Prevalence Of Smear Positive Pulmonary Tuberculosis Research Articles

Prevalence of Smear-Positive, Rifampicin-Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Related Factors Among Residents with Cough in Northern Ethiopian Refugee Health Facilities.

To ascertain the prevalence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) among refugees suspected of tuberculosis (TB) and related risk factors, including smear-positive and Rifampicin-resistant M.tb. A cross-sectional study was conducted between January 2020 and May 2020 among 384 refugees in four refugee camps in Northwest Tigray, Ethiopia. Socio-demographic and clinical data were collected from refugees with a history of cough for more than two weeks prospectively. Spot-spot sputum samples were collected and transported in an ice box to the Shire Suhul Hospital Microbiology laboratory; and then examined using a Fluorescent Microscope. All smear-positive samples were further processed by GeneXpert to detect Rifampicin-resistant MTB. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21 and a p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. The overall prevalence of smear-positive PTB infection was 5.5% (21/384), but No TB case was resistant to Rifampicin detected by GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay. About 70% of the smear-positive pulmonary TB identified were females. Five (23.8%) of the smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis cases were co-infected by HIV. Sharing of drink and food materials (AOR = 4.36, 95% CI = 1.19-15.89), active TB contact (AOR 7.24, 95% CI = 1.62-32.125), BMI (AOR = 5.23, 95% CI = 1.28-21.29), opening window practice (AOR = 4.32, 95% CI = 1.02-18.30) and HIV status (AOR = 9.36, 95% CI = 1.64-53.35) were statistically significant predisposing factors. The prevalence of smear-positive pulmonary TB among northwest Tigray refugee camps was still high. The prevalence of TB/HIV co-infection was also high. Minimizing close contact with active TB cases, reducing malnutrition, rapid TB/HIV screening, and establishing a ventilation system can reduce the transmission of TB among refugees.

Pulmonary Tuberculosis Prevalence and Associated Factors Among Adult Patients Visiting Finchwa Health Center, West Guji Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Background: Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the name of the microorganism that causes tuberculosis. The bacteria typically affect the lungs, but if not adequately treated, it can affect any part of the body, such as the kidney, spine, and brain. In Ethiopia, tuberculosis is a significant public health issue. However, no epidemiological research in the study area has been recorded. Objective: The study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis and associated risk factors PTB presumptive patients who visited the Finchawa Health Center from November 2022 to February 2023. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 273 study participants. Structured questionnaire was used to gather sociodemographic and risk factor information. Sputum samples were taken from the study participants and analyzed under a microscope. Data were analyzed by using SPSS Version-25 software. Binary logistic regression analysis adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with respective 95% confidence interval (CI) and the threshold for statistical significance was set at p 0.05. Result: The prevalence of smear-positive Tb among presumptive patients was 4.8% with 95% CI (2.24–7.29). Prevalence of PTB with HIV co-infections, and PTB with diabetes mellitus (DM) comorbidity were 38.5%, and 27.3%, respectively. In comparison to their counterparts, having a family size greater than five (AOR = 5.15, 95% CI. = 1.46- 18.29), having a history of family contact (AOR = 6.7, 95% CI. = 1.78-22.99) and having a history of Tb infection (AOR = 4.76, 95% CI. I = 1.05-21.62) were all found to be predictors for developing smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis. Conclusion: The prevalence of smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis in the Finchawa health center was found to be high. Therefore, zonal and town health departments should emphasize detailed tracing of presumptive, regular assessment of PTB suspects and refer to public health care institutions for early diagnosis and initiation of anti-TB treatment.

Sex-related differences in smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Prevalence and associated factors.

Smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) is more infectious compared to smear-negative PTB and have great significance for epidemiology and infection control. The prevalence of smear-positive PTB rarely affects males and females equally. Hence, we aimed to identify the sex-related differences in the prevalence of smear-positive PTB and its associated factors in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the National Tuberculosis Information System (TBIS) from 1 January, 2015, to 31 December, 2019. The study population was selected using simple random sampling from the list of registered PTB patients in TBIS. The criteria for inclusion were all Malaysian adults aged ≥18 years residing in Kuala Lumpur and registered as PTB in TBIS. Factors associated with smear-positive PTB in male and female patients were determined using multiple logistic regression analysis. Overall prevalence of smear-positive PTB was 68.6%, and male patients predominated (71%). The male:female prevalence ratio of smear-positive PTB was 2.4:1. Male patients who worked as machine operators and elementary workers (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.23, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.24–4.02, p = 0.007), were self-employed (aOR 2.58, 95% CI 1.46–4.56, p = 0.001), lived in a residence categorized as ‘other’ (aOR 2.49, 95% CI 1.28–4.86, p = 0.007) and were smokers (aOR 1.37, 95% CI 1.01–1.87, p = 0.045) had higher odds for smear-positive PTB. Meanwhile, female patients with diabetes mellitus had higher odds for smear-positive PTB (aOR 1.92, 95% CI 1.05–3.54, p = 0.035), while female patients who were healthcare workers had lower odds (aOR 0.33, 95% CI 0.12, 0.94, p = 0.039). The prevalence of smear-positive PTB is higher in males compared to females. The factors associated with smear-positive PTB differed based on sex. The current TB control program, especially on smear-positive PTB, should likely be strategized and stratified by sex.

Treatment outcome of tuberculosis patients under directly observed treatment short course and its determinants in Shangla, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan: A retrospective study.

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in Pakistan. Assessment of TB treatment outcomes, monitoring and evaluation of its risk factors in Directly Observed Treatment Short Course (DOTS) are among the major indicators of the performance of a national TB control program. Even though Pakistan ranks 5th among the 22 high-TB burden countries, there are no available data in this regard. Institution-based retrospective study was conducted to determine the treatment outcome of TB patients and investigate associated risk factors at District Head Quarter Hospital Shangla, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Two-year record (January 2011 to December 2012) of TB clinic of the hospital was reviewed. A total of 493 patients' complete information was reviewed in the study period. Of these, 42.19% were smear-positive pulmonary TB (PTB), 35.09% were smear-negative PTB, and 22.72% were extra-PTB (EPTB). The overall prevalence of smear-positive PTB was 42.19% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 37.9-46.2). Records of the treatment outcome showed that 192 (38.94%) were cured, 276 (55.98%) completed treatment, 13 (2.6%) defaulted, 9 (1.8%) died, 1 (0.2%) treatment failure, and 1 (0.2%) had transferred to other facilities. The overall mean treatment success rate of the TB patients was 94.93%. TB age and TB form or baseline smear were significantly associated with unsuccessful treatment outcome. The risk of unsuccessful outcome was significantly lower among TB patients age Conclusion: The treatment success rate was high and match the World Health Organization criteria. To sustain the effective implementation of DOTS in the area, effective management, and diagnosis should be given for EPTB.

Prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis in western China in 2010-11: a population-based, cross-sectional survey.

Progress in tuberculosis control in China has been the slowest in western areas, which have the highest prevalence. We assessed the prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis in the Xinjiang province, China, 10 years after introduction of a control programme based on directly observed treatment, short course. In this population-based, cross-sectional survey, we used a multistage stratified random cluster sample design to estimate the prevalence of smear-positive and bacteriologically confirmed (either smear positive or culture positive, or both) pulmonary tuberculosis among adults (aged ≥15 years) in Xinjiang who had been resident in their household for the last 6 months. The screening strategy and diagnosis followed WHO guidelines. We estimated prevalence by combining inverse probability weighting and multiple imputation of missing data. We compared our prevalence survey estimates with the ones from the 2010 China national pulmonary tuberculosis survey and the ones from a provincial pulmonary survey done in Xinjiang in 2000. The new smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis notification rate in 2011 in Xinjiang was obtained to allow the calculation of patient diagnosis rate (PDR). Between Sept 1, 2010, and July 31, 2011, 31 081 individuals were eligible, of whom 29 835 (96·0%) participated in the survey. We identified 50 (0·2%) smear-positive and 101 (0·3%) bacteriologically confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis cases. The weighted prevalence of smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis was 170 (95% CI 103-233) per 100 000 people and of bacteriologically confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis was 430 (249-611) per 100 000 people. Compared with 2000 Xinjiang survey estimates, the prevalence of smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis has decreased by 26·4% (from 231 [95% CI 148-314] per 100 000 people), whereas the prevalence of bacteriologically confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis has increased by 17·8% (from 365 [237-493] per 100 000 people). In each age group and sex, the pulmonary tuberculosis prevalence was higher in the 2010-11 Xinjiang survey than in the 2010 national survey. The PDR in 2011 was 0·34 (95% CI 0·25-0·44). Despite progress in other parts of China, the prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis in Xinjiang remains high. The very low PDR suggests poor access to diagnosis and care. Further studies are needed to understand the barriers to diagnosis and care of this population, and efforts are urgently needed to enhance tuberculosis screening in this area. Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region Health Bureau.

Tuberculosis case burden and treatment outcomes in children, adults and older adults, Vanuatu, 2007-2011.

All five DOTS centres in Vanuatu. To determine across the age spectrum the tuberculosis (TB) case burden, disease pattern and treatment outcomes in patients registered between 2007 and 2011. Retrospective cohort study involving reviews of TB registers and treatment cards. Of 588 TB patients, 142 (24%) were children (aged 0-14 years), 327 (56%) adults (aged 15-54 years) and 119 (20%) were older adults (aged ⩾55 years; subdivided into 55-64 and ⩾65 years); 568 were new patients, 13 had been treated previously and 7 had unknown status. Compared with adults, children with new TB had a higher prevalence of extra-pulmonary TB (75% vs. 34%, OR 5.7, 95%CI 3.6-9.0) and a lower prevalence of smear-positive pulmonary TB (11% vs. 45%, OR 0.15, 95%CI 0.1-0.3), while older adults with new TB had a higher prevalence of smear-negative pulmonary TB (38% vs. 21%, OR 2.4, 95%CI 1.5-3.8). Overall TB treatment success was 83%, but in the second category of older adults (⩾65 years) treatment success was 67% and case fatality was 18%. Children and older adults constitute 45% of the TB burden in Vanuatu. Differences in disease patterns and poorer treatment outcomes in older adults have implications for policy and practice.

Pulmonary and Latent Tuberculosis Screening in Opiate Drug Users

Opiates drug users are at much higher risk of developing tuberculosis (TB) infection than general population. We conducted this study to determine the susceptibility for pulmonary and latent TB infection in opiates drug users. In this cross-sectional study, all opiates drug users referred to drop-in centers, methadone maintenance clinics, and harm-reduction facilities affiliated with Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in southern Iran were screened for pulmonary and latent TB infection. The participation rate of opiate drug users was 87.66% (263 of 300). Mean age was 37.37 ± 8.33 (range, 20-65) years. Two hundred twenty-six (85.93%) were male and 197 (74.90%) were injection drug users (IDUs). One hundred sixty-three (61.97%) had TB-related symptoms. Culture for TB was positive in 3 patients (1.14%) (2 non-IDUs and 1 IDU). Two patients (0.76%) showed acid-fast bacilli in the direct sputum smear. Eighty-five of 244 patients (34.83%) had a 5- to 10-mm induration in the skin TB test. Twenty-nine of 223 patients (13%) had abnormal findings from chest x-ray films. The prevalence of smear-positive pulmonary TB in opiate drug users is more than 100 times in the general population in Iran. Therefore, active and appropriate screening to detect pulmonary TB infection should be integrated into routine activities at all harm-reduction facilities for drug users, irrespective of their route of drug use or human immunodeficiency virus status, in this country.

Smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis among diabetic patients at the Dessie referral hospital, Northeast Ethiopia

BackgroundTuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease which is still a major cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. People with diabetes mellitus (DM) have a three times higher risk of developing active TB than people without diabetes. However, there is not enough credible information on the burden of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) among DM patients in Ethiopia, in general, and in the city of Dessie, in particular. Therefore, this study aims to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of smear positive PTB among diabetic patients at a referral hospital in Dessie.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted from February 2012 to April 2012. Patient demographic characteristics were collected using a pre-tested standard questionnaire format. Spot-morning-spot sputum specimens were collected from the study participants and examined for acid-fast bacilli using direct microscopy by the Ziehl-Neelsen staining technique. Data was entered and analyzed using the SPSS version 16 statistical software and p-value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant.ResultsOut of 225 TB suspected diabetic patients, 52% were males and 48% were females. Their ages ranged from 12 to 82 years, with a mean age of 47.2 years. Urban residence (AOR: 5.5; 95% CI: 1.07–28.20), history of TB (AOR: 13.4; 95% CI: 2.74–65.73), contact with TB patients in the family (AOR: 9.4; 95% CI: 1.822–48.50), and long duration of DM (AOR: 8.89; 95% CI: 1.88–58.12) were independently associated with the development of active TB in people living with DM.ConclusionsThe prevalence of smear positive PTB was 6.2% in TB suspected diabetic patients, which is higher compared with the general population (0.39%). Patients with a previous history of contact with TB patients, as well as those who had prolonged diabetes, were more prone to have PTB. Therefore, screening of diabetic patients for PTB infection during follow-up is necessary.

Prevalence of smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis in different ethnic groups in India: Evaluation of public health

To estimate the prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) in a high-risk rural area of central India. Retrospective analysis of primary data. In total, 10,963 sputum smears were screened from Hindu tribes (n=4032), Hindu non-tribal (n=5445) and Muslim communities (n=1486) between 2004 and 2009. Smears were recorded as positive or negative for tubercle bacilli following staining with acid-fast bacilli, in accordance with the guidelines of the World Health Organization. Age- and gender-specific prevalence rates and relative risks (RR) were calculated using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences Version 13.0. The prevalence of TB was found to be significantly higher in Hindu tribes compared with Hindu castes and Muslims (P<0.005). The overall RR of developing smear-positive disease was 1.4-fold higher (95% confidence interval 1.1-1.7; P<0.005) in males than females in all the study groups. The highest prevalence of TB was observed in subjects aged 15-34 years. Hindu tribes and males of working age are still at high risk of smear-positive TB.

Two-Thirds of Smear-Positive Tuberculosis Cases in the Community Were Undiagnosed in Northwest Ethiopia: Population Based Cross-Sectional Study

BackgroundTuberculosis (TB) case detection rate remains low in Ethiopia. One of the underlying reasons is the emphasis on passive case finding strategy which may seriously underestimate the burden of the disease. Estimating the prevalence of smear-positive pulmonary TB through active case finding at population level can help assessing the degree to which passive case detection is successful.Methods and findingsThis is population based cross-sectional study. The study population was all individuals aged ≥14 years. Interviews using a uniform questionnaire were done initially to identify individuals with chronic cough (≥15 days) and the two sputum (spot and morning) samples were gathered for standard smear microscopy. A total of 23,590 individuals aged ≥14 years were interviewed and 984 had a chronic cough for ≥15 days. Of 831 individuals who provided two sputum samples for acid fast bacilli (AFB), 41 had positive smears. A total of 22 smear-positive TB cases detected through passive case finding were on anti-TB treatment. The prevalence of new smear-positive TB was 174 per 100,000 in persons aged ≥14 years (95% CI: 121–227).The ratio of active to passive case finding was 2∶1. Higher rates of smear-positivity were observed among females [AOR: 3.28, 95% CI (1.54–6.77)], and in the age group ≥45 years [AOR: 2.26, 95% CI (1.12–4.59).ConclusionsThe study revealed that about two-thirds of patients with active TB remain undiagnosed and thus untreated. This may indicate the need for strengthening case detection at the community level. Furthermore, the high burden of TB among females and in the age group ≥45 years warrants appropriate measures to control the disease.

Increased prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis in male adults of sahariya tribe of India: A revised survey

Background:A survey made in 1991-92, reported Sahariya, a primitive tribe of India (M. P.), having high prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis. No follow-up study was undertaken thereafter.Objective:The present study was aimed to know the current status of tuberculosis (TB) in Sahariya after more than a decade of the last survey of 1991-92, as compared to that in Bhil, another primitive tribe living in the same area but never investigated for TB incidence.Materials and Methods:A total of 763 random sputum smears from Sahariya and 169 sputum smears from Bhil were screened for the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M..tb) in order to evaluate the prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis in both the tribes. Chi square (χ2) statistics was performed to study the correlation between age, sex on the one hand and with the prevalence of smear-positive pulmonary TB on the other hand, if any.Results:In Sahariya, the prevalence of smear-positive pulmonary TB was found increased significantly (P<0.005) to 0.454 as against 0.274 estimated in the earlier survey (1991-92). Males, particularly, appeared most affected (P<0.005; 0.382), especially adults (0.260). In contrast, among Bhil, the prevalence was very low.Conclusion:The observed increase in TB prevalence and its gender bias in Sahariya tribe indicate the high incidence rate and faster transmission of infection, especially in male sex.

Tuberculosis control programme in Beijing

Since 1978 a new tuberculosis control programme based on modern concepts has been started in Beijing. The main goals of the programme were: (1) To prioritize the control of sources of infection; (2) to instigate fully supervised treatment (FST) for new smear-positive patients; (3) to extend services to the rural areas. A four-level network of tuberculosis control services has been organized both in urban and rural areas. Tuberculosis control has been integrated into rural primary health care. Coverage of FST among new smear-positive cases increased to 93% in 1990. A standard regimen, 1HS/11H 2S 2 has been used for initial treatment. A reserve regimen of RFP and EMB was added to those who failed to convert in 6 months. Since 1988 a 6-month intermittent short-course regimen has been introduced as standard regimen. Case-finding has been intensified since 1980 through symptomatics. Control of chronic excreters was achieved through FST of new smear-positive cases and fully supervised retreatment of old chronic cases. The new tuberculosis control programme has proved highly successful in controlling sources of infection. The prevalence of smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis in Beijing during the national surveys in 1979,1984–1985 and 1990 was 127, 56 and 16 per 100 000 respectively. The average annual reduction rate was 17%. This successful experiment has been recognized as a model for the whole country.