolving science and evidence base for MDR-TB has led to much needed changes in international guidelines promoting the use of newer TB drugs and regimens for MDR-TB, however, there remains a significant implementation gap. Due to the complexity of treating MDR-TB, management of cases is often supported by an expert multidisciplinary team, or clinical expert group. This service is often centralized, and may be delivered through a telemedicine platform. We have implemented a Web-based "store-and-forward" telemedicine service to optimize MDR-TB patient care in Daru, a remote and resource limited setting in Papua New Guinea (PNG). From April 2016 to February 2019, 237 cases were discussed using the service. This encompassed diagnostic (presumptive) and treatment cases, and more recently, support to the scale up of preventative therapy for latent TB infection. There were 75 cases in which the use of Bedaquiline was discussed or mentioned, with a high frequency of discussions occurring in the initial period (26 cases in the first 12 months), which has appeared to decrease as clinicians gained familiarity with use of the drug (15 cases in the last 12 months). This service has supported high quality clinical care and fostered collaboration between clinicians and technical experts in a shared learning environment.