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Seddon JA, McQuaid CF, Mafirakureva N, Hesseling AC, Fox GJ, Dodd PJ. Household contact management and preventive treatment for drug-resistant tuberculosis. Lancet Glob Health 2024; 12:e1387-e1388. [PMID: 39151970 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(24)00265-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
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Morgan H, Ndjeka N, Hasan T, Gegia M, Mirzayev F, Nguyen LN, Schumacher S, Schlub TE, Naidoo K, Fox GJ. Treatment of Multidrug-resistant or Rifampicin-resistant Tuberculosis With an All-oral 9-month Regimen Containing Linezolid or Ethionamide in South Africa: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Clin Infect Dis 2024; 78:1698-1706. [PMID: 38525535 PMCID: PMC11175697 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciae145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2019, the South African tuberculosis program replaced ethionamide with linezolid as part of an all-oral 9-month regimen. We evaluated treatment outcomes for patients assigned to regimens including linezolid in 2019 and ethionamide in 2017. METHODS This retrospective cohort study included patients treated for multidrug-resistant/rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis throughout South Africa between 1 January and 31 December 2017 and 1 January to 31 December 2019. The cohort treated with a 9-month regimen containing ethionamide for four months, was compared with a cohort treated with a 9-month regimen containing linezolid for 2 months. The regimens were otherwise identical. Inverse probability weighting of propensity scores was used to adjust for potential confounding. A log-binomial regression model was used to estimate adjusted relative risk (aRR) comparing 24-month outcomes between cohorts including treatment success, death, loss to follow up, and treatment failure. Adverse event data were available for the linezolid cohort. FINDINGS In total, 817 patients were included in the cohort receiving ethionamide and 4244 in the cohort receiving linezolid. No evidence for a difference was observed between linezolid and ethionamide regimens for treatment success (aRR = 0.96, 95% confidence interval [CI] .91-1.01), death (aRR = 1.01, 95% CI .87-1.17) or treatment failure (aRR = 0.87, 95% CI .44-1.75). Loss to follow-up was more common in the linezolid group, although estimates were imprecise (aRR = 1.22, 95% CI .99-1.50). CONCLUSIONS No significant differences in treatment success and survival were observed with substitution of linezolid for ethionamide as a part of an all-oral 9-month regimen. Linezolid is an acceptable alternative to ethionamide in this shorter regimen for treatment of multidrug-resistant/rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis.
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Ruslami R, Fregonese F, Apriani L, Barss L, Bedingfield N, Chiang V, Cook VJ, Fisher D, Flores E, Fox GJ, Johnston J, Lim RK, Long R, Paulsen C, Nguyen TA, Nhung NV, Gibson D, Valiquette C, Benedetti A, Menzies D. High-dose, short-duration versus standard rifampicin for tuberculosis preventive treatment: a partially blinded, three-arm, non-inferiority, randomised, controlled trial. THE LANCET. RESPIRATORY MEDICINE 2024; 12:433-443. [PMID: 38552659 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-2600(24)00076-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tuberculosis preventive treatment (TPT) is a key component of tuberculosis elimination. To improve completion and reduce the burden for people and health systems, short, safe, and effective TPT regimens are needed. We aimed to compare safety and treatment completion of various doses and durations of rifampicin in people who were recommended to receive TPT. METHODS This partially blinded, parallel-arm, non-inferiority, randomised, controlled, phase 2b trial was done at seven university-affiliated clinics in Canada, Indonesia, and Viet Nam. Participants aged 10 years or older were included if they had an indication for TPT according to WHO guidelines for Indonesia and Viet Nam, or Canadian guidelines for Canadian sites, and a positive tuberculin skin test or interferon-γ release assay. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1:1) to receive oral rifampicin at 10 mg/kg once daily for 4 months (standard-dose group), 20 mg/kg daily for 2 months (20 mg/kg group), or 30 mg/kg daily for 2 months (30 mg/kg group). The randomisation sequence was computer generated with blocks of variable size (three, six, and nine) and stratified by country for Indonesia and Viet Nam, and by city within Canada. Participants and investigators were masked to dose in high-dose groups, but unmasked to duration in all groups. The two co-primary outcomes were safety (in the safety population, in which participants received at least one dose of the study drug) and treatment completion (in the modified intention-to-treat [mITT] population, excluding those ineligible after randomisation). Protocol-defined adverse events were defined as grade 3 or worse, or rash or allergy of any grade, judged by an independent and masked panel as possibly or probably related to the study. A margin of 4% was used to assess non-inferiority. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03988933 (active). FINDINGS Between Sept 1, 2019, and Sept 30, 2022, 1692 people were assessed for eligibility, 1376 were randomly assigned, and eight were excluded after randomisation. 1368 participants were included in the mITT population (454 in the standard group, 461 in the 20 mg/kg group, and 453 in the 30 mg/kg group). 589 (43%) participants were male and 779 (57%) were female. 372 (82%) in the standard-dose group, 329 (71%) in the 20 mg/kg group, and 293 (65%) in the 30 mg/kg group completed treatment. No participants in the standard-dose group, one (<1%) of 441 participants in the 20 mg/kg group, and four (1%) of 423 in the 30 mg/kg group developed grade 3 hepatotoxicity. Risk of protocol-defined adverse events was higher in the 30 mg/kg group than in the standard-dose group (adjusted risk difference 4·6% [95% CI 1·8 to 7·4]) or the 20 mg/kg group (5·1% [2·3 to 7·8]). There was no difference in the risk of adverse events between the 20 mg/kg and standard-dose groups (-0·5% [95% CI -2·4 to 1·5]; non-inferiority met). Completion was lower in the 20 mg/kg group (-7·8% [95% CI -13·6 to -2·0]) and the 30 mg/kg group (-15·4% [-21·4 to -9·4]) than in the standard-dose group. INTERPRETATION In this trial, 2 months of 30 mg/kg daily rifampicin had significantly worse safety and completion than 4 months of 10 mg/kg daily and 2 months of 20 mg/kg daily (the latter, a fully blinded comparison); we do not consider 30 mg/kg to be a good option for TPT. Rifampicin at 20 mg/kg daily for 2 months was as safe as standard treatment, but with lower completion. This difference remains unexplained. FUNDING Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
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Menzies D, Obeng J, Hadisoemarto P, Ruslami R, Adjobimey M, Fisher D, Barss L, Bedingfield N, Long R, Paulsen C, Johnston J, Romanowski K, Cook VJ, Fox GJ, Nguyen TA, Valiquette C, Oxlade O, Fregonese F, Benedetti A. Sustainability and impact of an intervention to improve initiation of tuberculosis preventive treatment: results from a follow-up study of the ACT4 randomized trial. EClinicalMedicine 2024; 71:102546. [PMID: 38586588 PMCID: PMC10998081 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2024.102546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background In a cluster randomized trial (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02810678) a flexible but comprehensive health system intervention significantly increased the number of household contacts (HHC) identified and started on tuberculosis preventive treatment (TPT). A follow-up study was conducted one year later to test the hypotheses that these effects were sustained, and were reproducible with a simplified intervention. Methods We conducted a follow-up study from May 1, 2018 until April 30, 2019, as part of a multinational cluster randomized trial. Eight sites in 4 countries that had received the intervention in the original trial received no further intervention; eight other sites in the same countries that had not received the intervention (control sites in the original trial) now received a simplified version of the intervention. This consisted of repeated local evaluation of the Cascade of care for TB infection, and stakeholder decision making. The number of HHC identified and starting TPT were repeatedly measured at all 16 sites and expressed as rates per 100 newly diagnosed index TB patients. The sustained effect of the original intervention was estimated by comparing these rates after the intervention in the original trial with the last 6 months of the follow-up study. The reproducibility was estimated by comparing the pre-post intervention changes in rates at sites receiving the original intervention with the pre-post changes in rates at sites receiving the later, simplified intervention. Findings With regard to the sustained impact of the original intervention, compared to the original post-intervention period, the number of HHC identified and treated per 100 newly diagnosed TB patients was 10 more (95% confidence interval: 84 fewer to 105 more), and 1 fewer (95% CI: 22 fewer to 20 more) respectively up to 14 months after the end of the original intervention. With regard to the reproducibility of the simplified intervention, at sites that had initially served as control sites, the number of HHC identified and treated per 100 TB patients increased by 33 (95% CI: -32, 97), and 16 (-69, 100) from 3 months before, to up to 6 months after receiving a streamlined intervention, although differences were larger, and significant if the post-intervention results were compared to all pre-intervention periods. Interpretation Up to one year after it ended, a health system intervention resulted in sustained increases in the number of HHC identified and starting TPT. A simplified version of the intervention was associated with non-significant increases in the identification and treatment of HHC. Inferences are limited by potential bias due to other temporal effects, and the small number of study sites. Funding Funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (Grant number 143350).
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Teo AKJ, MacLean ELH, Fox GJ. Subclinical tuberculosis: a meta-analysis of prevalence and scoping review of definitions, prevalence and clinical characteristics. Eur Respir Rev 2024; 33:230208. [PMID: 38719737 PMCID: PMC11078153 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0208-2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This scoping review aimed to characterise definitions used to describe subclinical tuberculosis (TB), estimate the prevalence in different populations and describe the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes in the scientific literature. METHODS A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed. We included studies published in English between January 1990 and August 2022 that defined "subclinical" or "asymptomatic" pulmonary TB disease, regardless of age, HIV status and comorbidities. We estimated the weighted pooled proportions of subclinical TB using a random-effects model by World Health Organization reported TB incidence, populations and settings. We also pooled the proportion of subclinical TB according to definitions described in published prevalence surveys. RESULTS We identified 29 prevalence surveys and 71 other studies. Prevalence survey data (2002-2022) using "absence of cough of any duration" criteria reported higher subclinical TB prevalence than those using the stricter "completely asymptomatic" threshold. Prevalence estimates overlap in studies using other symptoms and cough duration. Subclinical TB in studies was commonly defined as asymptomatic TB disease. Higher prevalence was reported in high TB burden areas, community settings and immunocompetent populations. People with subclinical TB showed less extensive radiographic abnormalities, higher treatment success rates and lower mortality, although studies were few. CONCLUSION A substantial proportion of TB is subclinical. However, prevalence estimates were highly heterogeneous between settings. Most published studies incompletely characterised the phenotype of people with subclinical TB. Standardised definitions and diagnostic criteria are needed to characterise this phenotype. Further research is required to enhance case finding, screening, diagnostics and treatment options for subclinical TB.
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Pham GN, Dang TTH, Nguyen TA, Zawahir S, Le HTT, Negin J, Schneider CH, Fox GJ. Health system barriers to the implementation of the national action plan to combat antimicrobial resistance in Vietnam: a scoping review. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control 2024; 13:12. [PMID: 38273403 PMCID: PMC10809436 DOI: 10.1186/s13756-024-01364-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vietnam is among 11 countries in the Western Pacific region that has developed a National Action Plan for Antimicrobial Resistance (NAPCA). METHODS This scoping review characterises health system barriers to the implementation of the Vietnam NAPCA, with reference to the WHO Health Systems Framework. RESULTS Over 7 years, between 2013 and 2020, the Ministry of Health (MOH) of Vietnam has been implementing activities to achieve the six NAPCA objectives. They include revision of regulations needed for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) prevention programs; formation and operation of national management bodies; improvement of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) in hospitals; maintenance of surveillance systems for AMR; provision of trainings on AMR and antibiotics use to doctors and pharmacists; and organization of nation-wide educational campaigns. Limited cooperation between MOH management bodies, shortages of human resource at all health system levels, a low degree of agreement between national and hospital guidelines on antibiotic use, low capability in the domestic supply of standardised drugs, and unequal training opportunities for lower-level health professionals present ongoing challenges. Actions suggested for the next period of the NAPCA include a final review of what has been achieved by the plan so far and evaluating the effectiveness of the different components of the plan. Different options on how to improve coordination across sectors in the development of a new NAPCA should be put forward. CONCLUSIONS The 6-year implementation of the Vietnam NAPCA has yielded valuable lessons for AMS in Vietnam, guiding the development of future national plans, with a central focus on scaling up AMS in hospitals and promoting community AMS programs to combat AMR.
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Casco N, Jorge AL, Palmero DJ, Alffenaar JW, Fox GJ, Ezz W, Cho JG, Denholm J, Skrahina A, Solodovnikova V, Arbex MA, Alves T, Rabahi MF, Pereira GR, Sales R, Silva DR, Saffie MM, Salinas NE, Miranda RC, Cisterna C, Concha C, Fernandez I, Villalón C, Vera CG, Tapia PG, Cancino V, Carbonell M, Cruz A, Muñoz E, Muñoz C, Navarro I, Pizarro R, Cristina Sánchez GP, Vergara Riquelme MS, Vilca E, Soto A, Flores X, Garavagno A, Bahamondes MH, Merino LM, Pradenas AM, Revillot ME, Rodriguez P, Salinas AS, Taiba C, Valdés JF, Subiabre JN, Ortega C, Palma S, Castillo PP, Pinto M, Bidegain FR, Venegas M, Yucra E, Li Y, Cruz A, Guelvez B, Victoria Plaza R, Tello Hoyos KY, Cardoso-Landivar J, Van Den Boom M, Andréjak C, Blanc FX, Dourmane S, Froissart A, Izadifar A, Rivière F, Schlemmer F, Manika K, Diallo BD, Hassane-Harouna S, Artiles N, Mejia LA, Gupta N, Ish P, Mishra G, Patel JM, Singla R, Udwadia ZF, Alladio F, Angeli F, Calcagno A, Centis R, Codecasa LR, De Lauretis A, Esposito SMR, Formenti B, Gaviraghi A, Giacomet V, Goletti D, Gualano G, Matteelli A, Migliori GB, Motta I, Palmieri F, Pontali E, Prestileo T, Riccardi N, Saderi L, Saporiti M, Sotgiu G, Spanevello A, Stochino C, Tadolini M, Torre A, Villa S, Visca D, Kurhasani X, Furjani M, Rasheed N, Danila E, Diktanas S, Ridaura RL, Luna López FL, Torrico MM, Rendon A, Akkerman OW, Chizaram O, Al-Abri S, Alyaquobi F, Althohli K, Aguirre S, Teixeira RC, De Egea V, Irala S, Medina A, Sequera G, Sosa N, Vázquez F, Llanos-Tejada FK, Manga S, Villanueva-Villegas R, Araujo D, Sales Marques RD, Socaci A, Barkanova O, Bogorodskaya M, Borisov S, Mariandyshev A, Kaluzhenina A, Vukicevic TA, Stosic M, Beh D, Ng D, Ong CWM, Solovic I, Dheda K, Gina P, Caminero JA, De Souza Galvão ML, Dominguez-Castellano A, García-García JM, Pinargote IM, Fernandez SQ, Sánchez-Montalvá A, Huguet ET, Murguiondo MZ, Bart PA, Mazza-Stalder J, D'Ambrosio L, Kamolwat P, Bakko F, Barnacle J, Bird S, Brown A, Chandran S, Killington K, Man K, Papineni P, Ritchie F, Tiberi S, Utjesanovic N, Zenner D, Hearn JL, Heysell S, Young L. Long-term outcomes of the global tuberculosis and COVID-19 co-infection cohort. Eur Respir J 2023; 62:2300925. [PMID: 37827576 PMCID: PMC10627308 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.00925-2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Longitudinal cohort data of patients with tuberculosis (TB) and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are lacking. In our global study, we describe long-term outcomes of patients affected by TB and COVID-19. METHODS We collected data from 174 centres in 31 countries on all patients affected by COVID-19 and TB between 1 March 2020 and 30 September 2022. Patients were followed-up until cure, death or end of cohort time. All patients had TB and COVID-19; for analysis purposes, deaths were attributed to TB, COVID-19 or both. Survival analysis was performed using Cox proportional risk-regression models, and the log-rank test was used to compare survival and mortality attributed to TB, COVID-19 or both. RESULTS Overall, 788 patients with COVID-19 and TB (active or sequelae) were recruited from 31 countries, and 10.8% (n=85) died during the observation period. Survival was significantly lower among patients whose death was attributed to TB and COVID-19 versus those dying because of either TB or COVID-19 alone (p<0.001). Significant adjusted risk factors for TB mortality were higher age (hazard ratio (HR) 1.05, 95% CI 1.03-1.07), HIV infection (HR 2.29, 95% CI 1.02-5.16) and invasive ventilation (HR 4.28, 95% CI 2.34-7.83). For COVID-19 mortality, the adjusted risks were higher age (HR 1.03, 95% CI 1.02-1.04), male sex (HR 2.21, 95% CI 1.24-3.91), oxygen requirement (HR 7.93, 95% CI 3.44-18.26) and invasive ventilation (HR 2.19, 95% CI 1.36-3.53). CONCLUSIONS In our global cohort, death was the outcome in >10% of patients with TB and COVID-19. A range of demographic and clinical predictors are associated with adverse outcomes.
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Coleman M, Nguyen TA, Luu BK, Hill J, Ragonnet R, Trauer JM, Fox GJ, Marks GB, Marais BJ. Finding and treating both tuberculosis disease and latent infection during population-wide active case finding for tuberculosis elimination. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1275140. [PMID: 37908846 PMCID: PMC10613897 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1275140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
In recognition of the high rates of undetected tuberculosis in the community, the World Health Organization (WHO) encourages targeted active case finding (ACF) among "high-risk" populations. While this strategy has led to increased case detection in these populations, the epidemic impact of these interventions has not been demonstrated. Historical data suggest that population-wide (untargeted) ACF can interrupt transmission in high-incidence settings, but implementation remains lacking, despite recent advances in screening tools. The reservoir of latent infection-affecting up to a quarter of the global population -complicates elimination efforts by acting as a pool from which future tuberculosis cases may emerge, even after all active cases have been treated. A holistic case finding strategy that addresses both active disease and latent infection is likely to be the optimal approach for rapidly achieving sustainable progress toward TB elimination in a durable way, but safety and cost effectiveness have not been demonstrated. Sensitive, symptom-agnostic community screening, combined with effective tuberculosis treatment and prevention, should eliminate all infectious cases in the community, whilst identifying and treating people with latent infection will also eliminate tomorrow's tuberculosis cases. If real strides toward global tuberculosis elimination are to be made, bold strategies are required using the best available tools and a long horizon for cost-benefit assessment.
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Campbell JR, Chan ED, Anderson LF, Bonnet M, Brode SK, Cegielski JP, Guglielmetti L, Singla R, Fox GJ, Skrahina A, Rodrigues D, Kuksa L, Viiklepp P, Menzies D. Association of smoking and alcohol use with rifampin-resistant TB treatment outcomes. Int J Tuberc Lung Dis 2023; 27:338-340. [PMID: 37035974 DOI: 10.5588/ijtld.22.0678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
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Velen K, Nguyen TA, Pham CD, Le HT, Nguyen HB, Dao BT, Nguyen TV, Nguyen NT, Nguyen NV, Fox GJ. The effect of medication event reminder monitoring on treatment adherence of TB patients. Int J Tuberc Lung Dis 2023; 27:322-328. [PMID: 37035979 DOI: 10.5588/ijtld.22.0500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: TB control remains a serious public health problem, compounded by poor treatment adherence, which increases the likelihood of onward transmission. We evaluated the effectiveness of medication event reminder monitoring (MERM) upon treatment adherence in a high TB burden setting.METHODS: We conducted an open-label parallel group randomised controlled trial among pulmonary TB adults. Participants were provided with a MERM device to store their medications. In the intervention arm, the devices were set to provide daily medication intake reminders. Primary outcome was the proportion of patient-months in which at least 6/30 doses were missed. Secondary outcomes included 1) the proportion of patient-months in which at least 14/30 doses were missed, and 2) the proportion of doses missed.RESULTS: Of 2,142 patients screened, 798 (37.3%) met the inclusion criteria and 250 participants were enrolled. The mean ratio (MR) for poor adherence between the intervention and control groups was 0.72 (95% CI 0.55-0.86). The intervention was also associated with a reduction in the proportion of patients missing at least 14/30 doses (MR 0.61, 95% CI 0.54-0.68) and the percentage of total doses missed (MR 0.75, 95% CI 0.68-0.80).CONCLUSION: MERM is effective in improving TB treatment adherence in a resource-limited environment.
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Fotheringham P, Dorney E, McKinn S, Fox GJ, Bernays S. Protecting mental health in quarantine: Exploring lived experiences of healthcare in mandatory COVID-19 quarantine, New South Wales, Australia. SSM Popul Health 2023; 21:101329. [PMID: 36624829 PMCID: PMC9805377 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2022.101329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Australia implemented mandatory hotel quarantine for returned international travellers from March 2020-November 2021. Healthcare was rapidly transformed and scaled up to facilitate delivery of face-to-face and virtual healthcare within quarantine facilities. We sought to understand, from the patient perspective, what a virtual model of healthcare may need to be aware of to respond to, protect, and mitigate people's mental health within a 'public health protection' context of quarantine. Design Qualitative study design using in-depth semi-structured interviews exploring experiences of the virtual model of healthcare in quarantine. Setting Special Health Accommodation (SHA) quarantine facilities following Australian Federal and New South Wales (NSW) State quarantine policy, NSW, Australia. Participants 25 returned international travellers aged 18 years or older of any COVID-19 status who quarantined within SHA between October 2020-March 2021. Results Participants identified three broad areas of concern. Firstly, their potential to transmit COVID-19, that created anxiety for all participants. Secondly, the effects of losing personal freedoms in quarantine to protect the wider Australian community. Thirdly, many participants entered quarantine during intense biographical moments in their lives, compounding the stress of their experience. Participants felt lost within the 'faceless' quarantine administrative system they navigated prior to their actual arrival in Australia and during their mandated quarantine period. This cumulative experience compromised their expectations and experiences of person-centred care once in quarantine. Conclusions Quarantine has been a critical public health measure for managing COVID-19 in Australia. The pandemic provides opportunities to learn from quarantine implementation. Participants struggled to separate healthcare provision from the broader quarantine systems and processes. Due to this confusion, blame was directed at healthcare providers for many, and in some cases all difficulties, including those encountered getting into and once within quarantine. Valuable lessons can be learnt from engaging with patients' perspectives to adapt and strengthen future quarantine to deliver responsive, person-centred healthcare.
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Popovic I, Soares Magalhães RJ, Yang Y, Yang S, Yang B, Dong G, Wei X, Fox GJ, Hammer MS, Martin RV, van Donkelaar A, Ge E, Marks GB, Knibbs LD. Effects of long-term ambient air pollution exposure on township-level pulmonary tuberculosis notification rates during 2005-2017 in Ningxia, China. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 317:120718. [PMID: 36435281 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Studies examining long-term effects of ambient air pollution exposure, measured as annual averages, on pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) incidence are scarce, particularly in endemic, rural settings. We performed a small-area study in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (NHAR), a high TB-burden area in rural China, using township-level (n = 358 non-overlapping townships) annual TB notification data (2005-2017). We aimed to determine if annual average concentrations of ambient air pollution (particulate matter <2·5 μm [PM2·5], nitrogen dioxide [NO2] ozone [O3]) were associated with TB notification rates (as a proxy for incidence). Air pollution effects on TB notification rates at township-level were estimated as incidence rate ratios (IRR), fitted using a generalised estimating equation (GEE) adjusted for covariates (age, sex, occupation, education, ethnicity, remoteness [urban or rural], household crowding and solid fuel use). A total of 38,942 TB notifications were reported in NHAR between 2005 and 2017. The mean annual TB notification rate was 67 (standard deviation [SD]; 7) per 100,000 people. Median concentrations of PM2·5, NO2, and O3 were 42 μg/m3 (interquartile range [IQR]; 38-48 μg/m3), 15 ppb (IQR; 12-16 ppb), and 56 ppb (IQR; 56-57 ppb), respectively. In single pollutant models, adjusted for covariates, an interquartile range (IQR) increase (10 μg/m3) in PM2·5 was significantly associated with higher TB notification rates (IRR: 1∙35; 95% CI: 1·25-1·48). Comparable effects on notifications of TB were observed for increases in NO2 exposure (IRR: 1·20 per IQR (4 ppb) increase; 95% CI: 1·08-1·31). Ground-level ozone was not associated with TB notification rate in any models. The observed effects were consistent over time, in multi-pollutant models, and appeared robust to additional adjustment for indicators of household crowding, solid fuel use and remoteness. More rigorous study designs are needed to understand if improving air quality has population-level benefits on TB disease incidence in endemic settings.
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Beardsley J, Chambers JM, Lam TT, Zawahir S, Le H, Nguyen TA, Walsh M, Thuy Van PT, Cam Van NT, Hoang TH, Mai Hung TT, Thai CH, Anh DD, Fox GJ. Mapping access to drug outlets in Vietnam: distribution of drug outlets and the sociodemographic characteristics of the communities they serve. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. WESTERN PACIFIC 2022; 30:100668. [PMID: 36748068 PMCID: PMC9897978 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2022.100668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Background Drug outlets are a vital first point of healthcare contact in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), but they are often poorly regulated and counter staff may be unqualified to provide advice. This introduces the risk of easy access to potentially harmful products, including unnecessary antimicrobials. Over-the-counter antimicrobial sales are a major driver of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in LMICs. We aimed to investigate the distribution of different types of drug outlets and their association with socio-economic factors. Methods We mapped the location of drug outlets in 40 randomly selected geographic clusters, covering a population of 1.96 million people. Data including type of drug outlet, context, operating hours, chief pharmacist name and qualification, and business registration identification were collected from mandatory public signage. We describe the density of drug outlets and levels of staff qualifications in relation to population density, urban vs rural areas, and poverty indices. Findings We characterised 1972 drug outlets. In the study area, there was an average of 102 outlets/per 100,000 population, compared to the global average of 25. Predictably, population density was correlated with the density of drug outlets. We found that drug outlets were less accessible in rural vs urban areas, and for the poor. Furthermore, for these populations, degree-qualified pharmacists were less accessible and public signage frequently lacked mandatory registration information. Interpretation Drug outlets appear over-supplied in Vietnam compared to other countries. Unregistered outlets and outlets without degree-qualified pharmacists are prevalent, especially in poor and rural areas, posing a risk for inappropriate supply of antimicrobials, which may contribute to AMR, and raises questions of equitable healthcare access. Funding This study was funded by a grant from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
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Hughes A, Ragonnet R, Jayasundara P, Ngo HA, de Lara-Tuprio E, Estuar MRJ, Teng TR, Boon LK, Peariasamy KM, Chong ZL, Ghazali IMM, Fox GJ, Nguyen TA, Le LV, Abayawardana M, Shipman D, McBryde ES, Meehan MT, Caldwell JM, Trauer JM. COVID-19 collaborative modelling for policy response in the Philippines, Malaysia and Vietnam. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. WESTERN PACIFIC 2022; 29:100563. [PMID: 35974800 PMCID: PMC9371475 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2022.100563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
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Marks GB, Horsburgh CR, Fox GJ, Nguyen TA. Epidemiological approach to ending tuberculosis in high-burden countries. Lancet 2022; 400:1750-1752. [PMID: 35934012 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(22)01433-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
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Romanowski K, Oravec A, Billingsley M, Shearer K, Gupte A, Huaman MA, Fox GJ, Golub JE, Johnston JC. A scoping review of interventions to mitigate common non-communicable diseases among people with TB. Int J Tuberc Lung Dis 2022; 26:1016-1022. [PMID: 36281048 DOI: 10.5588/ijtld.22.0075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Recommendations have been made to integrate screening for common non-communicable diseases (NCDs) within TB programs. However, we must ensure screening is tied to evidence-based interventions before scale-up. We aimed to map the existing evidence regarding interventions that address NCDs that most commonly affect people with TB.METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed, Medline, and Embase for studies that evaluated interventions to mitigate respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, alcohol and substance use disorder, and mental health disorders among people with TB. We excluded studies that only screened for comorbidity but resulted in no further intervention. We also excluded studies focusing on smoking cessation interventions for which evidence-based guidelines are well established.RESULTS: The search identified 20 studies that met our inclusion criteria. The most commonly evaluated intervention was referral for diabetes care (6 studies). Other interventions included pulmonary rehabilitation (5 studies), care programs for alcohol use disorder (4 studies), and psychosocial support or individual counselling (5 studies).CONCLUSION: There is limited robust evidence to support identified interventions in changing individual outcomes, and a significant knowledge gap remains on the long-term durability of the interventions´ clinical benefit, reach, and effectiveness. Implementation research demonstrating feasibility and effectiveness is needed before scaling up.
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Trinh DH, McKinn S, Nguyen AT, Fox GJ, Nguyen AT, Bernays S. Uneven stigma loads: Community interpretations of public health policies, 'evidence' and inequities in shaping Covid-19 stigma in Vietnam. SSM Popul Health 2022; 20:101270. [PMID: 36267122 PMCID: PMC9558770 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2022.101270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The infectious spread of COVID-19 has been accompanied by stigma in both global and local contexts, sparking concern about its negative effect on individuals, communities, and public health responses. The changing epidemiological context of the COVID-19 epidemic and evolving public health responses during the first year of the pandemic (2020) in Vietnam serve as a case study to qualitatively explore the fluidity of stigma. We conducted in-depth interviews with 38 individuals, (13 cases, 9 close contacts, and 16 community members) from areas affected by local outbreaks. Thematic analysis was conducted iteratively. Our analysis indicates that the extent and impacts of COVID-19-related stigma were uneven. Adapting the clinical term 'viral load' as a metaphor, we describe this variation through the wide range of 'stigma load' noted in participants' experiences. Individuals encountering more acute stigma, i.e. the highest 'stigma load', were those associated with COVID-19 at the start of the local outbreaks. These intensively negative social responses were driven by a social meaning-making process that misappropriated an inaccurate understanding of epidemiological logic. Specifically, contact tracing was presumed within the public consciousness to indicate linear blame, with individuals falsely considered to have engaged in 'transgressive mobility', with onward transmission perceived as being intentional. In contrast, as case numbers grew within an outbreak the imagined linearity of the infection chain was disrupted and lower levels of stigma were experienced, with COVID-19 transmission and association reframed as reflecting an environmental rather than behavioural risk. Our findings demonstrate the role of public health policies in unintentionally creating conditions for stigma to flourish. However, this is fluid. The social perceptions of infection risk shifted from being individualised to environmental, suggesting that stigma can be modified and mitigated through attending to the productive social lives of public health approaches and policies. Those associated with COVID-19 experienced variable degrees of stigma - 'stigma load'. Those linked to COVID-19 at the start of outbreaks experienced highest stigma load. Misinterpretation of public health strategies contributed to blaming discourses. Stigma receded when risk framed as environmental not behavioural. Fluidity of stigma suggests potential to allay stigmatising effect of interventions.
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Marais BJ, Bernays S, Schaaf HS, Fox GJ. Increasing TB preventive treatment in children. Int J Tuberc Lung Dis 2022; 26:903-905. [PMID: 36163674 DOI: 10.5588/ijtld.22.0288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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Coleman M, Christensen A, Hill J, Temareti M, Timeon E, Fox GJ, Britton WJ, Marais BJ. Maximising the sharing and reuse of project-specific resources. Int J Tuberc Lung Dis 2022; 26:910-913. [PMID: 36163661 DOI: 10.5588/ijtld.22.0360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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Callum J, Nguyen PT, Martinez E, Nguyen VAT, Garden F, Nguyen NV, Nguyen TA, Nguyen HB, Nguyen SV, Luu KB, Ho J, Linh NN, Britton WJ, Sintchenko V, Fox GJ, Marks GB. Prevalence and genetic basis of first line drug resistance of M. tuberculosis in Ca Mau, Vietnam. ERJ Open Res 2022; 8:00122-2022. [PMID: 36299370 PMCID: PMC9589319 DOI: 10.1183/23120541.00122-2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and objectiveData on the prevalence of anti-tuberculous drug resistance and its association with genetic mutations in Mycobacterium tuberculosis are limited. Our study explores the genomics of tuberculosis in a high Ca Mau, Vietnam.MethodsPatients >15 years in Ca Mau Province, Vietnam, were screened annually for tuberculosis between 2014 and 2017. Isolates underwent drug susceptibility testing (DST) using the breakpoint method. DNA was extracted and whole genome sequencing (WGS) was performed.ResultsWe identified 365 positive sputum cultures for M tuberculosis and processed 237 for DST and 265 for WGS. Resistance to isoniazid was present in 19.8% (95%CI 14.7 to 24.9%), rifampicin in 3.5% (1.1 to 5.7%) and ethambutol in 2.5% (0.9 to 5.4%) of isolates. Relevant mutations in rpoB gene were detected in 3.8% (1.8 to 6.8%). katG, inhA or fabG1 mutations were found in 19.6% (15.0 to 24.9%) with KatG being most common at 12.8% (9.1–17.5%). We found 38.4% of isolates were of Beijing lineage, 49.4% East-African-Indian (EAI) lineage and 8.4% European-American lineage. There were no associations between resistance profiles and clinical features.ConclusionThe high burden of isoniazid resistance and the katG mutation highlights the challenges facing Vietnam in its effort to achieve its EndTB goals.
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Martinez L, Cords O, Liu Q, Acuna-Villaorduna C, Bonnet M, Fox GJ, Carvalho ACC, Chan PC, Croda J, Hill PC, Lopez-Varela E, Donkor S, Fielding K, Graham SM, Espinal MA, Kampmann B, Reingold A, Huerga H, Villalba JA, Grandjean L, Sotgiu G, Egere U, Singh S, Zhu L, Lienhardt C, Denholm JT, Seddon JA, Whalen CC, García-Basteiro AL, Triasih R, Chen C, Singh J, Huang LM, Sharma S, Hannoun D, Del Corral H, Mandalakas AM, Malone LL, Ling DL, Kritski A, Stein CM, Vashishtha R, Boulahbal F, Fang CT, Boom WH, Netto EM, Lemos AC, Hesseling AC, Kay A, Jones-López EC, Horsburgh CR, Lange C, Andrews JR. Infant BCG vaccination and risk of pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis throughout the life course: a systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis. Lancet Glob Health 2022; 10:e1307-e1316. [PMID: 35961354 PMCID: PMC10406427 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(22)00283-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND BCG vaccines are given to more than 100 million children every year, but there is considerable debate regarding the effectiveness of BCG vaccination in preventing tuberculosis and death, particularly among older children and adults. We therefore aimed to investigate the age-specific impact of infant BCG vaccination on tuberculosis (pulmonary and extrapulmonary) development and mortality. METHODS In this systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Web of Science, BIOSIS, and Embase without language restrictions for case-contact cohort studies of tuberculosis contacts published between Jan 1, 1998, and April 7, 2018. Search terms included "mycobacterium tuberculosis", "TB", "tuberculosis", and "contact". We excluded cohort studies that did not provide information on BCG vaccination or were done in countries that did not recommend BCG vaccination at birth. Individual-level participant data for a prespecified list of variables, including the characteristics of the exposed participant (contact), the index case, and the environment, were requested from authors of all eligible studies. Our primary outcome was a composite of prevalent (diagnosed at or within 90 days of baseline) and incident (diagnosed more than 90 days after baseline) tuberculosis in contacts exposed to tuberculosis. Secondary outcomes were pulmonary tuberculosis, extrapulmonary tuberculosis, and mortality. We derived adjusted odds ratios (aORs) using mixed-effects, binary, multivariable logistic regression analyses with study-level random effects, adjusting for the variable of interest, baseline age, sex, previous tuberculosis, and whether data were collected prospectively or retrospectively. We stratified our results by contact age and Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection status. This study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42020180512. FINDINGS We identified 14 927 original records from our database searches. We included participant-level data from 26 cohort studies done in 17 countries in our meta-analysis. Among 68 552 participants, 1782 (2·6%) developed tuberculosis (1309 [2·6%] of 49 686 BCG-vaccinated participants vs 473 [2·5%] of 18 866 unvaccinated participants). The overall effectiveness of BCG vaccination against all tuberculosis was 18% (aOR 0·82, 95% CI 0·74-0·91). When stratified by age, BCG vaccination only significantly protected against all tuberculosis in children younger than 5 years (aOR 0·63, 95% CI 0·49-0·81). Among contacts with a positive tuberculin skin test or IFNγ release assay, BCG vaccination significantly protected against tuberculosis among all participants (aOR 0·81, 95% CI 0·69-0·96), participants younger than 5 years (0·68, 0·47-0·97), and participants aged 5-9 years (0·62, 0·38-0·99). There was no protective effect among those with negative tests, unless they were younger than 5 years (0·54, 0·32-0·90). 14 cohorts reported on whether tuberculosis was pulmonary or extrapulmonary (n=57 421). BCG vaccination significantly protected against pulmonary tuberculosis among all participants (916 [2·2%] in 41 119 vaccinated participants vs 334 [2·1%] in 16 161 unvaccinated participants; aOR 0·81, 0·70-0·94) but not against extrapulmonary tuberculosis (106 [0·3%] in 40 318 vaccinated participants vs 38 [0·2%] in 15 865 unvaccinated participants; 0·96, 0·65-1·41). In the four studies with mortality data, BCG vaccination was significantly protective against death (0·25, 0·13-0·49). INTERPRETATION Our results suggest that BCG vaccination at birth is effective at preventing tuberculosis in young children but is ineffective in adolescents and adults. Immunoprotection therefore needs to be boosted in older populations. FUNDING National Institutes of Health.
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22
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Velen K, Nguyen VN, Nguyen BH, Dang T, Nguyen HA, Vu DH, Do TT, Pham Duc C, Nguyen HL, Pham HT, Marais BJ, Johnston J, Britton W, Beardsley J, Negin J, Wiseman V, Marks GB, Nguyen TA, Fox GJ. Harnessing new mHealth technologies to Strengthen the Management of Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis in Vietnam (V-SMART trial): a protocol for a randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e052633. [PMID: 35732397 PMCID: PMC9226862 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-052633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) remains a major public health problem globally. Long, complex treatment regimens coupled with frequent adverse events have resulted in poor treatment adherence and patient outcomes. Smartphone-based mobile health (mHealth) technologies offer national TB programmes an appealing platform to improve patient care and management; however, clinical trial evidence to support their use is lacking. This trial will test the hypothesis that an mHealth intervention can improve treatment success among patients with MDR-TB and is cost-effective compared with standard practice. METHODS AND ANALYSIS A community-based, open-label, parallel-group randomised controlled trial will be conducted among patients treated for MDR-TB in seven provinces of Vietnam. Patients commencing therapy for microbiologically confirmed rifampicin-resistant or multidrug-resistant tuberculosis within the past 30 days will be recruited to the study. Participants will be individually randomised to an intervention arm, comprising use of an mHealth application for treatment support, or a 'standard care' arm. In both arms, patients will be managed by the national TB programme according to current national treatment guidelines. The primary outcome measure of effectiveness will be the proportion of patients with treatment success (defined as treatment completion and/or bacteriological cure) after 24 months. A marginal Poisson regression model estimated via a generalised estimating equation will be used to test the effect of the intervention on treatment success. A prospective microcosting of the intervention and within-trial cost-effectiveness analysis will also be undertaken from a societal perspective. Cost-effectiveness will be presented as an incremental cost per patient successfully treated and an incremental cost per quality-adjusted life-year gained. ETHICS Ethical approval for the study was granted by The University of Sydney Human Research Ethics Committee (2019/676). DISSEMINATION Study findings will be disseminated to participants and published in peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ACTRN12620000681954.
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Alffenaar JWC, Stocker SL, Forsman LD, Garcia-Prats A, Heysell SK, Aarnoutse RE, Akkerman OW, Aleksa A, van Altena R, de Oñata WA, Bhavani PK, Van't Boveneind-Vrubleuskaya N, Carvalho ACC, Centis R, Chakaya JM, Cirillo DM, Cho JG, D Ambrosio L, Dalcolmo MP, Denti P, Dheda K, Fox GJ, Hesseling AC, Kim HY, Köser CU, Marais BJ, Margineanu I, Märtson AG, Torrico MM, Nataprawira HM, Ong CWM, Otto-Knapp R, Peloquin CA, Silva DR, Ruslami R, Santoso P, Savic RM, Singla R, Svensson EM, Skrahina A, van Soolingen D, Srivastava S, Tadolini M, Tiberi S, Thomas TA, Udwadia ZF, Vu DH, Zhang W, Mpagama SG, Schön T, Migliori GB. Clinical standards for the dosing and management of TB drugs. Int J Tuberc Lung Dis 2022; 26:483-499. [PMID: 35650702 PMCID: PMC9165737 DOI: 10.5588/ijtld.22.0188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
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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Zawahir S, Le HTT, Nguyen TA, Beardsley J, Dang AD, Bernays S, Viney K, Cao TH, Drabarek D, Tran HH, Nguyen ST, Pham VTT, Luong TM, Tran HTM, Nguyen NV, Jan S, Marais BJ, Negin J, Marks GB, Fox GJ. Inappropriate supply of antibiotics for common viral infections by community pharmacies in Vietnam: A standardised patient survey. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. WESTERN PACIFIC 2022; 23:100447. [PMID: 35465041 PMCID: PMC9019242 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2022.100447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to evaluate the appropriateness of antibiotic dispensing of private pharmacies in Vietnam. METHODS Standardised patient surveys were conducted in randomly selected community pharmacies across 40 districts in Vietnam. Four clinical scenarios were represented by patient actors: (a) an adult requesting treatment for a sibling with a viral upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), (b) a parent requesting treatment for a child with acute diarrhoea, (c) an adult making a direct antibiotic request, and (d) an adult presenting with an antibiotic prescription. We calculated the proportion of interactions that resulted in inappropriate supply of antibiotics and patient advice. Predictors of inappropriate antibiotic supply were assessed. FINDINGS Patient actors attended 949 pharmacies, resulting in 1266 clinical interactions. Antibiotics were inappropriately supplied to 92% (291/316) of adults requesting treatment for URTI symptoms, 43% (135/316) for children with acute diarrhoea symptoms and to 84% (267/317) of direct request for antibiotics. Only 49% of pharmacies advised patients regarding their antibiotic use. Female actors were more likely to be given antibiotics than male actors for URTI (aOR 2·71, 1·12-6·60) but not for diarrhoeal disease. Pharmacies in northern Vietnam were more likely than those in southern Vietnam to supply antibiotics without a prescription: for adult URTI (aOR=5·8, 95% CI: 2·2-14·9) and childhood diarrhoea (aOR=3·5, 95% CI: 2·0-6·0) symptoms, but less likely to dispense for direct antibiotics request. INTERPRETATION Inappropriate antibiotic supply was common in Vietnamese private pharmacies. Multifaceted measures are urgently needed to achieve WHO's global action plan for the optimal use of antimicrobials. FUNDING This study was funded by a grant from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
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Coleman M, Hill J, Timeon E, Tonganibeia A, Eromanga B, Islam T, Trauer JM, Chambers ST, Christensen A, Fox GJ, Marks GB, Britton WJ, Marais BJ. Population-wide active case finding and prevention for tuberculosis and leprosy elimination in Kiribati: the PEARL study protocol. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e055295. [PMID: 35414551 PMCID: PMC9006843 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-055295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Population-wide interventions offer a pathway to tuberculosis (TB) and leprosy elimination, but 'real-world' implementation in a high-burden setting using a combined approach has not been demonstrated. This implementation study aims to demonstrate the feasibility and evaluate the effect of population-wide screening, treatment and prevention on TB and leprosy incidence rates, as well as TB transmission. METHODS AND ANALYSIS A non-randomised 'screen-and-treat' intervention conducted in the Pacific atoll of South Tarawa, Kiribati. Households are enumerated and all residents ≥3 years, as well as children <3 years with recent household exposure to TB or leprosy, invited for screening. Participants are screened using tuberculin skin testing, signs and symptoms of TB or leprosy, digital chest X-ray with computer-aided detection and sputum testing (Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra). Those diagnosed with disease are referred to the National TB and Leprosy Programme for management. Participants with TB infection are offered TB preventive treatment and those without TB disease or infection, or leprosy, are offered leprosy prophylaxis. The primary study outcome is the difference in the annual TB case notification rate before and after the intervention; a similar outcome is included for leprosy. The effect on TB transmission will be measured by comparing the estimated annual risk of TB infection in primary school children before and after the intervention, as a co-primary outcome used for power calculations. Comparison of TB and leprosy case notification rates in South Tarawa (the intervention group) and the rest of Kiribati (the control group) before, during and after the intervention is a secondary outcome. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Approval was obtained from the University of Sydney Human Research Ethics Committee (project no. 2021/127) and the Kiribati Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS). Findings will be shared with the MHMS and local communities, published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at international conferences.
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