Infectious pulmonary tuberculosis in a New Zealand cancer centre.

This report details the investigation of oncology and haematology patients, as well as cancer centre staff, friends and family who were exposed to an oncology patient with reactivated pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) in a New Zealand cancer centre. A total of 46 patients, seven staff members and 14 family and friends were identified as being exposed to the index case of TB (Mr K). These people were screened for TB infection by the use of a symptom questionnaire, Qiagen QuantiFeron (QFT)® Gold Plus test and, if potentially immunocompromised, a chest x-ray (CXR). There were no confirmed secondary cases of TB in any of the groups screened for infection, but surveillance for signs and symptoms of TB disease in those with significant risk is ongoing. In this article we discuss the public health response to TB in a cancer centre and potential preventative strategies for the future.

Eye health outreach services in the Pacific Islands region: an updated profile.

BACKGROUND: Anecdotal reports indicate a decreasing number of patients presenting for assessment, and in particular a reduction in the number of patients requiring cataract surgery in Pacific Island Countries (PICs). Furthermore, research and routine surveillance is uncommon. AIM: To analyse and describe the records of eye health outreach clinics from a single provider in seven Pacific Islands. METHOD: Routine data collected at the Fred Hollows Foundation eye health outreach clinics in Fiji, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea (PNG), Samoa, the Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu between 2009 and 2013 were analysed. RESULTS: Over the study period the number of patients treated per clinic fell in Fiji, Samoa and the Solomon Islands. Data from PNG show a higher mean number of patients per clinic and the numbers of patients presenting at PNG outreach clinics appears to be increasing. Cataract was the main eye health condition for between 40%-70% of visits overall, but this range varied between 14% (PNG) and 94% (Fiji). In all countries, males were more likely to receive cataract surgery than females. Refractive error was the most common presenting complaint at PNG outreach clinics; diabetic retinopathy was most common in Tonga. Cases of trachoma or trichiasis were identified in all countries, excepting Kiribati, Samoa and Tonga. CONCLUSION: Data from outreach eye health clinics show marked differences between PICs in the most common presenting conditions. In three countries, it appears there has recently been a reduction in the overall number of patients presenting for treatment. Cautious interpretation of the data is required due to concern about data completeness and quality.