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BMJ Global Health May 2024In Indonesia, a country with around 280 million people and the second-highest tuberculosis (TB) incidence rate in the world, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on TB...
"I pity the TB patient": a mixed methods study assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on TB services in two major Indonesian cities and distilling lessons for the future.
INTRODUCTION
In Indonesia, a country with around 280 million people and the second-highest tuberculosis (TB) incidence rate in the world, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on TB care needs careful assessment so that future response strategies can be strengthened. We conducted a study comparing TB testing and treatment rates before and during the first 2 years of the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia, and the reasons for any disruptions to care.
METHODS
We conducted retrospective secondary data analysis and qualitative interviews in Yogyakarta and Bandung, Indonesia. Routine data on TB testing and treatment were sourced from the national TB information system operated by the Indonesian Ministry of Health. TB testing and treatment outcomes were compared between two time periods: pre-COVID (2018-19); and during COVID-19 (2020-21). In-depth interviews were conducted with patients and health workers to explore their experiences in accessing and providing TB services during the pandemic.
RESULTS
There was a 45% (21 937/39 962) reduction in the number of patients tested for TB during the pandemic compared with pre-COVID-19, while the proportion of TB tests returning a positive result increased from 12% (4733/39 962) to 50% (10 945/21 937). The proportion of TB patients completing treatment increased by 2.6% during the pandemic, yet the proportion cured and the number of patients successfully treated both decreased (by 7% and 4.4%, respectively). Our qualitative interviews highlighted several factors influencing TB service access and delivery, including fear of being diagnosed with COVID-19 during TB-related clinic visits, fear of COVID-19 exposure among patients and health workers, healthcare facilities prioritising COVID-19 over other services, and mandatory mobility restrictions affecting both patients and health workers.
CONCLUSION
The COVID-19 pandemic impacted TB testing and treatment outcomes in Bandung and Yogyakarta. Policymakers should consider these findings in designing strategies to ensure TB services are maintained and supported during future health crises.
Topics: Humans; Indonesia; COVID-19; Female; Male; Retrospective Studies; Adult; Tuberculosis; Middle Aged; SARS-CoV-2; Pandemics; Young Adult; Qualitative Research; Health Services Accessibility; Adolescent; Cities
PubMed: 38760026
DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-014943 -
The Journal of International Medical... May 2024To explore the prevalence of type I and type II infection and investigate risk factors in a population from Hainan Province in China.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the prevalence of type I and type II infection and investigate risk factors in a population from Hainan Province in China.
METHODS
Data came from a large, cross-sectional study conducted from August 2022 to April 2023 involving five cities of Hainan. Subjects with confirmed 14C-urea breath test (UBT) and positive serological assay were included. All subjects had a gastroscopy. According to presence or absence of CagA/VacA proteins, subjects were classified as either type I (present) or type II strains (absent). Gastroscopic findings and several socio-demographic factors were examined for correlation with antibody serotyping.
RESULTS
In total, 410 subjects were investigated for strain types. The overall prevalence of the highly virulent, type I strain was 79% (324/410) and type II strain was 21% (86/410). There was a strong association between type I strain and peptic ulcer disease. Of several sociodemographic factors investigated, only smoking and data over baseline (DOB) values showed significant differences between type 1 and type II strains. Logistic regression analysis showed a lower risk of type I infection in smokers compared with non-smokers, and a higher risk of type I infection in subjects with medium and high data over baseline (DOB) values compared with subjects who had low DOB values.
CONCLUSION
Highly virulent, type I infections predominate in Hainan and the co-positivity of CagA and VacA antibodies are related to type I infection. We found that Type I was closely associated with peptic ulcer disease and the DOB values were generally high.
Topics: Humans; Helicobacter pylori; Male; Female; China; Helicobacter Infections; Middle Aged; Risk Factors; Cross-Sectional Studies; Adult; Bacterial Proteins; Prevalence; Antigens, Bacterial; Peptic Ulcer; Aged; Breath Tests; Antibodies, Bacterial
PubMed: 38759213
DOI: 10.1177/03000605241253454 -
Medicine May 2024There are multiple mechanisms by which The Coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) infection can cause electrolyte abnormalities, which may not be the case for bacterial causes of... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
There are multiple mechanisms by which The Coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) infection can cause electrolyte abnormalities, which may not be the case for bacterial causes of pneumonia. This study aimed to assess the differences in electrolyte levels between patients suffering from COVID-19 and bacterial pneumonia. This is an original, retrospective study. Two cohorts of hospitalized patients were included, 1 suffering from COVID-19 and the other from bacterial pneumonia. Their day 1 and day 3 levels of sodium, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus, as well as their outcomes, were extracted from the charts. Statistical analysis was subsequently performed. Mean admission levels of sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium were 135.64 ± 6.13, 4.38 ± 0.69, 3.53 ± 0.69, and 2.03 ± 0.51, respectively. The mean day 3 levels of these electrolytes were 138.3 ± 5.06, 4.18 ± 0.59, 3.578 ± 0.59, and 2.11 ± 0.64, respectively. Patients suffering from bacterial pneumonia were significantly older (N = 219, mean = 64.88 ± 15.99) than patients with COVID-19 pneumonia (N = 240, mean = 57.63 ± 17.87). Bacterial pneumonia group had significantly higher serum potassium (N = 211, mean = 4.51 ± 0.76), and magnesium (N = 115, mean = 2.12 ± 0.60) levels compared to COVID-19 group (N = 227, mean = 4.254 ± 0.60 for potassium and N = 118, mean = 1.933 ± 0.38 for magnesium). Only magnesium was significantly higher among day 3 electrolytes in the bacterial pneumonia group. No significant association between electrolyte levels and outcomes was seen. We found that COVID-19 patients had lower potassium and magnesium levels on admission, possibly due to the effect of COVID-19 on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system as well as patient characteristics and management. We did not find enough evidence to recommend using electrolyte levels as a determinator of prognosis, but more research is needed.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Male; Female; Retrospective Studies; Middle Aged; Aged; Hospitalization; Water-Electrolyte Imbalance; Pneumonia, Bacterial; Potassium; Magnesium; SARS-CoV-2; Electrolytes; Sodium; Phosphorus
PubMed: 38758907
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000037749 -
Medicine May 2024Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) pose a significant global health challenge with far-reaching social, economic, and public health implications. These infections have... (Review)
Review
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) pose a significant global health challenge with far-reaching social, economic, and public health implications. These infections have haunted humanity from ancient times to today, transcending geographical boundaries and cultural contexts. This article explores the multifaceted landscape of STDs, delving into their epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, and global response strategies. The global prevalence of STDs is staggering, with millions of new cases reported annually. Prominent among these infections is HIV/AIDS, which remains a major global health crisis, affecting over 38 million people worldwide. Additionally, bacterial STDs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis continue to pose significant health risks, with millions of new cases reported yearly. Beyond the physical manifestations, STDs have profound social and economic implications. They can result in severe reproductive health issues, stigma, discrimination, and psychological distress, burdening healthcare systems and affecting individuals' quality of life. The global response to STDs has been multifaceted, with international organizations and governments implementing various prevention and control strategies, including sexual education programs and scaling up access to testing and treatment. However, challenges persist, including disparities in healthcare access, sociocultural factors influencing transmission, and evolving pathogens with increasing resistance to treatment. Through case studies and real-world examples, we illuminate the human stories behind the statistics, highlighting the lived experiences of individuals grappling with STDs and the complex interplay of factors shaping their journeys. Ultimately, this review calls for continued research, innovative strategies, and sustained global commitment to mitigating the burden of STDs and promoting sexual health and well-being for all.
Topics: Humans; Global Health; Sexually Transmitted Diseases; Cost of Illness; Prevalence; Social Stigma
PubMed: 38758874
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000038199 -
Medicine May 2024Bilateral vestibulopathy is an important cause of imbalance. There are multiple etiologies of bilateral vestibulopathy (BVP), but reports of BVP due to otosyphilis are...
RATIONALE
Bilateral vestibulopathy is an important cause of imbalance. There are multiple etiologies of bilateral vestibulopathy (BVP), but reports of BVP due to otosyphilis are rare.
PATIENT CONCERNS
A 39-year-old male was referred to our medical center due to vertigo, persistent dizziness and gait disturbance for 2 months.
DIAGNOSES
Bilateral vestibulopathy due to otosyphilis was considered in this case, as confirmed through analyses of vestibular function, laboratory tests, and penicillin treatment.
INTERVENTIONS
The patient was was treated with a high dose of penicillin G (24 × 106 IU/d) for 14 days.
OUTCOMES
The patient's symptoms had improved greatly following treatment, with dizziness and gait disturbance having completely resolved at 3 months following hospital discharge.
LESSONS
Bilateral vestibulopathy should be considered when evaluating patients with acute or subacute persistent dizziness. Clinicians should also be aware of the potential for otosyphilis among patients who report BVP.
Topics: Humans; Male; Adult; Bilateral Vestibulopathy; Syphilis; Dizziness; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Penicillin G; Vertigo
PubMed: 38758873
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000038149 -
Medicine May 2024The study aims to estimate the incidence and risk factors of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) induced by anti-tuberculosis (TB) drugs. A single center retrospective... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
The study aims to estimate the incidence and risk factors of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) induced by anti-tuberculosis (TB) drugs. A single center retrospective analysis of patients taking anti-TB therapy from January 2016 to December 2018 in the hospital was conducted. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to identify these risk factors of ADRs induced by anti-TB drugs. Among 1430 patients receiving anti-TB therapy, 440 (30.77%) patients showed at least 1 ADR induced by anti-TB drugs. Hyperuricemia was the most common ADR, followed by hepatic function test abnormality, liver damage and gastrointestinal reactions. Significant differences (P < .05) were also seen in diabetes, age, treatment duration, type of TB (extrapulmonary) and some therapeutic regimens between ADR group and non-ADR group, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that treatment duration (OR = 1.029, 95%CI[1.018-1.040], P = .000), type of TB (extrapulmonary, OR = 1.487, 95%CI[1.134-1.952], P = .004) and some therapeutic regimens (HREZ, OR = 1.425, 95%CI[0.922-2.903], P = .001; HRZS, OR = 2.063, 95% CI[1.234-3.449], P = .006; HRZ, OR = 3.623, 95%CI[2.289-5.736], P = .000) were risk factors for ADRs induced by anti-TB drugs. Anti-TB drugs usually induced the occurrence of severe and frequent adverse effects, such as hyperuricemia. Treatment duration, HREZ, HRZS and HRZ regimens, and type of TB (extrapulmonary) should be considered as high-risk factors. Thus, it should be recommended to consider optimum management during anti-TB therapy, particularly hyperuricemia monitoring and hepatic function test.
Topics: Humans; Retrospective Studies; Antitubercular Agents; Male; Female; China; Middle Aged; Risk Factors; Adult; Aged; Incidence; Hyperuricemia; Tuberculosis; Hospitalization; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions
PubMed: 38758847
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000038273 -
PloS One 2024NDM-producing carbapenem-resistant bacterial infections became a challenge for clinicians. Combination therapy of aztreonam and ceftazidime-avibactam is a prudent choice...
NDM-producing carbapenem-resistant bacterial infections became a challenge for clinicians. Combination therapy of aztreonam and ceftazidime-avibactam is a prudent choice for these infections. However, there is still no recommendation of a practically feasible method for testing aztreonam and ceftazidime-avibactam synergy. We proposed a simple method for testing aztreonam and ceftazidime-avibactam synergy and compared it with reference broth micro-dilution and other methods. Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales clinical isolates were screened for the presence of the NDM gene by the Carba R test. NDM harbouring isolates were tested for aztreonam and ceftazidime-avibactam synergy by broth microdilution (reference method), E strip-disc diffusion, double disc diffusion, and disc replacement methods. In the newly proposed method, the MHA medium was supplemented with ceftazidime-avibactam (corresponding to an aztreonam concentration of 4μg/ml). The MHA medium was then inoculated with the standard inoculum (0.5 McFarland) of the test organism. An AZT disc (30 μg) was placed on the supplemented MHA medium, and the medium was incubated overnight at 37°C. Aztreonam zone diameter on the supplemented MHA medium (in the presence of ceftazidime-avibactam) was compared with that from a standard disc diffusion plate (without ceftazidime-avibactam), performed in parallel. Interpretation of synergy was based on the restoration of aztreonam zone diameter (in the presence of ceftazidime-avibactam) crossing the CLSI susceptibility breakpoint, i.e., ≥ 21 mm. Of 37 carbapenem-resistant NDM-producing isolates, 35 (94.6%) were resistant to aztreonam and tested synergy positive by the proposed method. Its sensitivity and specificity were 97.14% and 100%, respectively. Cohen's kappa value showed substantial agreement of the reference method with the proposed method (κ = 0.78) but no other methods. The proposed method is simple, easily interpretable, and showed excellent sensitivity, specificity, and agreement with the reference method. Therefore, the new method is feasible and reliable for testing aztreonam synergy with avibactam in NDM-producing Enterobacterales.
Topics: Ceftazidime; Aztreonam; Azabicyclo Compounds; Drug Combinations; beta-Lactamases; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Enterobacteriaceae; Humans; Drug Synergism; Enterobacteriaceae Infections
PubMed: 38758757
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303753 -
JAMA Network Open May 2024β-lactam (BL) allergies are the most common drug allergy worldwide, but most are reported in error. BL allergies are also well-established risk factors for adverse drug...
IMPORTANCE
β-lactam (BL) allergies are the most common drug allergy worldwide, but most are reported in error. BL allergies are also well-established risk factors for adverse drug events and antibiotic-resistant infections during inpatient health care encounters, but the understanding of the long-term outcomes of patients with BL allergies remains limited.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the long-term clinical outcomes of patients with BL allergies.
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS
This longitudinal retrospective cohort study was conducted at a single regional health care system in western Pennsylvania. Electronic health records were analyzed for patients who had an index encounter with a diagnosis of sepsis, pneumonia, or urinary tract infection between 2007 and 2008. Patients were followed-up until death or the end of 2018. Data analysis was performed from January 2022 to January 2024.
EXPOSURE
The presence of any BL class antibiotic in the allergy section of a patient's electronic health record, evaluated at the earliest occurring observed health care encounter.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
The primary outcome was all-cause mortality, derived from the Social Security Death Index. Secondary outcomes were defined using laboratory and microbiology results and included infection with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Clostridium difficile, or vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) and severity and occurrence of acute kidney injury (AKI). Generalized estimating equations with a patient-level panel variable and time exposure offset were used to evaluate the odds of occurrence of each outcome between allergy groups.
RESULTS
A total of 20 092 patients (mean [SD] age, 62.9 [19.7] years; 12 231 female [60.9%]), of whom 4211 (21.0%) had BL documented allergy and 15 881 (79.0%) did not, met the inclusion criteria. A total of 3513 patients (17.5%) were Black, 15 358 (76.4%) were White, and 1221 (6.0%) were another race. Using generalized estimating equations, documented BL allergies were not significantly associated with the odds of mortality (odds ratio [OR], 1.02; 95% CI, 0.96-1.09). BL allergies were associated with increased odds of MRSA infection (OR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.36-1.53), VRE infection (OR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.05-1.32), and the pooled rate of the 3 evaluated antibiotic-resistant infections (OR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.30-1.36) but were not associated with C difficile infection (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.94-1.16), stage 2 and 3 AKI (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.96-1.10), or stage 3 AKI (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.98-1.14).
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
Documented BL allergies were not associated with the long-term odds of mortality but were associated with antibiotic-resistant infections. Health systems should emphasize accurate allergy documentation and reduce unnecessary BL avoidance.
Topics: Humans; Drug Hypersensitivity; Female; Male; beta-Lactams; Retrospective Studies; Middle Aged; Aged; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Longitudinal Studies; Pennsylvania; Adult; Urinary Tract Infections; Risk Factors; Electronic Health Records
PubMed: 38758551
DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.12313 -
Euro Surveillance : Bulletin Europeen... May 2024Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are increasingly identified as Legionnaires' disease (LD) sources. An outbreak investigation was initiated following five LD cases...
Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are increasingly identified as Legionnaires' disease (LD) sources. An outbreak investigation was initiated following five LD cases reported in September 2022 in Houten, the Netherlands. Case identification was based on the European LD case definition, with symptom onset from 1 September 2022, residence in or within 5 km of Houten, or visit to Houten within the incubation period, without other likely sources. We sampled potential sources and genotyped environmental and clinical isolates. We identified 15 LD cases with onset between 13 September and 23 October 2022. A spatial source identification and wind direction model suggested an industrial (iWWTP) and a municipal WWTP (mWWTP) as potential sources, with the first discharging water into the latter. Both tested positive for serogroups 1 and 6 with multiple sequence types (ST). We detected sg1 ST42 in the mWWTP, matching with one of three available clinical isolates. Following control measures at the WWTPs, no further cases were observed. This outbreak underlines that municipal and industrial WWTPs can play an important role in community LD cases and outbreaks, especially those with favourable conditions for growth and dissemination, or even non-favourable conditions for growth but with the influx of contaminated water.
Topics: Legionnaires' Disease; Humans; Disease Outbreaks; Netherlands; Wastewater; Legionella pneumophila; Male; Middle Aged; Aged; Female; Water Microbiology; Water Purification; Adult; Genotype
PubMed: 38757288
DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2024.29.20.2300506 -
Euro Surveillance : Bulletin Europeen... May 2024At the end of 2022 and most notably during the first half of 2023, the number of invasive group A streptococcus (iGAS) notifications increased in Norway, largely...
At the end of 2022 and most notably during the first half of 2023, the number of invasive group A streptococcus (iGAS) notifications increased in Norway, largely affecting children younger than 10 years, as observed in several other countries. Following this atypical season, a new surge in the number of iGAS notifications began in December 2023 and peaked between January and February 2024, now particularly affecting both children younger than 10 years and older adults (70 years and above).
Topics: Humans; Norway; Streptococcal Infections; Streptococcus pyogenes; Aged; Child, Preschool; Child; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Adolescent; Incidence; Seasons; Aged, 80 and over; Infant; Adult; Age Distribution; Young Adult; Disease Notification; Population Surveillance
PubMed: 38757285
DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2024.29.20.2400242