Adult Tuberculosis Research Articles

Long-Term Intake of Linezolid Elevates Drug Exposure and Reduces Drug Clearance and Elimination in Adults With Drug-Resistant Pulmonary Tuberculosis.

Pharmacokinetic (PK) studies are critical for dose optimization, and there is a paucity of linezolid (LZD) PK data for prolonged use in drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB). Therefore, the authors evaluated the pharmacokinetics of LZD at two-time intervals in DR-TB during long-term use. PK evaluation of LZD was performed at the end of the 8th and 16th weeks of treatment in a randomly selected subset of adult pre-extensively drug-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis patients (n = 18) from a multicentric interventional study (Building Evidence to Advance Treatment of TB/BEAT study; CTRI/2019/01/017310), wherein a daily dose of 600 mg LZD was used for 24 weeks. Plasma LZD levels were measured using a validated high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. The LZD median plasma C max was comparable between the 8th and 16th weeks [18.3 mg/L, interquartile range (IQR: 15.5-20.8 and 18.8 mg/L, IQR: 16.0-22.7, respectively)]. However, the trough concentration increased significantly in the 16th week (3.16 mg/L, IQR: 2.30-4.76), compared with the 8th week (1.98 mg/L, IQR: 0.93-2.75). Furthermore, compared with the 8th week, in the 16th week, there was a significant increase in drug exposure (AUC 0-24 = 184.2 mg*h/L, IQR: 156.4-215.8 versus 233.2 mg*h/L, IQR: 187.9-277.2), which corroborated with a longer elimination half-life (6.94 hours, IQR: 5.55-7.99 versus 8.47 hours, IQR:7.36-11.35) and decreased clearance (2.91 L/h, IQR: 2.45-3.33 versus 2.19 L/h, IQR: 1.49-2.78). Long-term daily intake of 600 mg LZD resulted in a significant elevation in trough concentration (>2.0 mg/L) in 83% of the study participants. Furthermore, increased LZD drug exposure may be partly because of decreased clearance and elimination. Overall, the PK data underscore the need for dose adjustment when LZDs are intended for long-term treatment.

Prevalence of Stigma Among TB Patients and Its Associated Factors - A Community Based Cross-Sectional Study in Puducherry, India

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease that has both medical as well as social dimensions. Stigma and associated discrimination experienced by persons affected by TB is a barrier to the interventions towards TB elimination. A better understanding of stigma will improve the effectiveness of the interventions aimed to alleviate the effects of TB stigma. The objectives were to measure the prevalence of self, anticipated, experienced stigma and its associated factors and to explore the impact of tuberculosis related stigma among TB patients. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Puducherry district, Southern India among 420 adult drug sensitive non-HIV TB patients registered under NTEP. Data was collected by face-to-face interview using standardised questionnaire. Results: The mean(±SD) age of the study participants was 44.5 (±15.03) years. Majority were males (267, 63.6%) and were married (330, 78.6%). The prevalence of stigma among TB patients was found to be 69.3%. Perceived stigma was noted in 47.1%, 33.6% had self- stigma and 26.0% had experienced stigma. On measuring the impact of stigma, 52.6% reported participation restriction. Illiteracy and lower-socio economic status were found to be significantly associated with TB stigma. Conclusions: Stigma among TB patients was high. Tailored patient-centric interventions to address stigma and discrimination using culturally appropriate and locally available resources are necessary.

CO-INFECTION WITH HERPESVIRUSES AS A NEW ASPECT OF TUBERCULOSIS IN CHILDREN

The increase in the incidence of tuberculosis in adults in recent years leads to negative changes in the epidemiological situation among children. Tuberculosis infection is often found against the background of various chronic pathologies. It has been established that the activation of opportunistic, especially herpetic, infections increases the risk of infection with MBT. Tuberculosis, in turn, has a clinically more severe course against the background of secondary immunodeficiency. In childhood, the immaturity of the immune system is added, which in turn can also serve as a prerequisite for the progression of the tuberculosis process. A so-called vicious circle is formed - a persistent, latent herpes infection leads to the appearance of an immunodeficiency state, in turn, mycobacterium tuberculosis – contributes to the further deepening of immunological dysfunction, which leads to the development of the syndrome of violation of anti-infective protection and creates the basis for the progression of the tuberculosis process. Currently, the actual goal of scientific research is to establish the specific weight of herpesvirus infections among tuberculosis patients, their impact on the occurrence, spread and course of various forms of tuberculosis, the study of virological, immunological and clinical-epidemiological aspects of the problem of co-infection of tuberculosis and herpesviruses. The resolution of the issue of combined infection as a new aspect of tuberculosis can play a decisive role in the effective diagnosis and prediction of the severity of the course of tuberculosis in childhood at the current stage and will improve the epidemiological situation with tuberculosis in general.

Burden of Pulmonary Rifampicin-Resistant Tuberculosis in Kajiado, Kenya: An Observational Study.

Rifampicin resistance (RR) is a major challenge in the clinical management of tuberculosis (TB), but data on its prevalence are still sparse in many countries. Our study aimed at estimating the prevalence of RR-TB in Kajiado County, Kenya. Secondary objectives were to estimate the incidence of pulmonary TB in adults and the rate of HIV-TB coinfection. We conducted an observational study in the context of the ATI-TB Project, carried out in Kajiado. The project was based on an active-case-finding campaign implemented with the aid of village chiefs, traditional healers and community health volunteers. Diagnosis relied on Xpert MTB/RIF, including a mobile machine that could be used to cover areas where testing would otherwise be difficult. In sum, 3840 adults were screened for active TB during the campaign. RR cases among all TB diagnoses were 4.6%. The annual incidence of pulmonary TB among adults was 521 cases per 100,000 population. The rate of HIV coinfection was 22.2% among pulmonary TB diagnoses. The prevalence of RR-TB was four times that what could be inferred from official notifications in Kajiado, and higher than overall prevalence in Kenya. In addition, our estimate of incidence of pulmonary TB in adults in Kajiado significantly differed from cases notified in the same area. In contrast, the rate of HIV coinfection was in line with national and regional data. TB diagnostic capability must be strengthened in Kajiado to improve patients' management and public health interventions.

Loss to follow-up tuberculosis treatment and associated factors among adults attending at public health facilities in Warder District, Somali Regional State, Eastern Ethiopia.

Tuberculosis is a major public health problem worldwide, particularly in resource-limited countries. Loss of follow-up during treatment is one of the major obstacles in the fight against tuberculosis, which has serious implications for patients, their families, communities, and health service providers. To assess the magnitude of the loss to follow-up tuberculosis treatment and associated factors among adults attending public health facilities in Warder District, Somali Regional State, eastern Ethiopia from November 02-17, 2021. A 5-year (from 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2020) retrospective study was conducted on 589 adult tuberculosis treatment records. Data were collected using a structured data extraction format. Data were analyzed using STATA version 14.0 statistical package. Variables with P < 0.05 in the multivariate logistic regression analysis were considered statistically significant. A total of 98 (16.6%) TB patients failed to follow up with their treatment. Age between 55 and 64 years (AOR = 4.4, 95% CI: 1.9-9.9), being male (AOR = 1.8, 95% CI: 1.1-2.9), living more than 10 km away from a public health facility (AOR = 4.9, 95% CI:2.5-9.4), and having a history of tuberculosis treatment (AOR = 2.3, 95% CI: 1.2-4.4) were associated with a higher likelihood of not following up, while having a positive initial smear result (AOR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.24-0.96) was associated with a lower probability of not following up. One out of six patients was lost to follow-up after initiating their tuberculosis treatment. Hence, improving the accessibility of public health facilities with a special focus on older adults, male patients, smear-negative patients, and retreatment cases is highly warranted among TB patients.

Prevalence and Impact of Diabetes Mellitus in Adult Tuberculosis Patients;A Cross-Sectional Study

Searchable abstracts of presentations at key conferences in endocrinology ISSN 1470-3947 (print) | ISSN 1479-6848 (online)

Lupus vulgaris on face: a case report

Lupus vulgaris is the most common form of cutaneous tuberculosis in adults. Starts either by re-infection or by lymphatic or hematogenous spread or by direct spread in individuals with moderate immunity and high degree of tuberculin sensitivity. Females affected 2-3 times more, constitute 1-2% of all extra-pulmonary TB. Common sites involved are face and neck. We reported a case lupus vulgaris in a 52 year old female patient.

Comparative serum lipid and immunohematological values among adult pulmonary tuberculosis and tuberculosis lymphadenitis cases and their association with sputum bacilli load and time to culture positivity in Northwestern Ethiopia

BackgroundThe serum lipid and immunohematological values of tuberculosis lymphadenitis (TBLN) patients is poorly documented relative to pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) cases. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the serum lipid and immunohematological values of patients with TBLN in comparison with PTB (PTB) patients.MethodsAn institution-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in Northwest Ethiopia from March to December 2021. The study participants were bacteriologically confirmed PTB (n = 82) and TBLN (n = 94) cases with no known comorbidity and whose ages was greater than 18 years and with no current pregnancy. Independent sample t-test, one-way ANOVA, box plot, and correlation matrix were used to analyze the data.ResultsThe body mass index (BMI), CD4 + T cell count, and high-density lipoprotein-Cholesterol (HDL-C) values were significantly higher among TBLN cases compared with PTB cases. Additionally, the total white blood cell (WBC) count, hemoglobin (Hb), total Cholesterol (CHO) and creatinine (Cr) values were relatively higher among TBLN than PTB (P > 0.05). On the reverse, the platelet count and triacylglycerol (TAG) values were relatively higher among PTB than in TBLN cases. While the mean days of culture positivity were 11.6 days for TBLN, the mean days of culture positivity were 14.0 days for PTB. Anemia and serum lipid values showed no correlation with sputum bacilli load and time to culture positivity.ConclusionTuberculous lymphadenitis patients were well-endowed with serum lipid, immunological and nutritional status compared with PTB cases. Hence, the high incidence rate of TBLN in Ethiopia could not be explained by low peripheral immunohematological values, malnutrition, Anemia, and dyslipidemia. Further study for identifying the predictors for TBLN in Ethiopia is highly desirable.

Impact of Community-Wide Tuberculosis Active Case Finding and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Testing on Tuberculosis Trends in Malawi.

Tuberculosis case-finding interventions are critical to meeting World Health Organization End TB strategy goals. We investigated the impact of community-wide tuberculosis active case finding (ACF) alongside scale-up of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing and care on trends in adult tuberculosis case notification rates (CNRs) in Blantyre, Malawi. Five rounds of ACF for tuberculosis (1-2 weeks of leafleting, door-to-door enquiry for cough and sputum microscopy) were delivered to neighborhoods ("ACF areas") in North-West Blantyre between April 2011 and August 2014. Many of these neighborhoods also had concurrent HIV testing interventions. The remaining neighborhoods in Blantyre City ("non-ACF areas") provided a non-randomized comparator. We analyzed TB CNRs from January 2009 until December 2018. We used interrupted time series analysis to compare tuberculosis CNRs before ACF and after ACF, and between ACF and non-ACF areas. Tuberculosis CNRs increased in Blantyre concurrently with start of ACF for tuberculosis in both ACF and non-ACF areas, with a larger magnitude in ACF areas. Compared to a counterfactual where pre-ACF CNR trends continued during ACF period, we estimated there were an additional 101 (95% confidence interval [CI] 42 to 160) microbiologically confirmed (Bac+) tuberculosis diagnoses per 100 000 person-years in the ACF areas in 3 and a half years of ACF. Compared to a counterfactual where trends in ACF area were the same as trends in non-ACF areas, we estimated an additional 63 (95% CI 38 to 90) Bac + diagnoses per 100 000 person-years in the same period. Tuberculosis ACF was associated with a rapid increase in people diagnosed with tuberculosis in Blantyre.

A novel multi-component protein vaccine ECP001 containing a protein polypeptide antigen nPstS1 riching in T-cell epitopes showed good immunogenicity and protection in mice.

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease that seriously affects human health. Until now, the only anti-TB vaccine approved for use is the live attenuated Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis) vaccine - BCG vaccine, but its protective efficacy is relatively low and does not provide satisfactory protection against TB in adults. Therefore, there is an urgent need for more effective vaccines to reduce the global TB epidemic. In this study, ESAT-6, CFP-10, two antigens full-length and the T-cell epitope polypeptide antigen of PstS1, named nPstS1, were selected to form one multi-component protein antigens, named ECP001, which include two types, one is a mixed protein antigen named ECP001m, the other is a fusion expression protein antigen named ECP001f, as candidates for protein subunit vaccines. were prepared by constructing one novel subunit vaccine by mixing or fusing the three proteins and combining them with aluminum hydroxide adjuvant, and the immunogenicity and protective properties of the vaccine was evaluated in mice. The results showed that ECP001 stimulated mice to produce high titre levels of IgG, IgG1 and IgG2a antibodies; meanwhile, high levels of IFN-γ and a broad range of specific cytokines were secreted by mouse splenocytes; in addition, ECP001 inhibited the proliferation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in vitro with a capacity comparable to that of BCG. It can be concluded that ECP001 is a novel effective multicomponent subunit vaccine candidate with potential as BCG Initial Immunisation-ECP001 Booster Immunisation or therapeutic vaccine for M. tuberculosis infection.

Undiagnosed Pulmonary Tuberculosis (TB) and Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Adults Dying at Home in a High-TB-Burden Setting, Before and During Pandemic COVID-19: An Autopsy Study.

Missing or undiagnosed patients with tuberculosis (TB) or coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are of concern. Identifying both infections in patients with no diagnosis prior to death contributes to understanding the burden of disease. To confirm reports of global reduction in TB incidence, a 2012 autopsy study of adults dying at home of natural causes in a high-TB-burden setting was repeated, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) assessments after the first COVID-19 surge in South Africa. Adult decedents who died at home with insufficient information to determine cause of death, no recent hospitalization, and no current antemortem TB or COVID-19 diagnosis were identified between March 2019 and October 2020 with a 4-month halt during lockdown. A standardized verbal autopsy followed by minimally invasive needle autopsy (MIA) was performed. Biopsies were taken for histopathology from liver, bilateral brain and lung; bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was collected for Xpert (MTB/RIF) and mycobacterial culture, and blood for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. After the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, a nasopharyngeal swab and lung tissue were subjected to SARS-CoV-2 PCR testing. Sixty-six MIAs were completed in 25 men and 41 women (median age, 60 years); 68.2% had antemortem respiratory symptoms and 30.3% were people with HIV. Overall, TB was diagnosed in 11 of 66 (16.7%) decedents, and 14 of 41 (34.1%) in the COVID-19 pandemic were SARS-CoV-2 positive. Undiagnosed TB in adults dying at home has decreased but remains unacceptably high. Forty percent of decedents had undiagnosed COVID-19, suggesting that estimates of excess deaths may underestimate the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on mortality.

The radiologic findings, positivity rate of culture method examinations, correlation with the type of lower respiratory secretion of adult pulmonary Tuberculosis (TB) patients

Background: There are active and latent tuberculosis types, a global public health concern. Test confirmation is required to distinguish between active tuberculosis and nontuberculous mycobacterial infection. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between the type of lower airway secretion specimen, Mycobacterium tuberculosis positivity rate of MGIT-LJ, as well as the relationship between the Mycobacterium tuberculosis positivity rate in MGIT-LJ and radiological findings. Methods: This study is cross-sectional with a prospective design. The sample is the result of the examination of the MGIT-LJ method and medical record data of patients suspected of Pulmonary TB at Dr. Soetomo Academic Hospital Surabaya Indonesia that meets the inclusion criteria, analysis of the culture results of MGIT-LJ method and radiological findings were carried out to assess the relationship between the character of sputum, the positivity rate of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and radiological findings. Result: A total of 137 from June 2022 till November 2022 found 88 (64.2%) with spontaneous sputum, 6 (4,4%) aspirate ETT, and 43 (31.4%) BAL. The positivity rate of the MGIT-LJ culture method of the spontaneous sputum specimen to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis was 20.5% higher than ETT or BAL specimens because the implementation of clinical indication to request MGIT-LJ culture method of ETT and BAL specimens is still confusing. The specificity of the chest radiography diagnostic test from all specimens type of 61.86%, with a weak accuracy rate. Conclusion: In this study, the positivity rate of the MGIT-LJ culture method of the spontaneous sputum specimen to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis was 20.5% higher than ETT or BAL specimens. Chest radiography has a weak accuracy level and must be complemented test with the culture method.

SIRT2 inhibition by AGK2 enhances mycobacteria-specific stem cell memory responses by modulating beta-catenin and glycolysis

Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) generates limited long-lasting adaptive memory responses leading to short-lived protection against adult pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). Here, we show that host sirtuin 2 (SIRT2) inhibition by AGK2 significantly enhances the BCG vaccine efficacy during primary infection and TB recurrence through enhanced stem cell memory (TSCM) responses. SIRT2 inhibition modulated the proteome landscape of CD4+ Tcells affecting pathways involved in cellular metabolism and T-cell differentiation. Precisely, AGK2 treatment enriched the IFNγ-producing TSCM cells by activating β-catenin and glycolysis. Furthermore, SIRT2 specifically targeted histone H3 and NF-κB p65 to induce proinflammatory responses. Finally, inhibition of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway abolished the protective effects of AGK2 treatment during BCG vaccination. Taken together, this study provides a direct link between BCG vaccination, epigenetics, and memory immune responses. We identify SIRT2 as a key regulator of memory Tcells during BCG vaccination and project SIRT2 inhibitors as potential immunoprophylaxis against TB.

Stool specimen for diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis in adults: a systematic review

ObjectiveTo assess the diagnostic accuracy of stool specimens to diagnose pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) in adults.DesignSystematic review.Data sourcesMEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), Web of Science and the Cochrane database were searched from...

The natural history of untreated pulmonary tuberculosis in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Stages of tuberculosis disease can be delineated by radiology, microbiology, and symptoms, but transitions between these stages remain unclear. In a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies of individuals with untreated tuberculosis who underwent follow-up (34 cohorts from 24 studies, with a combined sample of 139 063), we aimed to quantify progression and regression across the tuberculosis disease spectrum by extracting summary estimates to align with disease transitions in a conceptual framework of the natural history of tuberculosis. Progression from microbiologically negative to positive disease (based on smear or culture tests) in participants with baseline radiographic evidence of tuberculosis occurred at an annualised rate of 10% (95% CI 6·2-13·3) in those with chest x-rays suggestive of active tuberculosis, and at a rate of 1% (0·3-1·8) in those with chest x-ray changes suggestive of inactive tuberculosis. Reversion from microbiologically positive to undetectable disease in prospective cohorts occurred at an annualised rate of 12% (6·8-18·0). A better understanding of the natural history of pulmonary tuberculosis, including the risk of progression in relation to radiological findings, could improve estimates of the global disease burden and inform the development of clinical guidelines and policies for treatment and prevention.

Repurposing mucosal delivery devices for live attenuated tuberculosis vaccines.

Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the most lethal infectious diseases globally. The only TB vaccine approved by the World Health Organization, Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG), protects children against severe and disseminated TB but provides limited protection against pulmonary TB in adults. Although several vaccine candidates have been developed to prevent TB and are undergoing preclinical and clinical testing, BCG remains the gold standard. Currently, BCG is administered as an intradermal injection, particularly in TB endemic countries. However, mounting evidence from experimental animal and human studies indicates that delivering BCG directly into the lungs provides enhanced immune responses and greater protection against TB. Inhalation therapy using handheld delivery devices is used for some diseases and allows the delivery of drugs or vaccines directly into the human respiratory tract. Whether this mode of delivery could also be applicable for live attenuated bacterial vaccines such as BCG or other TB vaccine candidates remains unknown. Here we discuss how two existing inhalation devices, the mucosal atomization device (MAD) syringe, used for influenza vaccines, and the Respimat® Soft Mist™ inhaler, used for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) therapy, could be repurposed for mucosal delivery of live attenuated TB vaccines. We also outline the challenges and outstanding research questions that will require further investigations to ensure usefulness of respiratory delivery devices that are cost-effective and accessible to lower- and middle-income TB endemic countries.

Reported high in hospital mortality among adult tuberculosis patients admitted to university of Gondar hospital, North-West Ethiopia

Background: Due to a single infectious pathogen, tuberculosis (TB) is the world's second-greatest cause of mortality. The majority of TB deaths happen during the intensive phase of treatment. The purpose of this study is to determine the incidence and predictors of in-hospital mortality in adult TB patients. Method: A 4 year retrospective follow-up study was conducted among 200 admitted adult TB patients at the university of Gondar hospital from September 1, 2017 to September 30, 202l. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to calculate the hazard ratios (HR). The Kaplan-Meier method was used to compute survival rates. Cox regression models were used to determine the predictors of mortality. Results: This study enrolled 200 adult TB patients. Among these 60 (30%) died, 140 (70%) censored with overall incidence of death rate of 165 (95 percent CI: 128, 213)/10,000 days of observation. A multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that patients with a low WBC count at baseline (AHR=3.16, 95% CI: 1.55, 6.41) and bedridden patients (AHR=3.49, 95% CI: 1.83, 6.66) independent predictors of in-hospital mortality among adult TB patients. Conclusions: This retrospective study found that hospital mortality among adult TB patients is high in public hospitals in northwest Ethiopia. Patients with a low WBC count and who were bedridden at the time of presentation were independent predictors of in-hospital mortality.

The effect of isolated probiotics from Indonesian Passiflora edulis sims. on interferon gamma levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cell of adult tuberculosis patients in vitro.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) is unique because the bacteria live intracellularly and hide in macrophages so that they can escape from phagocytosis. This is one of the factors that complicate the treatment of M.tb infections. Interferongamma (IFN-γ) is a compound that plays an important role in macrophage activation to control intracellular pathogens. The purpose of this research is to analyze the concentration of IFN-γ in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of adult Tuberculosis patients (TB) after in vitro administration of multistrain probiotics from indigeneous Indonesian red passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims.). The probiotics isolated from red passion fruit were introduced into Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell (PBMC) adult TB patients who were undergoing Anti-tuberculosis Drug Therapy (ATD) category one at the Trosobo Primary Health Center (Sidoarjo, East Java, Indonesia), and the patients who were undergoing ATD category one treatment were willing to be involved in this study.Result: The probiotics isolated from fermentation-broth of Indonesian red passion fruit were able to increase IFN-γ levels in PBMC of adult TB patients. The red passion fruit probiotics isolated can increase IFN-γ of adult TB patients increased from 0.82% to 23.17% after in vitro administration.

Internet use and e-health literacy among tuberculosis patients in the Directly Observed Therapy Centre, Lagos State, Nigeria

Introduction. This study investigated Internet use and e-health literacy among tuberculosis patients attending Directly Observed Therapy Centre in Lagos State, Nigeria. Method. The study population comprised registered adult tuberculosis patients on active treatment and assessing healthcare in the designated Directly Observed Therapy Centre. Data were collected using a questionnaire and e-health literacy was measured using the 8-item e-health literacy scale. Analysis. Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation coefficient was used for the analysis. Results. The findings of the study revealed that a majority (73.3%) of the respondents had mobile phone devices for accessing e-health information and acknowledged that the Internet is very useful to their health. However, many of them did not have the skills to evaluate the health resources found on the Internet and cannot differentiate high quality from low quality health resources. Hence many of the patients did not feel confident in using information sourced from the Internet. The result of the hypotheses shows that educational level was significantly associated with usefulness and perceived importance of online health information (r= 0.189, p=0.010). Conclusion. The results showed the need to inculcate e-health literacy into the educational program of tuberculosis patients in the country, and how to evaluate online information as a reliable source of medical information.

A Multistage Antigen Complex Epera013 Promotes Efficient and Comprehensive Immune Responses in BALB/c Mice

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a serious global health problem. Despite the widespread use of the Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine, the primary factor for the TB pandemic and deaths is adult TB, which mainly result from endogenous reactivation of latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) infection. Improved new TB vaccines with eligible safety and long-lasting protective efficacy remains a crucial step toward the prevention and control of TB. In this study, five immunodominant antigens, including three early secreted antigens and two latency associated antigens, were used to construct a single recombinant fusion protein (Epera013f) and a protein mixture (Epera013m). When formulated with aluminum adjuvant, the two subunit vaccines Epera013m and Epera013f were administered to BALB/c mice. The humoral immune responses, cellular responses and MTB growth inhibiting capacity elicited after Epera013m and Epera013f immunization were analyzed. In the present study, we demonstrated that both the Epera013f and Epera013m were capable of inducing a considerable immune response and protective efficacy against H37Rv infection compared with BCG groups. In addition, Epera013f generated a more comprehensive and balanced immune status, including Th1, Th2 and innate immune response, over Epera013f and BCG. The multistage antigen complex Epera013f possesses considerable immunogenicity and protective efficacy against MTB infection ex vivo indicating its potential and promising applications in further TB vaccine development.