Knowledge of Private Practitioners Regarding Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program- A Cross-Sectional Study from the Haryana state of India.

Background: India's aim to achieve tuberculosis (TB) eradication by 2025 necessitates the engagement of all stakeholders, encompassing both private and public sectors, across all phases of the TB program - spanning from diagnosis to the curative outcome. However, certain private practitioners pursue an individualized approach instead of adopting a collective strategy, thereby contributing to the emergence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. Consequently, in order to formulate an enhanced strategy that fosters improved collaboration and professional behavioral change among all partners, it is imperative to comprehensively assess their level of knowledge. This study aims to assess the knowledge level of private practitioners with regard to the diagnosis and management of pulmonary tuberculosis cases within the framework of the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP). Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 78 selected private practitioners located in seven towns within the Sonepat district of Haryana State, India. The study was approved by the ethics committee of Bhagat Phool Singh Government Medical College for Women, Sonepat, Haryana. Data collection involved the utilization of a self-administered, pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive analysis was applied, utilizing proportions and percentages. Results: The collective understanding of private practitioners concerning Tuberculosis and RNTCP was found to be deficient. Around one-third of the practitioners reported that they had not received any visits from health workers in relation to RNTCP. A mere 33% of the practitioners had attended any Continuing Medical Education (CME) sessions, and only a quarter of the participants expressed an intention to collaborate with the RNTCP program. Conclusions: In conclusion, this study underscores the necessity for RNTCP to focus on fostering the willingness of private practitioners to engage with the program, while simultaneously enhancing their knowledge about Tuberculosis and RNTCP.

Diagnostic and treatment delay among new pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Southern India: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Delay in diagnosis and treatment enhances tuberculosis (TB) transmission and mortality. Understanding causes for delay can help in TB elimination by 2025, the stated goal of India. Objectives: Estimate diagnostic and treatment delay in Ernakulam district of Kerala, identify associated factors, and determine health-seeking behavior and knowledge regarding TB among new pulmonary TB patients. Materials and Methods: Community-based cross-sectional study among the new pulmonary TB patients registered under Revised National TB Control Program. Patients interviewed in-person and data collected using pretested semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics expressed as frequency, percent, interquartile range, median, and mean. The Chi-square test was used to assess statistical significance (P < 0.05) of association. Backward conditional method logistic regression done using variables with P < 0.2 in univariate analysis and adjusting for possible confounders. Results: Two hundred and twenty-nine patients interviewed and the median patient, health-care system, and treatment delay were 25 days, 22 days, and 1 day, respectively. While the patient delay (>30 days) and treatment delay (>2 days) were seen in 47.6% and 41% of patients, respectively, health-care system delay was seen in 79.9% of the patients. Choosing pharmacy for initial treatment (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 5.217), unskilled occupation (aOR = 3.717), female gender (aOR = 3.467), previously not heard about TB (aOR = 3.410), and lower education level (aOR = 2.774) were the independent predictors of the patient delay. Visiting two or more doctors (aOR = 5.855) and initially visiting a doctor of undergraduate qualification (aOR = 3.650) were the independent predictors of health-care system delay. The diagnosis in private sector (aOR = 8.989), not being admitted (aOR = 3.441), and age above 60 years (aOR = 0.394) was the independent predictors of treatment delay. Conclusion: Initial treatment from pharmacy, consulting multiple physicians, and diagnosis by private sector cause significant delay in diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary TB.

The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Pulmonary Tuberculosis Control in the Selected Upazila Health Complexes of Dhaka Division, Bangladesh.

Despite the enormous disruption of tuberculosis (TB) services reported globally, Bangladesh's impact is not well documented. We aimed to assess the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the TB control program in Bangladesh from patients' and service providers' perspectives. We conducted a cross-sectional study from November-December 2021 at six conveniently selected Upazila Health Complexes (UHC) of the Dhaka division, Bangladesh. We conducted face-to-face interviews among 180 pulmonary TB service recipients and all TB service providers working in the selected UHC. We also reviewed TB registries from each UHC. All data were summarized using descriptive statistics tools. We found a 31% reduction in presumptive TB cases during 2021 compared to 2020. Other TB services, such as testing, were reduced by 16-36% during the same period. Service receivers reported a lack of transportation (95%), and a lack of adequate human resources (89%) as critical barriers to receiving and providing TB service, respectively. The findings of our study showed substantial interruption of TB service delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic, threatening the recent progress and pushback from achieving the 2035 End TB targets. Early mitigation of TB service delivery through adopting remote follow-ups using digital health technology and integrating COVID-19 and TB screening is essential for the continuity of essential TB services and achieving global TB targets.

From Scylla to Charybdis: Fixed drug combinations for tuberculosis and increased ethambutol-induced optic neuropathy in India.

Purpose: To describe the increase in prevalence of ethambutol-induced optic neuropathy (EON) in patients presenting to a single tertiary referral eye care center in India after introduction of weight-based fixed dose combinations and an increase in duration of ethambutol use from 2016 in the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program. Methods: This was a retrospective, observational, referral hospital-based study of 156 patients with a diagnosis of EON presenting to a single tertiary referral eye care center between January 2016 and December 2019. The main outcome measure was to assess the increase in prevalence of EON cases presenting to our tertiary care institute. Results: During the 4-year study period, 156 new patients were diagnosed with EON. A total of 101 patients (64.7%) were males and 55 (35.3%) were females. The most common age group affected was 41-60 years. The significant complaint at presentation was decreased vision in all the patients. A rising trend in the number of patients diagnosed as EON was seen, with the prevalence increasing from 16 cases in 2016, 13 cases in 2017, and 31 cases in 2018 to 96 cases in 2019. Conclusion: The results of this study indicated an alarming increase in the trend of EON cases presenting to our tertiary care institute.

Implementation of revised national tuberculosis control program guidelines: Practitioner's perspective and awareness-a questionnaire based study.

BACKGROUND: Strengthening public health services, setting up directly observed therapy short course Centres, introduction of Revised National tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP) are aimed to eradicate tuberculosis by 2025. The aim of this study was to assess physician's awareness, and perspectives about the recent RNTCP guidelines. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional, opinion deriving, study through a tested, validated, standardized questionnaire that covered the role of physician in the diagnosis or treatment of tuberculosis, and tested their awareness about various aspects of RNTCP guidelines. Descriptive statistics was used. RESULTS: Of the 96 participants, 61.5% were involved in diagnosis and management, 15.6% in diagnosis only, three in treatment aspect of tuberculosis, 19 (19.8%) were not involved in any activity. Awareness regarding RNTCP guidelines was high (90.6%). Forty-five (46.9%) opined that revised Indian program was different from the World Health Organization End Tuberculosis Strategy. Understanding the definitions of diagnosis (DoD) (92.7%), guideline (92.7%), implementation of revised DoD (89.6%), guidelines ((82.3%) was considered simple. Awareness regarding the implementation of revised DoD (86.5%) and guidelines (78.1%) was below expectation. PARTICIPANTS WERE: less aware (80.2%) of reporting adverse drug reactions to the deputy drug controller; 41.7% each responded that the treating physician or any of the listed persons can report. Reporting ADR to the supervising committee was not clear as >50% did not answer. Awareness about Nikshay (86.5%), procedure for procuring Nikshay ID (46.9%), Institute's Nikshay ID (53.1%) was less. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge about RNTCP guidelines is satisfactory among participants. Extensive training, continued medical education programs are required to increase awareness.

Drug resistance patterns, treatment outcomes and factors affecting unfavourable treatment outcomes among extensively drug resistant tuberculosis patients in Pakistan; a multicentre record review.

Background: Extensively drug resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) is considered as a major threat to global health. This study aimed to analyse the treatment outcomes and identify the factors significantly associated with unfavourable treatment outcomes among XDR-TB patients. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study at 10 Programmatic Management Units of the National Tuberculosis Control Program of Pakistan. The Electronic Nominal Recording Reporting System records were used to collect data of all eligible XDR-TB patients registered at the study sites between March 2012 and August 2018. Treatment outcomes were analysed as per the standard criteria. Factors associated with unfavourable treatment outcomes were analysed by using multivariate binary logistic regression analysis. Results: Out of the total 184 patients, 59 (32.1%) completed their treatment successfully. Whereby, 83 patients (45.1%) died, 24 (13%) had treatment failure, and 11 (6%) were lost to follow-up. Treatment outcomes were not evaluated in 7 (3.8%) patients. Factors significantly associated with unfavourable treatment outcomes included; conventional therapy with bedaquiline, unfavourable interim treatment outcomes and occurrence of adverse drug events (negative association). Conclusion: Treatment success rate in the study cohort was sub-optimal (i.e., <75%). The poor success rate and high mortality are concerning, and requires immediate attention of the program managers and clinicians.

Perceptions of healthcare professionals and patients on the role of the pharmacist in TB management in Pakistan: A qualitative study.

Background: Globally, tuberculosis (TB) is the second major cause of death from infectious diseases, particularly in developing countries. A multidisciplinary approach to the management of TB may help to curb the disease burden. Objective: The objective of this study was to outline the perceptions of healthcare professionals and patients regarding the potential role of pharmacists in TB management in Pakistan. Method: This was a large-scale qualitative study conducted at the Chest Disease Unit (CDU) of the Bahawal Victoria Hospital (BVH), Punjab, Pakistan. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with physicians, pharmacists, and patients recruited using a mix of convenient and snowball sampling. The sample size was decided through standard saturation point criteria. All interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. The data were analyzed to draw conclusions using a thematic analysis approach. Results: Analysis of the data yielded 19 categories and seven themes. Physicians considered pharmacists qualified healthcare professionals, whereas patients considered them merely dispensers. Inventory management and dispensing of medicines were considered as major responsibilities of pharmacists. Physicians were extremely overburdened and wanted to delegate certain duties to pharmacists, subject to their prior extensive trainings. However, most of the physicians were unaware of the legal scope of pharmacy practice in Pakistan. With regard to the potential duties of pharmacists, physicians, pharmacists, and patients (patients-upon explaining the potential roles during the interview) endorsed monitoring, counseling, medicine brand selection, dose adjustment, inventory management, dispensing, and polypharmacy assessment as their potential roles. In view of all stakeholders, the rationale for integrating pharmacists in TB management included overburdened physicians, sub-standard patient care, medication safety issues, and patient dissatisfaction. The healthcare professionals highlighted that the major barriers to integrating pharmacists within the TB management system were limited interest of regulatory authorities and policy makers, followed by inadequate training and experience-driven questionable competency of pharmacists. Conclusion: The study participants acknowledged the potential role of pharmacists in TB management. However, it was emphasized that healthcare policy makers should devise strategies to overcome the underlying barriers before assigning medicine-related clinical roles to pharmacists.

Frequency and Factors Associated With Adverse Events Among Multi-Drug Resistant Tuberculosis Patients in Pakistan: A Retrospective Study.

Background: Treatment of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) for a prolonged period with comparatively less effective and more toxic second-line anti-TB drugs is associated with greater incidence of adverse events. Study aim: This study aimed to evaluate the frequency and factors associated with occurrence of adverse events among patients with MDR-TB attending the Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Bahawalpur, Pakistan. Study design: This retrospective study included all patients with MDR-TB who were registered and treated at the study site between June 2014 and December 2016 and had their treatment outcomes available at the time of data collection (i.e., November 2018). Measures and outcomes: The Electronic Nominal Record System (ERNS) records, medical charts of patients, and laboratory reports were reviewed to obtain the data. Adverse events were reported as per the standard criteria recommended by the WHO. Multivariate binary logistic regression was used to find the independent factors associated with the occurrence of adverse events. Results: A total of 179 patients with MDR-TB were included in the final analysis. Out of these, 114 (63.7%) patients experienced at least one adverse event during the course of their treatment. Depression was the most common adverse events (33%), followed by nausea and vomiting (27.4%) and arthralgia (27.4%). The factors associated with the occurrence of adverse events included presence of comorbidity (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 2.951; 95% CI 1.423, 6.118) and being employed (AOR 3.445; 95% CI 1.188, 9.993). Conclusion: Adverse events were prevalent in this cohort, however, resolved with the effective management approaches. Patients with identified factors for occurrence of adverse events need special attention and enhanced clinical management.

The organizational challenges in the management of the revised national tuberculosis control program of India: an overview.

The developing world is facing a serious problem of tuberculosis (TB) since ages. The condition is really profound in resource-constrained countries. The situation in some of the high TB burden countries is so grave that there are huge numbers of TB patients and deaths due to TB. TB control in most of the countries is done by the national TB control programs. In India, this is popularly known as the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP). The RNTCP comes under the umbrella of the national health mission. The main components of RNTCP are directly observed treatment, short-course (DOTS) and DOTS-Plus. The effective and adequate implementation of the RNTCP is the most effective solution to control the ever growing cases of TB. The present situation, as detailed in the WHO global annual TB report, with ever-rising cases of various categories of TB is really scary and demands prompt attention. In this paper, the authors highlight the important issues related to the RNTCP in India. The main motto of writing this paper was to address the challenges associated with the organizational structure of the national TB control program of India and to suggest solutions for the same. The authors believe that these challenges could pose a serious threat to the efforts aimed at TB elimination from India. Besides, this paper will serve as a tool to modify and/or to formulate new guidelines for the betterment of the program. Also, the challenges detailed here are usually common in the other high TB burden countries of the world and this will help the program managers worldwide.

Impact of the Ebola virus disease outbreak (2014-2016) on tuberculosis surveillance activities by Guinea's National Tuberculosis Control Program: a time series analysis.

BACKGROUND: Most countries in Subsaharan Africa have well-established National Tuberculosis Control Programs with relatively stable routine performances. However, major epidemiological events may result in significant disruptions. In March 2014, the World Health Organization announced the outbreak of Ebola virus disease in Guinea, a country with a high incidence of TB and HIV. Our study aimed to assess the impact of the Ebola virus disease outbreak on TB notification, treatment, and surveillance, using main indicators. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study that compared TB trends using surveillance data from the periods before (2011-2013), during (2014-2016), and after (2017-2018) Ebola virus disease outbreak. A time-series analysis was conducted to investigate the linkages between the decline in TB notification and the Ebola virus disease outbreak through cross-correlation. The lag in the cross-correlation test was evaluated using ANCOVA type II delayed variable dependent model. The surveillance system was assessed using TB surveillance standards and benchmarks and vital registration systems recommended by WHO, compared with those of 2015 during the Ebola virus disease. RESULTS: The rate of reporting of TB declined from 120 cases per 100,000 in 2011 to 100 cases per 100,000 in 2014, at the peak of the Ebola virus disease outbreak. The time-series cross-correlation test of all notified cases of TB and Ebola showed a significant lag of - 0.4 (40%), reflecting a drop in the rate of notification (F-value = 5.7 [95% CI: 0.2-21.3]). The Ebola virus disease had no negative impact on patient treatment outcomes (F-value = 1.3 [95% CI: 0.0-8.8]). Regarding the surveillance system, five out of 13 WHO standards and benchmarks were met following their evaluation in 2019, after the Ebola virus disease outbreak, compared to three in 2015. CONCLUSION: Major epidemics such as the Ebola virus disease outbreak may have a significant impact on well-established TB control programs as shown in the example of Guinea. Sudden disruptions of routine performance may lead programs to improve their surveillance system. The experience acquired in the fight against EVD and the investments made should make it possible to prepare the health system in a coherent manner for the other probable episodes.

Concordance and Discordance of Orthopedicians with Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program with Reference to Musculoskeletal Tuberculosis: A Qualitative Inquiry.

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal tuberculosis (TB) continues to share the major burden of extrapulmonary TB. This burden up to some extent may be attributed to the implementation gap which is reasonably broadest at the level of the immediate point of care. As an orthopedic physician is an important stakeholder at this juncture, it is imperative to recognize their experiences, perceptions, and anticipations to fill this gap. This qualitative inquiry tries to explore these attributes in the context of the recent development at the policy level in Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program. METHODOLOGY: Type of Study Qualitative inquiry with framework approach. SETTINGS: Orthopedic surgeons working in different work settings. SAMPLING METHOD: Purposive sampling. An iterative topic guide for an in-depth interview was prepared by reviewing the literature and expert opinions. The questions were contextual, diagnostic, evaluative, and strategic. This study adopted a framework approach as the issue was near to evaluative and strategic policy research. The recorded interviews were transcribed and coded into axial and serial codes. A framework matrix was created and thematic mapping was done to understand the phenomena and to offer the solution framework. RESULTS: The investigators detected an element of unawareness of the current context coupled with the perceived previous stringency of the program. This is in conjunction with already multifaceted diagnostic and prognostic complexity. This leads to mutual dissociation and skepticism. CONCLUSION: This qualitative inquiry explored an element of dissociation between programmatic objectives and individualistic concerns of the caregivers. An integrated ecosystem which may take care of synergistic reciprocation among the two is imperative for successful implementation.

Treatment outcomes among multidrug-resistant TB patients in Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Bahawalpur, Pakistan: a retrospective record review.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to evaluate the treatment outcomes and factors associated with unsuccessful treatment outcomes among multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) patients. METHOD: This was a retrospective observational study conducted at the Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Bahawalpur, Pakistan. The sociodemographic, clinical and treatment-related data of MDR-TB patients registered at the study site between June 2014 and December 2016 were retrospectively collected. Patients' treatment outcomes were categorized on the basis of WHO-recommended criteria. Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was used to find the independent factors associated with unsuccessful treatment outcomes. RESULTS: Out of 179 MDR-TB patients, 106 (59.2%) completed their treatment successfully. The remaining 73 patients (40.8%) had unsuccessful treatment outcomes, among whom 45 (25.1%) died, while 18 (10.1%) were lost to follow-up. Factors associated with unsuccessful treatment outcomes included age ≥40 y (AOR 4.310; p = 0.006), unsuccessful interim treatment outcomes (AOR 5.810; p = 0.032), occurrence of adverse events (AOR 0.290; p = 0.029) and ofloxacin resistance (AOR 2.952; p = 0.042). CONCLUSION: The treatment success rate among the selected cohort of MDR-TB patients was less than the target of ≥75% set by the WHO in the End TB Strategy. The lower treatment success rate at the study site requires urgent attention from clinicians and program managers.

Epidemiological profile of tuberculosis patients in Delhi, India: A retrospective data analysis from the directly observed treatment short-course (DOTS) center.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) has been a public health menace for decades. India harbors its highest burden globally. The present study was conducted to study the epidemiological profile of patients taking treatment from a directly observed treatment short-course (DOTS) center in Delhi, India. METHOD: Retrospective analysis of past 1-year treatment records of a total of 227 patients undergoing treatment in DOTS since June 2014-2015 was undertaken. Socio-demographic information, data related to disease status, and HIV testing were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: The majority of cases were new (77.1%) and pulmonary TB (69.2%). The highest disease burden was found in the 20-60 year age group (72.2%) and males (58.6%). Genitourinary TB was present only among females. None of the patients was HIV positive. A significant association was found between the age group of 20-60 years and relapse and loss to follow-up cases (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A higher proportion of adult males aged 20-60 years constituted the majority of patients treated in the DOTS center. Focussed interventions can be designed for this age group in future public health policies to reduce disease burden in the total population. Further research is required to be undertaken in exploring reasons for higher prevalence among males and productive age group and role of age, gender in disease causation.

Prospective 1-year follow-up study of all cured, new sputum smear positive tuberculosis patients under the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program in Hyderabad, Telangana State, India.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the leading causes of mortality in India. The Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP) is a robust public health system to deal with TB in India. Unless the treated patient comes back to the system with signs and symptoms of TB due to relapse or re-infection, there is no mechanism of follow-up or any method to know the relapse rate in the population. We attempted to follow the patients declared as "Cured" as per the RNTCP guidelines for 1-2 years to identify the health status of the index cases and their household contacts in posttreatment phase. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, 187 index cases, who were declared "Cured" in six randomly selected TB units of Hyderabad district, were followed up for 1-2 years through home visits by trained staff with structured data collection forms. Data were analyzed using SPSS v20.0. RESULTS: The mean age of the index cases was 33.64 (±16.10) years, and there were 75 females and 112 males. The study sample was homogenous for gender, age, smear grade, religion, marital status, smoking status, alcohol consumption, and human immunodeficiency virus status, etc., At 1-year posttreatment follow-up of 187 index cases, 143 (76.47%) were healthy and working without any symptoms of TB. Symptoms of TB were present in 26 (13.90%) cases, and seven index cases (4.06%) were re-diagnosed with TB. The 2-year posttreatment survival was 92%. CONCLUSION: Long-term follow-up of cured, new smear-positive TB cases reinforce the effectiveness of anti-TB treatment under the RNTCP as assessed by improved health outcomes in more than two-thirds of cases and posttreatment survival of 92% of index cases. We recommend continuing such follow-up for all TB cases treated under the RNTCP for effective end-TB strategy.

An Outcome-Based Follow-up Study of Cured Category I Pulmonary Tuberculosis Adult Cases from Various Tuberculosis Units under Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program from a Western Indian City.

CONTEXT: Despite the nationwide implementation of the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program in India, adverse outcome after treatment is on rise. Program guidelines propose follow-up of cured patients for 2 years which is rarely done. OBJECTIVES: The main objectives of this study is (1) To find the response of treatment in terms of failure and drug resistance (recurrence of symptoms and mortality experience) and (2) Collect client perspective about the program and suggest the same to program managers. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Community-based tracking of 365 cured adult Category I pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) cases drawn from three nearby TB units was done with a structured designed questionnaire. It was done to record the adverse events after 1-3 years of completion of treatment and also to record the client perspective about the program. In case of nonsurvivors, verbal autopsy was conducted by interviewing the next available relative. RESULTS: A total of 365, only 226 (60%) could be covered mainly due to wrong/incomplete address and 35 cases did not survive. Of 191 survivors who were tracked, 94.7% had sputum microscopy at the completion of treatment. Total 54 (23.9%) cases had adverse outcomes, including 31 with symptoms suggestive of TB and 23 died directly/indirectly due to TB. This cohort of cured cases, posttreatment, observed 15 times (annualized) high mortality than their counterparts. Clients or relatives largely rated the program as good/very good. CONCLUSIONS: Post-treatment tracking is must to detect an adverse outcome which is high. Most survivors and relatives of expired cases rated the program as good to very good.

Analysis of tuberculosis case report in Hyderabad district of Telangana state.

BACKGROUND: The estimated incidence of TB in India was approximately 28,00,000 as per the Global TB report 2017. This accounts for a quarter of the world's TB (Tb) cases. National strategic plan, is a programme which aims at the elimination of Tb by 2018. The programme is crafted in line with other health sector strategies and global efforts, such as the draft National Health Policy 2015, World Health Organization's (WHO) End TB Strategy and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations (UN). Key strategies under National Strategic plan: Private sector engagement, active case finding, drug resistant Tb case management, addressing social determinants including nutrition, robust surveillance system, community engagement and multisectoral approach. METHODS: In March 2018, India Tb report was released by RNTCP. An analysis of the report is done in the research article, an attempt to take forward end Tb strategy. RESULT: According to The India Tb report, 85% of new TB cases were detected, nationwide, where as 90% of new cases were detected in Hyderabad, during the same time period. Tuberculosis (Tb) notification rate (per 100 000 population), in India is 138, where as in Hyderabad district of Telengana it is 100. Both Public and private sector Tb case notification rate, of Hyderabad district was less than that of India (90,10). 6% of Tb cases were paediatric cases both Hyderabad and Nationwide. HIV status was known in 66% cases, in India and 67% in Hyderabad district of Telengana.

Impact of introducing light-emitting diode fluorescence microscopy services for diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis under Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program India.

CONTEXT: Light-emitting diode fluorescence microscopy (LED-FM) has been recommended by the WHO and the Government of India over the conventional bright-field microscopy using Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) staining for the diagnosis of sputum smear-positive tuberculosis (TB) suspects. AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of LED-FM in detecting TB cases. SETTING AND DESIGN: This retrospective cohort study was carried out in December 2016 using secondary data of the years 2011-2012 from designated microscopy centers (DMCs) at Chandigarh, India. METHODOLOGY: Two peripheral DMCs where conventional ZN microscopy was used were taken as controls comparable to two peripheral DMCs which used LED-FM services in programmatic settings. The record of all suspected TB patients who underwent sputum smear examination pre- and post-LED-FM introduction was compared for measuring smear-positive cases, conformational grading, and time taken to read per slide examined. Chi-square was applied to access the statistical significance. RESULTS: Out of total 8850 cases registered after the inception of LED-FM microscopy services, case detection rate was 13.3%, with significant decrease in case detection rate at tertiary level DMCs, there was significant increase in case detection rate at peripheral DMCs operating with LED-FM in contrast to ZN microscopy which was used previously. Scanty grade smear increased significantly by 9.0%. The time taken per slide examination decreased by 57.1% (from 7 min on an average to 3 min on an average) after LED-FM was used. CONCLUSION: LED-FM is easy to use, takes lesser time to examine slides, and has longer self-life. It also eases laboatory technician's task in reporting scanty grade positives which use to be challenging previously. The results of this study provide enough evidences to scale up the installation process and usage of LED-FM at DMCs for TB diagnosis in Indian settings.

Evaluation of the tuberculosis control program in South West Cameroon: Factors affecting treatment outcomes.

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) has been ranked as one of the leading causes of death worldwide. In Cameroon, the National Tuberculosis Control Program aims to fight TB through the implementation of international directives (Directly Observed Treatment Short course [DOTS]). TB control program must reach global targets for detection (70%) and treatment success (85%) as stated by the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Implementing DOTS in Cameroon has not met the MDGs of 85% success rate. This study aimed at identifying factors affecting treatment success. Methods: A cross-sectional retrospective study was used to collect data from 895 TB registers from January 2011 to December 2012. Out of the seven treatment centers in Fako Division, three were randomly selected following stratification into government, not-for-profit and for-profit structures. Descriptive statistics were used to obtain frequencies. Binomial logistics regression was used to obtain significant values for the various factors. Multinomial logistics was used on significant factors. Results: Of the 895 registered TB patient records obtained, 416 (46.5%) patient were female and 479 (53.5%) patient were male. Characterizing TB patients, 510 (57.0%) were smear-positive pulmonary TB, 225 (25.1%) were smear-negative pulmonary TB, and 160 (17.9%) were extrapulmonary TB patients. Comparing treatment success rate (TSR) across the three centers, Baptist Hospital Mutengene had the highest value 94.97 (38%), followed by Regional Hospital Buea 83.74 (33%), and Central Clinic Tiko the least 73.13 (29%). Conclusion: Patient registration year, treatment center, TB classification, and HIV status were identified to significantly affect TSR, hence, effectiveness of the TB program.

Diagnóstico do programa de controle da tuberculose no município de Goiana / Diagnosis of the tuberculosis control program in the city of Goiana

Objetivo: Levando em consideração a magnitude da Tuberculose no mundo, nas Américas, no Brasil e no estado de Pernambuco, este estudo se propõe a verificar o Programa de Controle da Tuberculose no município de Goiana ­ PE, com o intuito de revelar o nível que se encontra as unidades de saúde da família. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo de caráter descrito e transversal, sendo estudadas as (23) unidades do município, para os componentes de estrutura e processo por meio da aplicação de um questionário. Para análise dos dados foi utilizado o Programa Microsoft Excel 2010. Resultados: Revelam fragilidades no componente vigilância e mostra unidades classificadas em nível baixo para o componente educação, com mínimo e máximo variando de (0) a (100). Conclusão: Esta classificação constitui importante ferramenta para tomada de decisão tanto pela gestão como pelas equipes de saúde potencializando o processo de trabalho.(AU)

Objective:Taking into account the magnitude of Tuberculosis in the world, in the Americas, in Brazil and in the state of Pernambuco, this study proposes to verify the Program of Control of Tuberculosis in the city of Goiana ­ PE, with the aim of revealing the level of family health units. Methods: It is a study of described character and transversal, being studied the (23) units of the municipality for the components of structure and process by means of the application of a questionnaire. For data analysis, the Microsoft Excel 2010 were used. Results: Reveal weaknesses in the surveillance component and shows units classified at low level for the education component with minimum and maximum ranging from (0) to (100). Conclusion: This classification is an important tool for decision making both by the management and by the health teams, enhancing the work process.(AU)

Tuberculosis: tendencia, pronóstico y factores de riesgo afines en la provincia de Santiago de Cuba (2004-2014) / Tuberculosis: tendency, prognosis and common risk factors in Santiago de Cuba (2004-2014)

Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, transversal y retrospectivo, con vistas a describir la evolución histórica de la incidencia de la tuberculosis en la provincia de Santiago de Cuba, desde 2004 hasta 2014. El universo quedó constituido por 100,0 % de los casos nuevos notificados por tarjeta de enfermedades de declaración obligatoria. Se mostró una tendencia descendente de esta afección, la cual se mantuvo en zona de éxito; la media histórica predominó en pacientes de 25-44 años, aunque en el 2014 descendió en este grupo. Se evidenciaron cambios importantes en la frecuencia de factores de riesgo, pues disminuyó ostensiblemente el grupo de institución cerrada, ancianos y alcoholismo; solo hubo un incremento del tabaquismo. Para los próximos 2 años se pronosticó un riesgo de enfermar de menos de 2 casos por cada 100 000 habitantes.

A descriptive, cross-sectional and retrospective study, aimed at describing the historical course of the tuberculosis incidence in Santiago de Cuba, was carried out from 2004 to 2014. The universe was constituted by 100.0% of the new cases notified by compulsory declaration diseases records. A descending tendency of this disorder was shown, which stayed in the success area; the historical mean in patients aged 25 to 44 prevailed, although in 2014 it decreased in this group. Important changes were evidenced in the frequency of risk factors, because the closed institution, elderly and alcoholism groups diminished ostensibly; there was only an increase of nicotine addiction. For the next 2 years there was a risk prediction of getting sick of less than 2 cases for every 100 000 inhabitants.