Pancreatic tuberculosis mimicking as pancreatic malignancy: Surgeon's dilemma

Pancreatic tuberculosis is a rare form of Tuberculosis (TB) which requires a high index of suspicion to diagnose. Here, we report a case of middle-aged gentleman presenting with abdominal pain and constitutional symptoms who was diagnosed with pancreatic tuberculosis on imaging, which was confirmed by Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) from the lesion. The patient was given Anti-Tubercular Treatment (ATT) as per conventional protocol. Follow-up showed recovery from the entity. A review of patient presentation, patho-physiology, diagnosis, and management of pancreatic tuberculosis is mentioned in this article.

A rare case of smear positive tuberculous arthritis

TB arthritis is a very rare extrapulmonary presentation in an immunocompetent host. It is usually the result of direct hematogenous spread from the primary focus. Our patient presented with pain and swelling of the right knee for 6 months. The blood investigations and CT chest revealed findings consistent with active tuberculosis. Synovial fluid was positive for acid-fast bacilli (AFB) which is a very rare finding. Cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification test (CBNAAT) revealed Mycobacterium tuberculosis and sensitivity to rifampicin. Establishing the diagnosis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis beyond doubt is very important, and early initiation of antitubercular treatment (ATT) is important as delay in treatment may lead to irreversible damage to the joint and restriction of joint mobility.

Screening of Non-Communicable Diseases and their Risk Factors among Tuberculosis Patients in Delhi: A Mix Method Study

Background: India has the highest burden of tuberculosis in the world. It is experiencing an increasing burden of noncommunicable diseases, thereby facing a dual disease burden. Recent evidence shows an association between TB and noncommunicable diseases like diabetes, CVD and chronic respiratory infections. Aims and Objectives: To assess the feasibility of screening for NCDs and risk factors for NCDs among patients with TB in DOTS centers of a medical college in Delhi and ascertain challenges for the same among providers and patients. Methodology: It was a mixed-methods study with a quantitative component (cross-sectional study using questionnaires, anthropometric measurements and records review) and a qualitative component (descriptive study using interview data). Results: Among the 139 patients screened, ten new cases of hypertension and six new patients were diagnosed with DM. Outof- pocket expenditure for tests was a concern of the patients. Health care providers found the screening tool easy to use but were apprehensive about increased workload Conclusion: The study provide useful visions for incorporating NCDs into routine TB care through DOTS centers under RNTCP/NTEP.

Perceptions of Private Practitioners Regarding Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program- A Cross-sectional Study in Sonepat, Haryana

Background: A substantial proportion of tuberculosis patients either take treatment from private care providers or first-time visit private hospitals to diagnose tuberculosis. Hence the role of private providers is too essential to ignore to realize the ambition of tuberculosis elimination in India. Aim and Objectives: To understand the perception of private practitioners of Sonepat district of Haryana state regarding. Setting and Design: A cross-sectional study was done among the private practitioners of the Sonepat district of Haryana Methods and Material: 78 randomly selected practitioners from the list provided by the district health authority were interviewed using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire. The ethics committee of the study institute approved the study. Statistical analysis used: Descriptive analysis in terms of proportion and percentages was conducted. Results: One-third of the study participants were in the age group of 30-40 years. Half of the practitioners were reportedly practicing medicine for less than twenty years. A significant proportion agreed that the government could not single-handedly eliminate tuberculosis without collaborating with private providers. Mostly agreed on the effectiveness of Tuberculosis regimens under the program; however, over-relying on the sputum examination was perceived as a negative component of the program. Conclusions: Private providers understand their pivotal role in tuberculosis-related programs. However, their full participation has not been realized in the program.

Social vulnerability and tuberculosis: a vicious circle

A B S T R A C T Tuberculosis (TB) represents an important cause of morbidity and one of the top ten causes of mortality in the world, associated with economic problems, vulnerability marginalization, stigma and discrimination. From a mixed study that triangulates quantitative data and qualitative information, the main results of the characterization of the social vulnerability of people with TB in the municipality of Cali - Colombia are presented, based on the AVEO model that analyzes the social vulnerability related to assets and liabilities that people possess and the opportunities that the context offers. The results show assets, liabilities and opportunities related to TB treatment, articulated through demographic, biological, socioeconomic, psychosocial and habitat dimensions. It is concluded that there is a vicious circle between conditions of social vulnerability and tuberculosis, in which people with higher levels of social vulnerability are more affected by the disease in all dimensions of their existence, increasing or maintaining levels of vulnerability which that requires multisectoral interventions that go beyond health services.

La tuberculosis (TB) representa una importante causa de morbilidad y una de las diez primeras causas de mortalidad en el mundo, asociada con problemas económicos, vulnerabilidad, marginación, estigma y discriminación. A partir de un estudio mixto que triangula datos cuantitativos e información cualitativa, se presentan los principales resultados de la caracterización de la vulnerabilidad social de personas con TB en el municipio de Cali - Colombia, basado en el modelo AVEO que analiza la vulnerabilidad social relacionado los activos y los pasivos que poseen las personas y las oportunidades que ofrece el contexto. Los resultados muestran activos, pasivos y oportunidades relacionadas con el tratamiento de la TB, articuladas a través de dimensiones demográficas, biológicas, socioeconómicas, psicosociales y de hábitat. Se concluye que existe un círculo vicioso entre condiciones de vulnerabilidad social y tuberculosis, en el que las personas con mayores niveles de vulnerabilidad social se ven más afectadas por la enfermedad en todas las dimensiones de su existencia, aumentando o mantenido los niveles de vulnerabilidad, lo que requiere intervenciones multisectoriales que sobrepasan los servicios de salud.

Tuberculose; vulnerabilidade no mundo, associada a problemas econômicos, vulnerabilidade, marginalização, estigma e discriminação. Com social; saúde; saúde pública. base em um estudo misto que triangula dados quantitativos e informações qualitativas, são apresentados os principais resultados da caracterização da vulnerabilidade social das pessoas com TB no município de Cali -Colômbia, com base no modelo AVEO que analisa a vulnerabilidade social em relação aos ativos e passivos que as pessoas possuem e as oportunidades oferecidas pelo contexto. Os resultados mostram ativos, passivos e oportunidades relacionadas ao tratamento da TB, articuladas através das dimensões demográfica, biológica, sócio-econômica, psicossocial e de habitat. Conclui-se que existe um círculo vicioso entre as condições de vulnerabilidade social e a tuberculose, no qual as pessoas com níveis mais elevados de vulnerabilidade social são mais afetadas pela doença em todas as dimensões de sua existência, aumentando ou mantendo os níveis de vulnerabilidade, o que requer intervenções multisetoriais que vão além dos serviços de saúde.

An Analysis of The Trend of Incidences and Fatality of Pulmonary Tuberculosis in East Java from 2015-2020: A Lesson From COVID-19

Background: Pulmonary tuberculosis is still a public health problem, and surveillance data analysis has not been done much. Recently a global pandemic of COVID-19 has the potential in disturbing TB elimination pro-grams and treatment. This study aims to comprehensively analyse the incidence rate (IR) and Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of pulmonary tuberculosis in East Java from 2015–2020 and during COVID-19 and the strategies for optimizing tuberculosis disease control. Methodology: The study analyzed annual surveillance data using an analytical descriptive design. The Varia-bles were analyzed with Spearman correlation with a level of evidence of 95% (p<0.05). Results: The prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis in East Java fluctuated from 2015–2020. In 2020 and dur-ing the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of cases and morbidity rates increased. Statistic results confirm the presence of a significant correlation between the values of Incidence rate (IR) and Case Fatality rate (CFR) (p = 0.032), IR and Treatment Success Rate (TSR) (p = 0.020), and CFR and TSR (p = 0.002). Population density is not correlated with the number of new cases (p = 0.667). Treatment rates have increased to 51%; cure and treatment rates have decreased to 76% and 89%, respectively, and there was a 4% increase in mortality dur-ing COVID-19. Conclusions: COVID-19 has tremendously affected the treatment of pulmonary TB cases in East Java, Indone-sia by increasing the incidence rate and decreasing the fatality rate. The pandemic promotes fear in the com-munity to check their medical status and improve the quality of their health in East Java.

Revisiting the Chingleput BCG vaccination trial for the impact of BCG revaccination on the incidence of tuberculosis disease

Background & objectives: Vaccines play a crucial role in the prevention of tuberculosis (TB). Revaccination with Bacille Calmette–Guerin (BCG) for the prevention of TB is an important strategy that is currently gaining interest. The objective of this study was to reanalyze the community-based Chingleput BCG vaccination trial for protective efficacy of BCG revaccination against incident TB disease. Methods: A retrospective analysis of the Chingleput BCG vaccination trial (conducted in 1968) data was carried out. Data on participants with evidence of prior BCG vaccination at trial intake and randomized to BCG vaccine [low dose (0.01 mg), high dose (0.1 mg)] and placebo arms were analyzed. The incidence of TB disease, which was based on sputum culture and/or chest X-ray was compared between the BCG and placebo arms over a 15 yr follow up period. Results: Of the 269,727 individuals randomized in the trial; 263,158 had no evidence of TB at baseline, of which 4436 (1.68%) had evidence of BCG vaccination at trial intake (2890 in the BCG vaccine and 1546 in the placebo arms, respectively). There were 77 (190 per 100,000) and 64 (296 per 100,000) incident TB cases in the BCG and placebo arm, respectively, at 15 yr post-vaccination. The incidence of TB disease was significantly lower in the BCG arm [Hazard ratio of BCG arm (95% confidence interval): 0.64 (0.46-0.89)]. Interpretation & conclusions: Retrospective data analysis of this community-based trial revealed that BCG revaccination in a community offered modest protection against the development of TB disease at the end of 15 years which, however, requires further evaluation.

Study of side effect profile of bedaquiline containing regimen among patients with extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis at a nodal drug-resistant center

Background: Extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR TB) is a type of tuberculosis (TB) characterized by resistance to isoniazid and rifampicin, along with resistance to one of the fluoroquinolones and at least one of the second line injectable drugs. Bedaquiline is a diarylquinoline antimycobacterial agent approved for the treatment of adults with pulmonary multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) and XDR-TB by the food and drug administration. Aim and Objective: The aim of this study was to study the side effect profile of bedaquiline containing regimen among XDR TB patients. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted at outpatient and wards of nodal drug-resistant TB Center, Department of Pulmonary Medicine, SVRRGGH, Tirupati, for a period of 1 year. Forty patients of more than 18 years age and diagnosed with XDR TB were included in the study. Bedaquiline was started and daily monitoring was done with ECG and all organ function tests were repeated every 15 days. Results: All 40 cases were retreatment cases; no new XDR TB case was reported in study period. Most common age group of presentation in our study was 46 to 55 years (32.5%). Gastrointestinal adverse drug reactions were found to be more common (37.5%), cardiovascular QTc changes were observed in 10% of patients, 5% of patients had neurological reactions (Headache), 2.5% of patients had peripheral neuropathy, and 2.5% of patients had arthralgia. Conclusions: Bedaquiline containing regimen is very effective for the treatment of XDR TB cases. The study shows that compliance with this regimen is very good. Bedaquiline has minimal adverse reactions and even these are easily manageable. Bedaquiline has good safety profile and patients have improved quality of life.

The value of peripheral blood and pleural effusion T-SPOT.TB combined with pleural effusion adenosine deaminase in diagnosis of tuberculous pleurisy / 中国热带医学

@#Abstract: Objective To explore the relationship between peripheral blood and pleural effusion tuberculosis (TB) infection effector T cells, and to further evaluate the value of combined pleural effusion adenosine deaminase (ADA) for rapid diagnosis of tuberculous pleurisy. Methods The test data of 80 cases of tuberculous pleurisy and 70 cases of nontuberculous pleurisy treated in the Sixth People's Hospital of Nantong City from January 2017 to December 2020 were analyzed. The TBinfected effector T cells were also detected simultaneously in the peripheral blood and the pleural effusion by the T-SPOT technique, and the pleural effusion ADA was detected by the rate method. The subject operating characteristic curve (ROC) was applied to take the optimal pleural effusion ADA threshold to compare the sensitivity and specificity of different critical values. Person phase analysis was applied to analyze the correlation between peripheral blood and pleural effusion T-SPOT.TB. Data of peripheral blood, pleural effusion T-SPOT.TB and ADA were integrated. Results When pleural effusion ADA>45 U/L, the sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of tuberculous pleurisy were 50.0% and 94.3%, respectively; when ADA > 25.15 U/ L, the sensitivity and specificity were 80.0% and 72.9%. When ADA > 45 U / L, pleural/ blood T-SPOT.TB spot ratio (spot forming cells, SFCs) > 2 times, the specificity for the diagnosis of tuberculous pleurisy was 100% (highest); when 25.15 U/L< pleural effusion ADA ≤ 45 U/L, pleural/blood T-SPOT.TB spot ratio > 2 times, the specificity for the diagnosis of tuberculous pleurisy was 92.3% (second). When pleural effusion ADA ≤ 25.15 U/L, and the pleural effusion/blood T-SPOT.TB spot number ratio > 2 times, with 83.3% specificity (the lowest of the three groups). Conclusions The level of pleural effusion ADA is one of the most used methods for diagnosing tuberculous pleurisy. Further combination of pleural effusion and blood T-SPOT.TB, if the ratio of pleural effusion / blood T-SPOT. TB spots is greater than 2 times, it can further improve the diagnosis rate of tuberculous pleurisy.

Disease burden of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in China and regions with different income levels in the world / 公共卫生与预防医学

Objective To analyze the disease burden of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in China and regions with different income levels in the world from 1990 to 2019. Methods Using the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 (GBD2019) results, the changes of the disease burden of MDR-TB in China and regions with different income levels in the world were described and analyzed using the Joinpoint Regression Program 4.8.0.1 software. Results From 1990 to 2019, the age standardized incidence, mortality and DALY rates in China and other areas with different income levels in the world basically showed a trend of first rising and then decreasing at the turning point of the late 20th century and early 21st century, except for low-income areas where the age standardized incidence rate showed an overall upward trend. In 2019, the incidence rate, mortality and DALY rate of MDR-TB in China were 9 times, 6.67 times and 6.89 times higher than those in high-income areas, respectively. The incidence rate in China was 6 times lower than that in low and middle-income areas, while the mortality and DALY rate in China were 26 times and 32.53 times lower than those in low-income areas, respectively. The age standardized incidence, mortality rate and DALY rate of MDR-TB in men were higher than those in women. Risk factors for the burden of MDR-TB disease included alcohol consumption, smoking, and high fasting blood glucose. Conclusion From 1990 to 2019, there are significant regional and gender differences in the disease burden of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in China and regions with different income levels in the world. Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis is still a major challenge for tuberculosis control in the world. It is necessary to develop more effective control strategies and health care systems to deal with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis.

Genome sequencing and analysis of BCG strain for vaccine production in China / 上海预防医学

ObjectiveTo conduct the sequencing and preliminarily analysis of the whole genome of BCG Shanghai D2PB302 strain （hereinafter referred to as BCG Shanghai D2 strain）， which has been used exclusively for the vaccine production in China. MethodsThe DNA of of BCG Shanghai D2 strain （D2-JIA12-1） was extracted， and the whole genome was sequenced by Pacbio-RS Ⅱ. The sequence data was assembled by Smrtlink and polished with the illumina data. Genes， tRNA and rRNA were predicted based on the sequence data. The functional annotation of predicted genes was performed through BLASTP. The IVE-TB antigen gene and MTBVAC were selected as the target sequences to be compared with Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv （NC_000962.3）. ResultsThe sequence length of BCG Shanghai D2 strain was 4 045 232 bp， and the GC content was 65.66%. A total of 4 259 protein-encoding genes were predicted， with an average gene size of 933 bp. 2 476 genes had biological functions and others were hypothetical proteins.144 virulence genes were obtained by comparing with the VFDB. There were 29 type Ⅶ secretion system genes and 10 PE/PPE protein family genes. ConclusionThe whole genome sequence of BCG Shanghai D2 strain is clarified. It lays a broad foundation for subsequent detection of the stability of major antigen genes.

Clinical spectrum of Tuberculosis Otitis Media (TBOM) and management outcomes

Objectives@#To determine the initial clinical diagnoses of patients with tuberculous otitis media (TBOM), to determine the value of PCR test, biopsy, and ancillary diagnostic procedures in detecting middle ear TB infection, and to establish the differences in treatment outcomes. @*Methods@#The clinical records of twenty-eight patients identified with middle ear TB infection by PCR test and biopsy, from January 2010 to December 2016, were reviewed to determine their initial clinical diagnoses. The positivity rates of PCR test and biopsy were compared. The records of 12 patients included in a previous publication were revisited and included in the present study population. The combined cases were classified according to clinical diagnosis to constitute a summary of demographic characteristics, clinical diagnoses, laboratory tests, and treatment outcomes. Results of diagnostic and surgical procedures were reviewed and analyzed. Clinical findings and hearing test results before and after treatment were compared. @*Results@#Of the 28 patients, eight different clinical diagnoses of patients confirmed with middle ear TB were determined. PCR test diagnosed most cases belonging to the early and chronic stages of the disease process. Biopsy diagnosed mostly the chronic cases but failed to diagnose acute cases and late cases with diagnosis of chronic suppurative otitis media with cholesteatoma. By including the twelve cases that were published in 2011, the range of clinical diagnoses was expanded and an outcome of eleven clinical diagnoses confirmed with TB infection was established. Analysis of treatment outcomes showed that the clinical and hearing outcomes were better for patients managed at the early stage of the disease than for those presenting at the late stages of the disease process who underwent more complicated surgical procedures. @*Conclusion@#Our study supports the concept of tuberculous otitis media (TBOM) clinical spectrum, implying a paradigm shift in the established thinking that TBOM presents only as a chronic disease. The combined use of PCR and biopsy is a potential diagnostic tool to improve case detection rate, further broaden the scope of the clinical spectrum, and develop better control and preventive strategies for TBOM.

QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus and QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-tube assays for detecting latent tuberculosis infection in Thai healthcare workers

ABSTRACT Detecting latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is important, especially in high-risk populations including healthcare workers (HCWs). QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus) is a new version of the interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs) to replace the QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-tube (QFT-GIT). However, data on the use of QFT-Plus for LTBI detection in high TB-burden countries are limited. This study was conducted in a TB-endemic setting in Thailand. HCWs were enrolled in the study and underwent both tests during the annual health screening. The testing results were compared and the concordance was determined. Of 102 HCWs, 11 (10.78%) were positive according to both tests, and 15 (14.71%) were positive according to QFT-Plus. The overall agreement between assays was 96.08%, with Cohen's kappa coefficient (k) at 0.82. All four discordant results occurred with QFT-GIT negative and QFT-Plus positive. The comparison between QFT-GIT and QFT-Plus based on each antigen tube (TB1 or TB2) exhibited similar concordance with 99.02% and 95.10% agreement, respectively. The intra-comparison between TB1 and TB2 of QFT-Plus also showed good concordance at 96.08%. Among this group of HCWs, the LTBI prevalence of any positive results in both tests was low. Overall, the study showed good agreement between QFT-Plus and QFT-GIT (k = 0.82) with a minimal difference, suggesting similar assay performance to that mainly carried out in TB-low incidence countries. The results support the use of QFT-Plus for detecting LTBI in a format similar to QFT-GIT.

Tuberculosis treatment and factors associated with unsuccessful tuberculosis treatment outcome among TB/HIV co-infected patients in Rwanda: A retrospective cohort study

Introduction Mycobacterium tuberculosis remains the main cause of death as an infectious agent of Tuberculosis in humans, particularly in resource-poor settings. Worldwide, Tuberculosis is one of the top 10 causes of mortality. Objective of the study This study aims to determine the outcomes of TB treatment and assess the factors associated with unsuccessful TB treatment outcome among TB/HIV co-infected patients in Rwanda. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study of all TB/HIV co-infected patients reported in the national electronic TB reporting system (e-TB) by all health facilities from July 2019 to June 2020. Frequencies, proportions, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were performed to determine factors associated with unsuccessful TB treatment. Results There were 1,144 people reported in the e-TB, however, only 987 were included in the study because 157 patients did not meet the inclusion criteria.The TB/HIV coinfected patients who were not given nutritional support, OR 7.3, 95%CI [1.4, 37.6] and those who were not on ART,OR15.3, 95%CI [3.6, 69.6],were more likely to have unsuccessful treatment outcome than their counterparts. Conclusion Unsuccessful TB treatment outcomes were highly observed among TB/HIV coinfected patients. The study recommended reinforcing nutritional support and early initiation of ART among TB/HIV co-infected patients.

Wind-driven roof turbines' effectiveness in enhancing household ventilation: a potential tool to reduce tuberculosis infection

Background: South Africa's overburdened healthcare systems have led to criticism of its unsustainable tuberculosis management interventions. In 2011, the National Department of Health implemented an outpatient, decentralised care model, but this increased costs and jeopardised the long-term viability of prevention measures. Home confinement is now recognised as a viable intervention option, when combined with safety precautions such as ventilation and medical support. However, little is known about the risk of infection in this context. Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of wind-driven roof turbines in enhancing ventilation and their potential to lower the risk of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in a residential setting. Methods: Eight houses were selected and divided equally into intervention (wind turbines installed) and control groups, using a pairwise comparison method. The CO2 decay method was used as a proxy to determine ventilation in the houses. The wind-driven roof turbines' potential to lower the risk of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection was stochastically evaluated using the Wells-Riley mathematical model. Results: During two seasons, installation of a roof turbine resulted in twofold ventilation rates compared to the control houses. Consequently, the WellsRiley model predicted a twofold reduction in the probability of infection in the intervention compared to the control households. Conclusion: Low-cost, low-maintenance wind-driven roof turbines are effective in increasing ventilation in houses, and should be considered as an additional layer of protection against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and other infections in residential settings.

Advances in Bacillus Calmette-Guerin / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#Tuberculosis(TB) is a chronic and debilitating infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb). It is a significant health concern that poses a serious threat to human well-being. Bacillus Calmette-Guerin(BCG)is the only approved vaccine for the prevention of TB. BCG is made from attenuated bovine Mtb and is highly effective in preventing tuberculous meningitis and granulomatous TB,which are particularly lethal in infants. However,BCG provides limited protection in both children and adults,and this protective effect decreases over time. Currently,there are ongoing improvements being made to BCG,which involve modifications in immunization routes and procedures. Additionally,researchers are working on the development of new TB vaccines. BCG is primarily used for the prevention of TB and the treatment of bladder cancer,although it also has other indications. This paper reviewed the recent research progress of BCG,focusing on its development history,improvements,and indications.

Molecular subtypes of invasive breast carcinoma of no special type, their correlation with histopathological features, Ki 67 index and tumor budding: A retrospective comparative study

Context: Tumor budding (TB), poorly differentiated clusters (PDCs), and Ki 67 index are proven adverse prognostic factors in breast carcinoma. Though the relation of Ki 67 index with molecular subtypes of breast carcinoma have been extensively studied, there is very limited information on the role of TB and PDCs. Aims: To grade TB, PDCs, and Ki 67 index and assess histological features and relationship of all these with molecular subtypes of invasive breast carcinoma of no special type. Methods and Material: Retrospective study of 148 cases from 1/1/2019 to 30/12/2019. Division of molecular groups – Luminal A, Luminal B, Her2 neu positive, and triple-negative breast carcinomas (TNBC), and Ki 67 index grades based on St Gallen criteria, intratumoral and peritumoral TB and PDC grades as per the International Tumor Budding Consensus Conference (ITBCC) criteria for colon and correlation between these and other histological features with the molecular subtypes were done. Statistical Analysis: Chi-square test, univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used. Results: Significant correlation was seen between TB and lymphovascular emboli, Luminal B tumors with high-grade TB and PDCs, Her 2 neu positive and TNBC tumors with low-grade TB, circumscribed tumor margins, tumor necrosis, and Luminal B, Her 2 neu positive and TNBC tumors with larger tumor size and high nuclear grades.Conclusions: TB and PDCs are useful in the prognostication of Luminal A and B tumors when the Ki 67 index values are low/intermediate. Her 2 neu positive and TNBC tumors have a high nuclear grade with necrosis and no association with TB or PDCs.

Impacto de la COVID-19 en el control de la Tuberculosis en Paraguay. 2019-2020

La COVID-19 ha provocado una emergencia sanitaria mundial sin precedentes, afectando también negativamente a la prestación de atención a la tuberculosis (TB) en casi todos los países. Por tanto, esta investigación analiza el impacto de la COVID-19 en el control de la TB en Paraguay. Estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo, con enfoque mixto y de corte transversal. Resultados: siete de los 10 indicadores priorizados de la Estrategia "Fin de la TB" registraron resultados por debajo a lo notificado en los últimos tres años, siendo el 2020 el más afectado. Existe una brecha de 1.037 personas que no han sido diagnosticadas y tratadas por TB en Paraguay, de acuerdo a lo estimado por la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) en 2020. Se analizaron 2.598 casos de TB en 2020, frente a 3.083 en el 2019, lo que representa una disminución del 15,7% en la notificación de casos; las notificaciones disminuyeron en un 24% en mujeres, 40,5% en niños y en un 19,6% de éxito de tratamiento. Se presentó una tasa de letalidad de 12%, la mayor en los últimos cuatro años. Las expertas encuestadas, opinan que la situación de la TB empeoró tras la llegada de la COVID-19 en el país, principalmente en la notificación de casos e investigación de contactos. La COVID-19 ha impactado negativamente en el control de la TB en Paraguay, esto representa un riesgo significativo en el control de la enfermedad y el avance a lo largo de los años se ve seriamente comprometido y amenaza con revertir los logros alcanzados.

COVID-19 has caused an unprecedented global health emergency, also negatively affecting the delivery of tuberculosis (TB) care in almost all countries. This research therefore analyses the impact of COVID-19 on TB control in Paraguay. Descriptive, retrospective, mixed-approach, cross-sectional study. Results: seven of the 10 prioritized indicators of the "End TB Strategy" registered results below what was reported in the last three years, with 2020 being the most affected. There is a gap of 1,037 people who have not been diagnosed and treated for TB in Paraguay, as estimated by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2020. There were 2,598 TB cases analysed in 2020, compared to 3,083 in 2019, representing a 15.7% decrease in case notification; notifications decreased by 24% in women, 40.5% in children and 19.6% treatment success. There was a case fatality rate of 12%, the highest in the last four years. The experts surveyed were of the opinion that the TB situation worsened after the advent of COVID-19 in the country, mainly in case notification and contact investigation. COVID-19 has had a negative impact on TB control in Paraguay, which represents a significant risk for the control of the disease, and progress over the years is seriously compromised and threatens to reverse the achievements made.

A 3-month-old child with miliary tuberculosis: a case report

Miliary tuberculosis (TB) is a severe form of disseminated TBthat could be fatal without treatment. It remains a significant health problem in endemic countries such as Indonesia. A-3-month-old child was admitted to the hospital with chief complain of shortness of breath, cough,and intermittent low-grade fever. Significant clinical findings were lack of weight gain, previous contact with confirmed cases of TB, and severe malnutrition. Significant laboratory findings were anemia, elevated CRP, and hypoalbuminemia. Radiological findings were suggestive of miliary TBwith bilateral diffuse reticulonodular lung lesion on chest CT-scan. Diagnosis of miliary TB is difficult because of nonspecific, atypical symptoms and varied clinical signs. It is needed multiple diagnostic approach, especially for children. Miliary TBremain to be a difficult case that require an early intervention despite difficulties in its diagnosis, to prevent morbidity and mortality of patient.

Clinical Characteristics and Treatment Outcomes of HIV+ and HIV- Tuberculosis Patients Followed and Treated at the Regional Hospital of Oyem, Northern Gabon: A Two-Year Retrospective Study

Background: The objective of this study was to analyse the clinical characteristics of HIV+ and HIV- tuberculosis patients followed and treated at the Oyem Regional Hospital Centre (ORHC). Materials and Methods: During this study conducted between January 2019 and December 2021, data collection was based on the exploitation of medical records and registers of results from the medical analysis laboratory of the regional hospital of Oyem, in which there were personal data (gender and age) of the patients, the status of HIV infection, clinical characteristics (pulmonary or extra pulmonary TB), and finally, the therapeutic outcomes of the patients after anti-tuberculosis and antiretroviral treatment. Binomial test following the Normal distribution was used to find an association between the percentages of extrapulmonary TB and TB+/HIV+ co-infection. Results: In this study, 128 confirmed TB cases were selected. While 54 (42.19%) were co-infected with TB+/HIV+, 74 patients (57.81%) were monoinfected with TB+/HIV+. Among all these patients, 93 (72.66%) were reported to have extra pulmonary TB and 35 (27.34%) had pulmonary TB. A normal binomial test showed that TB+/HIV+ co-infection was significantly associated with extrapulmonary TB (p=0.04). Patients were put on anti-tuberculosis treatment according to the manufacturers' indications. Despite a total of 15 deaths (8.93%) in both mono- and co-infected patients, there was a favourable outcome, with 35 patients (27.34%) declared cured. With 8 deaths, mortality was higher in the co-infected than in the non-HIV infected TB patients who recorded 7 deaths. Conclusion: By indicating a relatively high prevalence of HIV infection in TB patients, this study showed that TB+/HIV+ co-infection was associated with extra pulmonary TB, the severe form of the disease, and increased mortality in patients, hence the need to strengthen joint activities to control this co-infection.