Follow-up of patients diagnosed with and treated for tuberculosis in Brazil: financial burden on the household.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the implications of the proportion of annual family income spent in the pre- and post-diagnosis periods in tuberculosis patients followed for after at least one year after completing tuberculosis treatment in Brazil. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of tuberculosis patients followed for at least one year after completing tuberculosis treatment in five Brazilian capitals (one in each region of the country). RESULTS: A total of 62 patients were included in the analysis. The overall average cost of tuberculosis was 283.84 Brazilian reals (R$) in the pre-diagnosis period and R$4,161.86 in the post-diagnosis period. After the costs of tuberculosis disease, 71% of the patients became unemployed, with an overall increase in unemployment; in addition, the number of patients living in nonpoverty decreased by 5%, the number of patients living in poverty increased by 6%, and the number of patients living in extreme poverty increased by 5%. The largest proportion of annual household income to cover the total costs of tuberculosis was for the extremely poor (i.e., 40.37% vs. 11.43% for the less poor). CONCLUSIONS: Policies to mitigate catastrophic costs should include interventions planned by the health care system and social protection measures for tuberculosis patients with lower incomes in order to eliminate the global tuberculosis epidemic by 2035-a WHO goal in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Follow-up of patients diagnosed with and treated for tuberculosis in Brazil: financial burden on the household / Acompanhamento de pacientes com diagnóstico e tratamento de tuberculose no Brasil: ônus financeiro para a família

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the implications of the proportion of annual family income spent in the pre- and post-diagnosis periods in tuberculosis patients followed for after at least one year after completing tuberculosis treatment in Brazil. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of tuberculosis patients followed for at least one year after completing tuberculosis treatment in five Brazilian capitals (one in each region of the country). Results: A total of 62 patients were included in the analysis. The overall average cost of tuberculosis was 283.84 Brazilian reals (R$) in the pre-diagnosis period and R$4,161.86 in the post-diagnosis period. After the costs of tuberculosis disease, 71% of the patients became unemployed, with an overall increase in unemployment; in addition, the number of patients living in nonpoverty decreased by 5%, the number of patients living in poverty increased by 6%, and the number of patients living in extreme poverty increased by 5%. The largest proportion of annual household income to cover the total costs of tuberculosis was for the extremely poor (i.e., 40.37% vs. 11.43% for the less poor). Conclusions: Policies to mitigate catastrophic costs should include interventions planned by the health care system and social protection measures for tuberculosis patients with lower incomes in order to eliminate the global tuberculosis epidemic by 2035-a WHO goal in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar as implicações da proporção da renda familiar anual gasta nos períodos pré e pós-diagnóstico em pacientes com tuberculose acompanhados durante pelo menos um ano após o término do tratamento da tuberculose no Brasil. Métodos: Estudo transversal com pacientes com tuberculose acompanhados durante pelo menos um ano após o término do tratamento da tuberculose em cinco capitais brasileiras (uma em cada região do país). Resultados: Foram incluídos na análise 62 pacientes. O custo médio global da tuberculose foi de R$ 283,84 no período pré-diagnóstico e de R$ 4.161,86 no período pós-diagnóstico. Após os custos da doença tuberculosa, 71% dos pacientes ficaram desempregados, com um aumento global do desemprego; além disso, o número de pacientes não pobres diminuiu 5%, o número de pacientes pobres aumentou 6% e o número de pacientes extremamente pobres aumentou 5%. A maior proporção de renda familiar anual para cobrir os custos totais da tuberculose foi observada nos pacientes extremamente pobres (40,37% vs. 11,43% nos menos pobres). Conclusões: As políticas para mitigar os custos catastróficos devem incluir intervenções planejadas pelo sistema de saúde e medidas de proteção social para pacientes de baixa renda com tuberculose, a fim de eliminar a epidemia global de tuberculose até 2035, uma meta da OMS alinhada com os Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável propostos pela Organização das Nações Unidas.

Feasibility of GeneXpert® Edge for Tuberculosis Diagnosis in Difficult-to-Reach Populations: Preliminary Results of a Proof-of-Concept Study.

GeneXpert® Edge (GX-Edge) is a new point-of-care platform not yet tested in the field. In this proof-of-concept study conducted for the diagnosis of tuberculosis in communities living alongside two large rivers of the Brazilian Amazon, we demonstrate that GX-Edge implemented in boats to offer onsite testing is a feasible strategy to investigate potentially devastating diseases such as tuberculosis in difficult-to-reach populations, such as riverside communities.

Measles outbreak: preliminary report on a case series of the first 8,070 suspected cases, Manaus, Amazonas state, Brazil, February to November 2018.

We report an ongoing measles outbreak in Manaus, Amazonas state, Brazil. As at 3 November 2018, 1,631 cases were confirmed corresponding to an incidence of 75.3 per 100,000 inhabitants; all five sanitary districts presented confirmed cases. Reintroduction of measles virus in Manaus is likely related to the current outbreak in Venezuela and due to recent decline in measles vaccine coverage. Given the current scenario, prevention and control measures should target individuals aged 15-29 years.

Evaluation of the implementation of the directly observed treatment strategy for tuberculosis in a large city.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the degree of implementation of the Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course - DOTS for tuberculosis (TB) in a large city. METHOD: Assessment of the implementation of the logic model, whose new cases of infectious pulmonary TB were recruited from specialized clinics and followed-up in basic health units. The judgment matrix covering the five components of the DOTS strategy were used. RESULTS: The result of the logic model indicates DOTS was partially implemented. In external, organizational and implementation contexts, the DOTS strategy was partially implemented; and, the effectiveness was not implemented. CONCLUSION: The partial implementation of the DOTS strategy in the city of Manaus did not reflect in TB control compliance, leading to low effectiveness of the program. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o grau de implantação da estratégia de tratamento diretamente observado (Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course - DOTS) para tuberculose (TB) em um município de grande porte. MÉTODO: Avaliação de implantação por meio de modelo lógico, cujos casos novos de TB pulmonar bacilífera foram recrutados em ambulatórios especializados e acompanhados nas unidades básicas de saúde. Utilizou-se matriz de julgamento que abrange os cinco componentes da estratégia DOTS. RESULTADOS: O resultado do modelo lógico indica DOTS implantada parcialmente. Nos contextos externo, organizacional e de implantação, a estratégia DOTS está implantada parcialmente; e, na efetividade não está implantada. CONCLUSÃO: A implantação parcial da estratégia DOTS, na cidade de Manaus, reflete na não conformidade do controle da TB, levando à baixa efetividade do programa.

Evaluation of the implementation of the directly observed treatment strategy for tuberculosis in a large city / Evaluación de la implantación de la estrategia de tratamiento directamente observado para tuberculosis en un municipio de gran porte / Avaliação da implantação da estratégia de tratamento diretamente observado para tuberculose em um município de grande porte

Abstract OBJECTIVE To assess the degree of implementation of the Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course - DOTS for tuberculosis (TB) in a large city. METHOD Assessment of the implementation of the logic model, whose new cases of infectious pulmonary TB were recruited from specialized clinics and followed-up in basic health units. The judgment matrix covering the five components of the DOTS strategy were used. RESULTS The result of the logic model indicates DOTS was partially implemented. In external, organizational and implementation contexts, the DOTS strategy was partially implemented; and, the effectiveness was not implemented. CONCLUSION: The partial implementation of the DOTS strategy in the city of Manaus did not reflect in TB control compliance, leading to low effectiveness of the program.

Resumen OBJETIVO Evaluar el grado de implantación de la estrategia de tratamiento directamente observado (Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course - DOTS) para tuberculosis (TB) en un municipio de gran porte. MÉTODO Evaluación de implantación por medio de modelo lógico, cuyos casos nuevos de TB pulmonar bacilífera fueron obtenidos en ambulatorios especializados y seguidos en la unidades básicas de salud. Se utilizó matriz de juicio que abarca los cinco componentes de la estrategia DOTS. RESULTADOS El resultado del modelo lógico señala DOTS implantada parcialmente. En el marco exterior, organizacional y de implantación, la estrategia DOTS está implantada parcialmente; y, en la efectividad, no está implantada. CONCLUSIÓN La implantación parcial de la estrategia DOTS, en la ciudad de Manaus, refleja la no conformidad del control de la TB, llevando a la baja efectividad del programa.

Resumo OBJETIVO Avaliar o grau de implantação da estratégia de tratamento diretamente observado (Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course - DOTS) para tuberculose (TB) em um município de grande porte. MÉTODO Avaliação de implantação por meio de modelo lógico, cujos casos novos de TB pulmonar bacilífera foram recrutados em ambulatórios especializados e acompanhados nas unidades básicas de saúde. Utilizou-se matriz de julgamento que abrange os cinco componentes da estratégia DOTS. RESULTADOS O resultado do modelo lógico indica DOTS implantada parcialmente. Nos contextos externo, organizacional e de implantação, a estratégia DOTS está implantada parcialmente; e, na efetividade não está implantada. CONCLUSÃO A implantação parcial da estratégia DOTS, na cidade de Manaus, reflete na não conformidade do controle da TB, levando à baixa efetividade do programa.

Prevalência e fatores associados à infecção pelo Mycobacterium tuberculosis entre agentes comunitários de saúde no Brasil, usando-se a prova tuberculínica / Prevalence of infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis and associated factors in community health workers in Brazil based on the tuberculin skin test / Prevalencia y factores asociados a la infección porMycobacterium tuberculosis, usando la prueba tuberculina entre los agentes comunitarios de salud en Brasil

Resumo Este artigo tem por objetivo determinar a prevalência e os fatores associados à infecção latente pelo Mycobacterium tuberculosis entre agentes comunitários de saúde (ACS), usando dois pontos de corte da prova tuberculínica 5mm e 10mm. Trata-se de estudo transversal, com dados coletados sobre sexo, idade, cicatriz de BCG, prova tuberculínica (PT) anterior, tempo que trabalha na profissão de ACS, atuar em unidade básica de saúde (UBS), ter tido contato intradomiciliar com tuberculose (TB), usar álcool, ser fumante e apresentar comorbidades. Para controle de variáveis de confusão e estimativa da medida de efeito (OR), foi empregada a regressão logística. Aplicou-se PT, com leitura após 48-72 horas. As prevalências foram de 57,88% e 37,3%, respectivamente, para 5mm e 10mm. Manteve-se associada à positividade para o ponto de corte de 10mm a condição de trabalhar em UBS com Programa de Controle de Tuberculose (PCT) implementado e já ter tido contato intradomiciliar com TB. Já para o ponto de corte de 5mm, trabalhar em UBS com PCT e implementado. São necessárias ações de conscientização nos municípios e fortalecimento das ações de educação permanente sobre a temática.

Abstract This article aimed to determine the prevalence of latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection and associated factors in community health workers (CHW) in Brazil, using two cutoff points for the tuberculin skin test (5mm and 10mm). This was a cross-sectional study with data on gender, age, BCG scar, working in a primary care unit (PCU), having a household contact with tuberculosis (TB), alcohol consumption, previous tuberculin skin test (TST), smoking, time on the job as CHW, and comorbidities. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and to control for confounding. TST was applied and read after 48-72 hours. Prevalence rates were 57.88% and 37.3%, respectively, for the 5mm and 10mm TST cutoffs. Variables that remained associated with positive TST using the 10mm cutoff were working in a primary care unit that had implemented a Tuberculosis Control Program (TCP) and history of household contact with TB. Variables associated with the 5mm cutoff were working in a primary care unit with a TCP. Necessary actions at the local level include awareness-raising and strengthening of continuing education.

Resumen Este artículo tiene como objetivo determinar la prevalencia y los factores asociados con la infección por Mycobacterium tuberculosis latente entre los agentes comunitarios de salud (ACS), utilizando dos puntos de corte de la tuberculina: prueba de 5mm y 10mm. Un estudio transversal con los datos recogidos sobre: género, edad, cicatriz de BCG (marca de la vacuna), trabajar en una unidade básica de salud (UBS), vivir en un hogar con tuberculosis, el consumo de alcohol, prueba de la tuberculina (PT) anterior, tabaquismo, antigüedad en la profesión como agente comunitario de salud y comorbilidades. Para controlar las variables de confusión y estimar medidas de efecto (OR) se utilizó la regresión logística. Se aplicó el PT, con una lectura después de 48-72 horas. Las tasas de prevalencia fueron un 57,88% y 37,3%, respectivamente, para 5 y 10mm. Se mantuvo asociado con positividad en el trabajo de corte de 10mm en UBS, implementado por el Programa de Control de Tuberculosis (PCT), y que tuvo contacto con la tuberculosis en el hogar. En cuanto al trabajo de 5 mm de corte en la atención primaria se implementó con el PCT. Se necesitan acciones de sensibilización en los municipios.

[Prevalence of infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis and associated factors in community health workers in Brazil based on the tuberculin skin test]. / Prevalência e fatores associados à infecção pelo Mycobacterium tuberculosis entre agentes comunitários de saúde no Brasil, usando-se a prova tuberculínica.

This article aimed to determine the prevalence of latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection and associated factors in community health workers (CHW) in Brazil, using two cutoff points for the tuberculin skin test (5mm and 10mm). This was a cross-sectional study with data on gender, age, BCG scar, working in a primary care unit (PCU), having a household contact with tuberculosis (TB), alcohol consumption, previous tuberculin skin test (TST), smoking, time on the job as CHW, and comorbidities. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and to control for confounding. TST was applied and read after 48-72 hours. Prevalence rates were 57.88% and 37.3%, respectively, for the 5mm and 10mm TST cutoffs. Variables that remained associated with positive TST using the 10mm cutoff were working in a primary care unit that had implemented a Tuberculosis Control Program (TCP) and history of household contact with TB. Variables associated with the 5mm cutoff were working in a primary care unit with a TCP. Necessary actions at the local level include awareness-raising and strengthening of continuing education.

Comparison of interferon-γ release assay to two cut-off points of tuberculin skin test to detect latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in primary health care workers.

BACKGROUND: An interferon-γ release assay, QuantiFERON-TB (QFT) test, has been introduced an alternative test for the diagnosis of latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection (LTBI). Here, we compared the performance of QFT with tuberculin skin test (TST) measured at two different cut-off points among primary health care work (HCW) in Brazil. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out among HCWs in four Brazilian cities with a known history of high incidence of TB. Results of the QFT were compared to TST results based on both ≥5 mm and ≥10 mm as cut-off points. RESULTS: We enrolled 632 HCWs. When the cut-off value of ≥10 mm was used, agreement between QFT and TST was 69% (k = 0.31), and when the cut-off of ≥5 mm was chosen, the agreement was 57% (k = 0.22). We investigated possible factors of discordance of TST vs QFT. Compared to the TST-/QFT- group, risk factors for discordance in the TST+/QFT- group with TST cut-off of ≥5 mm included age between 41-45 years [OR = 2.70; CI 95%: 1.32-5.51] and 46-64 years [OR = 2.04; CI 95%: 1.05-3.93], BCG scar [OR = 2.72; CI 95%: 1.40-5.25], and having worked only in primary health care [OR = 2.30; CI 95%: 1.09-4.86]. On the other hand, for the cut-off of ≥10 mm, BCG scar [OR = 2.26; CI 95%: 1.03-4.91], being a household contact of a TB patient [OR = 1.72; CI 95%: 1.01-2.92] and having had a previous TST [OR = 1.66; CI 95%: 1.05-2.62], were significantly associated with the TST+/QFT- group. No statistically significant associations were found among the TST-/QFT+ discordant group with either TST cut-off value. CONCLUSIONS: Although we identified BCG vaccination to contribute to the discordance at both TST cut-off measures, the current Brazilian recommendation for the initiation of LTBI treatment, based on information gathered from medical history, TST, chest radiograph and physical examination, should not be changed.

Fatores associados ao abandono do tratamento da tuberculose nos serviços de atenção básica em dois municípios brasileiros, Manaus e Fortaleza, 2006 a 2008 / Factors associated with noncompliance with tuberculosis treatment in primary care services in two Brazilian cities, Manaus and Fortaleza, from 2006 to 2008

O estudo procurou identificar os fatores de risco para o abandono de tratamento da tuberculose no cenário da atenção básica de saúde e avaliar a influência da distância entre o local de atendimento e a residência dos pacientes no abandono do tratamento. Realizou-se um estudo caso-controle com casos novos de tuberculose, tratados no período de 2006 a 2008, nos municípios de Manaus (AM) e Fortaleza (CE). Foram entrevistados 434 indivíduos (92 casos e 342 controles) com questionário estruturado pré-codificado. Estudaram-se os fatores: sexo, anos de estudo, renda, classe econômica, distância entre a unidade de atendimento e a residência, uso de drogas ilícitas, alcoolismo, tabagismo, hospitalização e infecção por vírus da imunodeficiência humana (HIV). O uso de drogas ilícitas apresentou a mais forte associação (risco 2,5 vezes maior), seguido de mais baixa classe econômica e ser do sexo masculino. A construção parcimoniosa do modelo utilizado permitiu identificar que ainda permanecem, como principais fatores de risco, aqueles que representam situações críticas como a drogadição. A situação econômica parece ter importância, não obstante a adoção de tratamento gratuito e universalizado. A condição de ser do sexo masculino permaneceu associada ao abandono, mesmo quando retirado o efeito dos demais cofatores. Avaliou-se a distância entre a residência do paciente e o serviço de saúde e não foi detectada diferença significativa dessas distâncias para casos e controles.