| 1. |
- Adman, M. A., et al.
(author)
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Associations between air pollutants and peak expiratory flow and fractional exhaled nitric oxide in students
- 2020
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In: The International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. - : INT UNION AGAINST TUBERCULOSIS LUNG DISEASE (I U A T L D). - 1027-3719 .- 1815-7920. ; 24:2, s. 189-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Studies on the effects of outdoor air pollution on the respiratory health of students in tropical countries such as Malaysia are limited. OBJECTIVE: To assess associations between outdoor air pollutants and peak expiratory flow (PEF) and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO). METHOD: PEF and FeNO levels of 487 students recruited in Melaka and Putrajaya, Malaysia, were measured in April and June 2014. Multiple linear regression with mutual adjustment was used to analyse the associations between exposure to air pollution and health. RESULTS: PEF was significantly associated with ozone for 1-day exposure (beta = -13.3 l/min, 95% CI -22.7 to -3.8), carbon monoxide for 2-day exposure (beta =-57.2 l/min, 95% CI -90.7 to -23.7) and particulate matter <= 10 mu m in diameter for 3-day exposure (beta =-6.0 l/min, 95% CI -9.2 to -2.8) and 7-day exposure (beta = -8.6 l/min, 95% CI -13.0 to -4.1). Stratified analysis showed that associations between PEF and outdoor air pollutant exposures were similar in students with and without elevated FeNO levels. CONCLUSION: Outdoor air pollution in Malaysia may cause airway obstruction unrelated to eosinophilic airway inflammation among students as measured using FeNO.
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| 2. |
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| 3. |
- Alffenaar, J. W. C., et al.
(author)
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Clinical standards for the dosing and management of TB drugs
- 2022
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In: The International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. - Paris, France : International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. - 1027-3719 .- 1815-7920. ; 26:6, s. 483-
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Journal article (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Background: Optimal drug dosing is important to ensure adequate response to treatment, prevent development of drug resistance and reduce drug toxicity. The aim of these clinical standards is to provide guidance on 'best practice' for dosing and management of TB drugs.Methods: A panel of 57 global experts in the fields of microbiology, pharmacology and TB care were identified; 51 participated in a Delphi process. A 5-point Likert scale was used to score draft standards. The final document represents the broad consensus and was approved by all participants.Results: Six clinical standards were defined: Standard 1, defining the most appropriate initial dose for TB treatment; Standard 2, identifying patients who may be at risk of sub-optimal drug exposure; Standard 3, identifying patients at risk of developing drug-related toxicity and how best to manage this risk; Standard 4, identifying patients who can benefit from therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM); Standard 5, highlighting education and counselling that should be provided to people initiating TB treatment; and Standard 6, providing essential education for healthcare professionals. In addition, consensus research priorities were identified.Conclusion: This is the first consensus-based Clinical Standards for the dosing and management of TB drugs to guide clinicians and programme managers in planning and implementation of locally appropriate measures for optimal person-centred treatment to improve patient care.
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| 4. |
- Alvarez, J. L., et al.
(author)
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Educational inequalities in tuberculosis mortality in sixteen European populations
- 2011
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In: The International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. - : International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. - 1027-3719 .- 1815-7920. ; 15:11, s. 1461-1467
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: To describe the magnitude of socioeconomic inequalities in tuberculosis (TB) mortality by level of education in male, female, urban and rural populations in several European countries. DESIGN: Data were obtained from the Eurothine Project, covering 16 populations between 1990 and 2003. Age- and sex-standardised mortality rates, the relative index of inequality and the slope index of inequality were used to assess educational inequalities. RESULTS: The number of TB deaths reported was 8530, with a death rate of 3 per 100000 per year, of which 73% were males. Educational inequalities in TB mortality were present in all European populations. Inequalities in TB mortality were greater than in total mortality. Relative and absolute inequalities were large in Eastern European and Baltic countries but relatively small in Southern European countries and in Norway, Finland and Sweden. Inequalities in mortality were observed among both men and women, and in both rural and urban populations. CONCLUSIONS: Socio-economic inequalities in TB mortality exist in all European countries. Firm political commitment is required to reduce inequalities in the social determinants of TB incidence. Targeted public health measures are called for to improve access to treatment of vulnerable groups and thereby reduce TB mortality.
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| 5. |
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| 6. |
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| 7. |
- Baral, S, et al.
(author)
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Language in tuberculosis services
- 2012
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In: The international journal of tuberculosis and lung disease : the official journal of the International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. - : International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. - 1815-7920. ; 16:8, s. 1129-1129
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Journal article (other academic/artistic)
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| 8. |
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| 9. |
- Bentayeb, M, et al.
(author)
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Adverse respiratory effects of outdoor air pollution in the elderly
- 2012
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In: The International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. - : International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. - 1027-3719 .- 1815-7920. ; 16:9, s. 1149-1161
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Compared to the rest of the population, the elderly are potentially highly susceptible to the effects of outdoor air pollution due to normal and pathological ageing. The purpose of the present review was to gather data on the effects on respiratory health of outdoor air pollution in the elderly, on whom data are scarce. These show statistically significant short-term and chronic adverse effects of various outdoor air pollutants on cardiopulmonary morbidity and mortality in the elderly. When exposed to air pollution, the elderly experience more hospital admissions for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and higher COPD mortality than others. Previous studies also indicate that research on the health effects of air pollution in the elderly has been affected by methodological problems in terms of exposure and health effect assessments. Few pollutants have been considered, and exposure assessment has been based mostly on background air pollution and more rarely on objective measurements and modelling. Significant progress needs to be made through the development of 'hybrid' models utilising the strengths of information on exposure in various environments to several air pollutants, coupled with daily activity exposure patterns. Investigations of chronic effects of air pollution and of multi-pollutant mixtures are needed to better understand the role of air pollution in the elderly. Lastly, smoking, occupation, comorbidities, treatment and the neighbourhood context should be considered as confounders or modifiers of such a role. In this context, the underlying biological, physiological and toxicological mechanisms need to be explored to better understand the phenomenon through a multidisciplinary approach.
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| 10. |
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| 11. |
- Biermann, O, et al.
(author)
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Use of big data on the social determinants of TB to find the "missing millions"
- 2022
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In: The international journal of tuberculosis and lung disease : the official journal of the International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. - : International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. - 1815-7920. ; 26:12, s. 1194-1196
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Journal article (other academic/artistic)
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| 12. |
- Buregyeya, E, et al.
(author)
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Tuberculosis knowledge, attitudes and health-seeking behaviour in rural Uganda
- 2011
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In: The international journal of tuberculosis and lung disease : the official journal of the International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. - : International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. - 1815-7920. ; 15:7, s. 938-942
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)
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| 13. |
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| 14. |
- Chesov, D, et al.
(author)
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Failing treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis: a matter of definition
- 2019
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In: The international journal of tuberculosis and lung disease : the official journal of the International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. - : International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. - 1815-7920. ; 23:4, s. 522-524
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Journal article (other academic/artistic)
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| 15. |
- Chesov, D., et al.
(author)
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Impact of lung function on treatment outcome in patients with TB
- 2021
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In: The International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. - : International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. - 1027-3719 .- 1815-7920. ; 25:4, s. 277-284
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: The potential association between the lung function status at baseline and TB treatment outcome has not been evaluated previously. We aimed to investigate the impact of lung function status at the time of TB diagnosis on treatment outcome in patients with pulmonary TB (PTB).METHODS: A retrospective cohort study on data from all consecutive patients with culture-confirmed PTB and available spirometry test results admitted during the year 2016 to the Regional anti-TB dispensary no.1 in Kharkiv, Ukraine.RESULTS: A total of 278 patients with PTB were included into the study. The rate of negative treatment outcome (failure or death) was higher in patients with restrictive and mixed lung dysfunction than in those with normal spirometry results (25.6% vs. 6.8%, P = 0.0007; 37.5% vs. 6.8%, P = 0.003, respectively). In a logistic regression model, restrictive lung disease and mixed-type lung disease were associated with negative treatment outcome (OR 4.19, 95% CI 1.60-13.28, P = 0.007 and OR 5.46, 95% CI 1.28-24.44, P = 0.02, respectively).CONCLUSIONS: Lung function at the time of diagnosis has an important impact on treatment outcomes in patients with PTB; the more severe the restriction in lung function the higher the likelihood of a negative treatment outcome.
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| 16. |
- Chesov, D, et al.
(author)
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Molecular-based tuberculosis drug susceptibility testing: one size fits all?
- 2019
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In: The international journal of tuberculosis and lung disease : the official journal of the International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. - : International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. - 1815-7920. ; 23:8, s. 879-880
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Journal article (other academic/artistic)
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| 17. |
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| 18. |
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| 19. |
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| 20. |
- Crudu, V, et al.
(author)
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Nosocomial transmission of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis
- 2015
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In: The international journal of tuberculosis and lung disease : the official journal of the International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. - : International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. - 1815-7920. ; 19:12, s. 1520-1523
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)
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| 21. |
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| 22. |
- Dedicoat, M, et al.
(author)
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Tuberculosis preventive chemotherapy: the times they are a-changin'
- 2015
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In: The international journal of tuberculosis and lung disease : the official journal of the International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. - : International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. - 1815-7920. ; 19:9, s. 1002-1002
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Journal article (other academic/artistic)
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| 23. |
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| 24. |
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| 25. |
- du Cros, P, et al.
(author)
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Standards for clinical trials for treating TB
- 2023
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In: The international journal of tuberculosis and lung disease : the official journal of the International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. - 1815-7920. ; 27:12, s. 885-898
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)
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| 26. |
- Dudnyk, A, et al.
(author)
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MDR-TB in Eastern Europe in the era of the TB elimination action framework
- 2017
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In: The international journal of tuberculosis and lung disease : the official journal of the International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. - : International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. - 1815-7920. ; 21:1, s. 2-3
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Journal article (other academic/artistic)
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| 27. |
- Dudnyk, A, et al.
(author)
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Mission impossible: the End TB strategy
- 2018
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In: The international journal of tuberculosis and lung disease : the official journal of the International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. - : International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. - 1815-7920. ; 22:2, s. 121-122
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Journal article (other academic/artistic)
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| 28. |
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| 29. |
- Ekerljung, Linda, 1979, et al.
(author)
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Has the increase in the prevalence of asthma and respiratory symptoms reached a plateau in Stockholm, Sweden?
- 2010
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In: The International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. - 1027-3719 .- 1815-7920. ; 14:6, s. 764-771
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- SETTING: An increase in the prevalence of asthma has previously been reported worldwide. However, the current trend is debatable. OBJECTIVE: To assess changes in the prevalence of asthma and respiratory symptoms in a defined study area in Stockholm, Sweden, using identical methods. DESIGN: A questionnaire was sent by mail in 1996 and 2007 to randomly selected subjects aged 20-69 years. On both occasions, 8000 subjects received the questionnaire, with response rates of 72% and 68%, respectively. Questions on asthma, respiratory symptoms, asthma medication and possible determinants were included. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess determinants. RESULTS: Ever asthma increased from 8.7% in 1996 to 11.0% in 2007 and physician-diagnosed asthma from 7.6% to 9.3%. The proportion of asthma patients reporting one to two symptoms increased by 14% during the study period. There were few significant changes in the prevalence of respiratory symptoms: wheeze in the previous 12 months (15.9-17.3%), wheezing with breathlessness apart from cold (3.2-4.1%) and recurrent wheeze (8.3-6.8%). There was no major difference in the risk factor pattern between the surveys. CONCLUSION: An increase in the prevalence of asthma with few symptoms as well as an unchanged prevalence of symptoms was demonstrated, which may indicate a change in diagnostic practices.
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| 30. |
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| 31. |
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| 32. |
- Eugen-Olsen, J, et al.
(author)
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The serum level of soluble urokinase receptor is elevated in tuberculosis patients and predicts mortality during treatment: a community study from Guinea-Bissau
- 2002
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In: The International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. - 1815-7920. ; 6:8, s. 686-692
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether the serum level of soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) carries prognostic information in individuals infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. DESIGN: suPAR was measured by ELISA in 262 individuals at the time of enrolment into a cohort based on suspicion of active tuberculosis and in 101 individuals after 8 months of follow-up. RESULTS: The suPAR levels were elevated in patients with active TB compared to TB-negative individuals (P < 0.001). suPAR levels were highest in patients positive for TB on direct microscopy (n = 84, median suPAR 3.17 ng/ml, P < 0.001), followed by patients negative on direct microscopy but culture positive (n = 35, median suPAR 2.41 ng/ml, P = 0.005) and by patients diagnosed on clinical grounds (n = 63, median suPAR 2.13 ng/ml, P = 0.06) compared to 64 TB-negative individuals (median suPAR 1.73 ng/ml). During the 8-month treatment period, 23 TB cases died. In a multivariate Cox model controlling for HIV status, age, sex, CD4 count and type of TB diagnosis, the mortality increase per ng suPAR was 1.25 (95%CI 1.12-1.40). After treatment, suPAR levels had decreased to the levels of TB-negative individuals. CONCLUSIONS: suPAR levels are elevated in TB patients and associated with mortality. Furthermore, suPAR may be a potential marker of treatment efficacy.
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| 33. |
- Fan, X-J, et al.
(author)
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Asthma symptoms among Chinese children : the role of ventilation and PM10 exposure at school and home
- 2017
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In: The International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. - : International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. - 1027-3719 .- 1815-7920. ; 21:11, s. 1187-1193
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- SETTING: Respiratory symptoms in relation to environment in Taiyuan, China.OBJECTIVE: To study associations between school/home exposure and prevalence of respiratory symptoms and self-reported respiratory infections (RIs) among students.DESIGN: A total of 2134 pupils from 10 schools answered a questionnaire; air pollution at school was measured.RESULTS: The prevalence of current wheeze, daytime attacks of breathlessness, nocturnal cough, nocturnal respiratory symptoms and RI was respectively 4.4%, 18.7%, 11.6%, 3.6% and 32.3%. Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) at home was associated with daytime attacks of breathlessness (OR 1.41), nocturnal cough (OR 1.41) and RI (OR 1.26). Redecoration or indoor painting at home was associated with wheeze (OR 2.02), daytime attacks of breathlessness (OR 1.57) and nocturnal symptoms (OR 1.83). Dampness or mould at home was associated with daytime attacks of breathlessness (OR 1.68), nocturnal cough (OR 1.68) and RI (OR 1.69). Particulate matter of diameter 10 microns (PM10) in the classroom was associated with nocturnal cough (OR 1.20/10 μg/m3). PM10 outside school was associated with daytime attacks of breathlessness (OR 1.07/10 μg/m3) and nocturnal cough (OR 1.13/10 μg/m3). Indoor carbon dioxide, a marker of poor ventilation (OR 1.52/1000 parts per million), and relative humidity (RH) (OR 1.33/10%) were associated with nocturnal cough.CONCLUSION: Dampness, redecoration and ETS at home, as well as poor ventilation flow, and high RH and PM10 concentration at school may influence respiratory health.
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| 34. |
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| 35. |
- Fjällbrant, Harald, 1961, et al.
(author)
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Tuberculin skin test reactivity of health care students in a country with a low prevalence of tuberculosis.
- 2010
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In: The international journal of tuberculosis and lung disease. - 1815-7920. ; 14:10, s. 1272-1279
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- SETTING: Health care students in Sweden. OBJECTIVE: To analyse the distribution of tuberculin skin test (TST) reactions and epidemiological factors related to TST reactivity. DESIGN: TST reactivity was analysed in 1190 students. A linear regression model was created for the relative contribution of background factors of TST reactivity. A subgroup of 287 non-vaccinated subjects was comparatively skin-tested with Mycobacterium avium sensitin and tuberculin. RESULTS: Among non-bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccinated students, 91% had no TST reaction (0 mm induration) and reactions of ≥10 mm were found in 2.9%, whereas 34% of BCG-vaccinated students had no TST reaction and 42% had reactions of ≥10 mm. The expected contribution to TST reactivity was 6.0 mm for a history of BCG vaccination, 3.0 mm for a country of birth with medium/high incidence of TB and 1.6 mm per 10 years of age. The sensitin reactions exceeded the TST reactions by ≥3 mm in 52% of the comparatively tested subjects with TST reactions of ≥1 mm. CONCLUSION: BCG vaccination, cross-reactivity with non-tuberculous mycobacteria, geographic origin and age had a decisive influence on TST reactivity. Most non-vaccinated health care students were non-reactive, which highlights the need to organise preventive measures in settings where TB exposure is expected.
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| 36. |
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| 37. |
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| 38. |
- Gnatiuc, L., et al.
(author)
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Gaps in using bronchodilators, inhaled corticosteroids and influenza vaccine among 23 high-and low-income sites
- 2015
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In: The International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. - : International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. - 1027-3719 .- 1815-7920. ; 19:1, s. 21-30
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Increasing access to essential respiratory medicines and influenza vaccination has been a priority for over three decades. Their use remains low in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs), where little is known about factors influencing use, or about the use of influenza vaccination for preventing respiratory exacerbations. METHODS: We estimated rates of regular use of bronchodilators, inhaled corticosteroids and influenza vaccine, and predictors for use among 19000 adults in 23 high-income countries (HICs) and LMIC sites. RESULTS: Bronchodilators, inhaled corticosteroids and influenza vaccine were used significantly more in HICs than in LMICs, after adjusting for similar clinical needs. Although they are used more commonly by people with symptomatic or severe respiratory disease, the gap between HICs and LMICs is not explained by the prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or doctor-diagnosed asthma. Site-specific factors are likely to influence use differently. The gross national income per capita for the country is a strong predictor for use of these treatments, suggesting that economics influence under-treatment. CONCLUSION: We still need a better understanding of determinants for the low use of essential respiratory medicines and influenza vaccine in low-income settings. Identifying and addressing these more systematically could improve the access and use of effective treatments.
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| 39. |
- Gomes, V. F., et al.
(author)
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Adherence to isoniazid preventive therapy in children exposed to tuberculosis: a prospective study from Guinea-Bissau
- 2011
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In: The International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. - : International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. - 1815-7920 .- 1027-3719. ; 15:12, s. 1637-1642
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: To assess adherence to isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) in children exposed to adult pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) at home. METHODS: Children were enrolled on IPT if they were aged <= 5 years or 5-15 years and presented a tuberculin skin test induration of >= 1.0 mm. Children were included from the demographic surveillance system of the Bandim Health Project in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau. The main outcome measures were adherence, completion rates and side effects during 9 months of IPT. The main outcome was 6 consecutive months of at least 80% adherence. RESULTS: A total of 2631 children were identified as contacts of adult TB cases. Among the children identified, 1895 (72%) were evaluated for eligibility for IPT, and 820 were enrolled in the study: 609 were aged 5 years and 211 aged 5-15 years. A total of 79% of the prescribed doses were taken, with 65% of the children taking >80% of their doses. In all, 51% completed more than 6 consecutive months of IPT. CONCLUSION: Overall adherence to IPT was better than previously reported from TB-endemic areas, with 76% of the children completing at least 6 months of treatment, with more than 80% adherence.
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| 40. |
- Griffith, DE, et al.
(author)
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When is a non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection a pulmonary disease?
- 2016
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In: The international journal of tuberculosis and lung disease : the official journal of the International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. - : International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. - 1815-7920. ; 20:7, s. 855-856
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)
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| 41. |
- Gunther, G, et al.
(author)
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Beyond multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in Europe: a TBNET study
- 2015
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In: The international journal of tuberculosis and lung disease : the official journal of the International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. - : International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. - 1815-7920. ; 19:12, s. 1524-1527
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)
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| 42. |
- Harries, AD, et al.
(author)
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Diabetes mellitus and tuberculosis: programmatic management issues
- 2015
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In: The international journal of tuberculosis and lung disease : the official journal of the International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. - : International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. - 1815-7920. ; 19:8, s. 879-886
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)
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| 43. |
- Hassan, L, et al.
(author)
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Automated detection and reduction of stigma in online discussions about TB
- 2021
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In: The international journal of tuberculosis and lung disease : the official journal of the International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. - : International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. - 1815-7920. ; 25:10, s. 869-870
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)
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| 44. |
- Hermanns, S, et al.
(author)
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Ethics and benefits of systematic screening for active tuberculosis
- 2020
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In: The international journal of tuberculosis and lung disease : the official journal of the International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. - : International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. - 1815-7920. ; 24:5, s. 44-47
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Systematic screening for active tuberculosis (TB) provides public health benefits and is part of the End TB Strategy. However, two of WHO's generic principles for screening for disease state that the natural history of the disease in question must be well understood and that there must be benefits to earlier treatment. TB fulfills the first of these only in part, the other has been less well documented. This paper considers the ethical implications of uncertain individual benefits from screening and the current research gaps.
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| 45. |
- Heyckendorf, J, et al.
(author)
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Treatment responses in multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in Germany
- 2018
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In: The international journal of tuberculosis and lung disease : the official journal of the International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. - : International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. - 1815-7920. ; 22:4, s. 399-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)
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| 46. |
- Hoffner, S, et al.
(author)
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Proficiency of drug susceptibility testing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis against pyrazinamide: the Swedish experience
- 2013
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In: The International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. - : International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. - 1027-3719 .- 1815-7920. ; 17:11, s. 1486-1490
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Pyrazinamide (PZA) is a key drug in the treatment of tuberculosis (TB), including multidrug-resistant TB. Drug susceptibility testing (DST) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis against PZA is not included in the World Health Organizations yearly proficiency testing. There is an increasing need to establish quality control of PZA DST. less thanbrgreater than less thanbrgreater thanOBJECTIVE: To evaluate the performance of PZA DST and to introduce a quality assurance system for the test in Sweden. less thanbrgreater than less thanbrgreater thanMETHOD: Panels with PZA-susceptible and -resistant isolates were used in three rounds of proficiency testing in all five Swedish clinical TB laboratories and our reference laboratory. All laboratories used the MGIT 960 system. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined and the pncA gene was sequenced to further characterise the 52 panel strains. less thanbrgreater than less thanbrgreater thanRESULTS: Good agreement was seen between the phenotypic PZA DST and pncA sequence data, and MIC determination confirmed high levels of resistance. However, in contrast to other drugs, for which correct proficiency test results were observed, specificity problems occurred for PZA DST in some laboratories. less thanbrgreater than less thanbrgreater thanCONCLUSIONS: In Sweden, using panel testing, differences were seen in the proficiency of TB laboratories in correctly identifying PZA susceptibility. Improved results were noted in the third round; PZA has therefore been included in yearly proficiency testing.
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| 47. |
- Holm, Mathias, 1969, et al.
(author)
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Incidence and prevalence of chronic bronchitis: impact of smoking and welding. The RHINE study.
- 2012
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In: The international journal of tuberculosis and lung disease : the official journal of the International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. - Paris, France : International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. - 1815-7920 .- 1027-3719. ; 16:4, s. 553-7
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- To investigate the prevalence and incidence rate of chronic bronchitis (CB) in relation to smoking habits and exposure to welding fumes in a general population sample.
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| 48. |
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| 49. |
- Hurtig, Anna-Karin, et al.
(author)
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Anti-tuberculosis treatment in private pharmacies, Kathmandu Valley, Nepal.
- 2000
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In: The International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. - 1027-3719 .- 1815-7920. ; 4:8, s. 730-6
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- SETTING: Urban municipality of 150000 citizens in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. OBJECTIVE: To determine 1) the perceptions among private pharmacists of characteristics of tuberculosis (TB) patients visiting private pharmacies in the area, 2) the sales of different anti-tuberculosis drugs, and 3) the interaction between private health providers and pharmacists. DESIGN: Between January and April 1998, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 98% (49/50) of the private drug-retailers in the area. RESULTS: Thirty-two (65%) pharmacies had sold anti-TB drugs during the last month. Forty-three (88%) said that most TB patients were of low socio-economic status and rarely bought drugs for more than a week at a time. Only eight (16%) reported that TB patients usually returned to buy the full course of drugs. Seventy-two per cent of total spending on anti-tuberculosis drugs was for different kinds of combinations of drugs. Nine per cent was spent on plain rifampicin, believed to be sold only to tuberculosis/leprosy patients. During the previous month, 5/13 (38%) of pharmacies with no doctors attached had sold anti-tuberculosis drugs compared with 27/38 (71%) of pharmacies with doctors attached to them (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The private sector offers an available and acceptable but non-affordable service for many TB patients. A substantial amount of anti-TB drugs are being sold in the private pharmacies. There is therefore a potential role for pharmacists to play in collaborative efforts between the private and public sector in TB control activities.
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| 50. |
- Hurtig, Anna-Karin, et al.
(author)
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Sputum examination for acid-fast bacilli in private laboratories, Kathmandu Valley, Nepal.
- 1999
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In: The International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. - 1027-3719 .- 1815-7920. ; 3:11, s. 1009-14
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: To investigate the characteristics of private laboratories and the process of sputum examination for acid-fast bacilli (AFB). DESIGN: A door-to-door survey of private laboratories in an urban municipality of Kathmandu valley was conducted during the first quarter of 1998. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with staff of 14/20 (70%) identified laboratories. RESULTS: All 14 private laboratories conducted sputum examination for AFB. The majority (71%) of staff lacked special training for AFB examinations. Monocular microscopes were commonly used (36%). Reagents were prepared irregularly, without quality control, and kept for as long as they lasted, often up to 4-6 months (43%). Laboratory registers were usually present (86%), but lacked information on patient's address and the purpose of the test. A median of 12.5 slides per laboratory had been examined during the previous month (range 0-70). A total of 235 AFB slides were examined, of which 18 (7.7%) were reported as positive. CONCLUSION: AFB examinations were widely available. Lack of training and quality control suggest a variable standard of AFB test results. It is recommended that the National Tuberculosis Programme (NTP) provide support and quality control to two to three (i.e., one for every 10) private laboratories in the area to secure private doctors' confidence in sputum testing.
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