Prevalence of positive tuberculin skin test in a Brazilian sample of rheumatoid arthritis and spondylarthritis patients

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Patients with rheumatic diseases have an increased risk of infections, especially tuberculosis. In this study, we aimed to recognize the positivity rate of tuberculosis skin test in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and spondyloarthritis and the characteristics of the patients with positive results. METHODS: Retrospective study of tuberculosis skin test results in patients followed from 2004 to 2021 in a single rheumatology unit. Data related to clinical and epidemiological features, along with treatment information referring to the period in which the tuberculosis skin test was performed, were collected from patients' charts. RESULTS: A total of 723 tests were identified (448 tests in 269 rheumatoid arthritis patients and 275 in 174 spondyloarthritis patients). In the rheumatoid arthritis sample, 31/275 (11.5%) individuals had positive tests, and in the spondyloarthritis, 38/174 (21.8%) had positive tests. In the rheumatoid arthritis sample, patients with positive tuberculosis skin tests used a higher dose of methotrexate than those with negative results (median of 25 mg/week versus median of 20 mg/week respectively; p=0.02). In the spondyloarthritis sample, tuberculosis skin test positivity was associated with alcohol ingestion (13.1% versus 2.9% in users and non-users respectively; p=0.02) and sulfasalazine use (15.7% of positivity in users versus 5% in non-users; p=0.01). CONCLUSION: The tuberculosis skin test-positive prevalence in rheumatoid arthritis was lower than in the spondyloarthritis sample. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis using a higher dosage of methotrexate or with spondyloarthritis using sulfasalazine had more frequency of tuberculosis skin test positivity and should be carefully followed by the attending physician in order to avoid the appearance of full-blown tuberculosis.

Frecuencia de infección tuberculosa latente en estudiantes de Medicina en una universidad privada de Paraguay

Introducción: la infección tuberculosa latente es un estado de respuesta inmune tipo hipersensibilidad celular retardada del organismo a la estimulación por antígenos de Mycobacterium tuberculosis sin evidencia clínica y radiológica de tuberculosis. Puede ser diagnosticada mediante la prueba de tuberculina o derivado proteico purificado de tuberculina. Objetivos: determinar la frecuencia de infección tuberculosa latente en estudiantes de Medicina y las variables asociadas a una reacción positiva en la prueba de tuberculina. Metodología: se realizó un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal, en el cual se procedió a realizar la prueba de tuberculina por el método de Mantoux utilizando 0,1 ml de derivado proteico purificado de tuberculina Tubersol, en estudiantes de la carrera de Medicina de una universidad. Resultados: participaron 290 estudiantes. La frecuencia de infección tuberculosa latente fue 19,3%. Al relacionar las variables demográficas con la reacción positiva en la prueba de tuberculina, los hombres presentaron 1,895 veces mayor probabilidad de dar positivo a la prueba de tuberculina que las mujeres. Conclusiones: la frecuencia de infección tuberculosa latente en estudiantes de la carrera de Medicina fue 19,3% y la variable que presentó asociación estadística a la prueba de tuberculina positiva fue el sexo masculino.

Introduction: Latent tuberculosis infection is a state of delayed cellular hypersensitivity immune response of the organism to stimulation by Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigens without clinical and radiological evidence of tuberculosis. It can be diagnosed by tuberculin test or tuberculin purified protein derivative. Objectives: To determine the frequency of latent tuberculosis infection in medical students and the variables associated with a positive reaction in the tuberculin test. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out, in which the tuberculin test was made by the Mantoux method using 0.1 ml of purified protein derivative of Tubersol tuberculin in students of the medicine career of a university. Results: Two hundred ninety students participated. The frequency of latent tuberculosis infection was 19.3%. When relating the demographic variables to the positive reaction in the tuberculin test, men were 1,895 times more likely to test positive for the tuberculin test than women. Conclusions: The frequency of latent tuberculosis infection in medical students was 19.3% and the variable that presented a statistical association with the positive tuberculin test was male sex.

Avances en tuberculosis en el 54° Congreso Chileno de enfermedades respiratorias. 3a parte: Prevención de la tuberculosis activa mediante el tratamiento de la tuberculosis latente / Advances in tuberculosis at the 54th Chilean Congress of Respiratory Diseases. Part 3: prevention of active tuberculosis by treating latent tuberculosis

La infección tuberculosa latente (ITL) es un estado asintomático de la infección por Mycobacterium tuberculosis incapaz de transmitir la infección a otros, pero con el potencial de originar una tuberculosis (TBC) activa en el infectado, especialmente ante la presencia de factores de riesgo inmunológico. Es importante en personas de riesgo de desarrollar TBC reconocer la ITL utilizando test como la reacción a la tuberculina (PPD o TST) y los ensayos de liberación de Interferón-γ (IGRAs). Sin embargo, estos tests tienen limitaciones en su capacidad de predicción de riesgo de evolución de infección a enfermedad lo que conlleva a tener que tratar muchas personas para evitar algún caso de enfermedad. Nuevos tests se encuentran en desarrollo para mejorar la sensibilidad de reconocimiento de la ITL, distinguir infecciones recientes (que tienen el mayor riesgo de progresión a enfermedad) e incluso con la capacidad de detectar enfermedad subclínica o inicial. Para reducir la probabilidad de enfermar por TBC se utilizan tratamientos preventivos con fármacos, pero la cobertura mundial de esta terapia es reducida y la adherencia a terapias auto-administradas, como en el caso del uso de isoniazida diaria oral, es también baja. Otro problema de esta terapia son los riesgos de reacciones adversas (hepatitis, erupciones cutáneas) aunque no frecuentes. La recomendación de terapia actual de la ITL incluye el uso de rifamicinas y sus derivados. La asociación de isoniazida con rifapentina en una dosis semanal durante tres meses, administrada bajo supervisión, es la terapia de primera línea para mayores de 2 años, mostrando menos riesgo de hepatotoxicidad y mayor adherencia.

Latent Tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is the asymptomatic state of infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Although untransmissible, LTBI can progress to active tuberculosis (TB), especially in people with immune risk factors. It is important to recognize LTBI in people at risk of developing TB; tuberculin skin test (PPD or TST) or interferon-γ release assays (IGRAs) are current diagnostic tests. However, these tests have limitations in their ability to predict subjects who will evolve from infection to disease; consequently, a large number of people with LTBI need treatment to avoid a reduced number of future TB disease cases. Newer tests are under development to improve the sensitivity in recognizing LTBI, distinguish recent infections with highest risk of progression to disease, and even be able to detect initial subclinical disease. Antimicrobial preventive treatment effectively reduces the probability of getting sick with TB, but worldwide availability of TB preventive therapy is limited, and adherence to self-administered therapies, as in the case of the use of daily oral isoniazid, is low. Adverse reactions risk (hepatitis, skin rash) although infrequent, is another problem with these therapies. Currently, LTBI management guidelines include regimens with use of rifamycins and their derivatives. The combination of isoniazid and rifapentine in a weekly dose for three months administered under supervision is the first line choice for LTBI therapy in those over 2 years of age, showing less hepatoxicity risk and greater adherence.

Incidence, Diagnosis and Treatment of Otorhinolaryngologicl, Head and Neck Tuberculosis: A Prospective Clinical Study

Abstract Introduction Tuberculosis is a disease of diversified presentation. It affects almost all organs in the body, and otorhinolaryngological, head and neck involvement is not an exception. Objective To increase awareness about the different clinical presentations of otorhinolaryngological, head and neck tuberculosis, the techniques employed to diagnose it, and to assess the response to the treatment. Methods We conducted a prospective study of 114 patients who presented primarily with otorhinolaryngological, head and neck tuberculosis. Routine blood investigations, chest radiographs, the tuberculin test, and sputum examination for the presence of acid-fast bacilli were performed in all cases. Site-specific investigations were performed in relevant cases only. The patients were treated according to the antitubercular treatment (ATT) regimen recommended by the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare's National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP), and they were followed up clinically two and six months after starting the ATT. Results Tubercular cervical lymphadenopathy was the most common clinical presentation (85.96%), followed by deep neck abscess (5.27%). Fine-needle aspiration cytology proved to be a reliable tool for the diagnosis of tubercular lymphadenopathy. Improvement at the end of 2 and 6 months of the ATT was observed in 90.35% and 96.50% of the cases respectively. Conclusion The diagnosis of otorhinolaryngological, head and neck tuberculosis requires a high index of clinical suspicion, and the ATT proved to be very effective in reducing the severity of the disease.

Clinical comprehensive evaluation of recombinant Mycobacterium tuberculosis fusion protein / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effectiveness， safety， economy， innovation， suitability and accessibility of recombinant Mycobacterium tuberculosis fusion protein （EC）， and to provide evidence for selecting skin detection methods for tuberculosis infection diagnosis and auxiliary diagnosis of tuberculosis. METHODS The effectiveness and safety of EC compared with purified protein derivative of tuberculin （TB-PPD） were analyzed by the method of systematic review. Cost minimization analysis， cost-effectiveness analysis and cost-utility analysis were used to evaluate the short-term economy of EC compared with TB-PPD， and cost-utility analysis was used to evaluate the long-term economy. The evaluation dimensions of innovation， suitability and accessibility were determined by systematic review and improved Delphi expert consultation， and the comprehensive score of EC and TB-PPD in each dimension were calculated by the weight of each indicator. RESULTS The scores of effectiveness， safety， economy， innovation and suitability of EC were all higher than those of TB-PPD. The affordability scores of the two drugs were consistent， while the availability score of EC was lower than those of TB-PPD. After considering dimensions and index weight， the scores of effectiveness， safety， economy， innovation， suitability， accessibility and the comprehensive score of EC were all higher than those of TB-PPD. CONCLUSIONS Compared with TB-PPD， EC performs better in all dimensions of effectiveness， safety， economy， innovation， suitability and accessibility. However， it is worth noting that EC should further improve its availability in the dimension of accessibility.

Latent tuberculosis infection and screening method among close contacts in schools in Xuhui District，Shanghai from 2020 to 2022 / 上海预防医学

ObjectiveTo investigate the latent tuberculosis infection （LTBI） of close contacts in schools of Xuhui District， and to explore the tuberculin skin test （TST）- interferon-γ release assay （IGRA） two-step method in order to discover the screening strategy of tuberculosis in Xuhui District. MethodsClose contacts of tuberculosis in schools of Xuhui District from 2020 to 2022 were selected as research subjects. Screening was conducted using symptom questionnaire， TST， chest X-rays， IGRA， and the information including the etiological results and grade of the index cases， as well as gender， age， and relationship with the index cases of the research subjects were collected. ResultsTotally 615 close contacts of 32 tuberculosis cases occurred in the schools were finally included. Of the 609 close contacts who completed tuberculosis infection screening and underwent TST testing， 153 TST（+） individuals underwent IGRA testing. The final LTBI rate was 4.6%， and the pulmonary tuberculosis detection rate was 163 per 100 000. The relationship with the index cases was an influencing factor for LTBI. The IGRA positivity rate was higher among close contacts with TST ≥15 mm than among those with 10 mm≤ TST <15 mm （χ2=14.41， P<0.05）. ConclusionThe latent tuberculosis infection among close contacts of school tuberculosis cases in Xuhui District remains serious. TST-IGRA two-step method can assist in the accurate diagnosis of LTBI and pulmonary tuberculosis cases.

Propuesta de modalidad de catastro de infección tuberculosa en contactos escolares de colegios secundarios / Modality proposal of tuberculosis infection screening in high school contacts

Resumen El catastro sistemático de contactos con el objetivo de identificar y tratar a aquellos con infección tuberculosa es uno de los pilares establecidos por la OMS en su Estrategia de Fin a la Tuberculosis. El riesgo de infección tuberculosa en contactos escolares, aunque menor que en los domiciliarios, es significativo. Sin embargo, es bajo el cumplimiento del tratamiento preventivo y varios puntos se prestan a discusión, como ser el corte de la prueba tuberculínica a utilizar, el beneficio de iniciar un tratamiento quimioprofiláctico en ausencia de infección demostrada o de realizar estudios en contactos de casos índice no bacilíferos. Este escrito aborda dichos temas y propone, con evidencia actualizada, una modalidad de estudio para contactos en instituciones de enseñanza secundaria. Dicho catastro propone identificar a los infectados utilizando el punto de corte de 5 mm en la prueba de tuberculina, ofreciendo tratamiento preventivo y seguimiento activo solamente a aquellos con una prueba positiva.

Abstract The systematic registry of contacts with the objective of identifying and treating those with tuberculosis infection is one of the pillars established by the WHO in the end Tuberculosis Strategy. The risk of tuberculosis infection in school contacts, although lower than in households, is significant. However, compliance with preventive treatment is low and several points are open to discussion, such as the cutoff of the tuberculin test to be used, the usefulness of starting a chemoprophylactic treatment in the absence of confirmed infection or carrying out studies in contacts of non-bacilliferous index cases. This paper ad dresses these issues and proposes, with updated evidence, a screening modality for contacts in higher education institutions. This screening proposes to identify those infected using the cut-off point of 5 mm in the tuberculin test, offering preventive treatment and active follow-up only to those with a positive test.

The clinical utility of tuberculin skin tests: a single-center experience

Background: Tuberculin skin test (TST) has played an essential in the diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) for nearly a century. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the general characteristics of patients tested with TST in a tertiary hospital within two years. Methods: All patients who were evaluated to screen for tuberculosis and received a TST were included. The Mantoux method was used for TST administration. Results: A total of 661 patients, 345 (52.2%) men and 316 (47.8%) women, with a mean age of 43.0 ±15.9 years, were included in the study. Accordingly, TST was performed prior to anti-TNF biological agent therapy for 50% (331) of the participants, for LTBI screening before solid organ and/or hematological stem cell transplantation for 20.4% (135), for screening following contact with tuberculosis for 25.1% (166), for screening of healthcare professionals for 1.1% (7), and medical report for 3.3% (22). 2.7% of the patients who took TST were diagnosed with active tuberculosis (14 with pulmonary tuberculosis and 4 with extrapulmonary tuberculosis). QuantiFERON-TB Gold (QFT) test was performed in 332 (50.2%) patients with anergic TST results. According to TST and QFT test results, 28.3% (187) of the patients were started on tuberculosis prophylaxis. Conclusion: While TST is most performed for LTBI screening prior to biological agent therapy, almost one-fourth of patients taking TST require tuberculosis prophylaxis. On the other hand, about half of the patients require an additional QFT test.

Antecedentes: La prueba de la tuberculina ha jugado un papel fundamental en el diagnóstico de la infección latente por tuberculosis durante casi un siglo. Objetivo: Investigar las características generales de los pacientes a los que se les realizó la prueba de tuberculina en un hospital de tercer nivel. Métodos: Se incluyeron todos los pacientes que fueron incluidos en un tamizaje de tuberculosis mediante la prueba de tuberculina. Se utilizó el método de Mantoux para la administración de esta prueba. Resultados: Se incluyeron en el estudio un total de 661 pacientes, 345 (52.2%) hombres y 316 (47.8%) mujeres, con una edad media de 43.0 ±15.9 años. La prueba de tuberculina se realizó en el 50% (331) de los participantes, antes de la terapia con agentes biológicos anti-TNF; En el 20.4% (135) se hizo la prueba antes del trasplante de órganos sólidos y/o células madre hematológicas; para el 25.1% (166) se realizó tras contacto con la tuberculosis, el 1.1% (7) para tamizaje de los profesionales sanitarios y con informe médico para el 3.3% (22). El 2.7% de los pacientes que se realizaron la prueba de tuberculina fueron diagnosticados con tuberculosis activa (14 pulmonar y 4 extrapulmonar). La prueba QuantiFERON-TB Gold (QFT) se realizó en 332 (50.2 %) pacientes con resultados anérgicos para tuberculina. Según los resultados de las pruebas de tuberculina y QFT, el 28.3% (187) de los pacientes iniciaron profilaxis antituberculosa. Conclusión: Si bien la prueba de tuberculina se realiza comúnmente para la detección de tuberculosis latente antes de la terapia con agentes biológicos, casi una cuarta parte de los pacientes que se les hizo la prueba de tuberculina requieren profilaxis para tuberculosis. Por otro lado, aproximadamente la mitad de los pacientes requieren una prueba QFT adicional.

To study the prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection among medical students

Background: Risk of developing latent tuberculosis infection increases in medical students with their higher exposure to TB care facilities. Objective: To study the prevalence of latent TB infection among students attending professional degrees MBBS, BDS, MD, MS, MDS at King George’s Medical University, India. Methods: This study was carried out with Tuberculin skin testing among students and active TB cases were excluded. A standard dose of 0.1?mL of purified protein derivative was slowly injected intra dermally into non-dominant forearm. After 48-72 hours, the reaction was estimated by measuring the transverse diameter of the induration. Results: Total 561 students had given consent to get enrolled. Prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection was significant with period of clinical exposure (p-value < 0.05), average size of induration (p-value < 0.001), and history of prior Tuberculin Skin Test (p-value < 0.001). However it was not significant with the age (p-value > 0.05), gender (p-value > 0.05), and history of contact with active cases of TB (p-value > 0.05). Conclusion: The prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection is higher in post graduate students followed by interns and final year students due to more exposure to patients in wards and clinics at King George’s Medical University, India.

Effect of live attenuated varicella vaccine on tuberculin skin test / 中国热带医学

@#Abstract: Objective　This paper aims to explore the effect of live attenuated varicella vaccine on the sensitivity of tuberculin skin test(TST), and to provide reference for tuberculin skin test in the future. Methods　TST and emergency varicella vaccine were administered to students in grade one of a high school in Wuxi, Jiangsu province, who had both TB and varicella cases. Independent-samples t test was used to analyze the mean diameter of induration of TST in day 0, day 83 and day 195. The retrospective cohort study was used to analyze the effect of live attenuated varicella vaccine on TST. 　　Results　The mean induration diameter of 45 students who participated in three TST tests on day 0, day 83 and day 195 were analyzed by independent sample t test. On day 0, there was a difference in the mean diameter of TST induration between the unvaccinated and vaccinated groups(1.630±2.837 vs 5.818±4.530) (t=-3.692, P=0.001). On day 83, there was no difference in the mean diameter of TST induration between the two groups(0.001±0.001 vs 0.114±0.533) (t=-1.000, P=0.329). On day 195, there was a difference in the mean diameter of TST induration between the two groups(1.913±3.774 vs 5.023±5.126) (t=-2.309, P=0.026). Moreover, the retrospective cohort study showed that the mean diameter of TST induration changed more significantly after inoculation with varicella vaccine, RR=6.071, 95%CI (1.667-22.116), P<0.05; After inoculation with varicella vaccine, the mean diameter of TST test did not change significantly from day 0 to day 195 with no statistical significance RR=3.474, 95%CI (0.333-36.240), P>0.05. Conclusions　Live attenuated varicella vaccine may temporarily affect the sensitivity of tuberculin skin test.

The diagnostic value of tuberculin skin test, tubercle bacillus-antibody, interferon-γ release assay, tubercle bacillus-DNA and bacterial collection centrifugal smear method in pneumoconiosis combined with tuberculosis / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To investigate five kinds of tuberculin skin test (TST), tubercle bacillus-antibody(TB-Ab), interferon-γ release assay(IGRA), tubercle bacillus-DNA (TB-DNA) and collection of bacterial centrifugal smears methods, the application value of combined detection in improving the diagnostic efficiency of pneumoconiosis complicated with tuberculosis.Methods:A total of 150 eligible patients with pneumoconiosis from January 2018 to January 2019 in Zhangjiakou Pulmonary Hospital were selected as the research subjects, and all of them underwent TST, TB-Ab, IGRA, TB-DNA and bacterial centrifugal smear detection. Compared the positive rates of five detection methods in pneumoconiosis and its different stages, and compare the proportion of tuberculosis infection and tuberculosis in different stages of pneumoconiosis.Results:Among the 150 patients with pneumoconiosis, 41 cases (27.33%) were with pneumoconiosis complicated with tuberculosis infection, 24 cases (16.00%) with pneumoconiosis complicated with clinically diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis, 21 cases (14.00%) with pneumoconiosis complicated with confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis, and 45 cases (30.00%) with pneumoconiosis complicated with pulmonary tuberculosis; with the improvement of pneumoconiosis stage, the proportion of pneumoconiosis combined with tuberculosis infection and pulmonary tuberculosis increased significantly ( P<0.05). Compared with TB-Ab, TB-loop-mediated isothermal amplification(LAMP), and interlayered cup collection centrifuge smear method, the overall positive rate of IGRA detection and pneumoconiosis stage Ⅲ were higher ( P<0.05), but there was no significant difference compared with TST detection ( P>0.05). The positive rate of combined detection was higher, but there was no significant difference compared with IGRA detection ( P>0.05). With the increase of pneumoconiosis stage, the positive reaction intensity of TST decreased, and the positive value of TB-Ab and IGRA increased. Conclusions:The combined detection of TST, TB-Ab, IGRA, TB-DNA and bacterial centrifugal smear method can significantly improve the diagnostic efficiency of pneumoconiosis combined with tuberculosis.

A Systematic Review of Prevalence and Risk Factors of Latent Tuberculosis Infection Among Medical and Nursing Students

@#Introduction: Clinical training may expose medical and nursing students to workplace hazards comparable to those encountered by healthcare workers (HCWs). This study was designed to investigate the prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) and associated risk factors among medical and nursing students. Methods: Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria, a systematic review was conducted utilising four electronic databases to appraise and synthesise the literature on LTBI which used the tuberculin skin test (TST) and the blood interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA). Results: Original articles published in the English language between 2010 and 2020 were included, yielding 14 relevant articles. The average prevalence of LTBI in high-burden countries was 38.2% for TST and 20.6% for the IGRA test. According to TST and IGRA findings, the average prevalence of LTBI in nations with an intermediate burden was 16.7% and 4.7 %, respectively. The average prevalence was 2.8% and 1.1% from the TST and IGRA tests for low-burden countries, respectively. A greater risk of LTBI was shown to be related with an increase in age among postgraduate medical school students, a history of Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccination, origin from high-risk tuberculosis (TB) countries, increased hours of hospital exposure, a history of contact with TB cases, a high body mass index, older age group students, and a lower TB knowledge score. Conclusion: The available evidence from this review emphasised the importance of developing and implementing efficient and cost-effective TB infection-control programmes, particularly in high-burden countries and amongst students at risk.

Analysis of tuberculosis screening for newly enrolled students in Hunan Province from 2018 to 2020 / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To understand tuberculosis screening for newly enrolled students in Hunan Province and to provide reference for scholl based tuberculosis (TB) prevention and control.@*Methods@#During 2018 to 2020, TB screening was carried out for newly enrolled students in Hunan Province, and the screening results were statistically analyzed by descriptive analysis and χ 2 test.@*Results@#In 2018-2020, the average incidence rate of TB among students in Hunan Province was 20.90/100 000, with a decreasing trend by year ( χ 2 trend =89.45, P <0.01), the screening rate of TB in schools was 87.30%, and the screening rate for newly enrolled students was 86.81%, with downward trend by year ( χ 2 trend =2 843.34, 83 443.77, P <0.01). The proportion of suspicious symptoms, close contact, and active pulmonary TB patients among students were 0.53%, 0.21%, and 1.73/10 000, respectively, with decreasing trends by year( χ 2 trend =8 624.05, 2 215.48, 99.14, P <0.01). The proportion of strong positive PPD/ IGRA positive, changes in imaging examination and culturepositive of mycobacterium tuberculosis were 1.52%,0.20% and 12.40%, with increasing trends by year ( χ 2 trend =529.18, 147.65, 25.89, P <0.01). There were statistically significant differences in the proportion of suspicious symptoms, close contact, strong positive PPD/positive IGRA, changes in imaging examination and the proportion of patients with tuberculosis in the regional classification and school classification ( χ 2=529.18, 8 823.13, 705.63, 2 068.03, 1 299.00, 4 318.73 , 33.12, 2 329.07, 35.80, 1 781.65, P <0.01). There was no statistically significant difference in the proportion of culture positive of mycobacterium tuberculosis in the regional classification and school classification ( P >0.05).@*Conclusion@#The screening rate of newly enrolled student showed an upward trend, and the incidence rate of tuberculosis among students showed downward trend. Newly enrolled students among fresh students in high school have the highest PPD positive/IGRA positive rate and the proportion of pulmonary tuberculosis in the student population. It is necessary to increase the screening among fresh students in high school. In areas with conditions, tuberculosis screening of senior two students can be considered.

Diagnosis of goat tuberculosis using tuberculinization and molecular techniques

Tuberculosis is an infectious, chronic, and worldwide disease. It has been known since the beginning of humanity and still negatively influences public health and livestock, especially, in Brazil, in the northeast. Etiologic agents are the mycobacteria of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, which is the most important in mammals' involvement. The state of Bahia has 68.7% of its territory located in the semiarid region and holds the largest goat herd in the country. Goat breeding is a social and economic activity that adds value to this region. Up to the present, data on goat tuberculosis is unknown in this state. Thus, this study seeks data on tuberculosis prevalence in goats in a semiarid region of Bahia by using the comparative tuberculin test and multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A total of 600 adult animals of both sexes were evaluated. A prevalence of 0.33% (2/600) and 33.33% (1/3) properties were found for positive animals. Each assessed property had a questionnaire to analyze the epidemiological data management and relevant aspects for the disease occurrence. To confirm the positive tuberculin test results, PCR was used to detect and identify the pathogenic mycobacteria involved in the infection. It is concluded that most of the properties performing goat breeding in the region show low technification levels and promote farming between different species. Low prevalence of the disease alerts preventive measures to avoid major proportion situations that could influence the goat breeding in the state.

Prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection among patients with interstitial lung disease requiring immunosuppression / Prevalência de infecção latente por tuberculose em pacientes com doença pulmonar intersticial com necessidade de imunossupressão

ABSTRACT Objective To characterize the prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in patients with interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) requiring immunosuppression. Only 5 to 10% of individuals infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis develop tuberculosis, and certain groups of patients have an increased risk of illness, such as the immunocompromised. Patients with ILDs are frequently treated with immunosuppressants and, therefore, might have a higher risk of developing the disease. Methods Prospective study conducted at the ILD reference center of the Federal University of Paraná from January 2019 to December 2020. The screening of LTBI was performed with the use of the tuberculin skin test (TST). Results The sample consisted of 88 patients, of whom 64.8% were women, with a mean age of 61.4 years. The most frequent diagnoses were autoimmune rheumatic disease ILD (38.6%) and hypersensitivity pneumonitis (35.2%). The most common immunosuppressant in use at the time of the TST was prednisone, either in combination with mycophenolate (19.3%) or alone (17.1%). The majority of participants had fibrotic lung disease, characterized by a reticular interstitial pattern on chest computed tomography (79.5%) and moderate to severe functional impairment (mean FVC 69.2%). A prevalence of LTBI of 9.1% (CI 95%, 2.1%-15.1%) was found, with a TST median of 13. Conclusion Patients with ILD who are treated with immunosuppressants are not commonly screened for LTBI, despite being under a greater risk of progression to active disease. This study suggests the need for a more cautious approach to these patients.

RESUMO Objetivo Caracterizar a prevalência de Infecção Latente por Tuberculose (ILTB) em pacientes com Doenças Pulmonares Intersticiais (DPIs) que necessitam de imunossupressão. Apenas 5 a 10% dos indivíduos infectados pelo Mycobacterium tuberculosis desenvolvem tuberculose, sendo que certos grupos de pacientes apresentam maior risco de doença, tais como os imunocomprometidos. Pacientes com DPIs são frequentemente tratados com imunossupressores, portanto, podem apresentar maior risco de desenvolver a doença. Métodos Estudo prospectivo conduzido no Centro de Referência para DPI da Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), entre Janeiro de 2019 e Dezembro de 2020. O rastreio de ILTB foi realizado por meio da Prova Tuberculínica (PT). Resultados A amostra foi composta por 88 pacientes, dos quais 64,8% eram mulheres, com, em média, 61,4 anos de idade. Os diagnósticos mais frequentes foram DPI associada a doença reumática autoimune (DRAI) (38,6%) e pneumonite de hipersensibilidade (35,2%). Prednisona foi o imunossupressor mais comumente utilizado à época da PT, em combinação com micofenolato (19,3%) ou isoladamente (17,1%). A maioria dos participantes tinha doença pulmonar fibrótica, caracterizada por infiltrado reticular em tomografia computadorizada de tórax (79,5%), bem como comprometimento funcional moderado a grave (Capacidade Vital Forçada (CVF) média de 69,2%). Observou-se uma prevalência de ILTB de 9,1% (Intervalo de Confiança (IC) 95%, 2,1%-15,1%), com mediana da PT de 13. Conclusão Não é comum que pacientes com DPI tratados com imunossupressores sejam avaliados quanto à presença de ILTB, apesar de estarem sob um maior risco de progressão para doença ativa. Este estudo sugeriu a necessidade de uma abordagem mais cuidadosa em relação a esses pacientes.

Latent tuberculosis infection in family members in household contact with active tuberculosis patients in Semarang City, Central Java, Indonesia

A quarter of the world's population is infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb), 10% of cases develop active tuberculosis (TB), and 90% have a latent TB infection. Family members of TB patients have the highest potential for latent TB infection. This study aims to identify latent TB infection and risk factors in family members within the household contacts of active TB patients. This study used a crosssectional study design with a contact tracing method. The selected subjects were 138 people from 241 total family members of 112 active TB patients. Subjects underwent a tuberculin skin test (TST), using 2 units of tuberculin (TU) purified protein derivative (PPD) 0.1 mL (PT. Bio Farma Persero, Bandung, Indonesia). Data risk factors were collected during home visits. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test and multiple logistic regression. A total of 63.8% (88/138) of family members of active TB patients' household contacts had latent TB infection. The type of occupation of laborers/ farmers/fishers is the most dominant risk factor associated with latent TB infection (AOR: 7.04; 95% CI: 1.70­29.02), followed by unqualified bedroom density (<8 m2/2 people) (AOR: 5.33; 95% CI: 2.44­ 12.71) and contact duration ≥5 hours/day (AOR: 4.70; 95% CI:1.33­16.66). Latent TB infection in family members of active TB patients' household contacts was quite high. Occupation type, contact duration, and bedroom density were simultaneously confirmed as the main risk factors related to latent TB infection. Therefore, it is recommended to identify and prevent latent TB infection in family members in household contact with active TB patients.

Successful Treatment of Recalcitrant Ungual Wart with Tuberculin Purified Protein Derivative Immunotherapy

Summary@#Despite a variety of therapeutic options that is available, treatment of warts remains challenging and rate of recurrence is high. Intralesional immunotherapy is an emerging therapy for warts. Tuberculin purified protein derivative (PPD) is one of the immunotherapeutic antigens used for the treatment of warts. Here we report a case of recalcitrant periungual wart successfully treated with tuberculin immunotherapy.

Latent tuberculosis screening before kidney transplantation in the South of Brazil / Rastreamento de tuberculose latente antes do transplante renal no Sul do Brasil

Abstract Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a prevalent infection after kidney transplantation (KT) in high-burden countries. Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) screening includes previous TB history, chest radiograph findings, and tuberculin test (TST) and/or interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs) results. We aimed to compare our routine LTBI screening of KT candidates and living donors (LD) with their IGRA results, and evaluate if this would improve isoniazid (INH) treatment referral. Methods: We evaluated adult KT candidates and LD with complete routine LTBI screening and QuantiFERON-TB® Gold In-Tube (QFT) testing. Blood samples were collected from April 4th, 2014 to October 31st, 2018, with follow-up until October 31st, 2019. Results: There were 116 KT recipients, with 30% QFT-positive results. Positive QFT was associated with past TB history (p=0.007), positive TST (p<0.0001), residual radiographic lesions (p=0.003), and diabetes (p=0.035). There were 25 LD, 40% had positive QFT. Positive QFT was associated with a positive TST (p=0.002). Positive QFT results increased INH referral in 80%. Post-transplant TB incidence was 2.6% in a median follow-up of 2 (1-33) months. No variables were associated with post-transplant TB. TB patients had inferior, although non-significant, 5-year graft survival (66.7% vs. 76.5%) (p = 0.402). Conclusion: In the present study, the association of QFT to our routine LTBI screening incremented INH treatment referral, but there was still a high incidence of post-transplant TB, possibly related to other forms of infection, such as new exposure and donor transmission.

Resumo Histórico: Tuberculose (TB) é uma infecção relativamente comum pós-transplante renal (TR) em países com alta prevalência da doença. O rastreamento de infecção latente por tuberculose (ILTB) inclui histórico prévio de TB, achados de radiografia do tórax, resultados do teste tuberculínico (TT) e/ou de ensaio de liberação de interferon-gama (IGRAs). Nosso objetivo foi comparar nossa avaliação de rotina de candidatos ao TR e doadores vivos (DV) com seus resultados de IGRA, avaliando se aumentaria o encaminhamento para tratamento com isoniazida (INH). Métodos: Avaliamos candidatos adultos ao TR e DV com rastreamento para ILTB de rotina completo e coleta de testes QuantiFERON-TB® Gold In-Tube (QFT). Coletamos amostras sanguíneas de 4 de Abril, 2014 - 31 de Outubro, 2018, com acompanhamento até 31 de Outubro, 2019. Resultados: Avaliamos 116 receptores de TR, 30% sendo QFT-positivo. QFT positivo foi associado ao histórico prévio de TB (p=0,007), TT positivo (p<0,0001), lesões radiográficas residuais (p=0,003), diabetes (p=0,035). Avaliamos 25 DV, 40% apresentaram QFT positivo. QFT positivo foi associado a TT positivo (p=0,002). Resultados positivos do QFT aumentaram o encaminhamento para INH em 80%. A incidência de TB pós-transplante foi 2,6% em uma mediana de acompanhamento de 2 (1-33) meses. Nenhuma variável foi associada à TB pós-transplante. Pacientes com TB tiveram sobrevida do enxerto em 5 anos inferior, embora não-significativa (66,7% vs. 76,5%) (p = 0,402). Conclusão: Neste estudo, a associação do QFT à nossa avaliação de ILTB de rotina aumentou o encaminhamento para tratamento com INH, mas ainda houve alta incidência de TB pós-transplante, possivelmente relacionada a outras formas de infecção, como nova exposição e transmissão pelos doadores.

Tuberculin skin test in close contacts in case of school tuberculosis outbreak / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To evaluate the role of tuberculin skin test prified protein derivative (PPD) in defining the screening scope of close contacts of tuberculosis cases in disposal of tuberculosis outbreak in schools.@*Methods@#In a senior middle school in August 2019, 1 553 students of the grade two were tested by PPD because of a school tuberculosis outbreak. PPD results were compared to grade one students without any association with this tuberculosis epidemic, who were also tested by PPD when beginning school. Potential association between PPD distribution characteristics and tuberculosis case distribution were analyzed.@*Results@#Twenty nine grade two students were diagnozed as tuberculosis infection, seven of which were PPD positive, and with the same MIRU-VNTR genotype. In grade one, 0.1 % (1/796) student showed strong PPD positive, 34.3% (273/796) student showed positive. For grade two students, significant higher rate of strong PPD positive [5.9% (45/757)], and PPD positive [52.0% (394/757)] were observed ( χ 2=45.71, 49.90, P <0.01). Proportion of strong PPD positive in the first floor of the teaching building ( 19.4 %), where tuberculosis cases clustered, was significantly higher than that in other floors ( χ 2=89.81, P <0.01); Number of strong PPD positive students increased with TB cases in each floor of the teaching building ( r =0.99, P <0.01). Proportion of strong PPD positive and PPD positive in floors of the dormitory, where TB cases lived, was significantly higher than in other floors ( χ 2=49.4, 64.9 , P <0.01). Number of strong PPD positive and PPD positive students increased with TB cases in each floor of the teaching building ( r =0.84, 0.56, P <0.01).@*Conclusion@#Strong PPD positive rate well reflects tuberculosis infection of close contacts, and is recommended for defining the scope of screening.

Comparison of the effect of screening test for different tuberculin dosage forms for close contacts of tuberculosis in colleges and universities in Nanning / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To understand the similarities and differences in different dosage forms of tuberculin test for college students having close contact with tuberculosis in Nanning colleges and universities in order to provide reference for the prevention and control of tuberculosis.@*Methods@#A total of 7 771 students were screened for symptoms and tuberculin skin test(TST)、X radiographs from 2018 to 2019 in Nanning.The used doses of Purified Protein Derivative of Tuberculin (TB-PPD) in 2018 and 2019 were 2 IU and 5 IU respectively.@*Results@#A total of 916 positive cases were detected in 2 years, with the total positive rate of 11.79%. Total strong positive number was 184 and the strong positive rate was 2.37%. The number of tuberculosis patients was 17. Positive rate of the students from grade one to grade four was 13.88%, 8.57%, 10.59%, 10.29%, respectively. The difference was statistically significant(χ 2=46.30，P＜0.01). The positive rates of male and female in the past two years were 13.24%(500/3 777) and 10.42%(416/3 994), respectively (χ 2=17.84, P<0.01)，and there was no significant difference in the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis among TST positive patients (χ 2=0.29,P=0.59). The positive and strong positive rates of 2 IU dose and 5 IU dose were 7.57%, 15.04%, respectively, the difference in dosage forms were statistically significant (χ 2=114.41,P<0.01). The tuberculosis case detection rate (CDR) of moderate & above positive subjects of 2 IU and 5 IU dose was 6.92% and 2.07%, respectively, the difference was statistically significant(χ 2=6.60，P=0.02).@*Conclusion@#More positive tuberculosis cases (including moderate & strong positive) can be detected by using 5 IU dose, though it is may not have advantage over discovering tuberculosis patients comparing to 2 IU dose. However, it is more critical to minimize the following cases and control the outbreak in university.