Detection of tuberculosis: respiratory symptoms flow and results achieved / Detección de la tuberculosis: flujo de los sintomáticos respiratorios y resultados alcanzados / Detecção da tuberculose: fluxo dos sintomáticos respiratórios e resultados alcançados

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze the flow of care to the person with symptoms of tuberculosis and the results achieved in the detection of cases in Primary Health Care units of two municipalities of Rio Grande do Sul. Method: descriptive of mixed methods, developed between 2013 and 2016. We used secondary data of 69 units and semi-structured interviews with 10 professionals. Descriptive statistical analysis and content analysis were used. Results: it was observed that the fragmented flow of attention to the respiratory symptoms in Pelotas resulted in low detection of cases by Primary Care, 8.8% of the diagnoses of the municipality. The Sapucaia do Sul flow presents continuity of care, and Primary Care performed 50% of the diagnoses of the municipality. Conclusion: the organization of flows by municipal management was instrumental in promoting or limiting the commitment of Primary Health Care teams in coordinating care and consequently in achieving the goals of disease control.

RESUMEN Objetivo: analizar el flujo de atención a la persona con síntomas de tuberculosis y los resultados alcanzados en la detección de casos en unidades de Atención Primaria a la Salud de dos municipios de Rio Grande do Sul. Método: descriptivo de métodos mixtos, desarrollado entre 2013 y 2016. Utilizando datos secundarios de 69 unidades y entrevistas semiestructuradas con 10 profesionales. Se utilizaron el análisis estadístico descriptivo y el análisis de contenido. Resultados: se observó que el flujo fragmentado de atención al sintomático respiratorio, en Pelotas, resultó en baja detección de casos por la Atención Primaria, el 8,8% de los diagnósticos del municipio. El flujo de Sapucaia del Sur presenta continuidad de la asistencia, y la Atención Primaria realizó el 50% de los diagnósticos del municipio. Conclusión: la organización de los flujos, por la gestión municipal, fue determinante para promover o limitar el compromiso de los equipos de la Atención Primaria a la Salud en la coordinación de la asistencia, y consecuentemente en el logro de las metas de control de la enfermedad.

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar o fluxo de atenção à pessoa com sintomas de tuberculose e os resultados alcançados na detecção de casos, em unidades de Atenção Primária à Saúde de dois municípios do Rio Grande do Sul. Método: descritivo de métodos mistos, desenvolvido entre 2013 e 2016. Utilizando dados secundários de 69 unidades e entrevistas semiestruturadas com 10 profissionais. Foram empregadas a análise estatística descritiva e a análise de conteúdo. Resultados: observou-se que o fluxo fragmentado de atenção ao sintomático respiratório, em Pelotas, resultou em baixa detecção de casos pela Atenção Primária, 8,8% dos diagnósticos do município. O fluxo de Sapucaia do Sul apresenta continuidade da assistência, e a Atenção Primária realizou 50% dos diagnósticos do município. Conclusão: a organização dos fluxos, pela gestão municipal, foi determinante para promover ou limitar o comprometimento das equipes da Atenção Primária à Saúde na coordenação da assistência, e consequentemente no alcance das metas de controle da doença.

Latent tuberculosis infection and tuberculosis in children and adolescents / Infecção latente por tuberculose e tuberculose em crianças e adolescentes

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the characteristics of patients diagnosed with tuberculosis and latent tuberculosis infection. Methods: A retrospective study, between 2012 and 2015, with data from patients of Programa Einstein na Comunidade de Paraisópolis. To evaluate possible factors associated with patient's sex and diagnoses of tuberculosis and latent tuberculosis infection, χ2 or Fisher's exact tests were used for qualitative variables, and Mann-Whitney test for quantitative or ordinal qualitative variables. Results: A total of 77 patients were evaluated. Age ranged from 6 months to 13.4 years, with a majority of males (54.5%), aged zero to 4 years (54.5%), diagnosed with latent tuberculosis infection (64.9%), and classified as eutrophic (71.2%). The tuberculin test was positive in 92% and in most cases the values were above 10mm (68.0%). Approximately three-quarters of chest X-ray tests were normal (72.7%). After chest X-ray, computed tomography of thorax was the most ordered exam (29.9%), followed by smear and culture for Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the gastric aspirate (28.6%). The frequencies of altered chest X-ray (70.4% versus 4.0%), computed tomography of thorax requests (55.6% versus 16.0%) and other tests requested (81.5% versus 38.0%) were significantly higher in patients with a diagnosis of tuberculosis, relative to those with latent tuberculosis infection, respectively. Conclusion: In our sample, proportions of altered chest X-ray, and performing computed tomography of thorax and other tests in patients diagnosed with tuberculosis were higher than in those with latent tuberculosis infection.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever as características de pacientes com diagnóstico de tuberculose e de infecção latente por tuberculose. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo, entre os anos de 2012 e 2015, com os dados dos pacientes do ambulatório do Programa Einstein na Comunidade de Paraisópolis. Para se avaliarem possíveis fatores associados ao sexo e aos diagnósticos de tuberculose e infecção latente por tuberculose, foram utilizados os testes χ2 ou exato de Fisher, para variáveis qualitativas, e de Mann-Whitney, para variáveis quantitativas ou qualitativas ordinais. Resultados: Foram avaliados 77 pacientes. A idade variou de 6 meses a 13,4 anos, sendo a maioria do sexo masculino (54,5%), na faixa etária de zero a 4 anos (54,5%), com diagnóstico de infecção latente por tuberculose (64,9%) e categorizada como eutrófica (71,2%). Em 92% dos casos, a prova tuberculínica foi positiva, e a maioria mostrou valores acima de 10mm (68,0%). Cerca de três quartos dos exames de raio X de tórax resultaram normais (72,7%). Depois do raio X de tórax, a tomografia computadorizada de tórax foi o segundo exame mais solicitado (29,9%), seguida da baciloscopia e da cultura do bacilo Mycobacterium tuberculosis no aspirado gástrico (28,6%). As frequências de raio X de tórax alterado (70,4% versus 4,0%), solicitações de tomografia computadorizada de tórax (55,6% versus 16,0%) e outros exames (81,5% versus 38,0%) foram significativamente maiores nos pacientes com diagnóstico de tuberculose, em relação àqueles com infecção latente por tuberculose, respectivamente. Conclusão: Em nossa amostra, as proporções de raio X de tórax alterados e de realização de tomografia computadorizada de tórax e de outros exames nos pacientes com diagnóstico de tuberculose foram maiores em relação àqueles com infecção latente por tuberculose.

Tuberculosis among prison staff in Rio Grande do Sul / Tuberculosis entre los profesionales de las prisiones en Rio Grande do Sul / Tuberculose entre profissionais de penitenciárias do Rio Grande do Sul

ABSTRACT Objective: to evaluate the risk of infection and illness caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis among health care and security staff in prisons in two regions of Rio Grande do Sul (RS). Method: cross-sectional study involving prison staff. An interview and sputum smear microscopy and culture were performed. Latent infection was evaluated according to the result of the tuberculin test (TT), self-referred. Results: among staff who had a TT, 10 (83.3%) in the central region and 2 (16.7%) in the southern region were considered reactors. Length of employment among prison officers who reacted to TT was 15.3 years, and among health care workers, 4.1 years (p = 0.01). No cases of active tuberculosis (TB) were identified. Conclusion: prevalence of latent TB was 27.9%. Length of employment between different professional categories and their working regions was considered a risk factor for latent TB.

RESUMEN Objetivo: evaluar el riesgo de infección y de la enfermedad por Mycobacterium tuberculosis entre los profesionales de la salud y seguridad en los centros penitenciarios en dos regiones del estado de Rio Grande do Sul (RS). Método: estudio transversal con la participación de profesionales de la prisión. Se llevó a cabo una entrevista, la baciloscopia y cultivo de esputo. La infección latente se evaluó de acuerdo con el resultado de la prueba de la tuberculina (TST) mediante auto-reporte. Resultados: entre los trabajadores que realizaron la TST en la región central, 10 (83,3%) fueron considerados reactores; y 2 (16,7%) en la región Sur. El tiempo de trabajo entre los agentes de la prisión con reacción a la TST fue de 15,3 años, y entre los trabajadores de la salud fue de 4,1 años (p = 0,01). No hubo casos identificados de la tuberculosis (TB) activa. Conclusión: la prevalencia de la TB latente fue del 27,9%. El tiempo de trabajo entre las diferentes categorías profesionales y la región en la que trabajan fueron considerados factores de riesgo para la TB latente.

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar o risco de infecção e adoecimento por Mycobacterium tuberculosis entre profissionais de saúde e de segurança em casas penitenciárias de duas regiões do Rio Grande do Sul (RS). Método: estudo transversal, envolvendo profissionais de penitenciárias. Foi realizada uma entrevista, baciloscopia e cultura de escarro. A infecção latente foi avaliada de acordo com o resultado do teste tuberculínico (TT), auto-referido. Resultados: entre os trabalhadores que realizaram o TT na região central, 10 (83,3%) foram considerados reatores; e na região sul, 2 (16,7%). O tempo de trabalho entre os agentes penitenciários reatores ao TT foi 15,3 anos e entre os trabalhadores da saúde 4,1 anos (p = 0,01). Não foram identificados casos de Tuberculose (TB) ativa. Conclusão: a prevalência de TB latente foi 27,9%. O tempo de trabalho entre as diferentes categorias profissionais e a região em que trabalham foram considerados fator de risco para TB latente.

Prevalência e fatores associados à infecção pelo Mycobacterium tuberculosis entre agentes comunitários de saúde no Brasil, usando-se a prova tuberculínica / Prevalence of infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis and associated factors in community health workers in Brazil based on the tuberculin skin test / Prevalencia y factores asociados a la infección porMycobacterium tuberculosis, usando la prueba tuberculina entre los agentes comunitarios de salud en Brasil

Resumo Este artigo tem por objetivo determinar a prevalência e os fatores associados à infecção latente pelo Mycobacterium tuberculosis entre agentes comunitários de saúde (ACS), usando dois pontos de corte da prova tuberculínica 5mm e 10mm. Trata-se de estudo transversal, com dados coletados sobre sexo, idade, cicatriz de BCG, prova tuberculínica (PT) anterior, tempo que trabalha na profissão de ACS, atuar em unidade básica de saúde (UBS), ter tido contato intradomiciliar com tuberculose (TB), usar álcool, ser fumante e apresentar comorbidades. Para controle de variáveis de confusão e estimativa da medida de efeito (OR), foi empregada a regressão logística. Aplicou-se PT, com leitura após 48-72 horas. As prevalências foram de 57,88% e 37,3%, respectivamente, para 5mm e 10mm. Manteve-se associada à positividade para o ponto de corte de 10mm a condição de trabalhar em UBS com Programa de Controle de Tuberculose (PCT) implementado e já ter tido contato intradomiciliar com TB. Já para o ponto de corte de 5mm, trabalhar em UBS com PCT e implementado. São necessárias ações de conscientização nos municípios e fortalecimento das ações de educação permanente sobre a temática.

Abstract This article aimed to determine the prevalence of latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection and associated factors in community health workers (CHW) in Brazil, using two cutoff points for the tuberculin skin test (5mm and 10mm). This was a cross-sectional study with data on gender, age, BCG scar, working in a primary care unit (PCU), having a household contact with tuberculosis (TB), alcohol consumption, previous tuberculin skin test (TST), smoking, time on the job as CHW, and comorbidities. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and to control for confounding. TST was applied and read after 48-72 hours. Prevalence rates were 57.88% and 37.3%, respectively, for the 5mm and 10mm TST cutoffs. Variables that remained associated with positive TST using the 10mm cutoff were working in a primary care unit that had implemented a Tuberculosis Control Program (TCP) and history of household contact with TB. Variables associated with the 5mm cutoff were working in a primary care unit with a TCP. Necessary actions at the local level include awareness-raising and strengthening of continuing education.

Resumen Este artículo tiene como objetivo determinar la prevalencia y los factores asociados con la infección por Mycobacterium tuberculosis latente entre los agentes comunitarios de salud (ACS), utilizando dos puntos de corte de la tuberculina: prueba de 5mm y 10mm. Un estudio transversal con los datos recogidos sobre: género, edad, cicatriz de BCG (marca de la vacuna), trabajar en una unidade básica de salud (UBS), vivir en un hogar con tuberculosis, el consumo de alcohol, prueba de la tuberculina (PT) anterior, tabaquismo, antigüedad en la profesión como agente comunitario de salud y comorbilidades. Para controlar las variables de confusión y estimar medidas de efecto (OR) se utilizó la regresión logística. Se aplicó el PT, con una lectura después de 48-72 horas. Las tasas de prevalencia fueron un 57,88% y 37,3%, respectivamente, para 5 y 10mm. Se mantuvo asociado con positividad en el trabajo de corte de 10mm en UBS, implementado por el Programa de Control de Tuberculosis (PCT), y que tuvo contacto con la tuberculosis en el hogar. En cuanto al trabajo de 5 mm de corte en la atención primaria se implementó con el PCT. Se necesitan acciones de sensibilización en los municipios.

Poor agreement between QuantiFERON-TB Gold test and tuberculin skin test results for the diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection in rheumatoid arthritis patients and healthy controls

BACKGROUND/AIMS: We investigated the agreement between the QuantiFERON-TB Gold (QFT-Gold) test and the tuberculin skin test (TST) in the diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), compared with healthy controls, in Korea. METHODS: We recruited 64 patients with RA and 79 healthy controls at two university hospitals in South Korea. The participants underwent both the QFT-Gold test and the TST simultaneously between August 2006 and February 2009. All patients were diagnosed using the classification criteria for RA revised in 1987 by the American College of Rheumatology. Bacillus Calmette-Guerin vaccination status and current medications were evaluated, and disease activities were assessed using the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints. Eleven patients with RA produced indeterminate QFT-Gold test results and were thus excluded from the kappa analysis. RESULTS: Based on an induration of 10 mm in diameter as the TST cutoff value, the QFT-Gold test and TST demonstrated 75.0% agreement (kappa = 0.23) in patients with RA and 75.9% agreement (kappa = 0.19) in healthy controls. Among the 56 patients with RA who had negative TST results, 11 patients (17.2%) also yielded indeterminate QFT-Gold results. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed poor agreement between the results of the QFT-Gold test and the TST in both RA patients and healthy controls. Based on these findings, we emphasize the importance of making clinical decisions in the diagnosis of latent tuberculosis in Koreans with or without RA.

Predictive factors for repetition of the tuberculin test after a nonreactive test in patients with HIV/AIDS / Factores predictivos para la repetición de la prueba de la tuberculina después de un resultado no reactivo en pacientes con infección por el VIH/sida

OBJECTIVE: The outcome of interest was repetition of the tuberculin skin test (TST) and the objectives were to estimate the rate of TST repetition, the probability of no TST repetition after 1 year, and the probability of no TST repetition at the end of the follow-up period in patients whose initial test was nonreactive. The study also set out to analyze factors associated with the time until TST repetition at two HIV/AIDS referral services that carry out the TST on a routine basis in Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil. METHODS: A cohort of HIV-positive patients who initially tested nonreactive on the TST were followed from November 2007 to February 2010. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate the probability of not repeating the TST, and Cox's regression analysis was used to analyze the factors associated with time until repeating the TST. Cox's multivariate analysis was stratified according to each hospital where patients were followed, because this variable did not respect the principle of proportionality of risk. RESULTS: The probability of not repeating the TST for 1 year was 80.0 percent and at the end of the follow-up period it was 42.0 percent. The variables that remained associated with TST repetition in the final Cox multivariate model were an age of 40 years or older, body mass index between 18.0 and 24.9, being female, and years of schooling. CONCLUSIONS: This study encountered a very low TST repetition rate after 1 year of follow-up and identified groups of individuals who should be the target of interventions aimed at repeating the TST.

OBJETIVO: El resultado principal de interés fue la repetición de la prueba de la tuberculina (PT) y los objetivos fueron calcular la tasa de repetición de la PT, la probabilidad de no repetir la PT después de un año y la probabilidad de no repetir la PT al final del período de seguimiento en los pacientes cuya prueba inicial fue no reactiva. En el estudio también se analizaron los factores asociados con el tiempo hasta la repetición de la PT en dos servicios de referencia de infección por el VIH/sida que llevan a cabo la PT de manera sistemática en Recife, Pernambuco, Brasil. MÉTODOS: Entre noviembre del 2007 y febrero del 2010 se siguió a una cohorte de pacientes seropositivos para el VIH con una PT inicialmente no reactiva. Para calcular la probabilidad de no repetir la PT se empleó el método de Kaplan-Meier, y para analizar los factores asociados con el tiempo hasta la repetición de la PT se usó el análisis de regresión de Cox. El análisis multifactorial de Cox se estratificó conforme a cada hospital donde se seguía a los pacientes, dado que esta variable no respetaba el principio de proporcionalidad del riesgo. RESULTADOS: La probabilidad de no repetir la PT durante un año fue de 80,0 por ciento y hacia el final del período de seguimiento fue de 42,0 por ciento. Las variables asociadas con la repetición de la PT en el modelo multifactorial de Cox final fueron una edad de 40 años o más, un índice de masa corporal de 18,0 a 24,9, el sexo femenino y los años de escolaridad. CONCLUSIONES: En este estudio se encontró una tasa de repetición de la PT muy baja después de un año de seguimiento y se identificó a los grupos de individuos que deben ser los destinatarios de las intervenciones dirigidas a repetir la prueba de la tuberculina.

Comparison of BCG test and tuberculin test in children

In recent years, several articles have been published about BCG test in the diagnosis of tuberculosis infection particularly in children. The test is reportedly more sensitive and more specific than tuberculin test [PPD]. We evaluated the results of simultaneous application of tuberculin and BCG tests in order to assess their efficacy in normal children [n=52]. The study also included children suffering from PEM [n=38] and children on steroid therapy [n=20]. Assessment of the results of the tests was done after 48 and 72 hours. We found that there were more positive cases with BCG test [44 cases 84.6%] against [23 cases 44.2%] with tuberculin test in normal children. We noticed also that there were no positive cases with tuberculin test in children suffering from PEM while there were 25 positive cases [65.8%] with BCG test which showed that BCG test is better than tuberculin test for detection of tuberculosis infection and less affected by nutritional status. We also found that there were 10 positive cases [50%] with children under steroid therapy with BCG test while there were 7 positive cases [35.0%] with tuberculin test. We noticed also that there were no side effects from BCG vaccination which make it safe to be used. Our results revealed no relation of age to the response to BCG or tuberculin tests. We recommend that BCG test showed more positive results than tuberculin test to detect TB infection and that BCG not only provides immunization against tuberculosis but can be also used as a screening test to detect TB infection less affected by nutritional status. For these reasons we recommend wide use of BCG vaccine as a test to detect TB infection over tuberculin test especially in malnourished children and children under steroid therapy. Wide scale studies are required on tuberculosis patients to .highlight the importance and superiority of BCG over tuberculin tes

Prevalence of tuberculous infection among school children in Kerala.

BACKGROUND: There is paucity of information on epidemiological situation of Tuberculosis (TB) in the State of Kerala. The DOTS strategy under the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) was introduced in the year 1998 to cover the entire State by 2002. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of tuberculous infection among children attending 1-4th standard in a sample of selected schools in Kerala. METHODS: A cluster-sample school-based tuberculin survey was carried out in 70 schools selected by a two-stage sampling procedure. A total of 4821 children (including those with and without BCG scar) in the age group of 5-9 years were tuberculin tested using 1 TU PPD RT23 with Tween 80 and the maximum transverse diameter of induration was measured about 72 hours later. About 81% of the children were found to have BCG scars. Analysis was also undertaken by mixture model. RESULTS: While 67% of children without BCG scar and 62% with scar did not elicit any induration at the test site, the mode or anti-mode of reactions due to infection with tubercle bacilli could not be identified from the distribution graphs. Analysis by mixture model also did not provide the best fit thus precluding estimation of prevalence of infection. About 5% of children had reactions > or =10 mm, 3% had reactions > or =12 mm and 2% had reactions > or =14 mm. CONCLUSION: Low proportion of reactors indicated a low level of transmission of infection in Kerala. Considering the problems in interpretation of tuberculin survey data, it may not be feasible to use ARTI as an epidemiological parameter to monitor future trends of TB situation in the state.

Association between PPD and quanti FERON gold TB test in TB infection and disease among HIV-individuals in southern Iran

Tuberculosis is one of the most common diseases among HIV-infected patients. A person with a positive tuberculin skin test [TST] acquiring HIV infection has a 3-13% annual risk of developing active tuberculosis. The diagnosis of TB in HIV infected patients may be difficult. QuantiFERON-TB Gold [QFT-G] test is a novel method as an aid for diagnosis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. We evaluated the association between TST and QFT-G test in latent TB infection [LTBI] and TB in HIV-infected patients. One hundred and seventy six HIV-infected subjects from Shiraz Consultation and Behavioral Modification Center [SCBMC] entered our study. The individuals were screened for TST, using 5TU purified protein derivative [PPD]. Also, blood sample was provided for QFT, measuring INF-gamma response to M. tuberculosis antigen. Of 176 participants, 98.3% returned for evaluation of TST results. Among them, 63% and 37% were negative and positive for TST, respectively. All the participants returned for QFT-G sampling. Of them, 64.8% and 27.8% were respectively negative and positive for the test and 7.4% showed undetermined results. The agreement between PPD and QFT-G in their negative results was 39.9% and 8.1% in their positive results and the overall agreement was 50%. Disagreement of TST-/QFT[+] was noticed in 19.7% of the subjects and TST[+]/QFT- disagreement in 24.9%. CD4[+] count <100 mm[3] was seen in 5.9%, >/= 100 and < 200 mm[3] in 17.1% and CD4[+] T cell count >/= 200 mm[3] in 76.9% of subjects. As the agreement rate between QFT-G and TST in HIV-infected patients was fair, a strategy of simultaneous TST and QFT-G testing would maximize the potential for LTBI diagnosis in HIV-infected subjects

Annual risk of tuberculosis infection in Chennai city.

AIM: To study the proportion of children infected with Mycobacterium Tuberculosis in Chennai city. METHODOLOGY: A cluster sampling methodology was adopted to select an estimated sample size of 7000 children from five corporation zones selected systematically from ten zones of the city. A total of 7098 children aged 1-9 years were subjected to Mantoux and test read; 1897 (27%) from slum area and 5201 (73%) from non-slum area. RESULTS: The prevalence of infection among children without BCG scar was estimated to be 10.5 % (ARTI of 2.0%) and was similar to that among children irrespective of scar status. The prevalence of infection was higher among children in slum areas (11.1%; ARTI 2.1%) compared to non-slum areas (8.9%; ARTI 1.7%); but the difference was not statistically different. CONCLUSION: The tuberculosis situation in Chennai as measured by risk of infection was higher in urban city area than rural areas and comparable to that found in other cities as reported from earlier studies. This information can be used as baseline information for monitoring the epidemiological trends in Chennai city in future.

Clinico-radiological profile of new smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis cases among young adult and elderly people in a tertiary care hospital at Deheradun (Uttarakhand).

SETTING: Patients of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) attending the out and in patient department of pulmonary medicine, Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences (HIMS), a post graduate institute and a large tertiary care center in Dehradun. OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinico-radiological pattern of pulmonary tuberculosis in the young adult (18-59 years) and elderly (> or = 60 years) patients. DESIGN: Prospective observational study of pulmonary and associated extra pulmonary tuberculosis cases, diagnosed between October 2005 to September 2006 in pulmonary medicine department of HIMS. RESULT: Mean age of young adult and elderly patients was 35.71 +/- 5.7 years and 68.57 +/- 3.03 years respectively. Elderly patients had a higher number of co-morbidities like diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and malignancy. Tuberculin positivity was less among elderly patients (36.0%) as compared to young adults (65.9%). Hemoptysis (29.5% vs. 6%), fever (95.4% vs. 76%) and night sweats (54.5% vs. 18.0%) were significantly higher in the young adult patients than the elderly. As for roentgenographic abnormalities, a higher involvement of lower zone (24.0% vs. 7.9%) and far advanced lesions (32.0% vs. 14.7%) were seen in the elderly patients as compared to young adults. The elderly showed a higher frequency of TB related mortality (8% vs. 1.1%) and associated extra pulmonary involvement (40% vs. 7%). CONCLUSION: Young adults are more likely to have hemoptysis, night sweats and positive PPD response while lower lung field involvement is more common in elderly.

Indice de conversión de la tuberculina en médicos residentes del postgrado de medicina / Coversion index of the tuberculin test in medical resident of the Medicine Postgrad

INTRODUCCIÓN: En 1993 la OMS declaró a la tuberculosis una emergencia de salud. En Honduras en el 2004 se diagnosticaron 3297 casos de todas las formas para una tasa de 50/100,000. Siendo Honduras un país con moderada incidencia de Tuberculosis, se consideró útil evaluar el riesgo de infección en personas que trabajan en el Hospital Escuela. OBJETIVO: Conocer el índice de conversión de tuberculina en residentes de los postgrado de medicina. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio descriptivo prospectivo. Noventa y dos aspirantes a residencia de Medicina contestaron una encuesta (síntomas,BCG, PPD y Radiografía de tórax) Se aplicó la prueba de tuberculina inicialmente a 82 residentes y después de 20 meses se les aplicó por segunda vez la prueba a los resitentes con resultado negativo. RESULTADOS: De 71 residentes, el 46.4% fueron mujeres y 53.5% varones, con rango de edad entre 24-38 años. El 50.7% fueron PPD negativa, 16.9% dudosa y 32.3% positiva. El 16.9% de los residentes no se aplicaron la BCG, de ellos el 33.3% tuvieron PPD positiva. El 83% se aplicaron BCG, y el 32% tuvieron PPD positiva. De 25 residentes con PPD negativa, 7 (28%) tuvieron conversión de la tuberculina. CONCLUSIÓN: Un tercio de los residentes previamente no infectados se contagiaron en los primeros dos años de trabajo dentro del Hospital Escuela, significando que las condiciones laborales son de alto riesgo y la bioseguridad es insuficiente...

The prevalence of latent tuberculous infection at nursing homes in the San Juan metropolitan area

We sought to establish the Tuberculin skin status of a representative sample of subjects residing in Nursing Homes in the metropolitan San Juan area. In comparison with similar populations previously described in the medical literature, no difference was found in Tuberculin skin test reactivity in the studied sample.

Annual risk of tuberculous infection in Khammam a tribal district of Andhra Pradesh.

A tuberculin survey to estimate annual risk of tuberculosis was conducted in Khammam tribal district during 2001-2002. A total of 8637 children were test-read--2991 without BCG scar and 5442 with BCG scar. The tests were performed using ITU PPD RT23 and the maximum size of induration was recorded at about 72 hours after the test. Based on the frequency distribution of reaction size, cut-off point for infection with tubercle bacilli was considered at 12 mm. Using this criterion, the prevalence of infection was estimated at 11.8% among children without BCG scar and 10.6% among children with BCG scar. This difference was found to be statistically insignificant. ARTI rates computed from the prevalence estimates among children without and with BCG scar were 1.6% and 1.5% respectively. It was computed as 1.5% from the prevalence in the combined group i.e. irrespective of BCG scar status.

Fiebre de origen desconocido: visión del internista / Fever of unknown origin

La fiebre de origen desconocido (FOD) es definida como fiebre mayor de tres semanas de duración, igual o superior a 38,3ºC en tres o más ocasiones y sin diagnóstico luego de una semana de estudio con el paciente hospitalizado. Nuevas clasificaciones se han desarrollado debido al progreso de las técnicas diagnósticas y a la necesidad de distintos enfoques hacia grupos específicos, como los pacientes HIV (+) y neutropénicos. Las nuevas series muestran un número creciente de pacientes con fiebre de origen desconocido, que permanecen sin diagnóstico, alcanzando porcentajes de hasta 25 por ciento. No parecen útiles el uso de algoritmos generales, por lo que todos los exámenes deben ser orientados por la clínica. Un mínimo de exámenes debe ser utilizado como screening

Análisis de la distribución del tamaño de la reacción al test tuberculínico producida por dos reactivos (PPD) de diferentes procedencia / Of two PPD reactives of diferent origen

Entre octubre 1995 y diciembre 1996, una muestra de los individuos que recibieron el test tuberculínico en la Liga Argentina Contra la Tuberculosis (LALAT) fueron requeridos para completar un cuestionario anónimo como parte de un estudio poblacional de las reacciones cutáneas al PPD en Buenos Aires, Argentina. ...Se utilizaron 2 reactivos diferentes: PPD del Statens Seruminstitut de Dinamarca (PPD-SS) (n=424) y PPD del Instituto Malbrán de Buenos Aires (PPD-IM) ambos 2UT...A pesar de que los resultados sugieren que existen diferencias sintemáticas entre los dos reactivos, no pueden ser interpretados directamente de esta forma desde el momento que es posible que los dos grupos difieran en otras características no mensuradas

Pautas para el estudio de contactos de tuberculosis (Test de Combe)

La tuberculosis es un gran problema de salud pública; presenta una alta incidencia a nivel mundial y en nuestro país esta incidencia tiene una gran magnitud, pero existe un importante subregistro. Hay cuatro criterios clásicos para hacer el estudio de Contacto de pacientes tuberculosos (test de Combe): epidemiológico, clínico, tuberculínico y radiológico. En la presente publicación se revisarán los criterios que en pediatría son de importancia en el estudio de contactos. Si el análisis de estos criterios sugiere la posibilidad de un caso de enfermedad tuberculosa, podemos hacer un mejor estudio con ayudas diagnósticas como aislamiento del bacilo, biopsia, serodiagnóstico y otros exámenes de mayor tecnología.

Reacción tuberculina en niños asegurados menores de un año: comparación de calidad del PPD y dosis de vacuna aplicada / Determinate tuberculin in children: compare the quality of National PPD Vs. Import PPD and to vacune BCG

Para contribuir a esclarecer las controversias sobre la utilidad de la Vacuna BCG y del PPD, realizamos la presente investigación con los objetivos de determinar la prevalencia de respuesta Tuberculínica en Niños menores de un año vacunados con BCG; comparar la calidad del PPD Nacional Vs. PPD Importado, y determinar la relación: dosis de Vacuna BCG y negatividad de respuesta tuberculínica. El estudio se efectuó en dos aspectos. Evaluación de calidad del PPD en 66 niños vacunados, aplicándose en forma aleatoria el tipo de PPD; Evaluación de dosis de vacuna con dos grupos BCG 1cc (72 niños) y otro BCG 0.05 cc (48 niños), todos los niños nacidos en el Hospital y Vacunados en las primeras semanas de vida. Los resultados indican que no existe diferencia significativa entre PPD Nacional e Importado, ni entre dosis de Vacuna BCG (0.1-0.05cc) confirmándose la alta negatividad Tuberculínica 90-94 por ciento en Niños asegurados menores de un año vacunados con BCG.

Transferencia in vitro de inmunidad a PPD con extracto dializable de leucocitos de calostro humano / In vitro immunity transference of PPD with human dialysable colostral leukocyte extract

Se pretende demostrar la transferencia de hipersensibilidad a PPD en un modelo in vitro con extracto dializable de leucocitos de calostro de madres PPD- y PPD+ (EDLC PPD- Y PPD-), a través de la medición de la actividad del factor inhibidor de la migración de leucocitos (LIF) de sangre de cordón de recién nacidos de madre PPD+. En los resultados se observa que el EDLC PPD+ incubado con leucocitos de recién nacidos de madres PPD- tuvieron inhibición de la migración de los leucocitos, comprados con la migración de los leucocitos incubados con EDLC PPD-; lo que sugiere que en el modelo in vitro se transfiere hipersensibilidad a PPD con el EDLC.