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Clinical Infectious Diseases : An... Jan 2021Transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in healthcare settings is a preventable driver of the global tuberculosis epidemic. We aimed to assess the evidence for...
BACKGROUND
Transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in healthcare settings is a preventable driver of the global tuberculosis epidemic. We aimed to assess the evidence for infection control interventions, including cough etiquette, engineering and personal respiratory protection measures, to prevent transmission of M. tuberculosis in healthcare settings.
METHODS
Three independent systematic reviews were performed using 6 databases and clinical trials websites. Randomized trials, cohort studies, before-after studies, and case-control studies were included. Searches were performed for controlled studies evaluating respiratory hygiene, engineering, and personal respiratory protection measures. Outcome measures included the incidence of tuberculosis infection and disease. Studies involving transmission to either humans or animals were included.
RESULTS
Evaluation of respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette interventions identified 4 human studies, with 22 855 participants, and 1 guinea pig study. Studies in humans evaluated the effects of multiple concurrent interventions. Patient use of surgical masks reduced infection by 14.8%, and tuberculosis disease was reduced by between 0.5% and 28.9%. Engineering and environmental interventions were evaluated in 10 studies of humans, including 31 776 human participants, and 2 guinea pig studies. Mechanical ventilation was associated with between 2.9% and 14% less infection. Nine studies of personal respiratory protection were included, including 33 913 participants. Infection was reduced by between 0% and 14.8% in studies where particulate respirators were used. The quality of included studies was assessed as low.
CONCLUSIONS
Respiratory hygiene, engineering, and environmental infection controls and personal respiratory protection interventions were associated with reduced transmission of M. tuberculosis and reduced tuberculosis disease in healthcare settings.
Topics: Animals; Guinea Pigs; Humans; Infection Control; Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional; Masks; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Tuberculosis
PubMed: 32502271
DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa719 -
Infectious Diseases (London, England) Jun 2018Nontuberculous mycobacterium (NTM) infections are important complications in renal transplant recipients. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Nontuberculous mycobacterium (NTM) infections are important complications in renal transplant recipients.
METHODS
Cases of NTM diseases post-renal transplantation published in English were identified in the PubMed database. The clinical and laboratory characteristics of these cases were reviewed.
RESULTS
One-hundred and fifteen cases of NTM infection in renal transplant recipients in 100 articles were identified. The median time of NTM infection from renal transplantation was 37 months (range, 3 d to 252 months). Disseminated disease (40.0%) was the most common manifestation of NTM infection in renal transplant recipients. The main diagnostic procedure was culture combined with histopathological examination (38.3%). Thirteen NTM species were identified; the most common pathogen was Mycobacterium chelonae (19.1%). The anti-Mycobacterium treatment lasted more than 12 months in 43.3% of the recorded patients. During the treatment, 30.2% of the recipients lost kidney graft function and 20.9% died from NTM infection and/or other complications, including cardiac death and respiratory failure.
CONCLUSIONS
NTM infection is easily neglected. Physicians must keep a high suspicion for NTM infections in renal transplant recipients.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Kidney Transplantation; Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous; Nontuberculous Mycobacteria; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 29400108
DOI: 10.1080/23744235.2017.1411604 -
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 -
Journal of Perinatology : Official... Feb 2016This article reports the recommendations for managing neonatal tuberculosis (TB) drawn up by a group of Italian scientific societies. The Consensus Conference method was... (Review)
Review
This article reports the recommendations for managing neonatal tuberculosis (TB) drawn up by a group of Italian scientific societies. The Consensus Conference method was used, and relevant publications in English were identified through a systematic review of MEDLINE and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews from their inception until 31 December 2014. Group experts concluded that if suspicion is aroused, it is necessary to undertake promptly all of the investigations useful for identifying the disease not only in the newborn, but also in the mother and family contacts because a diagnosis of TB in the family nucleus can guide its diagnosis and treatment in the newborn. If the suspicion is confirmed, empirical treatment should be started. Breast-fed newborns being treated with isoniazid should be given pyridoxine supplementation at a dose of 1 mg kg(-1) day(-1). Mothers with active-phase TB can breast-feed once they have become smear negative after having received appropriate treatment.
Topics: Antitubercular Agents; Breast Feeding; Delphi Technique; Disease Management; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Tuberculosis
PubMed: 26270256
DOI: 10.1038/jp.2015.99 -
Ethiopian Journal of Health Sciences Sep 2023Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) have been reported to cause pulmonary and extrapulmonary infections. These NTMs are often misdiagnosed as MTB due to their similar... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) have been reported to cause pulmonary and extrapulmonary infections. These NTMs are often misdiagnosed as MTB due to their similar clinical presentations to tuberculosis, leading to inappropriate treatment and increased morbidity and mortality rates. This literature review aims to provide an overview of the prevalence, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and management of NTM infections in Africa.
METHODS
A systematic search was performed using various electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The search was limited to studies published in the English language from 2000 to 2021. The following keywords were used: "non-tuberculous mycobacteria", "NTM", "Africa", and "prevalence". Studies that focused solely on the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex or those that did not report prevalence rates were excluded. Data extraction was performed on eligible studies. Overall, a total of 32 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review.
RESULTS
In our literature review, we identified a total of 32 studies that reported non-tuberculosis mycobacteria (NTM) in Africa. The majority of these studies were conducted in South Africa, followed by Ethiopia and Nigeria. The most commonly isolated NTM species were Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), Mycobacterium fortuitum, and Mycobacterium abscessus. Many of the studies reported a high prevalence of NTM infections among HIV-positive individuals. Other risk factors for NTM infection included advanced age, chronic lung disease, and previous tuberculosis infection.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, this literature review highlights the significant burden of non-tuberculosis mycobacteria infections in Africa. The prevalence of these infections is high, and they are often misdiagnosed due to their similarity to tuberculosis. The lack of awareness and diagnostic tools for non-tuberculosis mycobacteria infections in Africa is a major concern that needs to be addressed urgently. It is crucial to improve laboratory capacity and develop appropriate diagnostic algorithms for these infections.
Topics: Humans; Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous; Nontuberculous Mycobacteria; Africa; Prevalence
PubMed: 38784502
DOI: 10.4314/ejhs.v33i5.21 -
BMC Infectious Diseases Oct 2023Tuberculosis (TB) and intestinal helminths have huge public health importance, and they are geographically overlapped. Data about the burden of intestinal helminth and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
Tuberculosis (TB) and intestinal helminths have huge public health importance, and they are geographically overlapped. Data about the burden of intestinal helminth and TB co-infection in these areas are fragmented. In this systematic review and meta-analysis we compile the current literatures and generate pooled prevalence. We also identity factors associated with intestinal helminth co-infection among TB patients.
METHODS
Original articles published in English language up to March 23, 2022 were systematically searched from electronic database (PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Science Direct, Google Scholars and HINARI). The search was done using medical subject heading terms and keywords. Identified articles were exported into the EndNote library. The identified articles were screened using PRISMA flow diagram. Then the methodological quality of included articles was evaluated and rated using the modified version of Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Data were extracted using Microsoft Excel. Sensitivity analysis and Egger regression test were used for the assessment of heterogeneity and publication bias. Finally the results are presented with a meta-analysis of pooled estimates, forest plots, and tables. The quantitative data were analyzed using Stata version 14.
RESULTS
From a total of 5457 searched articles, 22 eligible articles were included in the review. The pooled prevalence of helminth co-infection among TB cases was 29.69% (95%CI: 21.10, 38.29). TB patients were found to more frequently harbor one or more intestinal helminths than TB negative individuals (OR = 1.72 (95%CI: 1.20, 2.48)). Among the reported helminths, Schistosoma mansoni and Strongyloides stercoralis had the highest pooled prevalence among TB cases. However, unlike other individual helminths, only Strongyloides stercoralis (OR = 2.67 (95% CI, 1.20-6.76)) had significant association with TB cases compared to TB negatives. BMI was significantly associated with intestinal helminth co-infection among TB patients (OR = 2.75 (95%CI: 1.19, 6.38)).
CONCLUSIONS
Patients with TB have been shown to harbor co-infection with one or more intestinal helminths with considerable proportions when compared with TB-negative individuals. The higher prevalence of helminth infection in TB cases might indicate that co-infection promotes active TB disease. Thus, routine intestinal helminth screening and assessment of their nutritional status is suggested for TB patients.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Coinfection; Risk Factors; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary; Tuberculosis; Helminths; Africa; Asia
PubMed: 37899439
DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08716-9 -
Irish Journal of Medical Science Aug 2022The World Health Organisation (WHO) End Tuberculosis (TB) Strategy and the WHO Framework Towards Tuberculosis Elimination in Low Incidence Countries state that latent... (Review)
Review
The World Health Organisation (WHO) End Tuberculosis (TB) Strategy and the WHO Framework Towards Tuberculosis Elimination in Low Incidence Countries state that latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) screening and treatment in selected high-risk groups is a priority action to eliminate TB. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) advises that this should be done through high-quality programmatic management, which they describe as having six key components. The research aim was to systematically review the literature to identify what is known about the epidemiology of LTBI and the uptake and completion of LTBI screening and treatment in Ireland to inform the programmatic management of LTBI nationally. A systematic literature review was performed according to a review protocol and reported in adherence with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement. Twenty-eight studies were eligible for inclusion and described LTBI screening or treatment performed in one of five contexts, pre-biologic or other immunosuppression screening, people living with HIV, TB case contacts, other vulnerable populations, or healthcare workers. The risk of bias across studies with regard to prevalence of LTBI was generally high. One study reported a complete cascade of LTBI care from screening initiation to treatment completion. This systematic review has described what published research there is on the epidemiology and cascade of LTBI care in Ireland and identified knowledge gaps. A strategy for addressing these knowledge gaps has been proposed.
Topics: Humans; Incidence; Ireland; Latent Tuberculosis; Mass Screening; Tuberculosis
PubMed: 34595689
DOI: 10.1007/s11845-021-02779-w -
Medical Principles and Practice :... 2020Nocardiosis is a neglected tropical disease. It has varied geographical presence and a spectrum of clinical presentations. This review aims to focus on the epidemiology...
Nocardiosis is a neglected tropical disease. It has varied geographical presence and a spectrum of clinical presentations. This review aims to focus on the epidemiology of nocardial infections with a systematic approach to their diagnosis and treatment. Nocardiacauses chronic infections and ailments, and may remain cryptic but progressive in its course. Unless suspected, diagnosis can be easily missed resulting in increased morbidity and mortality. Thorough knowledge of local epidemiology, demography, clinical course and presentation, diagnostic modalities, and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of the prevalent Nocardia species is essential to curb spread of this infection. This is a systematic review in which internet search has been done for citation indices (Embase, PubMed, Ovid, and other individual journals) till March 2020 utilizing the following key words "Nocardia," "taxonomy," "prevalence," "clinical features," "diagnosis," "treatment," and "susceptibility." We selected a total of 87 review articles, case series, and case reports all in English language.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Coinfection; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Global Health; Humans; Neglected Diseases; Nocardia Infections; Recurrence; Severity of Illness Index
PubMed: 32422637
DOI: 10.1159/000508717 -
The International Journal of... Aug 2011Children infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis have significant risk of developing tuberculosis(TB) and can therefore benefit from preventive therapy. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Children infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis have significant risk of developing tuberculosis(TB) and can therefore benefit from preventive therapy.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the value of interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs) and the tuberculin skin test (TST)in the diagnosis of TB infection and disease in children.
METHODS
Thirty-three studies were included, assessing commercial IGRAs (QuantiFERON®-TB [QFT] andT-SPOT.®TB) and TST. Reference standards for infection were incident TB or TB exposure. Test performance for disease diagnosis was evaluated in studies assessing children with confirmed and/or clinically diagnosed TB,compared to children where TB was excluded.
RESULTS
Two small studies measured incident TB in children tested with QFT and found weak positive predictive value. Association of test response with exposure-categorized dichotomously or as a gradient-was similar for all tests. The sensitivity and specificity of all tests were similar in diagnosing the disease. Stratified analysis suggested lower sensitivity for all tests in young or human immuno deficiency virus infected children.
CONCLUSIONS
Available data suggest that TST and IGRAs have similar accuracy for the detection of TB infection or the diagnosis of disease in children. Heterogeneous methodology limited the comparability of studies and the interpretation of results. A rigorous, standardized approach to evaluate TB diagnostic tests in children is needed.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Child, Preschool; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Humans; Interferon-gamma; Latent Tuberculosis; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Predictive Value of Tests; Reproducibility of Results; Sensitivity and Specificity; T-Lymphocytes; Tuberculin Test; Tuberculosis
PubMed: 21669030
DOI: 10.5588/ijtld.10.0631 -
Clinical Microbiology and Infection :... Aug 2023Since 2013, heater-cooler unit (HCU) associated Mycobacterium chimaera infections linked to a global outbreak have been described. These infections were characterised by... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Clinical characteristics and outcome of Mycobacterium chimaera infections after cardiac surgery: systematic review and meta-analysis of 180 heater-cooler unit-associated cases.
OBJECTIVES
Since 2013, heater-cooler unit (HCU) associated Mycobacterium chimaera infections linked to a global outbreak have been described. These infections were characterised by high morbidity and mortality due to delayed diagnosis, as well as challenges in antimycobacterial and surgical therapy. This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and outcome of published cases of HCU-associated M. chimaera infections.
METHODS
We searched PubMed and the Web of Science until 15 June 2022 for case reports, case series, and cohort studies, without language restriction, on patients with M. chimaera infection and a prior history of cardiac surgery. In this systematic review of case reports, no risk of bias assessment could be performed. Clinical, microbiological, and radiological features were recorded. Logistic regression and time-to-event analyses were performed to identify the potential factors associated with better survival.
RESULTS
One hundred eighty patients from 54 publications were included. Most patients underwent surgical aortic valve (67.0%; 118/176 of patients with available data) or combined aortic valve and root replacement (15.3%; 27/176). The median period between the time point of surgery and the first symptoms was 17 months (interquartile range 13-26 months). The overall case fatality rate was 45.5% (80/176), with a median survival of 24 months after the initiation of antimycobacterial therapy or diagnosis. A reoperation (including the removal or exchange of foreign material) was associated with better survival in multivariate logistic regression (OR 0.32 for lethal events; 95% CI 0.12-0.79; p 0.015) and in time-to-event analysis (p 0.0094).
DISCUSSION
This systematic review and meta-analysis confirm the high overall mortality of HCU -associated disseminated M. chimaera infections after cardiac surgery. A reoperation seems to be associated with better survival. Physicians have to stay aware of this infection, as patients might still be present today due to the long latency period.
Topics: Humans; Mycobacterium Infections; Mycobacterium; Cardiac Surgical Procedures; Mycobacterium avium Complex; Equipment Contamination; Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous
PubMed: 36918144
DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2023.03.005