Factors associated with incomplete tuberculosis preventive treatment: a retrospective analysis of six-years programmatic data in Cambodia.

Tuberculosis (TB) preventive treatment (TPT) effectively prevents the progression from TB infection to TB disease. This study explores factors associated with TPT non-completion in Cambodia using 6-years programmatic data (2018-2023) retrieved from the TB Management Information System (TB-MIS). Out of 14,262 individuals with latent TB infection (LTBI) initiated with TPT, 299 (2.1%) did not complete the treatment. Individuals aged between 15-24 and 25-34 years old were more likely to not complete the treatment compared to those aged < 5 years old, with aOR = 1.7, p = 0.034 and aOR = 2.1, p = 0.003, respectively. Individuals initiated with 3-month daily Rifampicin and Isoniazid (3RH) or with 6-month daily Isoniazid (6H) were more likely to not complete the treatment compared to those initiated with 3-month weekly Isoniazid and Rifapentine (3HP), with aOR = 2.6, p < 0.001 and aOR = 7, p < 0.001, respectively. Those who began TPT at referral hospitals were nearly twice as likely to not complete the treatment compared to those who started the treatment at health centers (aOR = 1.95, p = 0.003). To improve TPT completion, strengthen the treatment follow-up among those aged between 15 and 34 years old and initiated TPT at referral hospitals should be prioritized. The national TB program should consider 3HP the first choice of treatment.

Mixed methods study on latent tuberculosis among agate stone workers and advocacy for testing silica dust exposed individuals in India.

The 2021 tuberculosis (TB) preventive treatment guidelines in India included silicosis as a screening group, yet latent TB infection (LTBI) testing for silica-dust-exposed individuals is underemphasized. Focusing on an estimated 52 million silica-dust-exposed workers, particularly agate-stone workers in Khambhat, Gujarat, our study aims to estimate LTBI prevalence, identify predictors, and gather insights from TB and silicosis experts. Employing a sequential explanatory mixed-methods approach, a cross-sectional study involved 463 agate-stone workers aged ≥ 20 years in Khambhat, using IGRA kits for LTBI testing. In-depth interviews with experts complemented quantitative findings. Among agate-stone workers, 58% tested positive for LTBI, with predictors including longer exposure, type of work, and BCG vaccination. Our findings reveal a nearly double burden of LTBI compared to the general population, particularly in occupations with higher silica dust exposure. Experts advocate for including silica-dust-exposed individuals in high-risk groups for LTBI testing, exploring cost-effective alternatives like improved skin sensitivity tests, and shorter TB preventive treatment regimens to enhance compliance. Future research should explore upfront TB preventive treatment for silica-dust-exposed individuals with high LTBI prevalence and optimal exposure duration. This study underscores the urgent need for policy changes and innovative approaches to TB prevention among silica-dust-exposed populations, impacting global occupational health strategies.

Partial recovery of tuberculosis preventive treatment in Brazil after pandemic drawback.

Brazil was heavily affected by COVID-19 both with death toll and economically, with absence of a centralized Federal Government response. Tuberculosis (TB) notifications decreased in 2020 but partial recovery was observed in 2021. We have previously shown a sharp (93%) reduction in TB preventive treatment notifications among five Brazilian cities with more than 1,000 notifications in 2021. We hypothesized TB preventive treatment would also recover. We updated the previous analysis by adding other cities that hold more than a 1,000 notifications until 2022. Data aggregated by 2-week periods were extracted from the Information System for Notifying People Undergoing Treatment for LTBI (IL-TB). Biweekly percentage change (BPC) of notifications until October 2022 and outcomes until July 2022 (in the two weeks of TB preventive treatment initiation) were analyzed using Joinpoint software. A total of 39,701 notifications in 11 cities were included, 66% from São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. We found a significant increase of TB preventive treatment notifications in the beginning of 2021 (BPC range 1.4-49.6), with sustained progression in seven out of the 11 cities. Overall, median completion rates were 65%. In most cities, a gradual and steady decrease of treatment completion rates was found, except for Rio de Janeiro and Manaus (Amazonas State, Brazil), where a BPC of 1.5 and 1.2, respectively, was followed by a sustained increase. Notifications and completion proportions of TB preventive treatment were heterogeneous, which partly reflects the heterogeneity in local response to the pandemic. We found that notifications were recovered, and that the sharp 2021 decrease was no longer observed, which suggests delays in notification. In conclusion, the sharp reductions in TB preventive treatment completion rates in most cities might have been caused by delays in reporting; however, the sustained and progressive decrease are a concern.

Treatment of Psoriasis Patients with Latent Tuberculosis Using IL-17 and IL-23 Inhibitors: A Retrospective, Multinational, Multicentre Study.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis has a major global impact. Immunocompetent hosts usually control this disease, resulting in an asymptomatic latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). Because TNF inhibitors increase the risk of tuberculosis reactivation, current guidelines recommend tuberculosis screening before starting any biologic drug, and chemoprophylaxis if LTBI is diagnosed. Available evidence from clinical trials and real-world studies suggests that IL-17 and IL-23 inhibitors do not increase the risk of tuberculosis reactivation. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate psoriasis patients with treated or untreated newly diagnosed LTBI who received IL-17 and IL-23 inhibitors and the tolerability/safety of tuberculosis chemoprophylaxis. METHODS: This is a retrospective, observational, multinational study from a series of 14 dermatology centres based in Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece and Brazil, which included adult patients with moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis and newly diagnosed LTBI who were treated with IL-23 or IL-17 inhibitors between January 2015 and March 2022. LTBI was diagnosed in the case of tuberculin skin test and/or interferon gamma release assay positivity, according to local guideline, prior to initiating IL-23 or IL-17 inhibitor. Patients with prior diagnosis of LTBI (treated or untreated) or treated active infection were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 405 patients were included; complete/incomplete/no chemoprophylaxis was administered in 62.2, 10.1 and 27.7% of patients, respectively. The main reason for not receiving or interrupting chemoprophylaxis was perceived heightened risk of liver toxicity and hepatotoxicity, respectively. The mean duration of biological treatment was 32.87 ± 20.95 months, and only one case of active tuberculosis infection (ATBI) was observed, after 14 months of treatment with ixekizumab. The proportion of ATBI associated with ixekizumab was 1.64% [95% confidence interval (CI): 0-5.43%] and 0% for all other agents and 0.46% (95% CI 0-1.06%) and 0% for IL-17 and IL-23 inhibitors, respectively (not statistically significant). CONCLUSIONS: The risk of tuberculosis reactivation in patients with psoriasis and LTBI does not seem to increase with IL-17 or IL-23 inhibitors. IL-17 or IL-23 inhibitors should be preferred over TNF antagonists when concerns regarding tuberculosis reactivation exists. In patients with LTBI considered at high risk for developing complications related to chemoprophylaxis, this preventive strategy may be waived before initiating treatment with IL-17 inhibitors and especially IL-23 inhibitors.

A multistage Sendai virus vaccine incorporating latency-associated antigens induces protection against acute and latent tuberculosis.

One-quarter of the world's population is infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). After initial exposure, more immune-competent persons develop asymptomatic latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) but not active diseases, creates an extensive reservoir at risk of developing active tuberculosis. Previously, we constructed a novel recombinant Sendai virus (SeV)-vectored vaccine encoding two dominant antigens of Mtb, which elicited immune protection against acute Mtb infection. In this study, nine Mtb latency-associated antigens were screened as potential supplementary vaccine candidate antigens, and three antigens (Rv2029c, Rv2028c, and Rv3126c) were selected based on their immune-therapeutic effect in mice, and their elevated immune responses in LTBI human populations. Then, a recombinant SeV-vectored vaccine, termed SeV986A, that expresses three latency-associated antigens and Ag85A was constructed. In murine models, the doses, titers, and inoculation sites of SeV986A were optimized, and its immunogenicity in BCG-primed and BCG-naive mice were determined. Enhanced immune protection against the Mtb challenge was shown in both acute-infection and latent-infection murine models. The expression levels of several T-cell exhaustion markers were significantly lower in the SeV986A-vaccinated group, suggesting that the expression of latency-associated antigens inhibited the T-cell exhaustion process in LTBI infection. Hence, the multistage quarter-antigenic SeV986A vaccine holds considerable promise as a novel post-exposure prophylaxis vaccine against tuberculosis.

Latent TB infection in children and adolescents: Scientific rationale and programmatic management.

As we march towards the goals of TB elimination, one area of focus is on TB preventive therapy which deals with treatment of latent TB infection, the pool from which future TB cases are generated. Children are particularly vulnerable to disseminated TB and seriously ill TB like TB meningitis, which highlights the need for addressing latent TB infection in the age group of 0-18 years. The national TB elimination program has extended it's strategy to include TB preventive therapy from treating children <5 years and PLHIV to treating children ≥5 years, adolescents and adult household contacts of TB cases and at risk immunosuppressed groups. Newer regimens including weekly INH and Rifapentine for three months (3HP) has been recommended in the program. Concerns and opportunities for operational research in this area include surveillance and monitoring for drug toxicity and resistance, strategies to ensure adherence and improve treatment completion and outcomes.

Active Tuberculosis in a Patient Receiving Adalimumab for Psoriatic Arthritis and Chemoprophylaxis for Latent Tuberculosis Infection.

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors, including adalimumab, are widely used to treat refractory psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Although isoniazid chemoprophylaxis is generally effective in preventing reactivation of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI), prophylactic measures do not fully protect against development of active tuberculosis. We report a rare case of active tuberculosis despite chemoprophylaxis for LTBI in a patient receiving adalimumab for PsA. A 60-year-old Japanese woman who had received a diagnosis of psoriasis at age 35 years presented with arthralgia of the right hand, which she first noticed 2 months previously. Physical examination showed scattered erythematous papules and plaques with scales on her trunk, extremities, and scalp. Her right metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints were swollen and painful, and her right wrist and elbow were painful. PsA was diagnosed and adalimumab was initiated. Because an interferon-γ release assay (IGRA) showed a borderline result at screening, isoniazid was administered as chemoprophylaxis for LTBI. At 22 months after initiation of adalimumab, IGRA was positive and chest CT disclosed centrilobular nodules in both lungs and swelling of multiple lymph nodes. Culture of sputum at 24 months demonstrated Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Active tuberculosis was diagnosed, and treatment with a combination of isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol hydrochloride, and pyrazinamide was started. To ensure timely diagnosis and treatment of active tuberculosis, a tuberculosis expert should be consulted at an early stage, with regular screening and monitoring.

Psoríase vulgar em remissão após profilaxia com isoniazida para tuberculose latente: relato de caso / Psoriasis vulgar in remission after prophylaxis with isoniazid for latent tuberculosis: case report / Psoriasis vulgar en remisión tras profilaxis con isoniazida para tuberculosis latente: reporte de caso

Introdução: A psoríase é uma patologia sistêmica, multifatorial e com lesões cutâneas bem características. Objetivo: Investigar a possibilidade de existir uma correlação entre a infecção latente pelo Mycobacterium tuberculosis e a patogênese da Psoríase, a fim de contribuir com a terapêutica de casos de Psoríase grave ou refratários. Material e Método: Relato de caso de psoríase vulgar não responsiva aos tratamentos de primeira linha, em que a Isoniazida para ILTB induziu à remissão sustentada do quadro clínico. Baseada no caso, foi realizada uma revisão sobre o uso da Isoniazida no tratamento da ILTB nos pacientes com psoríase e que obtiveram regressão das lesões psoriáticas. O estudo utilizou dados da plataforma Pubmed. Resultados: Dos 50 artigos encontrados, 08 foram selecionados para leitura completa. Foram descritos apenas quatro casos como este na literatura internacional. Os achados desse estudo mostram que a possibilidade de existir uma correlação entre a infecção latente pelo Mycobacterium tuberculosis e a patogênese da Psoríase, a fim de contribuir com a terapêutica de casos de Psoríase grave ou refratários, ainda é incerta. Conclusão: Pesquisas mais detalhadas são necessárias para elucidar o real mecanismo dos anti tuberculínicos (especialmente a Isoniazida) no tratamento da Psoríase, quanto a possibilidade de existir uma correlação entre a infecção pelo Mycobacterium tuberculosis e a patogênese da Psoríase. Se isto for comprovado, teremos um grande incremento no arsenal terapêutico destinado aos pacientes com Psoríase grave ou refratários (AU)

Introduction: Psoriasis is a systemic pathology, multifactorial and with well characteristic skin lesions. Objective: To investigate the possibility of a correlation between latent infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and the pathogenesis of Psoriasis, in order to contribute to the therapy of severe or refractory Psoriasis cases. Material and Method: Case report of vulgar psoriasis not responsive to first-line treatments, in which Isoniazid for LTBI induced sustained remission of the clinical picture. Based on the case, a review was performed on the use of Isoniazid in the treatment of LTBI in patients with psoriasis and who obtained regression of psoriatic lesions. The study used data from the Pubmed platform. Results: Of the 50 articles found, 08 were selected for full reading. Only four cases like this have been described in the international literature. The findings of this study show that the possibility of a correlation between latent infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and the pathogenesis of Psoriasis, in order to contribute to the therapy of severe or refractory Psoriasis cases, is still uncertain. Conclusion: More detailed research is needed to elucidate the real mechanism of anti tuberculins (especially Isoniazid) in the treatment of Psoriasis, the possibility of a correlation between infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and the pathogenesis of Psoriasis. If this is proven, we will have a large increase in the therapeutic arsenal for patients with severe or refractory psoriasis (AU)

Introducción: La psoriasis es una patología sistémica, multifactorial, con lesiones cutáneas muy características. Objetivo: Investigar la posibilidad de una correlación entre la infección latente por Mycobacterium tuberculosis y la patogenia de la Psoriasis, con el fin de contribuir al tratamiento de casos severos o refractarios de Psoriasis. Material y Método: Reporte de caso de psoriasis vulgar sin respuesta a tratamientos de primera línea, en el cual Isoniazida para ITBL indujo remisión sostenida del cuadro clínico. En base al caso se realizó una revisión sobre el uso de Isoniazida en el tratamiento de la ITBL en pacientes con psoriasis y que lograron la regresión de las lesiones psoriásicas. El estudio utilizó datos de la plataforma Pubmed. Resultados: De los 50 artículos encontrados, 08 fueron seleccionados para lectura completa. Solo cuatro casos como este han sido descritos en la literatura internacional. Los hallazgos de este estudio muestran que la posibilidad de una correlación entre la infección latente por Mycobacterium tuberculosis y la patogenia de la Psoriasis, para contribuir al tratamiento de casos severos o refractarios de Psoriasis, es aún incierta. Conclusión: Se necesita una investigación más detallada para dilucidar el mecanismo real de los fármacos antituberculínicos (especialmente la Isoniazida) en el tratamiento de la Psoriasis, en cuanto a la posibilidad de una correlación entre la infección por Mycobacterium tuberculosis y la patogenia de la Psoriasis. De demostrarse esto, tendremos un gran incremento en el arsenal terapéutico destinado a pacientes con psoriasis severa o refractaria (AU)

Recomendaciones del Grupo Español de Trabajo en Enfermedad de Crohn y Colitis Ulcerosa (GETECCU) sobre el cribado y tratamiento de la infección tuberculosa en pacientes con enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal / Recommendations of the Spanish Working Group on Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis (GETECCU) on screening and treatment of tuberculosis infection in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

La evidencia de que el seguimiento de las recomendaciones sobre el cribado y tratamiento de la infección tuberculosa no evita totalmente la aparición de tuberculosis en pacientes con enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal, y el uso reciente de nuevos fármacos biológicos y de nuevos inmunomoduladores, ha llevado al Grupo Español de Trabajo en Enfermedad de Crohn y en Colitis Ulcerosa a actualizar sus recomendaciones para la prevención de la tuberculosis en los pacientes con enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal. Se revisan los métodos de diagnóstico de la infección tuberculosa latente, los distintos escenarios en los que se va a realizar el cribado, las estrategias para disminuir el riesgo de tuberculosis una vez iniciado el tratamiento biológico, las pautas de quimioprofilaxis de la infección tuberculosa latente y el manejo de la tuberculosis activa durante el tratamiento biológico. Finalmente, se resumen las recomendaciones en el texto y en un algoritmo

There is evidence that following the recommendations on screening and treatment of tuberculosis infection does not completely prevent the onset of tuberculosis in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. This fact, and the increasing use of new biologics and immunomodulators, has led the Spanish Group Working on Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis to update their recommendations for the prevention of tuberculosis in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Diagnostic methods for latent tuberculosis infection, different scenarios in which screening is to be performed, strategies to reduce the risk of tuberculosis once biological treatment is initiated and chemoprophylaxis guidelines for latent tuberculosis infection are reviewed, as well as the management of active tuberculosis during biological treatment. Finally, there is a summary of the current recommendations within the paper and in an algorithm

Incrementando o impacto do diagnóstico e do tratamento da infecção latente tuberculosa na saúde pública: um estudo de efetividade, sustentabilidade, viabilidade e custo-efetividade / A public health approach to increase treatment of latent tuberculosis infection: a study of effectiveness, sustainability, feasibility and cost-effectiveness

O tratamento da infecção latente da tuberculose (ILTB) é crucial para eliminar a doença. Esta tese, apresentada em dois artigos, avalia a efetividade, a sustentabilidade, a viabilidade, a razão de custo-efetividade e o impacto orçamentário de um programa de investigação para detecção e tratamento da ILTB em contatos intradomiciliares de pacientes com tuberculose no Brasil. No primeiro artigo, dois ensaios controlados consecutivos foram conduzidos. Avaliamos a efetividade, a sustentabilidade, e a viabilidade de uma intervenção em saúde pública que teve o objetivo de aumentar a proporção de início do tratamento para ILTB entre os contatos intradomiciliares de pacientes com tuberculose pulmonar ativa. No primeiro ensaio clínico controlado, 12 clínicas foram submetidas a uma avaliação padronizada, incluindo questionários administrados a pacientes com tuberculose, seus contatos intradomiciliares e profissionais de saúde, e uma análise da cascata do cuidado da ILTB. Seis clínicas foram então randomizadas para receber atividades para fortalecer o manejo da ILTB, incluindo treinamento em serviço, organização do processo de trabalho e soluções adicionais específicas de cada clínica de acordo com resultados da avaliação padronizada. No segundo ensaio, uma avaliação semelhante, mas simplificada, foi realizada em duas clínicas, que então receberam treinamento intensivo inicial e treinamento em serviço fornecido por um médico. No segundo artigo, avaliamos a razão de custo-efetividade e o impacto orçamentário ao expandir um programa fortalecido de investigação e tratamento da ILTB entre contatos intradomiciliares no Brasil. Duas estratégias otimizadas sobre o manejo dos contatos intradomiciliares foram comparadas com a situação atual (status quo) no Brasil: 1) detecção de tuberculose ativa apenas e 2) detecção de tuberculose ativa e investigação e tratamento de ILTB. Nos dois ensaios controlados, na fase de avaliação, foram observadas lacunas de conhecimento entre todos os grupos de entrevistados e, embora muitos contatos tenham sido identificados, poucos iniciaram o tratamento de ILTB. Após a implementação das soluções, o número de contatos que iniciaram o tratamento da ILTB por 100 pacientes com tuberculose aumentou em 10 [intervalo de 95% de confiança (IC): -11, 30] no primeiro estudo, em comparação com 44 (IC 95%: 26, 61), no segundo ensaio controlado. Em nossas avaliações econômicas, na estratégia otimizada de investigação e tratamento da ILTB os custos para ter um contato intradomiciliar completando o tratamento da ILTB seriam a metade daqueles para encontrar um paciente com TB ativa (158,6 vs. 299,7 dólares norte-americanos). Resultariam ainda em um importante impacto na endemia, 4.001 casos de TB seriam evitados e custariam 12% do orçamento nacional para TB. Uma abordagem de saúde pública com avaliação padronizada, seguida por treinamento inicial e treinamento em serviço intensivo mostrou-se promissora para expandir o tratamento da ILTB no Brasil.

This thesis, presented in two articles, evaluates the effectiveness, sustainability, feasibility, cost-effectiveness and budgetary impact of a program that investigates and treats latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) among household contacts (HHC) of patients with active tuberculosis in Brazil. In the first article, we presented the results of two consecutive control trials, where we evaluated the effectiveness, sustainability and feasibility a public health intervention that aimed to increase the proportion of initiation of treatment for ILTB among HHC of patients with active tuberculosis. In the first trial, twelve clinics underwent a standardized evaluation, including questionnaires administered to tuberculosis-patients, contacts and healthcare workers and clinical data on the cascade-of-care for contacts. Six clinics were then randomized to receive LTBI strengthening activities, including monthly in-service training work process organization, and implementation of specific local solutions. In the second trial, a similar but streamlined evaluation was conducted in two clinics, who then received initial and subsequent intensive in-service training provided by a physician. In the second article, we evaluated the cost-effectiveness and budget impact of scaling-up an enhanced tuberculosis HHC program in Brazil. Two enhanced HHC management strategies were compared to the current HHC management situation in Brazil (status quo). HHC cascades-of-care were conceptualized for the status quo and for two enhanced HHC strategies: 1) active tuberculosis detection only and 2) active tuberculosis detection and LTBI investigation and treatment. In both studies, at the evaluation phase, knowledge gaps among all interviewee groups were observed, and although many contacts were identified, few started LTBI treatment. Following the implementation of solutions, the number of contacts initiating treatment per 100 TB patients increased by 10 [95% confidence interval (CI): -11, 30] in the first study, compared to 44 (95%CI: 26, 61), in the second study. In our economic evaluation, we found that for an enhanced HHC management cascade-of-care, the costs to have one additional HHC to complete LTBI treatment would be half of those to find one additional active TB patient (united states dollars,158.6 vs USD 299.7). Considering the current epidemiologic TB situation in Brazil, the enhanced HHC management that would include LTBI investigation beyond active TB case finding would result in 4,001 averted cases utilizing 12% of the Brazilian TB budget. A public health approach with standardized evaluation, local decisions for improvements, followed by intensive initial and in-service training appears promising to scale up LTBI management.

Nuevas perspectivas en infección tuberculosa latente / New Perspectives in Latent Tuberculosis Infection

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Biomarkers for tuberculosis: the case for lipoarabinomannan

Tuberculosis (TB) is considered the most onerous of infectious diseases according to recent reports from the World Health Organization. Available tests for TB diagnosis present severe limitations, and a reliable point-of-care (POC) diagnostic test does not exist. Neither is there a test to discern between the different stages of TB, and in particular to predict which patients with Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection and no clinical signs are more at risk of advancing to overt disease. We here review the usefulness of mycobacterial lipoarabinomannan (LAM) as a diagnostic marker for active and latent TB and, also, aspects of the immune response to LAM relevant to such tests. There is a high potential for urinary LAM-based POC tests for the diagnosis of active TB. Some technical challenges to optimised sensitivity of the test will be detailed. A method to quantify LAM in urine or serum should be further explored as a test of treatment effect. Recent data on the immune response to LAM suggest that markers for host response to LAM should be investigated for a prognostic test to recognise individuals at the greatest risk of disease activation.

Del control de la enfermedad tuberculosa al control de la infección: recomendaciones de la OMS para países de baja incidencia / From control of tuberculosis to control of infection: WHO recommendations for low-prevalence countries

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What constitutes an effective and efficient package of services for the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care of tuberculosis among refugees and migrants in the WHO European Region? Themed issues on migration and health, VIII

The WHO European Region has faced high rates of external and internal migration in recent years, with concerns that this is contributing to the burden of tuberculosis (TB), multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) and TB/HIV coinfection in some countries. This report examines evidence of effective and efficient service packages for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of TB to inform strategies to address the TB burden in refugee and migrant populations. Significant regional variations were identified in both migration levels and TB burden in refugees and migrants, as well as in approaches to TB control, with low quality of evidence in many cases. While it is unlikely that a single strategy/package will be effective for all situations, the evidence highlights some common approaches that could guide policy-making and service development. TB elimination targets for the Region will not be met unless inequalities in access to screening and treatment for migrants are addressed, alongside efforts to tackle TB globally.

Latent TB infection: updated and consolidated guidelines for programmatic management

Background The programmatic management of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in populations most at risk of developing TB remains a critical activity to disrupt Mycobacterium tuberculosis transmission, as identified in the End TB Strategy. LTBI is defined as a state of persistent immune response to stimulation by Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigens with no evidence of clinically manifest active TB. Up to one third of the world's population is estimated to be infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and on average, 5­10% of those who are infected will develop active TB disease over their lifetime. The risk for active TB disease after infection depends on several factors, the most important being immunological status. The management of LTBI involves a comprehensive package of interventions: identifying and testing those individuals who should be tested, delivering effective, safe treatment in such a way that the majority of those starting a treatment regimen will complete it with no or minimal risk of adverse events, and monitoring and evaluation of the process. The WHO guidelines on the programmatic management of LTBI considers a wide array of factors including the probability of progression to active TB disease in specific population risk groups, the epidemiology and burden of TB, the availability of resources and the likelihood of a broad public health impact. Overview These new guidelines supersede previous WHO policy documents on the management of LTBI in people living with HIV, household contacts of people with active TB, other groups at risk of developing TB, and for LTBI testing. The consolidated guidelines are expected to provide the basis and rationale for the development of national guidelines for LTBI management, adapted to the national and local epidemiology of TB, the availability of resources, the health infrastructure and other national and local determinants. The guidelines are to be used primarily in national TB and HIV control programmes, or their equivalents in ministries of health, and for other policy-makers working on TB and HIV and infectious diseases. They are also appropriate for officials in other line ministries with work in the areas of health.

Tuberculosis infection among primary health care workers / Infecção por tuberculose entre profissionais de saúde da atenção básica

ABSTRACT Objective: To estimate the prevalence of and determine the risk factors associated with latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection (LTBI) among primary health care workers in the city of Vitória, Brazil. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with data collected through a survey regarding socio-demographic, occupational, clinical, and exposure characteristics, as well as knowledge about tuberculosis, conducted between 2011 and 2012. All participants underwent a tuberculin skin test (TST), and TSTs were read at 72 h by a trained professional. Results: A total of 218 primary health care workers participated in the study. The prevalence of TST positivity at the ≥ 10-mm and ≥ 5-mm cut-off points was, respectively, 39.4% (95% CI: 32.9-45.9) and 54.1% (95% CI: 47.4-60.7). Regarding occupational categories, community health agents had the highest proportion of TST positivity, regardless of the cut-off point (≥ 10 mm: 47.5%; and ≥ 5 mm: 60.5%). Regarding factors associated with TST results, "having had a previous TST" showed a statistically significant association with TST positivity at the ≥ 10-mm and ≥ 5-mm cut-off points (OR = 2.5 [95% CI: 1.17-5.30] and OR = 2.18 [95% CI: 1.23-3.87], respectively). Conclusions: The prevalence of LTBI was found to be high among the primary health care workers in this sample. Therefore, we recommend the establishment of a periodic screening program for LTBI and implementation of effective biosafety policies for the prevention of this infection among primary health care workers.

RESUMO Objetivo: Estimar a prevalência de infecção latente pelo Mycobacterium tuberculosis (ILTB) e identificar os fatores de risco associados a essa infecção entre profissionais de saúde da atenção básica no município de Vitória (ES). Métodos: Estudo transversal cujas informações foram obtidas por meio de inquérito sobre dados sociodemográficos, ocupacionais, clínicos, de exposição e de conhecimento sobre tuberculose, realizado entre 2011 e 2012. Todos os participantes foram submetidos ao teste tuberculínico (TT), e a leitura do resultado foi realizada após 72 h por um profissional capacitado. Resultados: Participaram do estudo 218 profissionais de saúde. A prevalência de positividade ao TT foi de 39,4% (IC95%: 32,9-45,9) e de 54,1% (IC95%: 47,4-60,7), respectivamente, para os pontos de corte do TT ≥ 10 mm e ≥ 5 mm. Em relação às categorias profissionais, os agentes comunitários de saúde apresentaram a maior proporção de positividade ao teste, independentemente do ponto de corte considerado (≥ 10 mm: 47,5%; e ≥ 5 mm: 60,5%). Em relação aos fatores associados ao resultado do teste, "ter feito TT anteriormente" apresentou associações estatisticamente significativas com o resultado positivo ao TT para os pontos de corte ≥ 10 mm e ≥ 5 mm [OR = 2,5 (IC95%: 1,17-5,30) e OR = 2,18 (IC95%: 1,23-3,87), respectivamente]. Conclusões: Os profissionais de saúde da atenção básica dessa amostra apresentaram uma alta prevalência de ILTB. Logo, recomendam-se a instituição de um programa de triagem periódica para ILTB e a implantação de políticas efetivas de biossegurança para a prevenção dessa infecção nos profissionais de saúde na atenção básica.