Ongoing tuberculosis transmission among second-generation Ethiopian immigrants.

Despite considerable efforts to control tuberculosis (TB) among Ethiopian immigrants in Israel, an outbreak of TB among second-generation Ethiopian immigrants that involved native Israelis occurred between January 2011 and December 2019. The aim of this article is to report on this outbreak and discuss the patient and health system barriers that led to its propagation. Overall, 13 culture-positive TB patients were diagnosed in this outbreak. An additional 36 cases with identical mycobacterium tuberculosis genotypes were identified through cross-checking with the National TB Laboratory Registry. Among the 32 close contacts of the index case, 18 (56.3%) reported for screening and treatment of latent TB infection (LTBI) was recommended for 11 (61.1%) of them. However, none completed treatment and eight eventually developed TB. Of the 385 close contacts identified in this outbreak, 286 (74.3%) underwent contact investigation, 154 (53.8%) were recommended LTBI treatment, but only 26 (16.9%) completed the treatment. Routine contact investigation and treatment practice measures failed to contain the cascade of infection and disease, leading to the spread of the infecting strain of TB. This report highlights the challenges to identify the high-risk group and address barriers to care among such a vulnerable population.

Cost of nurse-managed latent tuberculous infection treatment among hard-to-reach immigrants in Israel.

BACKGROUND: Adherence to treatment of latent tuberculous infection (LTBI), an essential component of tuberculosis (TB) elimination, is generally unsatisfactory. OBJECTIVES: To examine the adherence and costs of nurse-managed, semi-directly observed preventive treatment (semi-DOPT) with twice-weekly isoniazid among hard-to-reach Ethiopian immigrants, and to compare the treatment outcomes of onsite vs. regional TB clinic-based physician's follow-up. METHODS: This was a quasi-experimental retrospective cohort analysis of LTBI treatment among Ethiopian immigrants in reception centres in the Zefat subdistrict of Northern Israel, screened and treated for LTBI during 2005-2011. Two physician follow-up appointments were scheduled for each patient. RESULTS: Of 663 eligible Ethiopian immigrants included in the study, 628 (94.7%) completed treatment. Treatment outcomes were similar among onsite vs. regional TB clinic-based physician follow-up. Non-completion was significantly associated with side effects (P < 0.001). The total costs of treatment were relatively low, but were significantly higher for the TB clinic-based physician follow-up group. CONCLUSION: Nurse-managed semi-DOPT for LTBI treatment with reduced physician follow-up among hard-to-reach Ethiopian immigrants was efficient and safe. Providing on-site physician follow-up proved to be cheaper than standard follow-up at the regional TB clinic. Starting LTBI treatment at an early stage after immigration, and providing treatment and convenient transportation free of charge probably also contributed to the high treatment completion rates.

Tuberculosis in native Israeli Arabs and Jews: trends and treatment outcomes, 1999-2011.

The incidence of tuberculosis (TB) in native ethnic minorities remains high in developed countries. Arabs, the major ethnic minority in Israel, comprise 21% of its population. This retrospective study compared TB incidence, demographic, clinical, laboratory, genotyping characteristics and treatment outcomes in all Israeli-born citizens diagnosed with TB between 1999 and 2011 by ethnicity, i.e. Israeli-born Arabs (IA) and Jews (IJ). A total of 831 Israeli-born TB patients were reported. Of those, there were 530 (64%) IJ and 301 (36%) IA, with an average annual TB rate of 1·1 and 1·6 cases/100 000 population, respectively, lower than the national average (7·0 cases/100 000 population). TB rates in IA and IJ declined and converged to 1 case/100 000 residents. IA TB patients were more likely to be older, have more pulmonary TB and have lower treatment success rates than IJ. Older age and HIV co-infection, but not ethnicity, were predictive of non-success in TB treatment. Ten mixed IA-IJ clades were detected by spoligotyping and three mixed IA-IJ clusters were identified by MIRU-VNTR typing. Only one IA-IJ couple recalled mutual contact. In conclusion, TB rate in IA was higher than in IJ, but declined and converged in both to 1 case/100 000. Treatment success was high in both groups, and was unrelated to ethnicity.

Tuberculosis Beijing strain outbreak in an Israeli Arab rural community linked to an incarcerated immigrant.

A tuberculosis (TB) outbreak with six definite and four probable cases, caused by a Beijing strain isolate, occurred in an Arab rural community in north Israel. Using epidemiological investigation and strain genotyping, we identified the source case as an incarcerated immigrant. This outbreak illustrates how a systematic breakdown in TB prevention and control measures at multiple levels, within prisons and upon exiting prison, can result in rapid, cross-ethnic transmission of TB to a low-risk population. The close social bonds in this rural community and downsizing of the regional TB clinic staff may also have contributed to the magnitude of this outbreak.

Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis in Israel: ethnic clustering.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis is a rare disease in which a surfactant-like phospholipid-rich protein accumulates in the lungs. The disease is amenable to effective therapy by total lung lavage. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the prevalence, ethnic distribution and course of PAP in Israel. METHODS: A countrywide survey was conducted during which pulmonologists were questioned about patients with PAP. The patients were examined and their charts, radiological images, pathological slides and physiological data were reviewed. RESULTS: The survey yielded 15 patients (8 females) during the period 1976-98 (14 in the last decade), giving a prevalence of 3.7 x 10(6) and an incidence of 0.36 x 10(6)/year. Mean age of the patients was 33 +/- 13 years (range 0.5-46 years). Seven patients were North African (two were siblings), four were from Iraq and two were Arabs; there was only one Ashkenazi Jew (a child). Symptoms at the onset were dyspnea and chest pain. Spontaneous remission occurred in at least 3 patients, and 10 patients required 1-4 bronchoalveolar lavage treatments. The subjective and physiological response was favorable, but there was less consistent radiological improvement. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of PAP in Israel is approximately 3.7 x 10(6). Most cases occurred in Jews who had immigrated from North Africa or Iraq, and two were siblings. The prevalence among the Arab population appears to be similar. This clustering suggests the existence of a genetic predisposition. The course of the disease appears to be similar to that reported elsewhere.

Electrically-activated dilator muscles reduce pharyngeal resistance in anaesthetized dogs with upper airway obstruction.

There is current controversy as to whether electrical stimulation of upper airway musculature can be used us a beneficial treatment modality in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome. Increased upper airway (UAW) muscle activity decreases UAW resistance (Ruaw) in isolated UAW of dogs. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of UAW muscle contraction on UAW patency in anaesthetized dogs in vivo breathing spontaneously through partially and completely obstructed UAW. Airflow and supraglottic pressure were measured to obtain Ruaw. Ruaw could be regulated by inhalation of a rubber balloon implanted transcutaneously in the pharyngeal submucosa to produce partial or complete obstruction. Wire electrodes were implanted bilaterally into the genioglossus (GG), geniohyoid (GH), sternothyroid (ST), and sternohyoid (SH) muscles for electrical stimulation (ES), and into the alae nasi for electromyographic (EMG) recording. Three levels of electrical stimulation were delivered to each muscle before and during partial or complete UAW obstruction. Genioglossus and geniohyoid stimulation both resulted in a significant reduction in Ruaw, which was most pronounced during partial obstruction, reducing Ruaw from 54 +/- 11 to 14 +/- 3 and from 74 +/- 12 to 31 +/- 5 cmH2O.L-1.s, respectively. At low voltage, stimulation of the genioglossus was more effective than stimulation of the geniohyoid in reducing Ruaw. Furthermore, electrical stimulation of the genioglossus but not of the geniohyoid released total obstruction. In contrast, electrical stimulation of the sternohyoid and sternothyroid produced no significant change in Ruaw. These findings demonstrate that selective UAW dilatory muscle contraction in spontaneously breathing anaesthetized dogs reduces Ruaw in the presence of UAW obstruction and releases UAW occlusion, with the genioglossus being the most effective muscle. This favours further attempts to investigate the benefits of electrical stimulation of selected upper airway muscles in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome.

[Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis].

Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis is a rare disease of unknown etiology characterized by alveoli filled with PAS-positive material high in protein and lipid. A 30-year-old man was referred because of respiratory failure. 2 years previously exertional dyspnea and productive cough appeared and gradually worsened. A year later he sought medical advice but defaulted on follow-up. After further deterioration he returned for treatment. On examination he had tachypnea and cyanosis. Diffuse crackles were audible in both lungs. X-ray revealed diffuse bilateral airspace consolidation. Arterial blood gases on air showed PaO2 41 mm Hg, PaCO2 35 mm Hg, and pH 7.46. There was a restrictive pattern on pulmonary function testing. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy with broncho-alveolar lavage and transbronchial biopsy established the diagnosis of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis. Whole lung lavage lead to gradual improvement over the next few weeks. However, chest X-ray, arterial blood gases and pulmonary function tests failed to revert completely to normal. Such severe manifestations and such an aggressive course as in this case might have been prevented had the diagnosis been made and treatment instituted earlier in the course of the disease.

Adenomyoepithelioma of the breast: report of a case initially examined by fine-needle aspiration.

This report describes the morphologic features of an adenomyoepithelioma of the breast that was first examined by fine-needle aspiration. On retrospective review of the cytology, the stromal elements of this adenomyoepithelioma showed extensive metachromasia on Diff-Quik stain, had elongated nuclei, and on Papanicolaou stain showed elongated, pale, wispy cytoplasm. Clusters of stromal cells were usually intimately associated with epithelial elements. While the main differential consideration, cystosarcoma phylloides, can show similar features, it may be possible to distinguish the two lesions in some instances.

Magnetic resonance imaging of hepatic adenoma.

A case of hepatic adenoma imaged by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as well as with angiography, computed tomography, and radionuclide imaging is presented. Pathological correlation is also presented. Review of the literature of MRI of hepatic adenoma and related tumors is discussed.

Differential lung ventilation: a review and 2 case reports.

The respiratory parameters of some of the patients with acute respiratory failure deteriorates while using conventional ventilation. These patients suffer unilateral lung disease and the failure to respond favourably to therapy is due to increased intrapulmonary shunt. There is a reflex vasodilation in the injured lung. Functional residual capacity is reduced in the injured lung and the compliance decreases. Gas flow is then deviated to the other lung, thus increases alveolar collapse and decreases regional compliance in the injured lung. These events cause severe hypoxemia. We present here two cases with unilateral lung disease that failed to respond to conventional mechanical ventilation. Asynchronized differential lung ventilation was found to be the therapeutic answer to the problem. We discuss the pathophysiology of unilateral lung injury and the physiology of differential lung ventilation.

The vitamin B6 status of pigs given a diet containing linseed meal.

1. Pigs consuming a diet containing 300 g linseed meal/kg and a pyridoxine supplement showed greater growth, nitrogen retention, blood packed cell volume and haemoglobin than those receiving only the basal diet. 2. Tryptophan-load tests on unsupplemented pigs revealed an increased excretion of kynurenine, Nalpha-acetylkynurenine and xanthurenic acid compared to those receiving additional pyridoxine. 3. The results suggest that the unsupplemented pigs were marginally deficient in vitamin B6. 4. When the same diet was fed to rats there was no evidence of vitamin B6 deficiency.