Mycobacterium tuberculosis y virus linfotrópico humano, una co-infección fatal / Mycobacterium tuberculosis and human lymphotropic virus, a fatal co-infection

La tuberculosis es una infección de alta incidencia en Latinoamérica. Su presentación como infección activa está determinada por factores de riesgo del hospedero. Comunicamos el caso clínico de una mujer joven que presentó una forma grave de tuberculosis pulmonar. Al explorar sus factores de riesgo se confirmó un estado de inmunosupresión profundo, causado por un linfoma de células T, asociada a una co-infección por virus linfotrópico T humano tipo 1. Se destacan los aspectos microbiológicos y de pronóstico de la co-infección de Mycobacterium tuberculosis y HTLV-1

Tuberculosis is a high-incidence infection in Latin America. Its presentation as an active infection is determined by risk factors in the host. We report the case of a young woman who presented a severe form of pulmonary tuberculosis. When exploring her risk factors, a profound state of immunosuppression was found, caused by T-cell lymphoma, associated with co-infection with human lymphotropic virus. Microbiological and prognostic aspects of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and HTLV-1 co-infection are highlighted.

Hemoptisis secundaria a tuberculosis pulmonar complicada con pseudoaneurisma de Rasmussen. Reporte de un caso en pediatría. / Hemoptysis in Pulmonary Tuberculosis Complicated by Rasmussen's Pseudoaneurysm. A Pediatric Case Report.

Presentamos el caso de un niño de 12 años que consultó por hemoptisis, sin otros sín- tomas asociados. Se realizó radiografía de tórax (patológica), laboratorio con aumen- to moderado de reactantes de fase aguda, PPD (negativa), esputos x 3 con bacilosco- pias negativas y tomografía de tórax con contraste i.v. que mostró imágenes de árbol en brote en todos los lóbulos y una imagen de dilatación vascular de una rama de la ar- teria pulmonar en lóbulo superior izquierdo. Se plantearon diagnósticos diferenciales: malformación vascular primaria o lesión secundaria a infección. La angiografía digital permitió confirmar el pseudoaneurisma y embolizarlo. Luego de 17 días, 2/3 cultivos de esputo fueron positivos para Mycobacterium tuberculosis. El niño realizó tratamiento antituberculoso con drogas de primera línea con evolución clínica favorable. Este caso resalta la importancia de considerar el pseudoaneurisma de Rasmussen en- tre las posibles complicaciones de un paciente con tuberculosis y hemoptisis recurren- te o masiva.

We present the case of a 12-year-old boy admitted to the hospital due to hemoptysis without other symptoms. We performed a Thorax X-Ray (pathological), laboratory with elevated acute phase reactants, TST (negative), sputum x 3 with negative smear and computed tomography angiography showing a tree-in-bud pattern in all lobes, and di-latation of a brunch of the pulmonary artery in the upper left lobe. We considered pri-mary vascular anomaly or lesion due to infection as a differential diagnosis. The patient underwent digital angiography and therapeutic embolization of this pseudoaneurysm. After seventeen days, 2/3 of the sputum cultures were positive for Mycobacterium tu-berculosis. The patient received standard anti-TB therapy with favorable evolution. This case highlights the importance of considering complications such as Rasmussen's pseudoaneurysm in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis and recurrent or massive hemoptysis.

Análisis espacio-temporal de la tuberculosis pulmonar para el periodo 2016-2020 en la Región Metropolitana, Chile / Spatio-temporal analysis of pulmonary tuberculosis in the Metropolitan Region of Chile since 2016 to 2020

INTRODUCCIÓN: El año 2020, la tuberculosis (TB) fue responsable por 9,9 millones de nuevos casos y 1,5 millones de muertes en el mundo. En Chile, se ha reportado aumento en las tasas de incidencia en los últimos años, con gran concentración de casos en la Región Metropolitana (RM). OBJETIVO: Evaluar la relación espacio-temporal de la TB pulmonar con variables socioeconómicas en la RM de Chile. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Estudio ecológico desarrollado entre los años 2016 y 2020. Los casos se obtuvieron desde el Ministerio de Salud (n = 4.370), describiéndose según: sexo, edad, año de confirmación diagnóstica, servicio de salud y comuna de residencia. Se utilizó análisis de componentes principales para la construcción de factores socioeconómicos comunales. La asociación entre factores y TB pulmonar se evaluó con un modelo binominal negativo multinivel. RESULTADOS: Se observó aumento en la tasa de incidencia (9,97 a 10,74 casos por 100 mil), disminución de la incidencia en personas ≥ 65 años (17,56 a 13,38) y en el promedio de edad (46,03 a 41,77 años). El factor caracterizado por mayor inmigración, hacinamiento y población urbana se asoció con mayores tasas de incidencia (RTI: 1,29; IC95: 1,23-134) y el factor con mayor escolaridad, menor pobreza y menor hacinamiento con menores tasas (RTI: 0,94; IC95: 0,89-0,98) en el periodo. CONCLUSIONES: La disminución en la edad de los casos junto a la concentración de casos en comunas urbanas y céntricas, asociadas con variables socioeconómicas desfavorables, confirman que la TB pulmonar continúa siendo un problema de relevancia a considerar.

BACKGROUND: In 2020, tuberculosis (TB) was responsible for 9.9 million new cases and 1.5 million deaths worldwide. In Chile, an increase in incidence rates has been reported in recent years, with a concentration of cases in the Metropolitan Region (MR). AIM: To evaluate the spatio-temporal relationship of pulmonary TB with socioeconomic variables in the MR of Chile. METHODS: Ecological study developed between 2016 and 2020. Cases were obtained from the Ministry of Health (n = 4,370) and described by: sex, age, year of confirmation, health service, and commune of residence. Principal component analysis was used to construct community socioeconomic factors, and the association between factors and pulmonary TB was evaluated with a multilevel negative binomial model. RESULTS: There was an increase in the incidence rate (9.97 to 10.74 cases per 100,000), a decrease in the incidence in people ≥ 65 years (17.56 to 13.38), and the average age (46.03 to 41.77 years). The factor characterized by greater immigration, overcrowding, and the urban population was associated with more elevated incidence rates (RTI: 1.29; IC95: 1.23-134), and the factor with higher education, less poverty, and less overcrowding with lower rates (RTI: 0.94; CI 95: 0.89-0.98) in the period. CONCLUSIONS: The decrease in the age of the cases together and the concentration of cases in urban and central communes, associated with unfavorable socioeconomic variables, confirm that pulmonary TB continues to be a relevant problem to consider.

Factores asociados al tratamiento no exitoso para tuberculosis en pacientes previamente tratados en Cali, Colombia, en el periodo 2015-2019 / Factors associated with unsuccessful treatment outcome for tuberculosis in previously treated patients in Cali, Colombia, during the period 2015-2019

Introducción. Las tasas de éxito del tratamiento de la tuberculosis continúan siendo subóptimas. Objetivo. Identificar los factores asociados al tratamiento no exitoso para tuberculosis en pacientes con antecedentes de tratamiento para la tuberculosis. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un estudio observacional retrospectivo, analítico, de cohorte de pacientes que reingresaron a un programa de micobacterias en Cali, Colombia. Se incluyeron mayores de 15 años con tuberculosis pulmonar entre el 2015 y el 2019 con antecedentes de tratamiento para la tuberculosis. Se excluyeron los pacientes con tuberculosis resistente. Resultados. Ingresaron 605 pacientes con antecedentes de tratamiento, 60 % por tratamiento inconcluso y 40 % por recaída. En comparación con los pacientes que reingresaron por recaída (ORa= 2,34; IC=1,62-3,38), las variables que explicaron de manera independiente el no tener éxito con el tratamiento para la tuberculosis al egreso fueron: estar en situación de calle (ORa = 2,45; IC = 1,54-3,89), ser farmacodependiente (ORa = 1,95; IC=1,24-3,05), tener coinfección tuberculosis/VIH (ORa = 1,69; IC =1,00- 2,86) o diabetes (ORa =1,89; IC=1,29-2,77), y el incumplimiento de un tratamiento previo por pérdida de seguimiento, abandono u otras causas. Las variables programáticas que favorecieron el éxito del tratamiento fueron la asesoría de la prueba voluntaria de VIH (p < 0,001) y la realización de la prueba de VIH (p < 0,001). Conclusión. Estar en situación de calle, ser farmacodependiente, tener coinfección de tuberculosis y VIH, o diabetes, así como el incumplimiento del tratamiento previo por pérdida del seguimiento, abandono o fracaso del mismo, dificultaron el éxito del tratamiento antituberculoso. En la primera atención al reingreso de los pacientes con tuberculosis se deben identificar y abordar estas características.

Introduction. The success rates in the treatment of tuberculosis are suboptimal. Objective. To identify associated factors with the lack of success of antituberculosis treatment in patients with a tuberculosis treatment history. Materials and methods. We performed a retrospective, analytical, observational, and cohort study of patients reentering the Mycobacterium program in Cali, Colombia. We included patients over 15 years old with pulmonary tuberculosis between 2015 and 2019 and a history of tuberculosis treatment. Patients with drug-resistant tuberculosis were excluded. Results. A total of 605 patients with a treatment history were included, 60% due to unfinished treatment and 40% due to relapse. Compared to patients reentering due to relapse (ORa=2.34, CI=1.62-3.38), the independent variables associated with treatment failure at discharge were homelessness (ORa=2.45, CI=1.54-3.89), substance dependence (ORa=1.95, CI=1.24-3.05), tuberculosis/HIV coinfection (ORa=1.69, CI=1.00-2.86), diabetes (ORa=1.89, CI=1.29-2.77), and unfinished previous tuberculosis treatment due to follow-up loss, abandonment, or other causes. Programmatic variables favoring treatment success were voluntary HIV testing counseling (p<0.001) and HIV testing (p<0.001). Conclusion. Homelessness, substance dependence, tuberculosis/HIV coinfection, diabetes, and incomplete previous treatment due to loss to follow-up, abandonment, or treatment failure hindered the success of antituberculosis. These characteristics should be identified and addressed during the initial care of patients reentering treatment for tuberculosis.

Prevalencia de infección tuberculosa latente e incidencia de viraje tuberculínico en contactos escolares mayores de 5 años en la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires / Prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection and incidence of tuberculin conversion among school contacts older than 5 years in the City of Buenos Aires

Introducción. La tuberculosis continúa siendo un problema frecuente en contextos de vulnerabilidad socioeconómica. El objetivo principal fue establecer la prevalencia de infección latente y viraje tuberculínico en contactos escolares de casos de tuberculosis. Población y métodos. En un área programática del sur de la ciudad, se evaluó la prevalencia de infección y viraje tuberculínico de 691 niñas, niños y adolescentes utilizando la prueba cutánea de tuberculina. Se investigó la asociación entre pérdida de seguimiento por parte del equipo de salud y características demográficas, escolares y asistencia inicial, y se describió el grado de adherencia cuando la quimioprofilaxis con isoniacida fue indicada. Resultados. Según las definiciones consideradas, la prevalencia de infección latente fue entre el 3,4 % (IC95 %: 2,3-5,2) y el 11,6 % (IC95 %: 9,3-14,4) de los 610 contactos con al menos una prueba cutánea aplicada. La incidencia de viraje tuberculínico se encontró entre el 0,3 % y el 6,8 % de los 294 evaluados. La edad mayor de 18 años, la mayor prevalencia de necesidades básicas insatisfechas en la comuna escolar, la pertenencia al turno escolar vespertino, la negatividad en la baciloscopia del caso índice y la ausencia de aplicación de la prueba cutánea inicial se asociaron con pérdida de seguimiento del contacto. Conclusiones. La incidencia de viraje tuberculínico en contactos escolares fue baja. La adherencia a isoniacida continúa siendo limitada. Se identificaron factores asociados con la pérdida de seguimiento de contactos que podrían orientar estrategias necesarias para mejorar este proceso.

Introduction. Tuberculosis continues to be a common problem in settings of socioeconomic vulnerability. Our primary objective was to establish the prevalence of latent infection and tuberculin conversion among school contacts of tuberculosis cases. Population and methods. In a programmatic area in the south of the City of Buenos Aires, the prevalence of latent infection and tuberculin conversion was assessed in 691 children and adolescents using the tuberculin skin test. The association between loss to follow-up by the health care team and the demographic, school, and baseline care characteristics was studied, and the level of adherence when isoniazid chemoprophylaxis was indicated was described. Results. According to established definitions, the prevalence of latent infection was between 3.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.3­5.2) and 11.6% (95% CI: 9.3­14.4) in the 610 contacts with at least one skin test. The incidence of tuberculin conversion was between 0.3% and 6.8% in the 294 assessed participants. Age older than 18 years, a higher prevalence of unmet basic needs in the school district, attending the afternoon school shift, negative sputum smear results in the index case, and absence of baseline skin test were associated with contact lost to follow-up. Conclusions. The incidence of tuberculin conversion among school contacts was low. Adherence to isoniazid treatment remains limited. Factors associated with loss of contact tracing were identified, which may guide strategies necessary to improve this process.

Norma técnica de salud para el cuidado integral de la persona afectada por tuberculosis, familia y comunidad (NTS N° 200-MINSA/DGIESP-2023) / Technical health standard for the comprehensive care of the person affected by tuberculosis, family and community (NTS N° 200-MINSA/DGIESP-2023)

La presente publicación describe los criterios clínicos y programáticos, así como los procedimientos técnicos de las intervenciones sanitarias en el cuidado integral por curso de vida de la prevención y control de la tuberculosis en la población afectada o con factores de riesgo. Asimismo, incorpora importantes avances e innovaciones para la prevención y control de la tuberculosis, basadas en las recomendaciones brindadas por los organismos internacionales de salud y evidencias científicas, aplicadas a la realidad nacional. Así, incluye la introducción de metodología molecular en el diagnóstico de esta enfermedad, el uso de nuevos medicamentos para la terapia preventiva, esquemas totalmente orales y acortados para el tratamiento de la tuberculosis resistente, un mayor involucramiento de los actores comunitarios en la prevención y la detección de la tuberculosis, así como su participación activa en las diversas intervenciones estratégicas

Asociación entre preocupación frente a la COVID-19, el apoyo social y el conocimiento sobre tuberculosis con el cumplimiento del tratamiento antituberculoso en Lima, Perú / Association between concern about COVID-19, social support and knowledge about tuberculosis with adherence to antituberculosis treatment in Lima, Perú

Introducción. En el contexto de la pandemia por la COVID-19 es escasa la información de factores asociados al cumplimiento del tratamiento antituberculoso en las zonas de alta prevalencia de tuberculosis. Objetivo. Evaluar si existe asociación entre el apoyo social, la preocupación por el contagio de COVID-19 y el conocimiento de la tuberculosis, frente al incumplimiento del tratamiento antituberculoso. Materiales y métodos. Se trata de un estudio transversal de pacientes en tratamiento antituberculoso durante los meses de enero a marzo del 2022 en centros ubicados en áreas de alta prevalencia de tuberculosis en Lima. Se utilizó el cuestionario de Morisky Green-Levine para evaluar el cumplimiento del tratamiento como variable dependiente; las variables independientes se evaluaron usando el Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey para determinar el apoyo social percibido y la preocupación por la infección de COVID-19, y el test de Batalla para evaluar el conocimiento del paciente sobre su enfermedad. Se utilizó la regresión de Poisson con varianza robusta para determinar la asociación entre las variables. Resultados. De un total de 101 participantes (73,3 % hombres y edad media 35,1 ± 16 años), el 51,5 % no observaron el tratamiento antituberculoso. El nivel de preocupación medio o alto de contagiarse y desarrollar COVID-19 se asoció con una mayor prevalencia de incumplimiento del tratamiento (razón de prevalencia: 1,68; intervalo de confianza del 95 %: 1,09-2,57) (ajustada por las variables de confusión consideradas). Conclusiones. El incumplimiento del tratamiento antituberculoso es una condición frecuente entre los pacientes de una zona de alta prevalencia de tuberculosis en Lima especialmente entre aquellos con mayor preocupación al contagio por el virus de SARS- CoV-2, causante de la COVID-19.

Introduction. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, information on factors associated with adherence to antituberculosis treatment in areas with high prevalence of tuberculosis is scarce. Objective. To evaluate whether there is an association between social support, concern about COVID-19 infection and knowledge about tuberculosis, and non-adherence to antituberculosis treatment. Materials and methods. A cross-sectional study was carried out on patients under antituberculosis treatment, from January to March, 2022, in centers located in areas with a high prevalence of tuberculosis in Lima. We used the Morisky Green-Levine questionnaire to assess adherence to treatment as the dependent variable; the independent variables were evaluated using the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey for perceived social support and concern about COVID-19 infection, and the Battle Test to assess patients' knowledge about their disease. We used Poisson regression with robust variance to evaluate the association between the independent variables and the dependent one. Results. Out of 101 participants (73.3% male with an average age of 35.1 ±16 years), 51.5% were non-adherent to antituberculosis treatment. Medium or high level of concern about getting COVID-19 was associated with a higher prevalence of non-adherence to treatment (odds ratio: 1.68; 95 % confidence interval: 1.09-2.57) (adjusted for considered confounding variables). Conclusions. Non-adherence is a frequent condition among patients living in an area with a high prevalence of tuberculosis in Lima, especially among those with a higher concern for COVID-19 infection.

Admissions by tuberculosis in a regional reference Center. A complex and worrying scenario / Ingresos por tuberculosis en un hospital regional. Un escenario complejo y preocupante

OBJECTIVES: To characterize clinical aspects, evaluate the diagnostic opportunity, and identify factors associated with mortality in patients hospitalized for tuberculosis (TB). METHODS: Retrospective study of patients admitted for TB to a Regional Hospital in Chile between 2011 and 2019. RESULTS: 142 TB events required hospitalization in this period (38.2% of total cases). All risk groups were identified, with a significant increase in patients with diabetes mellitus. The pulmonary location was the most frequent (71.1%), followed by disseminated forms (16.2%). The sensitivity of microscopy smear in cases of pulmonary TB (isolated or combined) was 78.8% and lower in cases of bronchoalveolar lavage (58.3%). PCR was only occasionally applied (< 10%) with a sensitivity of 100% in sputum samples. Its use increased progressively and reached a positivity of 33% (6 out of 18 cases) in cases with negative sputum staining. The median time between symptom onset and diagnosis was prolonged (9 weeks), and 32.5% of all regional events were diagnosed at the hospital. Dose adjustments (22.1%), corticosteroid use (25%), and treatment interruptions were frequent (11%). Lethality reached 19%, and by multivariate analysis, only shock was associated with a fatal outcome. CONCLUSIONS: In this case series, the diagnosis of TB cases was delayed, scarcely diagnosed by molecular methods, highly concentrated at the hospital level, required admission in a large percentage of cases, and had a high case-fatality rate.

OBJETIVOS: Caracterizar aspectos clínicos, evaluar la oportunidad diagnóstica e identificar factores asociados a mortalidad en pacientes ingresados por tuberculosis (TB). MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo de pacientes ingresados por TB a un Hospital Regional en Chile entre el 2011 y 2019. RESULTADOS: Un total de 142 eventos de TB requirieron hospitalización en el período (38,2% del total). Todos los grupos de riesgo fueron identificados con un aumento significativo de los pacientes con diabetes mellitus. La localización pulmonar fue la más frecuente (71,1%), seguida de la forma diseminada (2 o más sitios; 16,2%). La sensibilidad de la tinción de expectoración en casos de TB pulmonar (aislada o combinada) fue de 78,8% y más baja en casos de lavado broncoalveolar (58,3%). La PCR fue sólo ocasionalmente aplicada (< 10%) con una sensibilidad del 100% en muestras de expectoración. Su uso aumentó progresivamente en el período y el incremento diagnóstico de TB en casos con tinción negativa de expectoración estudiados con PCR fue de 33% (6 de 18 casos). La mediana entre inicio de síntomas y el diagnóstico fue prolongada (9 semanas) y el 32,5% de los eventos regionales fueron diagnosticados en el hospital. Los ajustes de dosis (22,1%), uso de corticoides (25%) e interrupciones del tratamiento fueron hechos frecuentes (11%). La letalidad alcanzó 19% y en el análisis multivariado sólo la aparición de shock se asoció a un desenlace fatal. CONCLUSIONES: En esta serie de casos, el diagnóstico de casos de TB fue tardío, infrecuentemente diagnosticado por métodos moleculares, concentrado en la atención terciaria, requirió hospitalización en un gran porcentaje de casos y tuvo una elevada letalidad.

Guia para Controle de Tuberculose em Instituições de Acolhimento para População em Situação de Rua / Guide to Tuberculosis Control in Reception Institutions for Population in Street Situation

Este guia se destina a profissionais que atuam, principalmente, nas Instituições de Acolhimento destinadas à População em Situação de Rua (PSR). Entretanto, vários conceitos e informações que serão apresentados aqui podem ser usados em outros espaços de acolhimento e de oferta de cuidados a esta população, como os de grupos informais e de organizações públicas, governamentais ou não-governamentais.

Changes in Notified Incidence of Pulmonary Tuberculosis in China, 2005-2020 / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the trend of notified incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) in China at different periods by population and region and to explore the effect of TB prevention and control in recent years.@*METHODS@#Using pooled data on TB cases reported by the TB Information Management Reporting System (TBIMS) from 2005 to 2020, we calculated the annual percentage change (APC) using the Joinpoint regression model.@*RESULTS@#From 2005 to 2020, a total of 16.2 million cases of PTB were reported in China, with an average notified incidence of 75.5 per 100,000 population. The age standardization rate (ASR) continued to decline from 116.9 (/100,000) in 2005 to 47.6 (/100,000) in 2020, with an average annual decrease of 5.6% [APC = -5.6, 95% confidence interval ( CI): -7.0 to -4.2]. The smallest decline occurred in 2011-2018 (APC = -3.4, 95% CI: -4.6 to -2.3) and the largest decrease in 2018-2020 (APC = -9.2, 95% CI: -16.4 to -1.3). From 2005 to 2020, the ASR in males (159.8 per 100,000 in 2005, 72.0 per 100,000 in 2020) was higher than that in females (62.2 per 100,000 in 2005, 32.3 per 100,000 in 2020), with an average annual decline of 6.0% for male and 4.9% for female. The average notified incidence was the highest among older adults (65 years and over) (182.3/100,000), with an average annual decline of 6.4%; children (0-14 years) were the lowest (4.8/100,000), with an average annual decline of 7.3%, but a significant increase of 3.3% between 2014 and 2020 (APC = 3.3, 95% CI: 1.4 to 5.2); middle-aged (35-64 years) decreased by 5.8%; and youth (15-34 years) decreased by an average annual rate of 4.2%. The average ASR in rural areas (81.3/100,000) is higher than that in urban areas (76.1/100,000). The average annual decline in rural areas was 4.5% and 6.3% in urban areas. South China had the highest average ASR (103.2/100,000), with an average annual decline of 5.9%, while North China had the lowest (56.5/100,000), with an average annual decline of 5.9%. The average ASR in the southwest was 95.3 (/100,000), with the smallest annual decline (APC = -4.5, 95% CI: -5.5 to -3.5); the average ASR in the Northwest China was 100.1 (/100,000), with the largest annual decline (APC = -6.4, 95% CI: -10.0 to -2.7); Central, Northeastern, and Eastern China declined by an average of 5.2%, 6.2%, and 6.1% per year, respectively.@*CONCLUSIONS@#From 2005 to 2020, the notified incidence of PTB in China continued to decline, falling by 55%. For high-risk groups such as males, older adults, high-burden areas in South, Southwest, and Northwest China, and rural regions, proactive screening should be strengthened to provide timely and effective anti-TB treatment and patient management services for confirmed cases. There is also a necessity to be vigilant about the upward trend of children in recent years, the specific reasons for which need to be further studied.

Analysis of changes in reporting and diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis among children in Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province from 2019 to 2021 / 中华预防医学杂志

Objective: To compare the characteristics of children's pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) cases reported from 2019 to 2021 before and during the implementation of the Action Plan to Stop Tuberculosis. Methods: Based on the reported incidence data and population data of child pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) notified to the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Tuberculosis Information Management System (TBIMS) from 2019 to 2021, the population information and clinically relevant information in different years were compared. Results: From 2019 to 2021, the reported cases of PTB in children were 363, 664 and 655, respectively. The number of reported cases increased significantly. The median age of the cases in children increased from 10.4 years in 2019 to 11.7 years in 2021 (P=0.005) over a three-year period. The etiological positive rate increased significantly from 11.6% (42/363) in 2019 to 32.2% (211/655) in 2021 (P<0.001). The positive rate of molecular testing increased most significantly, which became the main means of etiological detection and accounted for 16.7% (7/42), 62.0% (57/92) and 75.4% (159/211) of the children with positive etiological results, respectively. The resistance rates of isoniazid and rifampicin were analyzed in children with PTB who underwent drug sensitivity tests. The results showed that the resistance rates of isoniazid and/or rifampicin were 2/9, 3.9% (2/51) and 6.7% (11/163), respectively, with an average of 6.7% (15/223) over three years. The median patients' delay was 27 (12, 49) days in 2019. It was reduced to 19 (10, 37) days in 2020 and 15 (7, 34) days in 2021, both significantly lower than 2019 (P=0.009 and 0.000 2, respectively). Conclusion: From 2019 to 2021, the reported numbers of children with PTB and children with positive etiological results increase significantly in Liangshan Prefecture, while the diagnosis delay of patients significantly reduces.

Epidemiological characteristics of pulmonary tuberculosis in Motuo County, Tibet Autonomous Region from 2012 to 2021 / 中华预防医学杂志

To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) in Motuo County from 2012 to 2021 and provide evidence for the prevention and control of PTB. A total of 223 cases of PTB were reported from 2012 to 2021 in Motuo County, with an average annual reported incidence rate of 171.39/100 000. Joinpoint regression model analysis showed that the average decline rate was 9.2% (P<0.001) from 2012 to 2021. Among the various types of PTB patients reported from 2012 to 2021, there were 69 cases of etiologic-positive cases which increased from 28.57% to 52.63%. Results from the circular distribution methods showed that there was no obvious peak time of PTB in Motuo County. There was no statistical difference in the average annual incidence of PTB between different genders (χ2=0.108, P=0.743). Among all age groups, the 20-29 years group had the highest proportion (26.91%, 60/223). The Monpa ethnic group (153 cases, 68.61%) had the largest number of cases, followed by the Lhoba people (44 cases, 19.73%) and the Tibetan (22 cases, 9.87%). Farmers (168 cases, 75.34%) had the highest occupational composition ratio, followed by students (40 cases, 17.94%). The main detection methods of PTB were clinical consultation and transferring consultation. Overall, the incidence rate of PTB decreased from 2012 to 2021. The majority of PTB patients were young adults with high transmission risk. It is necessary to pay more attention to the key populations and strengthen the comprehensive prevention and control for reducing the risk of PTB.

Analysis of changes in reporting and diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis among children in Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province from 2019 to 2021 / 中华预防医学杂志

Objective: To compare the characteristics of children's pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) cases reported from 2019 to 2021 before and during the implementation of the Action Plan to Stop Tuberculosis. Methods: Based on the reported incidence data and population data of child pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) notified to the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Tuberculosis Information Management System (TBIMS) from 2019 to 2021, the population information and clinically relevant information in different years were compared. Results: From 2019 to 2021, the reported cases of PTB in children were 363, 664 and 655, respectively. The number of reported cases increased significantly. The median age of the cases in children increased from 10.4 years in 2019 to 11.7 years in 2021 (P=0.005) over a three-year period. The etiological positive rate increased significantly from 11.6% (42/363) in 2019 to 32.2% (211/655) in 2021 (P<0.001). The positive rate of molecular testing increased most significantly, which became the main means of etiological detection and accounted for 16.7% (7/42), 62.0% (57/92) and 75.4% (159/211) of the children with positive etiological results, respectively. The resistance rates of isoniazid and rifampicin were analyzed in children with PTB who underwent drug sensitivity tests. The results showed that the resistance rates of isoniazid and/or rifampicin were 2/9, 3.9% (2/51) and 6.7% (11/163), respectively, with an average of 6.7% (15/223) over three years. The median patients' delay was 27 (12, 49) days in 2019. It was reduced to 19 (10, 37) days in 2020 and 15 (7, 34) days in 2021, both significantly lower than 2019 (P=0.009 and 0.000 2, respectively). Conclusion: From 2019 to 2021, the reported numbers of children with PTB and children with positive etiological results increase significantly in Liangshan Prefecture, while the diagnosis delay of patients significantly reduces.

Epidemiological characteristics of pulmonary tuberculosis in Motuo County, Tibet Autonomous Region from 2012 to 2021 / 中华预防医学杂志

To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) in Motuo County from 2012 to 2021 and provide evidence for the prevention and control of PTB. A total of 223 cases of PTB were reported from 2012 to 2021 in Motuo County, with an average annual reported incidence rate of 171.39/100 000. Joinpoint regression model analysis showed that the average decline rate was 9.2% (P<0.001) from 2012 to 2021. Among the various types of PTB patients reported from 2012 to 2021, there were 69 cases of etiologic-positive cases which increased from 28.57% to 52.63%. Results from the circular distribution methods showed that there was no obvious peak time of PTB in Motuo County. There was no statistical difference in the average annual incidence of PTB between different genders (χ2=0.108, P=0.743). Among all age groups, the 20-29 years group had the highest proportion (26.91%, 60/223). The Monpa ethnic group (153 cases, 68.61%) had the largest number of cases, followed by the Lhoba people (44 cases, 19.73%) and the Tibetan (22 cases, 9.87%). Farmers (168 cases, 75.34%) had the highest occupational composition ratio, followed by students (40 cases, 17.94%). The main detection methods of PTB were clinical consultation and transferring consultation. Overall, the incidence rate of PTB decreased from 2012 to 2021. The majority of PTB patients were young adults with high transmission risk. It is necessary to pay more attention to the key populations and strengthen the comprehensive prevention and control for reducing the risk of PTB.

Influencing factors of the adverse outcome of pulmonary tuberculosis among adolescents in Hangzhou City between 2005 and 2020: a school-based retrospective cohort study / 中华预防医学杂志

Objective: To explore the influencing factors of the adverse outcome of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) among adolescents in Hangzhou City between 2005 and 2020. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was used to collect the information of adolescent PTB patients with the onset of PTB occurring from January 1, 2005 to December 31 in 12 designated tuberculosis hospitals in Hangzhou, mainly including demographic, epidemiological, clinical manifestations, bacteriological characteristics and other data, through the China Management Information System for Infectious Disease Surveillance and Reporting and the follow-up survey. All patients were followed up and the end time was December 31, 2021. Multivariate Cox regression model was used to analyze the factors affecting the adverse outcome of these patients. Results: The mean age of 4 921 adolescent PTB patients was (18.9±3.6) years old, and the number of male and female patients were 3 074 and 1 847 respectively. The adverse outcome accounted for 14.7% (725) of all patients. Multivariate Cox regression model showed that eight risk factors, including management model from patients themselves or family members (HR=5.87, 95%CI: 4.55-7.64), molecular biology examination positive for PTB (HR=4.62, 95%CI: 2.98-7.19), the number of sputum smears-positive≥1 (HR=3.72, 95%CI: 2.87-4.83), non-standardized therapy regimens of PTB (HR=3.69, 95%CI: 2.95-4.64), history of retreated PTB (HR=2.22, 95%CI: 1.46-3.36), migrant adolescents (HR=1.89, 95%CI: 1.54-2.34), the number of chest X-ray scan (HR=1.83, 95%CI: 1.65-2.04), and severe PTB (HR=1.38, 95%CI: 1.02-2.05), were associated with the adverse outcome of adolescent PTB patients. Age (HR=0.94, 95%CI: 0.92-0.96), as the only protective factor, was associated with the adverse outcome of these patients. Conclusion: The management mode, molecular biological examination, chemotherapy program, history of tuberculosis, sputum smear examination, severity of tuberculosis, household residence, chest X-ray examination and age are associated with the adverse outcomes of adolescent PTB patients in Hangzhou.

Analysis of tuberculosis epidemiological characteristics and drug resistance among the floating population in Beijing in 2019 / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective: To analyze the epidemic characteristics and drug resistance of pulmonary tuberculosis among the floating population in Beijing and to provide a scientific basis for formulating strategies for the prevention and control of tuberculosis among the floating population. Methods: Data of tuberculosis patients who were positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis culture was collected from 16 districts and one municipal institution of tuberculosis control and prevention in Beijing in 2019. The strain samples were tested for drug sensitivity by the proportional method. According to household registration location, patients were divided into the floating population and Beijing registration. SPSS 19.0 software analyzed tuberculosis patients' epidemic characteristics and drug resistance in the floating population. Results: In 2019, there were 1 171 culture-positive tuberculosis patients in Beijing, among the floating population, 593 (50.64%) patients were identified, with a male-to-female sex ratio of 2.2∶1 (409∶184). Compared to patients under household registration as Beijing residents, a higher proportion of young adults aged 20-39 years (65.09%,386/593) were noticed, with 55.65% (330/593) reported from the urban areas and 96.80% (574/593) were reported the first time. The differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). After completing the drug sensitivity test, 37 cases were with multiple drug-resistant tuberculosis, accounting for 6.24% (37/593). The rates of isoniazid resistance (42.11%,8/19) and multidrug resistance (21.05%,4/19) in floating population patients after retreatment were significantly higher than those in newly treated patients (11.67%, 67/574 and 5.75%, 33/574), and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). Conclusions: Most patients with tuberculosis in the floating population in Beijing in 2019 were young males aged 20-39 years. The reporting areas were urban areas and the newly treated patients mainly. The patients with tuberculosis in the re-treated floating population were more likely to suffer from multidrug and drug resistance, which should be taken as the key population for prevention and control.

Epidemiological characteristics and spatio-temporal distribution of pulmonary tuberculosis cases reported in students from Guizhou Province, 2011-2020 / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective: To analyze the trend of epidemiological characteristics and spatiotemporal distribution of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) among smear-positive or other types of students in Guizhou Province from 2011 to 2020, and to provide a reference for improving prevention and control measures. Methods: Data were collected from the Chinese Information System's Notifiable Disease and Tuberculosis Management Information System for disease control and prevention, the Joinpoint 4.9.1.0 software was used to analyze the trend of registration rate; the ArcGIS 10.6 software was used to construct a ring map and to perform spatial autocorrelation analysis; the SaTScan 9.7 software was used for spatial-temporal scan statistics. Results: A total of 32 682 student PTB cases were reported in Guizhou Province from 2011 to 2020, including 5 949 (18.20%) smear-positive cases. Most cases occurred from high school students of 16 to 18 years old (43.99%, 14 376/32 682); the annual average registered rate was 36.22/100 000, the highest in 2018 (52.90/100 000), and the registration rate showed an increasing trend. Meanwhile, a similar trend of registration rate was observed among smear-positive or other types of students. The spatialtemporal heterogeneity was found that the "high-high" clustering patterns of smear-positive or other types were aggregated in Bijie City. Six spatialtemporal clusters with statistically significant (all P<0.001) were detected among smear-positive or other cases, respectively. Conclusions: Upward trend with spatial- temporal clusters of PTB cases reported in students from Guizhou Province from 2011 to 2020. Surveillance should be strengthened for high school students, and regular screening should be conducted in high-risk areas to control the source of infection and reduce the risk of transmission.

Post-tuberculosis lung disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

The burden of chronic airway diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), continues to increase, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Post-tuberculosis lung disease (PTLD) is characterized by chronic lung changes after the "cure" of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB), which may be associated with the pathogenesis of COPD. However, data on its prevalence, clinical manifestations, computed tomography features, patterns of lung function impairment, and influencing factors are limited. The pathogenic mechanisms underlying PTLD remain to be elucidated. This review summarizes the recent advances in PTLD and TB-associated COPD. Research is urgently needed both for the prevention and management of PTLD.

Acceptability of hair harvest as a method of tuberculosis therapeutic drug monitoring among adult pulmonary TB patients: a qualitative study

Background: The current six months regimen for drug-susceptible tuberculosis (TB) is long, complex, and requires adherence monitoring. TB hair drug level assay is one innovative approach to monitor TB treatment adherence however, its acceptability in the context of African multi-cultural settings is not known. Objective: To determine the acceptability of hair harvest and testing as a TB therapeutic drug monitoring method. Methods: The study explored perceptions, and lived experiences among TB patients with regard to using hair harvest and testing as a method of tuberculosis therapeutic drug monitoring in the context of their cultural beliefs, and faith. We used a descriptive phenomenological approach. Results: Four main themes emerged namely: participants' perceptions about the cultural meaning of their body parts; perceptions about hair having any medical value or meaning; perceptions about hospitals starting to use hair harvest and testing for routine hospital TB treatment adherence monitoring; and perceived advantages and disadvantages of using hair for treatment adherence monitoring. Overall, we found that using hair to monitor adherence was acceptable to TB patients provided the hair was harvested and tested by a medical worker. Conclusion: Hair harvest for medical testing is acceptable to TB patients on the condition that it is conducted by a medical worker

Preferred techniques of hair harvest for medical testing among adult pulmonary TB patients

Background: Antiretroviral hair drug levels are currently being used to monitor adherence to HIV treatment. There is currently a dearth of literature on the preferred technique(s) of hair harvest for medical testing in the context of African multicultural settings. Objective: To explore the preferred techniques(s) of hair harvest for medical testing among TB patients. Methods: We used a descriptive phenomenological approach to conduct interviews for 15 TB patients from the 06th through the 24th of June 2022. Data was organized by N-VIVO version 10 and analysed step by step using a thematic analytical approach. Results: Participants aged <30 years were more knowledgeable, positively perceived, and experienced about the salon-based hair cutting technique compared to those aged≥30 years old. Participants aged ≥30 had experience, flexibility to use, and were knowledgeable in all three techniques, Overall, for all age categories (<30,30-40 and >40 years), majority of the respondents were knowledgeable, flexible and experienced in using all the three techniques. Conclusion: The majority of TB patients were knowledgeable, experienced and flexible about the hair cutting techniques however, efforts are needed to educate the youth that hair for medical testing can be cut by any of the three techniques without changing their cosmetic look.