Retreatment Tuberculosis Research Articles

Do retreatment tuberculosis patients need special treatment response follow-up beyond the standard regimen? Finding of five-year retrospective study in pastoralist setting

BackgroundTreatment outcomes serve as proxy measures of the quality of tuberculosis treatment provided by the health care system, and it is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of Directly Observed Therapy-Short course program in controlling the disease, and reducing treatment failure, default and death. Hence, we evaluated tuberculosis treatment success rate, its trends and predictors of unsuccessful treatment outcome in Ethiopian Somali region where 85% of its population is pastoralist.MethodsA retrospective review of 5 years data (September 2009 to August 2014) was conducted to evaluate the treatment outcome of 1378 randomly selected tuberculosis patients treated in Kharamara, Dege-habour and Gode hospitals. We extracted data on socio-demographics, HIV Sero-status, tuberculosis type, treatment outcome and year using clinical chart abstraction sheet. Tuberculosis treatment outcomes were categorized into successful (cured and/or completed) and unsuccessful (died/failed/default) according to the national tuberculosis guideline. Data was entered using EpiData 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS 20. Chi-square (χ2) test and logistic regression model were used to reveal the predictors of unsuccessful treatment outcome at P ≤ 0.05 significance level.ResultThe majority of participants was male (59.1%), pulmonary smear negative (49.2%) and new cases (90.6%). The median age was 26 years [IQR: 18–40] and HIV co-infection rate was 4.6%. The overall treatment success rate was 86.8% [95%CI: 84.9% - 88.5%]; however, 4.8%, 7.6% and 0.7% of patients died, defaulted and failed to cure respectively. It fluctuated across the years and ranged from 76.9% to 94% [p < 0.001]. The odds of death/failure [AOR = 2.4; 95%CI = 1.4–3.9] and pulmonary smear positivity [AOR = 2.3; 95%CI = 1.6–3.5] were considerably higher among retreatment patients compared to new counterparts. Unsuccessful treatment outcome was significantly higher in less urbanized hospitals [p < 0.001]. Treatment success rate had insignificant difference between age groups, genders, tuberculosis types and HIV status (P > 0.05).ConclusionThis study revealed that the overall tuberculosis treatment success rate has realized the global target for 2011–2015. However, it does not guarantee its continuity as adverse treatment outcomes might unpredictably occur anytime and anywhere. Therefore, continual effort to effectively execute DOTS should be strengthened and special follow-up mechanism should be in place to monitor treatment response of retreatment cases.

Factors associated with tuberculosis retreatment in priority districts of Maranhão, Brazil.

This study investigated factors associated with cases of tuberculosis retreatment due to relapse and readmission after treatment abandonment. This is an analytical cross-sectional study type of cases reported in the Information System for Notifiable Diseases in priority municipalities in the State of Maranhão, from January 2005 to December 2010. A logistic regression model was used to identify the association. Patients aged between 40 and 59 years (OR = 1.49, p = 0.029) with a pulmonary clinical form (OR = 2.79, p = 0.016) were more likely to incur relapse. Readmissions after abandonment were more likely in males (OR = 1.53, p = 0.046), aged between 20 and 39 years (OR = 1.65, p = 0.007), with less than eight years of schooling (OR = 2.01, p = 0.037) and with alcohol dependence (OR=1.66, p = 0.037), which showed a higher probability of another abandonment (OR = 5.96, p < 0.001). These data reinforce the need for strategies aimed at this group, such as increased supervised treatment, intensified active search, post-discharge follow-up and health education action.

Prescription practice of anti-tuberculosis drugs in Yunnan, China: A clinical audit.

ObjectivesChina has a high burden of drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB). As irrational use and inadequate dosing of anti-TB drugs may contribute to the epidemic of drug-resistant TB, we assessed the drug types and dosages prescribed in the treatment of TB cases in a representative sample of health care facilities in Yunnan.MethodsWe applied multistage cluster sampling using probability proportion to size to select 28 counties in Yunnan. Consecutive pulmonary TB patients were enrolled from either the TB centers of Yunnan Center of Disease Control or designated TB hospitals. Outcomes of interest included the regimen used in the treatment of new and retreatment TB patients; and the proportion of patients treated with adequate dosing of anti-TB drugs. Furthermore, we assess whether there has been reduction in the use of fluoroquinolone and second line injectables in Tuberculosis Clinical Centre (TCC) after the training activity in late 2012.ResultsOf 2390 TB patients enrolled, 582 (24.4%) were prescribed second line anti-TB drugs (18.0% in new cases and 60.9% in retreatment cases); 363(15.2%) prescribed a fluoroquinolone. General hospitals (adjusted odds ratio (adjOR) 1.97, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.47–2.66), retreatment TB cases (adjOR 4.75, 95% CI 3.59–6.27), smear positive cases (adjOR 1.69, 95% CI 1.22–2.33), and extrapulmonary TB (adjOR 2.59, 95% CI 1.66–4.03) were significantly associated with the use of fluoroquinolones. The proportion of patients treated with fluoroquinolones decreased from 41.4% before 2013 to 13.5% after 2013 (adjOR 0.19, 95% CI 0.12–0.28) in TCC. The proportion of patients with correct, under and over dosages of isoniazid was 88.2%, 1.5%, and 10.4%, respectively; of rifampicin was 50.2%, 46.8%, and 2.9%; of pyrazinamide was 67.6%, 31.7% and 0.7%; and of ethambutol was 41.4%, 57.5%, and 1.0%.ConclusionsThe prescribing practice of anti-TB drugs was not standardized, findings with significant programmatic implication.

Faktor Risiko Kegagalan Pengobatan Ulang Pasien Tuberkulosis di Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta

Risk factors of unsuccess retreatment among tuberculosis patients in YogyakartaPurposeThe purpose of this study was to identify risk factors related to unsuccessful retreatment of tuberculosis cases in Yogyakarta. MethodsA case-control study was conducted at the health offices of five districts from the tuberculosis registry (TB 03 and TB 01) since 2008-2014. Case group criterion was defined as unsuccessful retreatment of tuberculosis patients, whereas the control group consisted of successful retreatment of tuberculosis patients (cure or complete treatment). A total of 142 cases and 142 controls were analysed with univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analyses. Chi-square tests were conducted with p&lt;0.05 and odds ratio (OR) at confidence interval 95%. Results Bivariate analysis showed that regular taking of a drug, conversion of acid-fast bacilli, and type of health services were statistically related to unsuccessful retreatment tuberculosis. Logistic regression showed that regular taking of a drug (p=0.000; OR=29.52; 95%CI=10.97-79.4) was the strongest risk factor related to unsuccessful retreatment of tuberculosis. ConclusionThe strongest risk factor was regularly taking of a drug. District health offices need to conduct a tracking system of patients who do not take medication on schedule, ensuring regular tuberculosis medication, correct medication, and sputum examination of late-stage intensive tuberculosis patients.

Socio-demographic Profile and Drug Sensitivity Pattern of Suspected Drug Resistant Tuberculosis among Patients in Regional Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory (R.T.R.L) of a Tertiary Hospital

Background: Drug resistant tuberculosis has been reported in all regions of the world. In this study we address the socio-demographic profile and drug sensitivity pattern as well as prevalence of drug resistance tuberculosis in a tertiary center (regional TB reference laboratory) in Bangladesh.Method: This Study was carried out in R.T.R.L. (Regional TB Reference Laboratory) in 250 bedded Chittagong General Hospital. Patients who were referred to R.T.R.L during the period July 2012 to July 2013 were included in the study. Total 100 patients with suspected drug resistant tuberculosis (TB) who had any one of 9 criteria of NTP (National Tuberculosis Control Programme) were selected consecutively. Gene xpert MTB/RIF (Rifampicin resistance) test for all sputum positive cases were performed. Sputum sample of Patients with positive microscopy for AFB or positive Xpert/MTB was sent for culture. The samples with positive sputum culture were sent for drug sensitivity test for 1st line anti- tubercular drug.Result: Among 100 patients 78 were male and 22 were female, majority of the patients (64) were between 15-45 years with poor socio economic condition (73%) and primarily educated. Analysis of our Study result showed that 18% of patients were mono-drug resistant. Among them 13% showed resistance to isoniazid (INH), 4% to streptomycin and only 2% to rifampicin. No patient was found resistant to pyrazinamide (PNZ) and 38% of patient with suspected drug – resistant TB was found to have no drug resistance. 18% of patient had multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) among which 56% were relapse cases (48% after cat -I, 8% after cat II), 24% were non – converter of cat –I, 12% belonged to failure of cat –I, 3% failure of cat –II, 2% return after default and others. 1% of patient had history of contact with MDR –TB patient.Conclusion: Drug-resistance tuberculosis especially MDR-TB, was higher in patients with previously incomplete anti-tuberculosis treatment. A high level of drug resistance among the re-treatment TB patients poses a threat of transmission of resistant strains to susceptible persons in the community. For this reason proper counseling of patients and attention towards the completion of the anti-TB treatment are needed.J MEDICINE July 2017; 18 (2) : 62-67

Treatment outcome of the retreatment tuberculosis patients under RNTCP in eastern Uttar Pradesh

Background: India has the highest tuberculosis (TB) burden in the world. The directly observed treatment strategy is the most systemic and cost-effective approach to the disease. Furthermore, understanding the reasons for treatment outcome is important for the improvement of treatment systems. The objective was to study the treatment outcome of retreatment tuberculosis patients under RNTCP in eastern UP.Methods: A longitudinal cohort study was undertaken among total 205 patients registered in category II under DOTS from June 2015 to May 2016. These patients were followed up to November 2016 till the completion of treatment. At the end of study period, treatment outcomes were analysed. The chi-square test was used to assess the statistical significance of each ratio. P&lt;0.05 was considered significant.Results: Out of 205 re-treatment patients, 174 (84.4%) had pulmonary tuberculosis while 31 (15.1%) had extra-pulmonary TB. In the cohort of category II patients 93 (45.3%) were relapse, 58 (28.2%) belonged to others category, 31 (15.1%) were treatment after loss to follow-up and 23 (11.2%) were on treatment after failure. Maximum patients were male 133 (64.8%) and most of the patients were belonged to the age group of 20-40 years. Among retreatment cases the cure rate for relapse, treatment after failure, treatment after loss to follow-up and others cases were 74.1%, 60.8%, 35.4% and 55.1% respectively.Conclusions: The relapse cases were the most commonly found in the re-treatment category however these patients were more likely to be cured with the category II regimen and treatment after loss to follow-up had high risk of retreatment failure. Continuous monitoring, adherence and treatment completion are essential for controlling the need of retreatment as well as improvement of tuberculosis control programme.

Alcohol use disorder and tuberculosis treatment: A longitudinal mixed method study in Thailand.

ObjectiveThe relationship between tuberculosis (TB) treatment and alcohol use disorders over time is under-researched. The aim of this investigation was to study alcohol use and TB medication adherence and its predictors among TB patients over a period of 6 months.MethodsA longitudinal investigation was carried out with new TB and TB retreatment patients systematically selected from two hospitals and had screened positive for hazardous or harmful alcohol use in Sisaket Province in Thailand. Alcohol use disorders were measured with Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT)-C at baseline, 3 months and 6 months.ResultsOf the 295 TB patients who were screened with AUDIT-C, 72 (24.4%) tested positive for hazardous or harmful alcohol use. At 6 months, 72 TB patients had completed the follow-up. At the 6-month follow-up, hazardous or harmful drinking was reduced by 84.7%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis using generalised estimation equation modelling found that alcohol use significantly reduced over time, whereas there was no change in current tobacco use.ConclusionThe prevalence of alcohol use disorders significantly reduced over a period of 6 months.

Pattern of first- and second-line drug resistance among pulmonary tuberculosis retreatment cases in Pakistan.

Drug resistance in general, and multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in particular, threatens global tuberculosis (TB) control efforts. Population-based estimates of drug resistance are needed to develop strategies for controlling drug-resistant TB in Pakistan. To obtain population-based data on Mycobacterium tuberculosis drug resistance in Pakistan. To obtain drug resistance data, we conducted a population-based study of TB cases in all provinces of Pakistan. We performed culture and drug susceptibility testing on M. tuberculosis isolates from patients with a prior history of anti-tuberculosis treatment (retreatment cases) from all over the country. Of 544 isolates from previously treated cases, 289 (53.1%) were susceptible to all first-line drugs, 255 (46.9%) were resistant to at least one anti-tuberculosis drug and 132 (24.3%) were MDR-TB. Among MDR-TB isolates, 47.0% were ofloxacin (OFX) resistant. Extensively drug-resistant TB was found in two (0.4%) isolates. Prevalence of drug resistance in retreatment isolates was high. The alarmingly high prevalence of OFX resistance among MDR-TB isolates may threaten the success of efforts to control and treat MDR-TB.

Loss to follow-up in tuberculosis treatment and its relationship with patients' knowledge of the disease and other associated factors.

To identify factors associated with loss to follow-up in Tuberculosis (TB) treatment, including patients' level of knowledge regarding treatment of this disease. 42 loss to follow-up cases and 84 control cases that were finishing the sixth month of their first treatment for tuberculosis were selected for this study. Primary data were gathered through interviews, while secondary data were obtained from the notification form of the disease, between December 2011 and April 2012. Factors associated with loss to follow-up were analyzed by means of a conditional logistic regression multivariate model for matched case-control groups. No significant differences were observed between loss to follow-up cases and controls regarding socioeconomic factors, lifestyle, clinical condition, treatment-related behaviors and the access of patients to sources of information on TB. In the regression multivariate analysis, significant associations with retreatment after loss to follow-up that were detected include: scarce knowledge on tuberculosis, lack of adherence to consultation during the current treatment, noncompliance with follow-up consultation deadline, smoking and HIV negative. When compared to controls, cases undergoing TB retreatment after loss to follow-up have less knowledge on the disease, which is a sign for the professionals responsible for health education of the need to invest more time and efforts in activities that help the patient understand the disease and its treatment, as well as to have higher levels of adherence. In addition, noncompliance with the follow-up consultation deadline, failure to attend consultations during the current treatment and smoking are also factors that may be influenced by poor knowledge on the disease, which leads to the treatment loss to follow-up.

The causes and surgical strategy of spinal tuberculosis retreatment

Objective To investigate the causes of spinal tuberculosis retreatment and its surgical treatment strategy. Methods Between May 2010 and May 2014, 96 patients with spinal tuberculosis who had been operated before were retreated. The dates of them were reviewed. There were 51 males and 45 females with mean age of 39.7 years. Deciding upon the revision surgical procedure should be determined by last operation approach, the direction of compression of spinal cord, the position of sinus and extent of foci. The retreated patients were compared with 481 unretreated patients in the following index including sex, age, duration of disease, focus range, nutrition, drug resistant tuberculosis, debridement, stability of instrumentation, postoperative regular chemotherapy, associated tuberculosis. Results The surgery duration time was 160-280 min, average 210 min, and the blood loss was 400-1500 ml, average 600 ml. The VAS score before the operation was 6-9 (average 7.5) and 1-3 (average 1.5) at the last follow-up, the difference was statistically significant. Neurological deficits in 21 patients clinically improved at least one grade according to the ASIA grading system at last follow-up. Kyphosis and scoliosis degrees were corrected significantly postoperatively and the correction was 9.5°±3.6° at the final follow-up. The average angle loss was 3.5°±1.1°. There was significant difference between the kyphosis angles preoperatively, postoperatively and final follow-up. Kirkaldy-Willis function score showed that the total fine rate was 88%. There were 35 patients whose tuberculosis bacterial culture and drug sensitive experiments suggested drug resistance. Wound healing delayed in 7 patients. 24 cases had sinus formation, 13 cases in which were healed after wound dressing, and 11 cases undertook operation again. Conclusion The causes of spinal tuberculosis retreatment include uncompleted debridement, drug resistant strains of tuberculosis, irregular postoperative anti-tubercular treatment, poor preoperative nutritional status and failure of spinal stability reconstruction. The key of successful revision surgery includes radical debridement, strut grafting with autologous iliac bone block, proper reconstruction of spinal stability, individualized chemotherapy according to the drug-resistance, and the appropriate use of irrigation and drainage postoperatively. Key words: Tuberculosis; Spinal diseases; Risk factors; Clinical protocols

Better care provided to patients with tuberculosis at county designated TB hospitals (CTD) compared to non-CTDs in rural China

BackgroundThe primary unit of tuberculosis (TB) medical care in China is the county TB dispensary or county designated hospital (CTD), where patients can receive free diagnosis and treatment. However, a substantial number of patients seek their anti-TB treatment from general health facilities (Non-CTDs). This study aimed to investigate the first anti-TB treatment experience and choice of health facilities of retreated TB patients and their determinants.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in Jiangsu, Shandong and Sichuan provinces. All registered re-treated TB patients were investigated using a structured questionnaire covering information on demographics, socio-economic characteristics, and previous anti-TB treatment experiences.ResultsTotally, 75.3% of 544 patients visited CTD directly for initial treatment. Patients who were female (OR:1.71, 95% CI: 1.01-2.87), over 40 years of age (OR:2.80, 95% CI: 1.24-6.33), from Jiangsu (OR:3.07, 95% CI: 1.57-6.01) and Sichuan (OR:4.47, 95% CI: 2.29-8.73) and those diagnosed before 2005 (OR:6.87, 95% CI: 4.24-11.13) had a significant higher risk receiving their initial treatment at a non-CTD. Patients were more likely to have standardized diagnosis and treatment regimens in CTD (89.8%) than in non-CTDs (65.9%). Patients treated in non-CTDs versus in CTD had a lower possibility to complete their treatment course during first TB episode (χ2 = 3.926, P = 0.048), but there was no significant difference in the cure rate between different facilities (CTD 60.8%, Non-CTDs 59.1%). Patients in non-CTDs incurred higher costs (1,360 CNY) than those treated in CTD (920CNY).ConclusionCTD play a key role in the National Tuberculosis Control Program. Patients should be guided to seek health care in county designated hospital, where they are more likely to receive appropriate examinations, treatment regimens and rigorous supervision, and to bear a lighter economic burden.

High rates of multidrug-resistant and rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis among re-treatment cases: where do they come from?

BackgroundGlobally 3.9% of new and 21% of re-treatment tuberculosis (TB) cases are multidrug-resistant or rifampicin-resistant (MDR/RR), which is often interpreted as evidence that drug resistance results mainly from poor treatment adherence. This study aims to assess the respective contributions of the different causal pathways leading to MDR/RR-TB at re-treatment.MethodsWe use a simple mathematical model to simulate progression between the different stages of disease and treatment for patients diagnosed with TB. The model is parameterised using region and country-specific TB disease burden data reported by the World Health Organization (WHO). The contributions of four separate causal pathways to MDR/RR-TB among re-treatment cases are estimated: I) initial drug-susceptible TB with resistance amplification during treatment; II) initial MDR/RR-TB inappropriately treated as drug-susceptible TB; III) MDR/RR-TB relapse despite appropriate treatment; and IV) re-infection with MDR/RR-TB.ResultsAt the global level, Pathways I, II, III and IV contribute 38% (28–49, 95% Simulation Interval), 44% (36–52, 95% SI), 6% (5–7, 95% SI) and 12% (7–19, 95% SI) respectively to the burden of MDR/RR-TB among re–treatment cases. Pathway II is dominant in the Western Pacific (74%; 67–80 95% SI), Eastern Mediterranean (68%; 60–74 95% SI) and European (53%; 48–59 95% SI) regions, while Pathway I makes the greatest contribution in the American (53%; 40–66 95% SI), African (43%; 28–61 95% SI) and South-East Asian (50%; 40–59 95% SI) regions.ConclusionsGlobally, failure to diagnose MDR/RR-TB at first presentation is the leading cause of the high proportion of MDR/RR-TB among re-treatment cases. These findings highlight the need for contextualised solutions to limit the impact and spread of MDR/RR-TB.

Diagnosis and Treatment Outcomes of Tuberculosis in Relation to Gender and HIV STATUS in South Benin

Background: In Benin, little is known about the influence of both gender and HIV-status on diagnostic patterns and treatment outcomes of Tuber-culosis (TB) patients. Objective: To assess whether differences in gender and HIV status affect diagnostic patterns and treatment outcomes of TB patients. Methods: Retrospective cohort study of patients registered in 2013 and 2014 in the three largest TB Basic Management Units in south Benin. Results: Of 2694 registered TB patients, 1700 (63.1%) were male. Case notification rates were higher in males compared with females (96 vs 53/100,000 inhabitants). The male to female ratio was 1:1 in HIV positive patients, but was 2:1 among HIV negative cases. In HIV-positive patients, there were no differences in TB types between men and women. In HIV-negative patients, there were significantly higher proportions of females with clinically diagnosed pulmonary TB (p = 0.04) and extrapulmonary TB (p < 0.001). Retreatment TB was 4.65 times higher amongst males compared with females. For New bacteriologically confirmed pulmonary TB, no differences were observed in treatment outcomes between genders in the HIV positive group; but significantly more unfavorable outcomes were reported among HIV negative males, with higher rates of failure (p < 0.001) and loss-to-follow up (p = 0.02). Conclusion: The study has shown that overall TB notification rates were higher in males than in females in south Benin, with more females co-infected with HIV. Unfavorable outcomes were more common in HIV-negative males.

Factors Associated with Mortality among Patients on TB Treatment in the Southern Region of Zimbabwe, 2013.

Background. In 2013, the tuberculosis (TB) mortality rate was highest in southern Zimbabwe at 16%. We therefore sought to determine factors associated with mortality among registered TB patients in this region. Methodology. This was a retrospective record review of registered patients receiving anti-TB treatment in 2013. Results. Of 1,971 registered TB patients, 1,653 (84%) were new cases compared with 314 (16%) retreatment cases. There were 1,538 (78%) TB/human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfected patients, of whom 1,399 (91%) were on antiretroviral therapy (ART) with median pre-ART CD4 count of 133 cells/uL (IQR, 46–282). Overall, 428 (22%) TB patients died. Factors associated with increased mortality included being ≥65 years old [adjusted relative risk (ARR) = 2.48 (95% CI 1.35–4.55)], a retreatment TB case [ARR = 1.34 (95% CI, 1.10–1.63)], and being HIV-positive [ARR = 1.87 (95% CI, 1.44–2.42)] whilst ART initiation was protective [ARR = 0.25 (95% CI, 0.22–0.29)]. Cumulative mortality rates were 10%, 14%, and 21% at one, two, and six months, respectively, after starting TB treatment. Conclusion. There was high mortality especially in the first two months of anti-TB treatment, with risk factors being recurrent TB and being HIV-infected, despite a high uptake of ART.

Using Survival Analysis to Identify Risk Factors for Treatment Interruption among New and Retreatment Tuberculosis Patients in Kenya.

Despite high tuberculosis (TB) treatment success rate, treatment adherence is one of the major obstacles to tuberculosis control in Kenya. Our objective was to identify patient-related factors that were associated with time to TB treatment interruption and the geographic distribution of the risk of treatment interruption by county. Data of new and retreatment patients registered in TIBU, a Kenyan national case-based electronic data recording system, between 2013 and 2014 was obtained. Kaplan-Meier curves and log rank tests were used to assess the adherence patterns. Mixed-effects Cox proportional hazards modeling was used for multivariate analysis. Records from 90,170 patients were included in the study. The cumulative incidence of treatment interruption was 4.5% for new patients, and 8.5% for retreatment patients. The risk of treatment interruption was highest during the intensive phase of treatment. Having previously been lost to follow-up was the greatest independent risk factor for treatment interruption (HR: 4.79 [3.99, 5.75]), followed by being HIV-positive not on ART (HR: 1.96 [1.70, 2.26]) and TB relapse (HR: 1.70 [1.44, 2.00]). Male and underweight patients had high risks of treatment interruption (HR: 1.46 [1.35, 1.58]; 1.11 [1.03, 1.20], respectively). High rates of treatment interruption were observed in counties in the central part of Kenya while counties in the northeast had the lowest risk of treatment interruption. A better understanding of treatment interruption risk factors is necessary to improve adherence to treatment. Interventions should focus on patients during the intensive phase, patients who have previously been lost to follow-up, and promotion of integrated TB and HIV services among public and private facilities.

Evaluation of treatment failure outcome and its predictors among pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Sharkia Governorate, 2013–2014

BackgroundPicking up tuberculosis (TB) treatment failure cases and its determinants is urgently needed in resource-limited developing countries. This work shows incidence and probable leading factors of TB treatment failure among patients who were managed by a TB control program. Aim and objectivesThis study aims to promote the TB control program at the ministry of health and population (MOHP) chest hospitals, Sharkia Governorate with the following objectives: (1) Determine the incidence of TB treatment failure. (2) Assess probable factors of TB treatment failure. Patients and methodsA retrospective cohort study was carried out at MOHP chest hospitals, Sharkia Governorate. The study sample included all registered TB patients (n=480) during the study period (2013–2014). There were 30TB patients (Failed cases) with a positive sputum smear after 5months of treatment (Group 1). Cured cases were 384TB patients whose sputum smear was positive at the beginning of the treatment but became smear-negative at the end of treatment and on at least one previous occasion (Group 2). Both groups were compared to evaluate leading factors of treatment failure. ResultsOf the 480TB patients registered during the study period (2013–2014), the incidence of treatment failure was 6.25%. Treatment failure cases were significantly more likely to have: positive sputum smears at 2months of TB treatment (p<0.01), cavities on the baseline chest radiograph (P<0.01), extensive disease on the baseline chest radiograph (P<0.001). Also, retreatment case (P<0.01) and CAT 11 treatment category were (p<0.001). ConclusionThis study showed that the treatment failure rate in our locality is relatively high. Positive sputum smear at 2months of TB treatment, radiological findings and retreatment patients were found to be predictors of TB treatment failure that should be recognized early and closely followed up.

Analysis on drug resistance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and influencing factors in six provinces of China

To analyze the drug-resistance of clinical Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains isolated from the tuberculosis(TB)patients in six provinces in China and related risk factors, and provide evidences for the effective prevention and treatment of drug resistant TB. Six provinces were selected from China. The background information of the TB patients was investigated with questionnaire survey, and the drug susceptibilities of the clinical M. tuberculosis strains to isoniazid, rifampin, ethambutol and streptomycin were tested by means of the proportional drug susceptibility test. Then the results and related risk factors were analyzed with software SPSS 20.0. The overall drug resistant rate and multi drug-resistant(MDR)rate were 23.42% and 13.51% respectively. The overall drug resistant rate and MDR rate in Beijing, Jilin, Hunan, Henan, Shaanxi, Xinjiang were 21.50%, 12.24%, 36.27%, 42.86%, 27.78%, 24.39% and 4.67%, 8.16%, 24.51%, 26.53%, 15.28%, 14.15%, respectively. The χ(2) analysis results showed that the differences in single drug-resistant rate, overall drug resistant rate and MDR rate in these provinces had significant differences(P=0.000). The univariate statistical analysis results showed that the retreatment for TB and TB treatment history were the risk factors associated with drug resistance(P<0.05). The drug resistance of TB was very serious in China, but the TB drug resistance varied with province. The preventive intervention should be strengthened against all the major risk factors associated with the drug resistance for the better prevention and control of TB.

Patterns of Drug Resistance Among Tuberculosis Patients in West and Northwestern Iran.

Background:Tuberculosis (TB) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among chronic infectious diseases.Objective: The goal of this cross-sectional study (2011-2013;2013) was to examine the patterns of TB drug resistance among HIV-negative pulmonary TB patients in regions near the Iranian border. Method: To this end, MTB isolates were harvested from 300 HIV-negative, pulmonary smear-positive TB patients from the northwest and west Iranian border provinces. Isolates were subjected to first and second-line drug susceptibility testing by the 1% proportion method. Demographic and clinical data were provided using a questionnaire and information from patient records. Results were analyzed using SPSS-18.Results:The mean age of the patients was 52.03 years and 54.3% were male. The prevalence of resistance to any TB drug was 13.6% (38 cases). Eleven percent of the new treatment TB group (28 patients) and 40.7% of the retreatment TB group (11 patients) were resistant to all TB drugs. Twelve (4.3%) patients had multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) (2.38% in the new TB treatment group and 23.1% in the retreatment group). One patient had extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB). There was a statistically significant relationship between TB drug resistance and smoking (p=0.02) and a history of migration from village to city (p=0.04), also between TB drug resistance and recurrence of TB in patients that had previously received treatment (p<0.001).Conclusion: Knowledge of drug resistance patterns for new and previously treated cases is critical for effective control of MDR-TB in different regions of the country. The burden of MDR-TB in retreatment cases was high. Previous TB treatment was one of the most important mokers and those who had a history of rural to urban migration were at high risk for the occurrence of TB drug resistance.

Tuberculosis Treatment Outcome and Drug Resistance in Lambaréné, Gabon: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Despite overall global progress in tuberculosis (TB) control, TB remains one of the deadliest communicable diseases. This study prospectively assessed TB epidemiology in Lambaréné, Gabon, a Central African country ranking 10th in terms of TB incidence rate in the 2014 World Health Organization TB report. In Lambaréné, between 2012 and 2014, 201 adult and pediatric TB patients were enrolled and followed up; 66% had bacteriologically confirmed TB and 95% had pulmonary TB. The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection rate was 42% in adults and 16% in children. Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium africanum were identified in 82% and 16% of 108 culture-confirmed TB cases, respectively. Isoniazid (INH) and streptomycin yielded the highest resistance rates (13% and 12%, respectively). The multidrug resistant TB (MDR-TB) rate was 4/91 (4%) and 4/13 (31%) in new and retreatment TB cases, respectively. Treatment success was achieved in 53% of patients. In TB/HIV coinfected patients, mortality rate was 25%. In this setting, TB epidemiology is characterized by a high rate of TB/HIV coinfection and low treatment success rates. MDR-TB is a major public health concern; the need to step-up in-country diagnostic capacity for culture and drug susceptibility testing as well as access to second-line TB drugs urgently requires action.

Pretreatment neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in peripheral blood was associated with pulmonary tuberculosis retreatment.

IntroductionThe neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a readily available biomarker associated with recurrence and survival in various diseases. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between NLR and pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) retreatment.Material and methodsThis was a case-control study that included 306 newly diagnosed cases of PTB in the clinical database of the Infectious Hospital of Wuxi from December 2009 to December 2011. Of the 306 patients, a total of 68 cases were followed up with TB retreatment. The remaining 238 PTB patients who completed anti-TB treatment and were cured without retreatment were selected as controls.ResultsAccording to the ROC curve, the best cut-off value of NLR was 2.53, with a sensitivity of 70.6% and a specificity of 45.4%. The NLR ≥ 2.53 before anti-TB treatment was associated with PTB retreatment (OR = 1.994, 95% CI: 1.116–3.564; adjusted OR (AOR) = 2.409, 95% CI: 1.212–4.788). The retreatment rates with NLR ≥ 2.53 and NLR < 2.53 were 27.1% and 15.5%, respectively, with a significant difference (log-rank test; p = 0.010). Additionally, cavitation on chest X-ray (OR = 2.922, 95% CI: 1.654–5.411; AOR = 2.482, 95% CI: 1.230–5.007), history of smoking (OR = 2.202, 95% CI: 1.158–3.493; AOR = 2.321, 95% CI: 1.135–4.745) and age ≥ 60 (OR = 3.828, 95% CI: 1.626–9.015; AOR = 2.931, 95% CI: 1.122–7.653) were also associated with PTB retreatment.ConclusionsNLR ≥ 2.53 is predictive of PTB retreatment. Otherwise, initial cavitation on chest X-ray, history of smoking, and age of ≥ 60 are also risk factors for PTB retreatment.