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Tropical Medicine & International... Jun 2020To compare the prevalence of tuberculosis infection and disease in household contacts of patients with bacteriologically confirmed tuberculosis disease and contacts of...
OBJECTIVE
To compare the prevalence of tuberculosis infection and disease in household contacts of patients with bacteriologically confirmed tuberculosis disease and contacts of non-bacteriologically confirmed disease in western Kenya.
METHODS
We enrolled newly diagnosed index patients and their household contacts from March 2014 to June 2016. All contacts were evaluated with a symptom questionnaire, tuberculin skin test (TST) and HIV test. Clinical evaluation and sputum testing were performed for those with symptoms, positive TST result or HIV infection.
RESULTS
We enrolled 1155 contacts of 330 index patients with bacteriologically confirmed tuberculosis and 192 contacts of 55 index patients with non-bacteriologically confirmed tuberculosis. 3.5% of contacts of patients with bacteriologically confirmed tuberculosis were diagnosed with tuberculosis, whereas no contacts of index patients with non-bacteriologically confirmed tuberculosis were. Of those diagnosed with tuberculosis disease, 58.5% reported symptoms, 34.1% reported no symptoms but had positive TST results, and 7.3% had neither symptoms nor positive TST but were HIV-positive. Among 872 contacts with a TST result, 50.9% of contacts of index patients with bacteriologically confirmed tuberculosis and 41.0% of contacts of index patients with non-bacteriologically confirmed tuberculosis had a positive result (prevalence ratio = 1.16, 95% confidence interval 0.92-1.48).
CONCLUSION
In a high-burden setting, tuberculosis disease was more prevalent among contacts of patients with bacteriologically confirmed tuberculosis than contacts of patients with non-bacteriologically confirmed disease. TST was feasible to perform and helped to detect cases that would have been missed had only symptomatic contacts been evaluated.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Child; Child, Preschool; Contact Tracing; Family Characteristics; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Infant; Kenya; Latent Tuberculosis; Male; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies; Risk Factors; Sputum; Tuberculin Test; Tuberculosis; Young Adult
PubMed: 32170771
DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13392 -
Diabetes mellitus and latent tuberculosis infection: an updated meta-analysis and systematic review.BMC Infectious Diseases Nov 2023Previous studies have demonstrated an association between diabetes mellitus (DM) and latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). This study was conducted to update the current... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Previous studies have demonstrated an association between diabetes mellitus (DM) and latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). This study was conducted to update the current understanding of the association between DM and LTBI. By conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis using adjusted odds ratios (aOR) or risk ratios (aRR), we aimed to further explore the association between DM and LTBI and provide essential reference for future research.
METHODS
We conducted comprehensive searches in Embase, Cochrane Library, and PubMed without imposing any start date or language restrictions, up to July 19, 2022. Our study selection encompassed observational research that compared from LTBI positive rates in both DM and non-DM groups and reported aRR or aOR results. The quality of the included studies was assessed utilizing the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Pooled effect estimates were calculated using random-effects models, along with their associated 95% confidence intervals (CI).
RESULTS
We included 22 studies involving 68,256 subjects. Three cohort studies were eligible, with a pooled aRR of 1.26 (95% CI: 0.71-2.23). Nineteen cross-sectional studies were eligible, with a pooled aOR of 1.21 (95% CI: 1.14-1.29). The crude RR (cRR) pooled estimate for three cohort studies was 1.62 (95% CI: 1.03-2.57). Among the cross-sectional studies we included, sixteen studies provided crude ORs, and the crude OR (cOR) pooled estimate was 1.64 (95% CI: 1.36-1.97). In the diagnosis of diabetes, the pooled aOR of the HbA1c group was higher than that of self-reported group (pooled aOR: 1.56, 95% CI: 1.24-1.96 vs. 1.17, 95% CI: 1.06-1.28).
CONCLUSION
Our systematic review and meta-analysis suggest a positive association between DM and LTBI. Individuals with DM may have a higher risk of LTBI compared to those without DM. These findings provide important insights for future research and public health interventions in managing LTBI in diabetic populations.
Topics: Humans; Latent Tuberculosis; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diabetes Mellitus; Tuberculin Test; Cohort Studies; Risk Factors; Observational Studies as Topic
PubMed: 37940866
DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08775-y -
Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism... Oct 2019A 42-year-old man with complaints of muscle soreness and an increased pigmentation of the skin was referred because of a suspicion of adrenal insufficiency. His...
SUMMARY
A 42-year-old man with complaints of muscle soreness and an increased pigmentation of the skin was referred because of a suspicion of adrenal insufficiency. His adrenocorticotropic hormone and cortisol levels indicated a primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) and treatment with hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone was initiated. An etiological workup, including an assessment for anti-adrenal antibodies, very long-chain fatty acids, 17-OH progesterone levels and catecholamine secretion, showed no abnormalities. 18Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/CT showed bilateral enlargement of the adrenal glands and bilateral presence of an adrenal nodule, with 18fluorodeoxyglucose accumulation. A positive tuberculin test and positive family history of tuberculosis were found, and tuberculostatic drugs were initiated. During the treatment with the tuberculostatic drugs the patient again developed complaints of adrenal insufficiency, due to insufficient dosage of hydrocortisone because of increased metabolism of hydrocortisone.
LEARNING POINTS
Shrinkage of the adrenal nodules following tuberculostatic treatment supports adrenal tuberculosis being the common aetiology. The tuberculostatic drug rifampicin is a CYP3A4 inducer, increasing the metabolism of hydrocortisone. Increase the hydrocortisone dosage upon initiation of rifampicin in case of (adrenal) tuberculosis. A notification on the Addison's emergency pass could be considered to heighten physician's and patients awareness of hydrocortisone drug interactions.
PubMed: 31581123
DOI: 10.1530/EDM-19-0062 -
International Journal of Environmental... Oct 2022A tuberculin skin test (TST) or interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) can be used to screen for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). Due to its low cost, TST has been... (Review)
Review
A tuberculin skin test (TST) or interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) can be used to screen for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). Due to its low cost, TST has been used particularly in underdeveloped countries. The limitations of TST were poor specificity in populations with a high prevalence of Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination and variability of test readers. IGRA is used as an alternative to TST in settings where higher costs can be supported. The lack of studies conducted in high TB incidence countries since previous review, and using relevant assessment tools of the quality appraisal make the need for updated studies and a more comprehensive systematic review. This study aimed to conduct a systematic review of published economic evaluations of screening strategies for LTBI in contacts of TB patients, assess the quality of these studies, and compare the assessment results related to a country's income level in order to provide information to other countries. The databases were searched in January 2022 including MEDLINE and Scopus. Two independent reviewers evaluated the included studies based on eligibility criteria, data extraction, and quality assessment. Eleven economic evaluations of LTBI diagnostic tests in TB contacts were included. Most studies were conducted in high-income countries (91%) and used cost-effectiveness analysis methods (73%). The quality assessment of reporting and data sources was appropriate, ranging from 71% to 89%. Interventions varied from study to study. The outcomes were cost per life years gained (27%), cost per quality-adjusted life year gained (27%), cost per TB case prevented (36%), and cost per close contact case (10%). In high-income countries which were not countries with high TB burden, the use of IGRA alone for screening TB contacts was cost-effective, whereas TST was cost-effective in only two studies. In comparison to TST, IGRA could reduce false-positive results, resulting in fewer patients undergoing TB treatment and preventive treatment.
Topics: Humans; Latent Tuberculosis; Cost-Benefit Analysis; BCG Vaccine; Tuberculin Test; Mass Screening; Tuberculosis
PubMed: 36294107
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192013529 -
Pediatrics Jan 2020The tuberculin skin test (TST) has been preferred for screening young children for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) because of concerns that interferon-γ release... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
OBJECTIVES
The tuberculin skin test (TST) has been preferred for screening young children for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) because of concerns that interferon-γ release assays (IGRAs) may be less sensitive in this high-risk population. In this study, we compared the predictive value of IGRAs to the TST for progression to tuberculosis disease in children, including those <5 years old.
METHODS
Children <15 years old at risk for LTBI or progression to disease were tested with TST, QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube test (QFT-GIT), and T-SPOT. test (T-SPOT) and followed actively for 2 years, then with registry matches, to identify incident disease.
RESULTS
Of 3593 children enrolled September 2012 to April 2016, 92% were born outside the United States; 25% were <5 years old. Four children developed tuberculosis over a median 4.3 years of follow-up. Sensitivities for progression to disease for TST and IGRAs were low (50%-75%), with wide confidence intervals (CIs). Specificities for TST, QFT-GIT, and T-SPOT were 73.4% (95% CI: 71.9-74.8), 90.1% (95% CI: 89.1-91.1), and 92.9% (95% CI: 92.0-93.7), respectively. Positive and negative predictive values for TST, QFT-GIT, and T-SPOT were 0.2 (95% CI: 0.1-0.8), 0.9 (95% CI: 0.3-2.5), and 0.8 (95% CI: 0.2-2.9) and 99.9 (95% CI: 99.7-100), 100 (95% CI: 99.8-100), and 99.9 (95% CI: 99.8-100), respectively. Of 533 children with TST-positive, IGRA-negative results not treated for LTBI, including 54 children <2 years old, none developed disease.
CONCLUSIONS
Although both types of tests poorly predict disease progression, IGRAs are no less predictive than the TST and offer high specificity and negative predictive values. Results from this study support the use of IGRAs for children, especially those who are not born in the United States.
Topics: Child; Child, Preschool; Disease Progression; Female; Humans; Infant; Interferon-gamma Release Tests; Latent Tuberculosis; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Mass Screening; Predictive Value of Tests; Sensitivity and Specificity; Tuberculin Test
PubMed: 31892518
DOI: 10.1542/peds.2019-1930 -
Clinical Infectious Diseases : An... Aug 2023Transcriptomic profiling of adults with tuberculosis (TB) has become increasingly common, predominantly for diagnostic and risk prediction purposes. However, few studies...
BACKGROUND
Transcriptomic profiling of adults with tuberculosis (TB) has become increasingly common, predominantly for diagnostic and risk prediction purposes. However, few studies have evaluated signatures in children, particularly in identifying those at risk for developing TB disease. We investigated the relationship between gene expression obtained from umbilical cord blood and both tuberculin skin test conversion and incident TB disease through the first 5 years of life.
METHODS
We conducted a nested case-control study in the Drakenstein Child Health Study, a longitudinal, population-based birth cohort in South Africa. We applied transcriptome-wide screens to umbilical cord blood samples from neonates born to a subset of selected mothers (N = 131). Signatures identifying tuberculin conversion and risk of subsequent TB disease were identified from genome-wide analysis of RNA expression.
RESULTS
Gene expression signatures revealed clear differences predictive of tuberculin conversion (n = 26) and TB disease (n = 10); 114 genes were associated with tuberculin conversion and 30 genes were associated with the progression to TB disease among children with early infection. Coexpression network analysis revealed 6 modules associated with risk of TB infection or disease, including a module associated with neutrophil activation in immune response (P < .0001) and defense response to bacterium (P < .0001).
CONCLUSIONS
These findings suggest multiple detectable differences in gene expression at birth that were associated with risk of TB infection or disease throughout early childhood. Such measures may provide novel insights into TB pathogenesis and susceptibility.
Topics: Child, Preschool; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Birth Cohort; Case-Control Studies; Fetal Blood; Latent Tuberculosis; South Africa; Transcriptome; Tuberculin; Tuberculin Test; Tuberculosis; Female
PubMed: 37144357
DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciad268 -
Medicine Nov 2022Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients may be at an elevated risk of developing active tuberculosis infection due to suppression in the cellular...
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients may be at an elevated risk of developing active tuberculosis infection due to suppression in the cellular immune system. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence of latent tuberculosis and active tuberculosis in patients with allogeneic and autologous HSCT. In this cohort, data were obtained retrospectively from patients' records. The patients who were followed up in the bone marrow transplantation unit of the University of Health Sciences Dr Abdurrahman Yurtaslan Ankara Oncology Education and Research Hospital between January 2016 and December 2019 were screened for the study. And the HSCT recipients who had tuberculin skin test and/or QuantiFERON-TB gold (QFT-GIT) test results were included in the study. A total of 361 patients were included in the study, 227 patients had autologous HSCT, and 134 patients had allogeneic HSCT. QFT-GIT was performed in 10 patients with allogeneic HSCT, and it was found positive in only 1 patient. Tuberculin skin test ≥5 mm was accepted as positive and was accepted to have latent tuberculosis, and it was positive in 18.2% (41) of the patients with autologous HSCT and was positive in 21.6% (29) of the patients with allogeneic HSCT. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups (P = .429). Isoniazid (INH) prophylaxis was started in 16.7% of patients with autologous HSCT and 22.4% of patients with allogeneic HSCT. During follow-up, active tuberculosis did not develop in any patients in both groups. There was no statistically significant difference found between allogeneic and autologous HSCT recipients regarding the prevalence of latent tuberculosis. Active tuberculosis infection did not develop in any of the patients who started INH prophylaxis. INH prophylaxis seems to be very efficient in preventing the reactivation of latent tuberculosis in patients going through allogeneic HSCT and/or autologous HSCT.
Topics: Humans; Adult; Latent Tuberculosis; Retrospective Studies; Tuberculin Test; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Tuberculosis
PubMed: 36401428
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000031786 -
Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics Jul 2022One quarter of the world's population has latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). Systemic immunosuppression is a risk factor for LTBI reactivation and the development of... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
One quarter of the world's population has latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). Systemic immunosuppression is a risk factor for LTBI reactivation and the development of active tuberculosis. Such reactivation carries a risk of significant morbidity and mortality. Despite the increasing global incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and the use of immune-based therapies, current guidelines on the testing and treatment of LTBI in patients with IBD are haphazard with a paucity of evidence.
AIM
To review the screening, diagnostic practices and medical management of LTBI in patients with IBD.
METHODS
Published literature was reviewed, and recommendations for testing and treatment were synthesised by experts in both infectious diseases and IBD.
RESULTS
Screening for LTBI should be performed proactively and includes assessment of risk factors, an interferon-gamma releasing assay or tuberculin skin test and chest X-ray. LTBI treatment in patients with IBD is scenario-dependent, related to geographical endemicity, travel and other factors. Ideally, LTBI therapy should be used prior to immune suppression but can be applied concurrently where urgent IBD medical treatment is required. Management is best directed by a multidisciplinary team involving gastroenterologists, infectious diseases specialists and pharmacists. Ongoing surveillance is recommended during therapy. Newer LTBI therapies show promise, but medication interactions need to be considered. There are major gaps in evidence, particularly with specific newer therapeutic approaches to IBD.
CONCLUSIONS
Proactive screening for LTBI is essential in patients with IBD undergoing immune-suppressing therapy and several therapeutic strategies are available. Reporting of real-world experience is essential to refining current management recommendations.
Topics: Humans; Immunosuppression Therapy; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases; Interferon-gamma Release Tests; Latent Tuberculosis; Mass Screening; Tuberculin Test; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
PubMed: 35596242
DOI: 10.1111/apt.16952 -
Cadernos de Saude Publica 2021Although tuberculosis preventive therapy is one of the cornerstones for eliminating the disease, many barriers exist in the cascade of care for latent tuberculosis...
Although tuberculosis preventive therapy is one of the cornerstones for eliminating the disease, many barriers exist in the cascade of care for latent tuberculosis infection, including the need to certify healthcare professionals for reading tuberculin skin tests (TST). This paper proposes and evaluates a simple protocol for TST reading training. Primary care workers from different backgrounds received a 2-hour theoretical course, followed by a practical course on bleb reading. Blebs were obtained by injecting saline into sausages and then in volunteers. A certified trainer then evaluated the effectiveness of this protocol by analyzing the trainees' ability to read TST induration in clinical routine, blinded to each other's readings. Interobserver agreement was analyzed using the Bland-Altman test. The trainees' reading accuracy was calculated using two cut-off points - 5 and 10mm - and the effect of the number of readings was analyzed using a linear mixed model. Eleven healthcare workers read 53 saline blebs and 88 TST indurations, with high agreement for TST reading (0.07mm average bias). Sensitivity was 100% (94.6; 100.0) at 5mm cut-off and 87.3% (75.5; 94.7) at 10mm cut-off. The regression model found no effect of the number of readings [coefficient: -0.007 (-0.055; 0.040)]. A simple training protocol for reading TST with saline blebs simulations in sausages and volunteers was sufficient to achieve accurate TST induration readings, with no effect observed for the number of readings. Training with saline blebs injected into voluntary individuals is safer and easier than the traditional method.
Topics: Brazil; Certification; Humans; Latent Tuberculosis; Primary Health Care; Tuberculin Test
PubMed: 34495087
DOI: 10.1590/0102-311X00027321 -
PloS One 2024No gold standard diagnostic test exists for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). The intra-dermal tuberculin skin test (TST) has known limitations and Interferon-gamma...
Tuberculin skin test and Interferon-gamma release assay agreement, and associated factors with latent tuberculosis infection, in medical and nursing students in Bandung, Indonesia.
BACKGROUND
No gold standard diagnostic test exists for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). The intra-dermal tuberculin skin test (TST) has known limitations and Interferon-gamma release assays (IGRA) have been developed as an alternative. We aimed to assess agreement between IGRA and TST, and risk factors for test positivity, in Indonesian healthcare students.
METHODS
Medical and nursing students starting their clinical training were screened using IGRA and TST. Agreement between the two tests was measured using Cohen's Kappa coefficient. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with test positivity.
RESULTS
Of 266 students, 43 (16.2%) were IGRA positive and 85 (31.9%) TST positive. Agreement between the two tests was 74.7% (kappa 0.33, 95% CI 0.21-0.45, P<0.0001). Students who had direct contact with family or friends with TB were less likely to be test positive using IGRA (AOR 0.18, 95% CI 0.05-0.64) and using TST (AOR 0.51, 95% CI 0.26-0.99).
CONCLUSION
Test positivity for LTBI was lower when measured by IGRA than by TST, with poor agreement between the two tests. Known close TB contact was unexpectedly negatively associated with positivity by either test. Longitudinal studies may be required to help determine the best test for LTBI in healthcare students in Indonesia.
Topics: Humans; Interferon-gamma Release Tests; Tuberculin Test; Indonesia; Latent Tuberculosis; Students, Nursing
PubMed: 38498488
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299874