Household Contacts Of Persons Research Articles

High Tuberculosis Preventive Treatment Uptake and Completion Rates Using a Person-Centered Approach among Tuberculosis Household Contact in Yogyakarta.

Coverage of tuberculosis preventive treatment (TPT) in Indonesia is inadequate, and persons who start TPT often do not complete treatment. In 2020, Zero TB Yogyakarta implemented person-centered contact investigation and shorter TPT regimen provision in collaboration with primary health care centers. Between 1 January 2020 and 31 August 2022, we assessed eligibility for TPT among household contacts of persons with bacteriologically confirmed TB (index cases) and offered them a 3-month TPT regimen (3RH or 3HP). A dedicated nurse monitored contacts on TPT for treatment adherence and side effects every week in the first month and every two weeks in the next months. Contacts were also able to contact a nurse by phone or ask for home visits at any point if they had any concerns. A total of 1016 contacts were eligible for TPT: 772 (78.8%) started short regimen TPT with 706 (91.5%) completing their TPT. Side effects were reported in 26 (39%) of the non-completion group. We conclude that high rates of TPT uptake and completion among contacts assessed as eligible for TPT can be achieved through person-centered care and the use of shorter regimens. Side-effect monitoring and management while on TPT is vital for improving TPT completion.

Latent TB and depressive symptoms in household contacts of persons with active TB.

BACKGROUND: Depression is common among persons with TB and is associated with poor clinical outcomes. However, little is known about the relationship between latent TB infection (LTBI) and depression. We assessed the association between LTBI and depressive symptoms among household contacts (HHCs) of patients receiving TB treatment.METHODS: We enrolled 1,009 HHCs of 307 patients receiving TB treatment in Lima, Peru, during 2016-2018. At enrollment, HHC LTBI status was assessed using the interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA). Depressive symptoms were assessed at baseline and 12 months later using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) with a cut-off of <inline-formula id="IE1"><mml:math display="inline"><mml:mo>≥</mml:mo></mml:math></inline-formula>5. We used logistic regression to estimate the odds ratio (OR) for PHQ-9 <inline-formula id="IE2"><mml:math display="inline"><mml:mo>≥</mml:mo></mml:math></inline-formula>5, comparing HHCs with and without baseline LTBI.RESULTS: Among 921 HHCs, 374 (41.0%) had LTBI at baseline, and 69 (12.4%) of 567 HHCs had PHQ-9 <inline-formula id="IE3"><mml:math display="inline" id="im1"><mml:mo>≥</mml:mo></mml:math></inline-formula>5. Compared to HHCs without LTBI at enrollment, those with LTBI had almost two times the odds of PHQ-9 <inline-formula id="IE4"><mml:math display="inline" id="im2"><mml:mo>≥</mml:mo></mml:math></inline-formula>5 at follow-up after controlling for potential confounders (adjusted OR 1.93, 95% CI 1.09-3.39); this association was driven by greater severities of depressive symptoms.CONCLUSION: HHCs with LTBI had increased odds of depressive symptoms 1 year later. This population may benefit from mental health screening and interventions integrated into TB programs.

ADENOCARCINOMA OF THE LUNG MIMICKING MILIARY TB AND POTT DISEASE

ADENOCARCINOMA OF THE LUNG MIMICKING MILIARY TB AND POTT DISEASE

Diagnostic accuracy of a commercially available, deep learning-based chest X-ray interpretation software for detecting culture-confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis

Few evaluations of computer-aided detection (CAD) software for analyzing chest radiographs for tuberculosis have used mycobacterial culture as the reference standard. Using data from a prospective study of symptomatic adults and household contacts of persons with tuberculosis who were seeking care in Karachi, we evaluated the accuracy of LUNIT INSIGHT version 3.1.0.0 (LUNIT, South Korea) for detecting pulmonary tuberculosis in the triage use case. The reference standard was liquid culture. We estimated the diagnostic accuracy using three developer-recommended threshold scores for tuberculosis: 15, 30, and 45. A total 269 of 2190 (12%) participants had culture-confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis. LUNIT-reported abnormalities of nodule, consolidation, fibrosis, and pleural effusion were more common with culture-confirmed tuberculosis. At the tuberculosis threshold score of 30, sensitivity and specificity were, respectively, 87.7% [95% CI: 83.2-91.4%] and 64.3% [62.1-66.4%]. Sensitivity was similar at scores of 15, 88.1% [95% CI: 83.6-91.7%] and 45, 86.6% [82.0 - 90.5%]; and specificity was 57.9% [55.7-60.2%] and 69.9% [67.8-71.9%], respectively. Sensitivity was lower for smear-negative disease, and specificity was lower with increasing age, previous tuberculosis, and decreasing body mass index. Diabetes and tobacco smoking did not modify accuracy. In a population where most tuberculosis was smear-positive, LUNIT-reported radiographic abnormalities were associated with culture-confirmed disease. Manufacturer-recommended threshold scores had limited sensitivity.

Collect Once, Use Many Times: Attaining Unified Metrics for Tuberculosis Preventive Treatment for People Living With HIV

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends providing tuberculosis preventive treatment (TPT) to all persons living with HIV and to all household contacts of persons with bacteriologically confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis disease. Regrettably, the absence of a harmonized data collection and management approach to TPT indicators has contributed to programmatic challenges at local, national, and global levels. However, in April 2020, the WHO launched the Consolidated HIV Strategic Information Guidelines, with an updated set of priority indicators. These guidelines recommend that Ministries of Health collect, report, and use data on TPT completion in addition to TPT initiation. Both indicators are reflected in the WHO’s list of 15 core indicators for program management and are also required by the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief’s Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting (MER) guidance. Although not perfectly harmonized, both frameworks now share essential indicator characteristics. Aligned indicators are necessary for robust strategic and operational planning, resource allocation, and data communication. “Collect once, use many times” is a best practice for strategic information management. Building harmonized and sustainable health systems will enable countries to successfully maintain essential HIV, tuberculosis, and other health services while combatting new health threats.

Public Health Response to the Initiation and Spread of Pandemic COVID-19 in the United States, February 24-April 21, 2020.

From January 21 through February 23, 2020, a total of 14 cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) were diagnosed in six U.S. states, including 12 cases in travelers arriving from China and two in household contacts of persons with confirmed infections. An additional 39 cases were identified in persons repatriated from affected areas outside the United States (1). Starting in late February, reports of cases with no recent travel to affected areas or links to known cases signaled the initiation of pandemic spread in the United States (2). By mid-March, transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, had accelerated, with rapidly increasing case counts indicating established transmission in the United States. Ongoing traveler importation of SARS-CoV-2, attendance at professional and social events, introduction into facilities or settings prone to amplification, and challenges in virus detection all contributed to rapid acceleration of transmission during March. Public health responses included intensive efforts to detect cases and trace contacts, and implementation of multiple community mitigation strategies. Because most of the population remains susceptible to infection, recognition of factors associated with amplified spread during the early acceleration period will help inform future decisions as locations in the United States scale back some components of mitigation and strengthen systems to detect a potential transmission resurgence. U.S. circulation of SARS-CoV-2 continues, and sustained efforts will be needed to prevent future spread within the United States.

A study of household contacts of persons affected by leprosy with a high bacterial index

A study of household contacts of persons affected by leprosy with a high bacterial index

Active contact investigation and treatment support: an integrated approach in rural and urban Sindh, Pakistan

Although household contacts of persons with tuberculosis (TB) have high rates of active TB, contact investigations are often not conducted. We present the results from a large-scale active contact investigation combined with treatment support in Sindh, Pakistan. Trained lay workers visited consenting smear-positive index patient homes in seven urban and 15 rural facilities. People with suspected TB were provided free transport to diagnostic centres, and sputum samples were collected for microscopy. Those diagnosed with smear-positive TB were given food baskets and sent text reminders to promote adherence. From 3037 index cases, 19,191 household contacts were screened for TB symptoms and 3478 (18.1%) symptomatic persons were identified. Of these, 2160 (62.1%) produced sputum samples on the spot for testing and 490 (22.7%) had smear-positive results. TB prevalence in urban households was 1504 per 100,000 population compared to 4044/100,000 in rural households (P < 0.001) and 2553/100,000 overall. Treatment success was high, with 80.4% cured and 17.6% completing treatment. Lay workers given basic training can conduct active contact investigations and provide treatment support to improve case detection and treatment outcomes in urban and rural areas of Pakistan. In areas with high levels of undiagnosed TB, particularly in rural areas, contact investigation should be prioritised as a means of improving case detection and early diagnosis.

Childhood Influenza Vaccination Coverage—United States, 2004-05 Influenza Season

Children aged <2 years are at increased risk for influenza-related hospitalizations, and children aged 24-59 months are more likely than older children to visit a clinic, hospital, or emergency department with influenza-associated illness. In 2002, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) encouraged annual influenza vaccinations for children aged 6-23 months (and for household contacts of and out-of-home caregivers for children aged <2 years). For the 2004-05 influenza season, ACIP strengthened its encouragement to a full recommendation. For the upcoming 2006-07 influenza season, ACIP has further extended its recommendation to include all children aged 6-59 months (and their household contacts and out-of-home caregivers). Others recommended to receive influenza vaccination include children aged 6-18 years who have certain high-risk medical conditions, are on chronic aspirin therapy, or who are household contacts of persons at high risk for influenza complications. This report provides an assessment of influenza vaccination coverage among children aged 6-23 months during the 2004-05 influenza season. The findings demonstrate that vaccination coverage in that age group approximately doubled from the 2003-04 influenza season, with substantial variability among states and urban areas. However, the percentage of fully vaccinated children remained low, underscoring the need for increased measures to improve pediatric vaccination coverage and ongoing monitoring of coverage among young children and their close contacts.

Prevention of invasive group A streptococcal disease among household contacts of case patients and among postpartum and postsurgical patients: recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention hosted a workshop to formulate recommendations for the control of invasive group A streptococcal (GAS) disease among household contacts of persons with invasive GAS infections and for responding to postpartum and postsurgical invasive GAS infections. Experts reviewed data on the risk of subsequent invasive GAS infection among household contacts of case patients, the effectiveness of chemoprophylactic regimens for eradicating GAS carriage, and the epidemiology of postpartum and postsurgical GAS infection clusters. For household contacts of index patients, routine screening for and chemoprophylaxis against GAS are not recommended. Providers and public health officials may choose to offer chemoprophylaxis to household contacts who are at an increased risk of sporadic disease or mortality due to GAS. One nosocomial postpartum or postsurgical invasive GAS infection should prompt enhanced surveillance and isolate storage, whereas > or =2 cases caused by the same strain should prompt an epidemiological investigation that includes the culture of specimens from epidemiologically linked health care workers.

Oseltamivir reduced new cases of influenza in household contacts of persons with clinical or confirmed influenza

Oseltamivir reduced new cases of influenza in household contacts of persons with clinical or confirmed influenza

Postexposure prophylaxis with inhaled zanamivir was efficacious for household contacts of persons with influenza

Postexposure prophylaxis with inhaled zanamivir was efficacious for household contacts of persons with influenza

Seasonal, nontoxigenic Vibrio cholerae 01 Ogawa infections in the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia

Background: Surveillance for Vibrio cholerae in the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia has been ongoing since 1985 to detect and prevent local proliferation of imported cholera. In 1996 and 1997 the authors performed additional microbiologic and epidemiologic assessment of V. cholerae surveillance to better characterize a recurrent summertime pattern of V. cholerae infections in the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia. Methods: All health facilities routinely submitted stool or rectal swab specimens for isolation of V. cholerae from patients with gastroenteritis. In addition, specimens were taken from expatriate workers and household contacts of persons with confirmed V. cholerae infection. Forty-two isolates were evaluated for cholera enterotoxin by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, cholera toxin polymerase chain reaction, and Y1 adrenal cell assay; 12 isolates also were characterized by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Interviews about potential exposures were done for all V. cholerae infections. Results: Vibrio cholerae O1 serotype Ogawa biotype El Tor was identified in q113 gastroenteritis patients (6.0 per 100,00 population per year), 28 asymptomatic expatriate workers, and 16 of 982 household contacts of index patients. All symptomatic infected persons had mild illness that was not typical of cholera, and all 42 isolates evaluated were nontoxigenic. All 12 isolates evaluated by PFGE had an indistinguishable pattern (pattern 81). Infections appeared in late May, decreased in mid-July through August, increased again in September, and disappeared from December through April. Infections had a uniform geographic distribution and affected all ages. No linkage was identified between affected households, or between community cases and food-handlers or domestic servants. Discussion: Surveillance in the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia has identified a novel strain of nontoxigenic V. cholera 01 Ogawa. This strain probably has a local environmental reservoir. Since cholera toxin is the primary virulence factor involved in the cause of cholera, assays for cholera toxin should be included in cholera surveillance.

Prevention of Neisseria meningitidis

Neisseria meningitidis causes approximately 3000 cases of invasive disease annually in the United States. A high rate of nasopharyngeal carriage occurs in household contacts of persons with invasive disease. During an epidemic (a situation that is more common outside of the United States), secondary attack rates in family members may be as high as 4% to 5%. Following a sporadic case of meningococcal disease, the secondary attack rate is approximately 3 per 1000 household members. Chemoprophylaxis has been very effective in preventing secondary spread of infection, especially if used within 24 h of diagnosing a primary case. Groups that become carriers and should receive chemoprophylaxis are the most likely to have had contact with the oral secretions of a case of invasive meningococcal infection.

Incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis.

SUMMARy --- _ In rural South India, the incidence of new cases of pulmonary tuberculosis proved by sputum culture among persons with normal photofluorograms was estimated to be 5 per 10,000 persons of each sex; when radiograph.ically proved but culture negative cases were included, the incidence was 16 per 10,000 males and 11 per 10,000 females. The rates were greater among older persons, reactors to tuberculin, and household contacts of persons whose sputum was shown by culture to contain tubercle bacilli. Of the 133 new cases proved by culture, 79 were persons whose initial photofluorograms had some abnormality, but whose sputum initially contained no Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The incidence, prevalence, and case fatality rates differed markedly among different age groups in the 2 sexes. The difference between incidence and case fatality rates seemed to influence the prevalence rates in the 2 sexes.