Previous Tuberculosis Treatment Research Articles

Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of M. kansasii pulmonary infections from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, between 2006 and 2016.

Objective To evaluate clinical, tomographic, and microbiological characteristics of pulmonary disease caused by M. kansasii (MKPD) in patients treated at an outpatient unit from 2006-2016. Methods We studied thirty eight patients, and analyzed socio-demographic, clinical-radiological, laboratory, and therapeutic characteristics. Results The mean age was 64 years (SD = 10.6; IIQ = 57-72; median = 65.0), and 22 (57.9%) male patients. Pulmonary comorbidity was present in 89.5% of the patients. The most frequent comorbidity was bronchiectasis (78.9%). Previous treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) was found in 65.9%. The most used therapeutic regimen was rifampicin, isoniazid and ethambutol (44.7%). Chest tomography (CT) showed bronchiectasis (94.1%), architectural distortion (76.5%), septum thickening (67.6%), and cavities (64.7%). Disease was bilateral in 85.2%. We observed 10.7% resistance to rifampicin, 67.9% resistance to ethambutol, and sensitivity to clarithromycin. Conclusion In patients with structural lung disease, it is important to search for NTM, the main differential diagnosis with PTB. Chest CT showed different patterns that overlapped with structural disease caused by PTB or other lung diseases. We observed resistance to ethambutol, a drug component of the recommended regimen.

Treatment Outcome of Tuberculosis and Associated Factors among TB-HIV Co-Infected Patients at Public Hospitals of Harar Town, Eastern Ethiopia. A five-year retrospective study

BackgroundThe bidirectional relationship between the twin epidemics of Tuberculosis (TB) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) causes major global health challenges in the twenty-first century. TB-HIV co-infected people are facing multifaceted problems like high lost to follow up rates, poor treatment adherence, high TB recurrence rate, and high mortality risk. Our objective was to assess the outcomes of TB treatment and associated factors among TB-HIV co-infected patients in Harar town, Eastern part of Ethiopia, 2018.MethodsA retrospective study was conducted among systematically selected 349 TB/HIV co-infected patients who registered from 2012 to 2017 in two public hospitals in Harar town. The data were collected through document review by using a pre-tested structured data extraction checklist. The data were analyzed using SPSS Version 21. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were determined at 95% confidence intervals.ResultsAmong the 349 TB/HIV co-infected patients included in the study, 30.1% were cured, 56.7% had completed their treatment, 7.7% died, 1.7% were lost to follow up, and 3.7% were treatment failure. Overall, 86.8% of the TB-HIV co-infected patients had successful TB treatment outcomes. The patients who were on re-treatment category (AOR = 2.91, 95% CI: 1.17–7.28), who had a history of opportunistic infection (AOR = 3.68, 95% CI: 1.62–8.33), and who did not take co-trimoxazole prophylaxis (AOR = 3.54, 95% CI: 1.59–7.89) had 2.91, 3.68, and 3.54 times higher odds of having unsuccessful TB treatment outcome than their counterparties, respectively. The chance of unsuccessful TB treatment outcome was 4.46 (95% CI: 1.24–16.02), 5.94 (95% CI: 1.87–18.85), and 3.01 (95% CI: 1.15–7.91) times higher among TB/HIV patients in stage 2, 3 and 4 than those in stage 1, respectively.ConclusionsThe overall rate of the success of the TB treatment among TB-HIV co-infected patients in this study was higher compared with many previous studies. TB/HIV patients with a history of previous TB treatment, smear-positive pulmonary TB, late HIV stage, history of opportunistic infection and not being on co-trimoxazole prophylaxis therapy were at a high risk of getting poor treatment outcomes.

Low antimicrobial resistance rates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex between 2000 and 2015 in Gipuzkoa, northern Spain

ObjectiveAlthough the incidence of tuberculosis (TB) has declined, TB drug resistance remains a major problem. The TB rate in Gipuzkoa (northern Spain) is higher than the European average. The objective of this study was to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility of 1855 Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex isolates (94.5% of confirmed cases between 2000 and 2015). MethodsSusceptibility testing was performed using the agar proportion method and a commercial broth system (MGIT 960). In isoniazid- or rifampicin-resistant strains, we studied genetic determinants of drug resistance and genotype (MIRU-VNTR). ResultsThe annual mean incidence of TB was 24.5 cases per 100,000 population on average, and tended to decrease. The multidrug-resistant TB rate was 0.5% (9/1855), and no extensively drug-resistant TB strains were detected. Rates of resistance to isoniazid and rifampicin were 3.9% (range, 3.4–4.3%) and 0.6% (range, 0.4–1.4%), respectively. TB resistance was more common among foreign-born individuals and those who had received previous TB treatment. Genotyping of 102 resistant strains showed predominance of the Euro-American lineage, although 4/9 multidrug-resistant strains had Eastern lineages (2 East African-Indian, and 2 East Asian [Beijing]). ConclusionsIn Gipuzkoa, with a moderate incidence of TB, resistance was very low, mostly being detected among individuals who were born abroad or who had a history of TB treatment.

SPONTANEOUS PNEUMOTHORAX: AS AN INITIAL PRESENTATION OF PULMONARY TB IN A TEENAGER

SESSION TITLE: Wednesday Fellows Case Report Posters SESSION TYPE: Fellow Case Report Posters PRESENTED ON: 10/23/2019 09:45 AM - 10:45 AM INTRODUCTION: Pulmonary TB should be consider to be a highly probable diagnosis in a child who was hospitalized for spontaneous pneumothorax especially in a developing world. CASE PRESENTATION: This is a case of a 17 year old, male, Filipino, from Quezon City, admitted for the first time due to a recurrent right-sided chest pain even when at rest associated with shortness of breath, aggravated by deep breathing, relieved by rest. DISCUSSION: TB is the most common infectious cause of death worldwide in 2015 especially in a resource-limited setting such as Philippines. Although almost every lung disease can result in secondary spontaneous pneumothorax(SSP), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease remains the most common cause of SSP. In 1 series study in Spain, pulmonary TB was the second most common cause of SP after COPD. In primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) ,the lung expands and the air leak ceases within 3 days while in SSP, the mean time for the lung to expand is 5 days and in approximately 20% of patients, the lung remains unexpanded or an air leak persists after 7 days. Our patient was admitted due to a massive pneumothorax, which was initially thought as PSP since he was known to be previously healthy, who appeared tall and slim, with sudden onset of chest pain while at rest, which were a classic presentation of PSP. However, after taking a thorough history and physical examination, patient revealed a previous exposure and treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis, he was underweight at the time of admission. Furthermore, the persistence of pneumothorax despite being in a chest tube of 7 days, with the presence of fibrosis on initial chest xray and chest ct scan, suggested a secondary cause of pneumothorax. One study showed that 42% of patients who initially presented with pneumothorax on admission were later diagnosed to have an active Tb. Therefore, pulmonary TB should be consider to be a highly probable diagnosis. This finding highlights the necessity of performing bacteriologic studies, particularly sputum smear for acid-fast bacilli in patients who are hospitalized for pneumothorax. Another study, revealed that a total of 872 patients with SP were treated with 5.4% of whom had SSP secondary to TB. Also during this period, 2,089 cases of active TB were treated. Of the 47 cases with SSP secondary to TB, 21 presented with active TB at the moment of producing SSP (positive culture for Mycobacterium tuberculosis) and 26 with inactive residual TB. CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary TB should be included in differential diagnosis in a child who was admitted for a spontaneous pneumothorax because Tuberculosis plays an immense health problem in the developing world and remains a health care challenge in the developed world affecting virtually any organ system in the body. It is a great mimicker as its manifestations can simulate numerous other diseases across the body systems. Reference #1: Organization WH: Global Organization Tuberculosis Report. Geneva: World Health Organization, 2016. Reference #2: 2.Chia-Hung Chen, Pigtail catheter drainage for secondary spontaneous pneumothorax Article in QJM: monthly journal of the Association of Physicians 99(7):489-91 · August 2006. Reference #3: 3.Masoud Shamaei MD et al, TuberculosisAssociated Secondary Pneumothorax: A Retrospective Study of 53 Patients, Respiratory care 56(3):298-302 · March 2011 DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Mary Ruth Crabajal, source=Web Response

To be or not to be hospitalised with tuberculosis in Portugal.

SETTING: In Portugal, as in other countries, tuberculosis (TB) is considered a disease that should be managed on an ambulatory basis. However, hospitalisation remains important to manage some at-risk groups and complications.OBJECTIVE: To identify the possible risk factors associated with hospitalisations in TB patients in Portugal.DESIGN: Data extraction through two national databases (one for registration of TB cases and the other with hospitalisation information in public health facilities) between 2007 and 2013. Univariate and multivariate analysis of demographic and clinical variables was performed.RESULTS: We identified 4421 hospitalisations. Chronic diseases, cancer, substance abuse, a higher social/economic risk, extra-pulmonary TB, lung cavitary disease and previous uncompleted treatment were more frequent among hospitalised patients. Human immunodeficiency virus coinfection, cancer, alcohol abuse, extra-pulmonary TB and uncompleted previous TB treatment were the most important predictors of hospitalisation with TB. The hospitalisation rate among TB patients in Portugal was lower when compared with other countries with lower and higher incidences.CONCLUSION: Immune dysfunctions and progression of chronic diseases are associated with more severe forms of TB and frequent adverse effects which can be sufficiently severe to necessitate hospital admission. Despite having an intermediate TB incidence, the hospitalisation rate in Portugal is not higher than that of other countries.

Factors associated with isoniazid resistant tuberculosis among human immunodeficiency virus positive patients in Swaziland: a case-control study

BackgroundIsoniazid resistant tuberculosis is the most prevalent type of resistance in Swaziland and over two-thirds of the isoniazid resistant tuberculosis patients are tuberculosis and human immunodeficiency virus co-infected. The study aimed to determine risk factors associated with isoniazid resistant tuberculosis among human immunodeficiency virus positive patients in Swaziland.MethodsThis was a case-control study conducted in nine healthcare facilities across Swaziland. Cases were patients with isoniazid resistant tuberculosis (including 78 patients with isoniazid mono-resistant tuberculosis, 42 with polydrug-resistant tuberculosis, and 77 with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis). Controls were presumed drug-susceptible tuberculosis patients (n = 203). Multinomial logistic regression was used to determine related factors.ResultsThe median time lag from diagnosis to tuberculosis treatment initiation was 50 days for isoniazid mono or poly drug-resistant tuberculosis, 17 days for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis compared to 1 day for drug-susceptible tuberculosis patients. History of previous tuberculosis treatment was positively associated with either isoniazid mono or poly drug-resistant tuberculosis (OR = 7.91, 95% CI: 4.14–15.11) and multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (OR = 12.20, 95% CI: 6.07–24.54). Isoniazid mono or poly resistant tuberculosis patients were more likely to be from rural areas (OR = 2.05, 95% CI: 1.23–3.32) and current heavy alcohol drinkers compared to the drug-susceptible tuberculosis group. Multi drug-resistant tuberculosis patients were more likely to be non-adherent to tuberculosis treatment compared to drug-susceptible tuberculosis group (OR = 3.01, 95% CI: 1.56–5.82).ConclusionTo prevent and control isoniazid resistant tuberculosis among HIV-positive patients in Swaziland, the tuberculosis program should strengthen the use of rapid diagnostic tests, detect resistance early, promptly initiate supervised tuberculosis treatment and decentralize quality tuberculosis services to the rural areas. Adherence to tuberculosis treatment should be improved.

Prevalence of Rifampicin Resistance Tuberculosis in Newly Diagnosed and Previously Treated Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients Attending the Department of Pulmonary Medicine , Muzaffarnagar Medical College, Muzaffarnagar

Background: Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) prevalence is increasing throughout the world. Although, most important risk factor for development of MDR-TB is inadequate and irregular previous treatment for tuberculosis, but newly treated patients are also at risk due to either spontaneous mutations or transmission of drug-resistant strains. The conventional tuberculosis drug susceptibility tests are sensitive and specific but they are not rapid. Newer molecular methods help in rapid diagnosis. GeneXpert MTB/RIF is a rapid method to detect MTB and rifampicin resistance. Rifampicin resistance is an initial indicator of multidrug resistance. We have tried to ascertain the prevalence of Rifampicin resistance in newly diagnosed and previously treated pulmonary tuberculosis patients. Methods: This study was a prospective cross sectional study that involved all newly diagnosed and previously treated pulmonary tuberculosis patients attending the Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Muzaffarnagar Medical College, Muzaffarnagar from January 2018 to Dec 2018. In the District Hospital, Muzaffarnagar,the sputum specimens were sent for GeneXpert MTB/RIF .On the basis of the result, the patients were labelled as Rifampicin resistance. Results: A total no of 118 sputum samples were sent to District Hospital,Muzaffarnagar for GeneXpert MTB/RIF . Among these 118 patients, 102 patients were newly diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis and 16 patients were previously treated pulmonary tuberculosis . Prevalence of Rifampicin resistance TB was found to be 0.98 % among newly diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis, and 25 % among previously treated pulmonary tuberculosis patients. Conclusion: In conclusion, our results showed that the prevalence of Rifampicin resistance TB was high in previously treated pulmonary tuberculosis patient in comparison to newly diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis patient. Proper administration of first line drugs for susceptible cases is most efficient method in preventing drug resistance.

Morbidity and mortality up to 5 years post tuberculosis treatment in South Africa: A pilot study

BackgroundA high risk of tuberculosis (TB), chronic lung disease, and mortality have been reported among people with a history of previous TB treatment, but data from high-incidence settings remain limited. The aim of this study was to characterize general morbidity and mortality among adults who had successfully completed TB treatment in the past 5 years in a high-incidence setting in South Africa. MethodsAdults (≥18 years) who had completed treatment for pulmonary TB between 2013 and 2017 were randomly selected from TB treatment registers. Household visits were conducted to locate and interview former TB (FTB) patients, and bacteriological testing for TB was offered. Additional data sources were used to ascertain the vitality status of FTB patients who could not be located. ResultsAddresses were located for 200 of the 223 FTB patients sampled and 89 FTB patients were contacted of whom 51 agreed to be interviewed. Approximately half reported persistent respiratory symptoms, such as shortness of breath and wheezing, and repeated lung infections. One (3.6%) of 28 patients who provided a sputum sample had culture-positive TB and another two were currently on re-treatment for TB. Fifteen deaths post treatment were ascertained, resulting in a standardized mortality ratio of 3.8 (95% confidence interval 2.3–6.3) after successful TB treatment relative to the general population. ConclusionsIn this high-incidence setting, locating and interviewing FTB patients was challenging. The study findings are consistent with a high rate of respiratory disease, including recurrent TB, and substantially elevated mortality among FTB patients.

The Relationship between Previous Tuberculosis Treatment and HIV Status with Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is becoming major public health issues in the world. Among the causes are history of previous TB treatment and increased co-infection of TB-HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). This study aimed to identify the relationship between history of previous TB treatment and HIV status with MDR-TB. This is a case control study. The sample case was patients with MDR-TB, while sample control was patient who have drug-sensitive TB. Secondary data was obtained from patient medical records and laboratory results at Rotinsulu Pulmonary Hospital Bandung. Data were analyzed using chi-square. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify the dominant factor that influence the occurrence of MDR-TB. This study showed that the history of previous TB treatment was statistically significant with MDR-TB (p value= 0.001; OR= 18.889; 95% CI= 4.093-87.172) and it is the dominant factor that influence MDR-TB (p value= 0.0001; OR= 56.84; 95% CI= 6.9- 468.87). HIV infection at control group (who contracted drug-sensitive TB) was 26.1% (p value= 0.022). This finding suggested that HIV testing should be performed to each TB and MDR-TB patients and increased collaboration TB-HIV program between the other health care facilities should ensue. Drug sensitivity testing should be conducted at the start of TB treatment for patients with previous TB treatment and TB-HIV co-infection.

Are we missing ‘previously treated’ smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis under programme settings in India? A cross-sectional study

Background: In 2007, a field observation from India reported 11% misclassification among ‘new’ patients registered under the revised national tuberculosis (TB) control programme. Ten years down the line, it is important to know what proportion of newly registered patients has a past history of TB treatment for at least one month (henceforth called ‘misclassification’). Methods: A study was conducted among new smear-positive pulmonary TB patients registered between March 2016 and February 2017 in 18 randomly selected districts to determine the effectiveness of an active case-finding strategy in marginalised and vulnerable populations. We included all patients detected through active case-finding. An equal number of randomly selected patients registered through passive case-finding from marginalised and vulnerable populations in the same districts were included. Before enrolment, we enquired about any history of previous TB treatment through interviews. Results: Of 629 patients, we interviewed 521, of whom, 11% (n=56) had past history of TB treatment (public or private) for at least a month: 13% (34/268) among the active case-finding group and 9% (22/253) among the passive case-finding group (p=0.18). No factors were found to be significantly associated with misclassification. Conclusion: Around one in every ten patients registered as ‘new’ had previous history of TB treatment. Corrective measures need to be implemented, followed by monitoring of any change in the proportion of ‘previously treated’ patients among all registered patients treated under the programme at national level.

Are we missing ‘previously treated’ smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis under programme settings in India? A cross-sectional study

Background: In 2007, a field observation from India reported 11% misclassification among ‘new’ patients registered under the revised national tuberculosis (TB) control programme. Ten years down the line, it is important to know what proportion of newly registered patients has a past history of TB treatment for at least one month (henceforth called ‘misclassification’). Methods: A study was conducted among new smear-positive pulmonary TB patients registered between March 2016 and February 2017 in 18 randomly selected districts to determine the effectiveness of an active case-finding strategy in marginalised and vulnerable populations. We included all patients detected through active case-finding. An equal number of randomly selected patients registered through passive case-finding from marginalised and vulnerable populations in the same districts were included. Before enrolment, we enquired about any history of previous TB treatment through interviews. Results: Of 629 patients, we interviewed 521, of whom, 11% (n=56) had past history of TB treatment (public or private) for at least a month: 13% (34/268) among the active case-finding group and 9% (22/253) among the passive case-finding group (p=0.18). No factors were found to be significantly associated with misclassification. Conclusion: Around one in every ten patients registered as ‘new’ had previous history of TB treatment. Corrective measures need to be implemented, followed by monitoring of any change in the proportion of ‘previously treated’ patients among all registered patients treated under the programme at national level.

Assessment of the risk factors associated with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in Sudan: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVESThe emergence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a major challenge for the global control of tuberculosis (TB). The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors associated with MDR-TB in Sudan.METHODSThis case-control study was conducted from May 2017 to February 2019. Patients newly diagnosed with MDR-TB were selected as cases, and controls were selected from TB patients who responded to first-line anti-TB drugs. A questionnaire was designed and used to collect data from study participants. Logistic regression was used to evaluate associations between risk factors and MDR-TB infection. The best multivariate model was selected based on the likelihood ratio test.RESULTSA total of 430 cases and 860 controls were selected for this study. A history of previous TB treatment (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 54.85; 95% confidence interval [CI], 30.48 to 98.69) was strongly associated with MDR-TB infection. We identified interruption of TB treatment (aOR, 7.62; 95% CI, 3.16 to 18.34), contact with MDR-TB patients (aOR, 5.40; 95% CI, 2.69 to 10.74), lower body weight (aOR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.87 to 0.91), and water pipe smoking (aOR, 3.23; 95% CI, 1.73 to 6.04) as factors associated with MDR-TB infection.CONCLUSIONSPrevious TB treatment and interruption of TB treatment were found to be the main predictors of MDR-TB. Additionally, this study found that contact with MDR-TB patients and water pipe smoking were associated with MDR-TB infection in Sudan. More efforts are required to decrease the rate of treatment interruption, to strengthen patients’ adherence to treatment, and to reduce contact with MDR-TB patients.

Risk factors for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in northwest Ethiopia: A case-control study.

Ethiopia is one of 30-high burden multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) countries globally. The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics of patients with MDR-TB and to investigate risk factors for MDR-TB relative to having drug-susceptible tuberculosis (TB), in northwest Ethiopia. A hospital-based, unmatched case-control study was conducted. Cases were all MDR-TB patients (i.e., resistant to at least rifampicin and isoniazid) who were confirmed by culture and drug-susceptibility testing whilst enrolled on treatment at Gondar University Hospital. Controls were all drug-susceptible tuberculosis (DS-TB) patients who were confirmed by Gene Xpert MTB/RIF at Gondar University Hospital. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were used for comparisons, and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were computed to measure the strength of association between the dependent and independent variables. A total of 452 patients (242 MDR-TB and 210 DS-TB) were included in this study. The mean age of the study participants was 33years (SD±14years). Approximately one-fifth (78, 17%) of all study participants were human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive; 21% (51) of cases and 13% (27) of controls. Risk factors associated with MDR-TB were a history of previous TB treatment (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR): 83.8; 95% CI: 40.7, 172.5), low educational status (AOR: 5.32; 95% CI: 1.43, 19.81); and ages less than 20years (AOR: 9.01; 95% CI: 2.30, 35.25) and 21-30years (AOR: 2.61; 95% CI: 1.02, 6.64). HIV infection was also significantly associated with MDR-TB among new TB patients (AOR: 5.55; 95% CI: 1.17, 26.20). This study shows that clinical and demographic features can be used to indicate higher risks of drug resistance in this setting.

Homelessness and HIV: A Combination Predictive of Poor Tuberculosis Treatment Outcomes and in Need of Innovative Strategies to Improve Treatment Completion.

Antioquia Department is the state with the highest burden of tuberculosis (TB) in Colombia. Our aim was to determine the risk factors associated with unsuccessful TB treatment in HIV-seropositive and homeless persons, compared with non-HIV-infected and non-homeless persons with TB. We conducted a retrospective cohort study using observational, routinely collected health data from all drug-susceptible TB cases in homeless and/or HIV-seropositive individuals in Antioquia from 2014 to 2016. Unsuccessful TB treatment was defined as individuals having been lost to follow-up, having died, or treatment failure occurrence during the study period. Successful treatment was defined as cure of TB or treatment completion according to the WHO definitions. We identified 544 homeless persons with TB (432 HIV- and 112 HIV+), 835 HIV+ persons with TB and non-homeless, and 5,086 HIV-/non-homeless people with TB. Unsuccessful treatment rates were 19.3% in HIV-/non-homeless persons, 37.4% in non-homeless HIV+ patients, 61.5% in homeless HIV- patients, and 70.3% in homeless HIV+ patients; all rates fall below End TB strategy targets. More than 50% of homeless patients were lost to follow-up. Risk factors associated with unsuccessful treatment were HIV seropositivity, homelessness, male gender, age ≥ 25 years, noncontributory-type health insurance, TB diagnosis made during hospitalization, and previous treatment for TB. These results highlight the challenge of treating TB in the homeless population. These findings should put an onus on TB programs, governments, clinicians, and others involved in the collaborative care of TB patients to pursue innovative strategies to improve treatment success in this population.

Improving the diagnostics of tuberculosis and drug resistance with Xpert MTB/RIF in a district general hospital in Sierra Leone: a quality improvement project

Sierra Leone has a high tuberculosis (TB) burden with a prevalence of 441 cases per 100 000 population. As a result of the Global Fund, some facilities in the country...

Are we missing ‘previously treated’ smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis under programme settings in India? A cross-sectional study

Background: In 2007, a field observation from India reported 11% misclassification among 'new' patients registered under the revised national tuberculosis (TB) control programme. Ten years down the line, it is important to know what proportion of newly registered patients has a past history of TB treatment. Methods: A study was conducted among new smear-positive pulmonary TB patients registered between March 2016 and February 2017 in 18 randomly selected districts to determine the effectiveness of an active case-finding strategy in marginalised and vulnerable populations. We included all patients detected through active case-finding. An equal number of randomly selected patients registered through passive case-finding from marginalised and vulnerable populations in the same districts were included. Before enrolment, we enquired about any history of previous TB treatment through interviews. Results: Of 629 patients, we interviewed 521, of whom, 11% (n=56) had past history of TB treatment (public or private) for at least a month: 13% (34/268) among the active case-finding group and 9% (22/253) among the passive case-finding group (p=0.18). No factors were found to be significantly associated with misclassification. Conclusion: Around one in every ten patients registered as 'new' had previous history of TB treatment. Corrective measures need to be implemented, followed by monitoring of any change in the proportion of 'previously treated' patients among all registered patients treated under the programme at national level.

Low antimicrobial resistance rates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex between 2000 and 2015 in Gipuzkoa, northern Spain

ObjectiveAlthough the incidence of tuberculosis (TB) has declined, TB drug resistance remains a major problem. The TB rate in Gipuzkoa (northern Spain) is higher than the European average. The objective of this study was to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility of 1855 Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex isolates (94.5% of confirmed cases between 2000 and 2015). MethodsSusceptibility testing was performed using the agar proportion method and a commercial broth system (MGIT 960). In isoniazid- or rifampicin-resistant strains, we studied genetic determinants of drug resistance and genotype (MIRU-VNTR). ResultsThe annual mean incidence of TB was 24.5 cases per 100,000 population on average, and tended to decrease. The multidrug-resistant TB rate was 0.5% (9/1855), and no extensively drug-resistant TB strains were detected. Rates of resistance to isoniazid and rifampicin were 3.9% (range, 3.4–4.3%) and 0.6% (range, 0.4–1.4%), respectively. TB resistance was more common among foreign-born individuals and those who had received previous TB treatment. Genotyping of 102 resistant strains showed predominance of the Euro-American lineage, although 4/9 multidrug-resistant strains had Eastern lineages (2 East African-Indian, and 2 East Asian [Beijing]). ConclusionsIn Gipuzkoa, with a moderate incidence of TB, resistance was very low, mostly being detected among individuals who were born abroad or who had a history of TB treatment.

Diagnosis and Management of Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis in Children: A Practical Approach.

Approximately 25,000 children develop multidrug-resistant (MDR) tuberculosis (TB) each year, but few of them are diagnosed and appropriately treated for MDR-TB. New diagnostic tools have improved our ability to diagnose children with bacteriologically confirmed TB earlier. However, the majority of childhood TB cases are not bacteriologically confirmed; therefore a high index of suspicion is needed, and taking a detailed history of contact with drug-resistant source cases and previous TB treatment is important to identify presumed MDR-TB cases. Treatment for MDR-TB is rapidly changing with the addition of new and repurposed drugs, the introduction of shorter regimens and the move towards injectable-free, all-oral MDR-TB treatment regimens. Children have been neglected in the introduction of the new drugs, but drug dosing and safety studies are now being completed. This article presents a practical approach in deciding which regimen to use in individual children in need of MDR-TB treatment. Outcomes in those treated are generally good, but only <5% of children with MDR-TB are currently diagnosed and appropriately treated. Diagnosing children with MDR-TB and getting them on to correct treatment regimens should now be our main focus.

775. An Epidemiological Analysis of Patients With Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis Among Tibetan Refugees in India

BackgroundGlobally, refugee populations face an increased risk for tuberculosis (TB) due to malnutrition, overcrowding, and poor living conditions. Compared with the general Indian population, Tibetan refugees in India display a higher incidence rate of both TB and multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB). The high incidence of MDR-TB in younger population is a serious public health concern.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with MDR-TB treated from January 2010 to December 2013 in Tibetan Delek Hospital, which is the center of TB control among Tibetan refugees. Patients were classified into either new cases (supposed infection by exposure to MDR-TB) or previously treated MDR-TB cases (suspected acquirement of MDR-TB through anti-TB treatment or by MDR-TB exposure after treatment). We compared patients’ age, sex, birthplace, residence type, occupation, contact history, and treatment outcome.ResultsOf 749 patients with TB, we enrolled 134 patients with MDR-TB [median age, 26 (interquartile range: 22–35) years; males, 55%]. The Tibetan ethnicity comprised 96% of the study population, whereas Indians (trans-Himalayan) comprised 4%. The birthplace was Tibet for 22% patients, India for 75%, and Nepal for 2%. New MDR-TB cases were 28% and previously treated MDR-TB cases were 72%. Failure was observed in 42% patients and cured and completed in 54% patients, during their previous TB treatment. The median age was significantly lower in new cases than in previously treated MDR-TB cases (24 vs. 28.5 years; P < 0.01). Tibet was the birthplace of 34% new cases and 18% in previously treated cases (P = 0.04). The residence was of the congregated type in 58% of new cases and 30% in previously treated MDR-TB cases (P = 0.01). The occupation was “student” and “unemployed” in 58% and 8% in new cases and 33% and 24% in previously treated cases, respectively (P = 0.03). Contact history with TB type and treatment outcome were not considerably different, although the rates of cured and completed were high in both new (82%) and previously treated (84%) MDR-TB cases.ConclusionThis study shows that new MDR-TB correlates with younger age, birth in Tibet, congregated residence, and student occupation. Targeting the above-listed characteristics could be effective in further reducing the MDR-TB transmission among Tibetan refugees in India.Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Risk factors and control strategies for silicotuberculosis as an occupational disease.

Silicotuberculosis is critical in community settings among workers and employees exposed to silica dust. Older age of entry (>30 years), male sex, infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), exposure duration, smoking, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, migration, the severity of the silicosis and the intensity of the exposure are potential risk factors. Lack of timely diagnosis and treatment for tuberculosis (TB) may also raise the rate of infection; previous treatment of TB is possibly associated with the development of silicotuberculosis in more than half of patients, increasing with age (>40 years). Identification of risk factors benefits not only the academic research community, but also the workers or employees and policy making. Some strategies can be implemented, such as controlling or reducing exposure to silica dust, ensuring continuity of treatment of TB or extended anti-TB treatment, management of the situation by occupational health professionals, prevention of oscillating migration, providing workers with compensation, training and education in occupational health, improving the quality of life of miners and workers, intensive medical surveillance and TB screening in routine health check ups, and policy making for higher immunity to inhibit inhalation of dust by workers or employees.