Factors of abandonment of tuberculosis treatment in the public health network / Factores de abandono al tratamiento de la tuberculosis en la red pública de salud

ABSTRACT This study determines the factors of abandonment of tuberculosis treatment in the public health network of Cali, Colombia, during years 2016 to 2018. We conducted an operational case-control investigation including 224 patients with tuberculosis (112 abandoned treatment and 112 completed it). We found that treatment abandonment for tuberculosis is driven by factors related to the individuals and health services that facilitate non-adherence and drive them away from the care provided in medical institutions.

RESUMEN Este estudio determina los factores de abandono al tratamiento de la tuberculosis en la red pública de salud de Cali, Colombia, durante los años 2016 a 2018. Se realizó una investigación operativa de casos y controles en la que se incluyeron 224 pacientes con tuberculosis (112 abandonaron el tratamiento y 112 lograron completarlo). Se encuentra que el abandono del tratamiento para la tuberculosis está impulsado por factores relacionados con el individuo y los servicios de salud que facilitan la no adherencia y los alejan de la atención brindada en las instituciones médicas.

Migration and medical screening for tuberculosis / Imigração e triagem médica para tuberculose

ABSTRACT Vulnerable populations, such as migrants and refugees, have an increased risk of tuberculosis disease, especially in the first years after arrival in the host country. The presence of migrants and refugees in Brazil exponentially grew over the period between 2011 and 2020, and approximately 1.3 million migrants from the Global South were estimated to be residing in Brazil, most of whom from Venezuela and Haiti. Tuberculosis control programs for migrants can be divided into pre- and post-migration screening strategies. Pre-migration screening aims to identify cases of tuberculosis infection (TBI) and can be carried out in the country of origin (pre-entry) or in the destination country (at entry). Pre-migration screening can also detect migrants at an increased risk of developing tuberculosis in the future. High-risk migrants are then followed up in post-migration screening. In Brazil, migrants are considered a priority group for the active search for tuberculosis cases. However, there is no recommendation or plan regarding screening for TBI in migrants and refugees. Ensuring prevention, diagnosis, and treatment for TBI and tuberculosis disease in migrant populations is an important aspect of tuberculosis control and elimination. In this review article, we address epidemiological aspects and access to health care for migrants in Brazil. In addition, the migration medical screening for tuberculosis was reviewed.

RESUMO Populações vulneráveis, como imigrantes e refugiados, apresentam maior risco de tuberculose doença, especialmente nos primeiros anos após a chegada ao país de acolhimento. A presença de imigrantes e refugiados no Brasil cresceu exponencialmente no período entre 2011 e 2020, sendo estimado que aproximadamente 1,3 milhão de imigrantes do Sul Global residiam no Brasil, a maioria proveniente da Venezuela e do Haiti. Os programas de controle da tuberculose para imigrantes podem ser divididos em estratégias de triagem pré- e pós-migração. A triagem pré-migração visa identificar casos de tuberculose infecção (TBI) e pode ser realizada no país de origem (pré-entrada) ou no país de destino (no momento da entrada). A triagem pré-migração também pode detectar imigrantes com maior risco de desenvolver tuberculose no futuro. Os imigrantes de alto risco são então acompanhados na triagem pós-migração. No Brasil, os imigrantes são considerados um grupo prioritário para a busca ativa de casos de tuberculose. No entanto, não há recomendação ou plano sobre triagem para TBI em imigrantes e refugiados. Garantir a prevenção, o diagnóstico e o tratamento da TBI e da tuberculose doença em populações imigrantes é um aspecto importante do controle e eliminação da tuberculose. Neste artigo de revisão, abordamos aspectos epidemiológicos e acesso à saúde para imigrantes no Brasil. Além disso, revisou-se a triagem médica de imigrantes para tuberculose.

Modelo general de la determinación social de la salud para la tuberculosis

Introducción : El avance hacia la eliminación de la tuberculosis en Cuba, depende de la justicia social para las personas afectadas y sus familiares, barrio por barrio, área de salud por área de salud y municipio por municipio. Para potenciar las dimensiones de su determinación social será necesario un modelo de eliminación local asentado en su enfoque general. Objetivo : Describir un modelo general con enfoque sistémico de la determinación social en salud, aplicado a la tuberculosis. Métodos : Se realizó un estudio cualitativo basado en una revisión documental de artículos sobre la determinación social, con diseño de un modelo explicativo, simple para su comprensión, con componentes estructurales, intermedios e individuales para ser adaptado en el tema de la tuberculosis. Resultados : El modelo planteado tiene como entrada la voluntad política, dependiente del poder establecido que determina las políticas públicas, interactuando con las dimensiones intermedias como aspectos centrales y con las dimensiones individuales de carácter sociodemográficas, socioculturales y socioeconómicas. Estas a su vez retroalimentan e influyen nuevamente en la Voluntad política y las Políticas públicas, cerrando el ciclo sistémico. Además, se incluye el control interactivo del sistema. Conclusiones : Además de los modelos planteados en la literatura nacional revisada, abundar en su enfoque sistémico contribuye a facilitar la comprensión del monitoreo de la Determinación social de la tuberculosis por parte del personal encargado de dar sostenibilidad del control hacia la eliminación.

Introduction : Progress towards the tuberculosis elimination in Cuba depends on social justice for the people affected and their families, neighborhood by neighborhood, health area by health area and municipality by municipality. To enhance the dimensions of its social determination, a local elimination model based on its general approach will be necessary. Objective: To describe a general model with a systemic approach to Social determination in health, applied to tuberculosis. Methods : A qualitative study based on a documentary review of articles on social determination was carried out, with the design of an explanatory model, simple for its understanding, with structural, intermediate and individual components to be adapted to the topic of tuberculosis. Results : The proposed model has as input the political will, dependent on the established power that determines public policies, interacting with the intermediate dimensions as central aspects and with the individual dimensions of a sociodemographic, sociocultural and socioeconomic nature. These, in turn, feedback and once again influence the political will and Public policies, closing the systemic cycle. In addition, interactive control of the system is included. Conclusions : In addition to the models proposed in the national literature reviewed, abounding in its systemic approach contributes to facilitate the understanding of the monitoring of the Social determination in health in tuberculosis by the personnel in charge of providing sustainability of control towards elimination.

Performance evaluation of tuberculosis control in Brazilian municipalities / Avaliação de desempenho do controle da tuberculose em municípios brasileiros

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To evaluate the performance of tuberculosis control in Brazilian municipalities. METHODS This is an ecological study on Brazilian municipalities that notified at least four new cases of tuberculosis, with a minimum of one new case of pulmonary tuberculosis between 2015 and 2018. The municipalities were stratified according to the population in < 50 thousand, 50-100 thousand, 100-300 thousand, and > 300 thousand inhabitants, and the k-means method was used to group them within each population range according to the performance of six indicators of the disease. RESULTS A total of 2,845 Brazilian municipalities were included, comprising 98.5% (208,007/211,174) of new tuberculosis cases in the period. For each population range, three groups (A, B, and C) of municipalities were identified according to the performance of the indicators: A, the most satisfactory; B, the intermediates; and C, the least satisfactory. Municipalities in group A with < 100 thousand inhabitants presented results above the targets for laboratory confirmation (≥ 72%), abandonment (≤ 5%), and cure (≥ 90%), and comprised 2% of new cases of the disease. Conversely, municipalities of groups B and C presented at least five indicators with results below the targets - HIV testing (< 100%), contact investigation (< 90%), directly observed therapy (< 90%), abandonment (> 5%), and cure (< 90%) -, and corresponded to 66.7% of new cases of tuberculosis. In group C of municipalities with > 300 thousand inhabitants, which included 19 of the 27 capitals and 43.1% of new cases of tuberculosis, the lowest percentages of contact investigation (mean = 56.4%) and directly observed therapy (mean = 15.4%) were verified, in addition to high abandonment (mean = 13.9%) and low coverage of primary health care (mean = 66.0%). CONCLUSIONS Most new cases of tuberculosis occurred in municipalities with unsatisfactory performance for disease control. Expanding the coverage of primary health care in these places can reduce abandonment and increase the contact investigation and directly observed therapy.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Avaliar o desempenho no controle da tuberculose dos municípios brasileiros. MÉTODOS Estudo ecológico com municípios brasileiros que notificaram pelo menos quatro casos novos de tuberculose, com no mínimo um caso novo de tuberculose pulmonar entre 2015 e 2018. Os municípios foram estratificados de acordo com a população em < 50 mil, 50-100 mil, 100-300 mil e > 300 mil habitantes e foi utilizado o método k-médias para agrupá-los dentro de cada faixa populacional segundo desempenho de seis indicadores da doença. RESULTADOS Foram incluídos 2.845 municípios brasileiros abrangendo 98,5% (208.007/211.174) dos casos novos de tuberculose do período. Para cada faixa populacional identificou-se três grupos (A, B e C) de municípios segundo desempenho dos indicadores: A os mais satisfatórios, B os intermediários e C os menos satisfatórios. Municípios do grupo A com < 100 mil habitantes apresentaram resultados acima das metas para confirmação laboratorial (≥ 72%), abandono (≤ 5%) e cura (≥ 90%), e abrangeram 2% dos casos novos da doença. Por outro lado, os municípios dos grupos B e C apresentaram pelo menos cinco indicadores com resultados abaixo das metas - testagem HIV (< 100%), exame de contatos (< 90%), tratamento diretamente observado (< 90%), abandono (> 5%) e cura (< 90%) -, e corresponderam a 66,7% dos casos novos de tuberculose. Já no grupo C dos municípios com > 300 mil habitantes, que incluiu 19 das 27 capitais e 43,1% dos casos novos de tuberculose, encontrou-se os menores percentuais de exames de contatos (média = 56,4%) e tratamento diretamente observado (média = 15,4%), elevado abandono (média = 13,9%) e baixa cobertura da atenção básica (média = 66,0%). CONCLUSÕES Grande parte dos casos novos de tuberculose ocorreu em municípios com desempenho insatisfatório para o controle da doença, onde expandir a cobertura da atenção básica pode reduzir o abandono e elevar o exame de contatos e tratamento diretamente observado.

La tuberculosis en Camagüey: acercamiento a las desigualdades municipales, 2014-2018 / Tuberculosis in Camaguey: municipalities inequalities approach, 2014-2018

RESUMEN Fundamento: en el contexto de las poblaciones municipales de la provincia Camagüey, el monitoreo de las desigualdades en la ocurrencia de la tuberculosis es importante para alcanzar su eliminación. Objetivo: valorar las desigualdades de la tuberculosis en la población camagüeyana. Métodos: se realizó un estudio ecológico de la tuberculosis en los 13 municipios de la provincia Camagüey. La fuente de información fue la base de datos de la Vigilancia Nacional. Las variables fueron: número de casos, tasas de notificación y años. Se calculó la media geométrica de las tasas, se tomó la menor como referencia para estimar las diferencias absolutas, las diferencias relativas y el riesgo atribuible poblacional porcentual. Se estimaron las proporciones de casos de tuberculosis y sus tendencias en las personas privadas de libertad y en las personas viviendo con VIH en la provincia. Se propusieron dos escenarios futuros 2019-2020, según perspectivas del Programa cubano de tuberculosis: con reducción del 20 % para todos los municipios por igual y con reducción discriminada del 40 % para aquellos municipios con tasas ≥ 10 por 100 000 habitantes y del 10 % en los que tienen sus tasas < 10, para estimar los índices Pearcy-Keppel y varianza entre grupos. Se estratificaron los municipios según las metas hacia la eliminación. Resultados: el municipio Minas fue la referencia con la media geométrica (0,4 por 100 000), la desigualdad relativa fue 11,5 veces mayor en Camagüey. El riesgo atribuible poblacional estuvo entre 11-95 %, la tendencia fue ascendente en los privados de libertad. El segundo escenario mostró una desigualdad moderada, el índice de Pearcy-Keppel fue 46,1 % y la varianza entre grupos (1,0). Sierra de Cubitas y Najasa están en eliminación. Conclusiones: las poblaciones municipales de Camagüey, Guáimaro, Nuevitas muestran las mayores desigualdades con respecto a Minas. Las intervenciones diferenciadas aportarían mejores resultados en estos territorios.

ABSTRACT Background: the monitoring of tuberculosis inequalities occurrence in Camaguey municipalities is important to achieve their elimination. Objective: to assess the TB inequalities in Camagüey´s population. Methods: tuberculosis ecological study was carried out in the 13 municipalities of Camagüey. The National surveillance database was the source of information. The variables used were: number of cases, notification rates and years. The geometric average of the rates was calculated, taking the lowest as a reference to estimate the absolute and relative differences and the population attributable risk. It was calculated the proportions of cases according to municipalities and the trends in people deprived of liberty and people living with HIV in the province. Two future scenarios 2019-2020 were proposed, according the perspectives of the Cuban Tuberculosis Program: with a 20% reduction for all municipalities and a discriminated reduction of 40% for those municipalities with rates ≥ 10 per 100 000 populations and 10% in those with rates < 10, to estimate the Pearcy-Keppel index and variance between groups. It was stratified the municipalities according to the goals towards elimination. Results: Minas municipality was the reference, with the geometric average (0.4 per 100,000), the relative inequality was 11.5 highest in Camagüey. The population attributable risk was between 11-95%. The trend in people deprived of liberty was ascending. The second scenario showed moderate inequality, Pearcy Keppel index was 46.1% and variance between groups (1.0). The municipalities of Sierra de Cubitas and Najasa were in elimination phase. Conclusions: the municipal populations of Camagüey, Guaimaro, Nuevitas showed the greatest inequalities according to Minas. Differences interventions would bring better results to these territories.

Risk factors for tuberculosis: diabetes, smoking, alcohol use, and the use of other drugs / Fatores de risco para tuberculose: diabetes, tabagismo, álcool e uso de outras drogas

ABSTRACT Tuberculosis continues to be a major public health problem. Although efforts to control the epidemic have reduced mortality and incidence, there are several predisposing factors that should be modified in order to reduce the burden of the disease. This review article will address some of the risk factors associated with tuberculosis infection and active tuberculosis, including diabetes, smoking, alcohol use, and the use of other drugs, all of which can also contribute to poor tuberculosis treatment results. Tuberculosis can also lead to complications in the course and management of other diseases, such as diabetes. It is therefore important to identify these comorbidities in tuberculosis patients in order to ensure adequate management of both conditions.

RESUMO A tuberculose continua a ser um importante problema de saúde para a humanidade. Embora os esforços para controlar a epidemia tenham reduzido sua mortalidade e incidência, há vários fatores predisponentes a ser controlados a fim de reduzir a carga da doença. Este artigo de revisão aborda alguns dos fatores de risco associados à infecção por tuberculose, como diabetes, tabagismo, uso de álcool e uso de outras drogas, que podem também contribuir para maus resultados do tratamento da tuberculose. A tuberculose pode levar a complicações no curso e no manejo de outras doenças, como o diabetes. Portanto, é importante identificar essas comorbidades em pacientes com tuberculose a fim de assegurar um manejo adequado de ambas as condições.

Detecção da tuberculose: a estrutura da atenção primária à saúde / Detección de la tuberculosis: la estructura de la atención primaria de salud / Detection of tuberculosis: the structure of primary health care

Resumo OBJETIVO Analisar a estrutura da atenção primária à saúde para a detecção de casos de tuberculose em dois municípios do Rio Grande do Sul. MÉTODO Descritivo, avaliativo utilizando métodos mistos, com observação da estrutura física em 69 unidades de atenção primária à saúde; e entrevistas semi-estruturadas com 10 indivíduos. Realizado entre os anos de 2014 e 2016. Utilizou-se análise estatística descritiva e análise de conteúdo. RESULTADOS Nas 50 unidades de Pelotas observou-se ausência de: potes (24%); formulários (53,1%), livro de registro (48%) e transporte do material até o laboratório (86%). Nas 19 unidades de Sapucaia do Sul havia disponibilidade destes insumos. A ausência de profissionais, a rotatividade dos recursos humanos e a deficiência de capacitações foram as principais deficiências estruturais. CONCLUSÃO Conclui-se que há diferenças estruturais entre os municípios, e sugere-se à adoção da coordenação da atenção à tuberculose em Pelotas.

Resumen OBJETIVO Analizar la estructura de la atención primaria de salud para detección de casos de tuberculosis en dos municipios del Rio Grande do Sul. MÉTODO Descriptivo, evaluativo con uso métodos mixtos, aplicando la observación acerca de la estructura física de 69 unidades de atención primaria de salud; y entrevistas semiestructuradas con 10 individuos. Realizado entre 2014 y 2016. Análisis estadístico descriptivo y análisis de contenido. RESULTADOS En las 50 unidades de Pelotas no había: pote de esputo (24%); formularios de solicitud (53,1%); libro de registro (48%) y transporte de esputo al laboratorio (86%). En Sapucaia do Sul las 19 unidades tenían disponibilidad de estos materiales. La falta de profesionales, el cambio de los profesionales y la deficiencia de formación continua fueron las principales deficiencias estructurales. CONCLUSIÓN Existen diferencias estructurales entre los municipios, y se sugiere la adopción de la coordinación de la atención para la tuberculosis en Pelotas.

Abstract OBJECTIVE To analyze the structure of primary health care for the detection of tuberculosis cases in two municipalities of Rio Grande do Sul. METHOD Descriptive, evaluative mixed methods research, with direct observation of the physical structure of 69 primary health care units; and semi-structured interviews with 10 subjects. Conducted between 2014 and 2016. Using descriptive statistics and content analysis for data analysis. RESULTS In the 50 units in Pelotas there was an absence of: pots (24%); forms (53.1%), register books (48%) and of transportation of material to the laboratory (86%). In the 19 units of Sapucaia do Sul, these inputs were available. The absence of professionals, the turnover of human resources and the lack of training, emerged as the main structural deficiencies. CONCLUSION There are structural differences between municipalities. The study suggests that Pelotas should adopt tuberculosis care coordination.

Tuberculosis treatment / Tratamento da tuberculose

ABSTRACT Tuberculosis treatment remains a challenge due to the need to consider, when approaching it, the context of individual and collective health. In addition, social and economic issues have been shown to be variables that need to be considered when it comes to treatment effectiveness. We conducted a critical review of the national and international literature on the treatment of tuberculosis in recent years with the aims of presenting health care workers with recommendations based on the situation in Brazil and better informing decision-making regarding tuberculosis patients so as to minimize morbidity and interrupt disease transmission.

RESUMO O tratamento da tuberculose permanece um desafio em função da necessidade de que, em sua abordagem, seja considerado o contexto da saúde do indivíduo e da saúde coletiva. Adicionalmente, as questões sociais e econômicas têm-se mostrado como variáveis a ser consideradas na efetividade do tratamento. Ao revisarmos de forma crítica a literatura científica nacional e internacional sobre o tratamento da tuberculose nos últimos anos, tivemos como objetivos apresentar aos profissionais da área de saúde as recomendações baseadas na realidade brasileira e fornecer os subsídios necessários para a melhor tomada de decisão frente ao paciente com tuberculose, de modo a minimizar a morbidade e interromper a transmissão da doença Em função disso, o TDO é recomendado.

Protective effect of metformin against tuberculosis infections in diabetic patients: an observational study of south Indian tertiary healthcare facility

ABSTRACT Background: World Health Organization estimated that people with diabetes (DM) are at 2-3 times higher risk for tuberculosis (TB). Studies have shown that DM not only increases the risk of active TB, but also puts co-affected persons at increased risk of poor outcomes. Objectives: To determine the protective effect of metformin against TB in DM patients and also, to investigate the relationship between poor glycemic control and TB. Methods: A case-control study was conducted over 8 months, where cases and controls were selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria of the study. The diabetics diagnosed with TB were selected as study group (SG = 152) and without TB were as control group (CG = 299). Exposure status of metformin in both groups were analyzed. Results: The mean (SD) age of both CG and SG were 55.54 ± 11.82 and 52.80 ± 11.75, respectively. Majority of the subjects in the study were males. The mean hospital stay of SG and CG were 7 days and 6 days, respectively. Poor glycemic control (HbA1c > 8) observed in SG (51.7%) vs CG (31.4%). HbA1c value <7 is associated protective factor for TB occurrence [OR = 0.52 (95% CI 0.29-0.93)]. The protective effect of metformin against TB was 3.9-fold in diabetics (OR = 0.256, 0.16-0.40). Conclusion: Poor glycemic control among diabetics is a risk factor for TB occurrence. The result shows metformin use is a protective agent against TB infection in diabetics. Hence, incorporation of metformin into standard clinical care would offer a therapeutic option for the prevention of TB.

Tuberculosis control program in the municipal context: performance evaluation / Programa de controle da tuberculose no contexto municipal: avaliação de desempenho

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to evaluate the performance of the Tuberculosis Control Program in municipalities of the State of São Paulo. METHODS This is a program evaluation research, with ecological design, which uses three non-hierarchical groups of the municipalities of the State of São Paulo according to their performance in relation to operational indicators. We have selected 195 municipalities with at least five new cases of tuberculosis notified in the Notification System of the State of São Paulo and with 20,000 inhabitants or more in 2010. The multiple correspondence analysis was used to identify the association between the groups of different performances, the epidemiological and demographic characteristics, and the characteristics of the health systems of the municipalities. RESULTS The group with the worst performance showed the highest rates of abandonment (average [avg] = 10.4, standard deviation [sd] = 9.4) and the lowest rates of supervision of Directly Observed Treatment (avg = 6.1, sd = 12.9), and it was associated with low incidence of tuberculosis, high tuberculosis and HIV, small population, high coverage of the Family Health Strategy/Program of Community Health Agents, and being located on the countryside. The group with the best performance presented the highest cure rate (avg = 83.7, sd = 10.5) and the highest rate of cases in Directly Observed Treatment (avg = 83.0, sd = 12.7); the group of regular performance showed regular results for outcome (avg cure = 79.8, sd = 13.2; abandonment avg = 9.5, sd = 8.3) and supervision of the Directly Observed Treatment (avg = 42.8, sd = 18.8). Large population, low coverage of the Family Health Strategy/Program of Community Health Agents, high incidence of tuberculosis and AIDS, and being located on the coast and in metropolitan areas were associated with these groups. CONCLUSIONS The findings highlight the importance of the Directly Observed Treatment in relation to the outcome for treatment and raise reflections on the structural and managerial capacity of municipalities in the implementation of the Tuberculosis Control Program.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Avaliar o desempenho do Programa de Controle da Tuberculose em municípios paulistas. MÉTODOS Pesquisa de avaliação de serviços, com delineamento ecológico, utilizando três agrupamentos não hierárquicos de municípios paulistas de acordo com seu desempenho em relação a indicadores operacionais. Foram selecionadas 195 cidades com no mínimo cinco casos novos de tuberculose notificados no Sistema de Notificação do Estado de São Paulo e 20.000 habitantes ou mais em 2010. A análise de correspondência múltipla foi utilizada para a identificação da associação entre os grupos de distintos desempenhos e as características epidemiológicas, demográficas e de sistemas de saúde dos municípios. RESULTADOS O grupo de pior desempenho apresentou as taxas mais elevadas de abandono (média [md] = 10,4; desvio padrão [dp] = 9,4) e as menores proporções de efetivação de Tratamento Diretamente Observado (md = 6,1; dp = 12,9) e esteve associado à baixa incidência de tuberculose, alta confecção tuberculose e HIV, pequeno porte populacional, alta cobertura de Estratégia Saúde da Família/Programa de Agentes Comunitários em Saúde e localização no interior. O grupo de melhor desempenho apresentou a maior taxa de cura (md = 83,7; dp = 10,5) e a maior proporção de casos em Tratamento Diretamente Observado (md = 83,0; dp = 12,7); enquanto o grupo de desempenho regular mostrou resultados regulares de desfecho (cura: md = 79,8; dp = 13,2; abandono: md = 9,5; dp = 8,3) e de efetivação do Tratamento Diretamente Observado (md = 42,8; dp = 18,8). Grande porte populacional, baixa cobertura de Estratégia Saúde da Família/Programa de Agentes Comunitários em Saúde, alta incidência de tuberculose e aids, e localização no litoral e em áreas metropolitanas estiveram associados com esses grupos. CONCLUSÕES Os achados destacam a importância do Tratamento Diretamente Observado em relação ao desfecho do tratamento e levantam reflexões sobre a capacidade estrutural e gerencial dos municípios na operacionalização do Programa de Controle da Tuberculose.

Implementation contexts of a Tuberculosis Control Program in Brazilian prisons / Contextos de implantação do Programa de Controle da Tuberculose nas prisões brasileiras

OBJECTIVE To analyze the influence from context characteristics in the control of tuberculosis in prisons, and the influence from the program implementation degrees in observed effects.METHODS A multiple case study, with a qualitative approach, conducted in the prison systems of two Brazilian states in 2011 and 2012. Two prisons were analyzed in each state, and a prison hospital was analyzed in one of them. The data were submitted to a content analysis, which was based on external, political-organizational, implementation, and effect dimensions. Contextual factors and the ones in the program organization were correlated. The independent variable was the program implementation degree and the dependent one, the effects from the Tuberculosis Control Program in prisons.RESULTS The context with the highest sociodemographic vulnerability, the highest incidence rate of tuberculosis, and the smallest amount of available resources were associated with the low implementation degree of the program. The results from tuberculosis treatment in the prison system were better where the program had already been partially implemented than in the case with low implementation degree in both cases.CONCLUSIONS The implementation degree and its contexts - external and political-organizational dimensions - simultaneously contribute to the effects that are observed in the control of tuberculosis in analyzed prisons.

OBJETIVO Analisar a influência das características contextuais do controle da tuberculose nas prisões e a influência dos graus de implantação do programa nos efeitos observados.MÉTODOS Estudo de casos múltiplos, com abordagem qualitativa, realizado no sistema penitenciário de dois estados brasileiros em 2011 e 2012. As unidades de análise foram duas unidades prisionais em cada estado e um hospital penal em um deles. Os dados foram objeto de análise de conteúdo, que teve como eixo condutor as dimensões externa, político-organizacional, implantação e efeitos. Foi realizada correlação entre os fatores contextuais e da organização do programa que influenciaram a implantação das ações. A variável independente foi o grau de implantação do programa e a dependente, os efeitos do Programa de Controle da Tuberculose nas unidades prisionais.RESULTADOS O contexto com maior vulnerabilidade sociodemográfica, maior taxa de incidência de tuberculose e menor disponibilidade de recursos associou-se ao baixo nível de implantação do programa. Os desfechos do tratamento da tuberculose no sistema prisional, nos dois casos, foram melhores onde o grau de implantação verificado foi parcialmente implantado, do que no caso com baixo nível de implantação.CONCLUSÕES O grau de implantação e os contextos - dimensões externa e político-organizacional - contribuem simultaneamente para os efeitos observados no controle da tuberculose nas prisões analisadas.

Recent developments in treatment of latent tuberculosis infection.

Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) can be detected with immune based tests such as the tuberculin skin test (TST) or interferon gamma release assays (IGRA). Therapy for those with positive tests can reduce the subsequent risk of re-activation and development of active TB. Current standard therapy is isoniazid (INH) which reduce the risk of active TB by as much as 90 per cent if taken daily for 9 months. However, this lengthy duration of therapy discourages patients, and the risk of serious adverse events such as hepatotoxicity, discourages both patients and providers. As a result completion of INH therapy is less than 50 per cent in many programmes. However, programmes that offer close follow up with supportive staff who emphasize patient education, have reported much better results. The problems with INH have stimulated development and evaluation of several shorter regimens. One alternative was two months daily rifampin and pyrazinamide; this regimen has been largely abandoned due to unacceptably high rates of hepatotoxicity and poor tolerability. The combination of INH and rifampin, taken for 3 or 4 months, has efficacy equivalent to 6 months INH albeit with somewhat increased hepatotoxicity. Four months rifampin has efficacy at least equivalent to 6 months INH but there are inadequate trial data on efficacy. The safety of this regimen has been demonstrated repeatedly. Most recently, a regimen of 3 months INH rifapentine taken once weekly under direct observation has been evaluated in a large scale trial. Results have not yet been published, but if this regimen is as effective as INH, this may be a very good alternative. However, close monitoring and surveillance is strongly suggested for the first few years after its introduction. Evidence from several randomized trials has shown that the benefits of LTBI therapy is only in individuals who are tuberculin skin test (TST) positive even among those with HIV infection. Hence, LTBI therapy should be given only to those with positive tests for LTBI. We conclude that LTBI therapy is considerably underutilized in many settings, particularly in low and middle income countries.