Type 2 diabetes and tuberculosis in a dynamic bi-national border population

Analysis of Dietary and Nutritional Status of Tuberculosis Patients in Hulunbuir Region

Objective

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major public health problem that affects millions of people worldwide. Malnutrition is a common complication of TB and can worsen the disease outcome. The purpose of this study was to investigate the dietary and nutritional status, as well as the dietary structure, of TB patients in Hulunbuir City, Inner Mongolia, China. Additionally, the study aimed to analyze the factors that influence the nutritional status in order to provide a theoretical foundation for the prevention and treatment of TB and related issues.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 334 randomly selected TB patients from Hulunbuir City Second Hospital. A questionnaire survey was administered to collect information on demographic characteristics, dietary habits, and food intake. Nutritional status was assessed by body mass index (BMI). Dietary diversity score (DDS) was calculated based on the number of food groups consumed in the previous 24 hours. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 20.0 software. Descriptive statistics employed rates and composition ratios, and categorical data was represented using frequencies and percentages. The chi-square test was used to analyze the association between nutritional status and other variables, with a significance level set at α=0.05. Multivariable ordinal logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the independent factors affecting the nutritional status of TB patients.

Results

The univariate analysis revealed statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) in the nutritional status (as measured by BMI) among tuberculosis patients, considering ethnicity, educational level, smoking, meat-based diet, vegetable consumption, and DDS grading. No statistically significant differences were found regarding gender, age, marital status, occupation, sleep duration, alcohol consumption, and consumption of rice and flour dishes. Statistically significant variables from the univariate analysis were included in a multivariable ordinal logistic regression analysis model. The findings highlighted that educational level (high school or below), smoking, meat-based diet, DDS scores of 1-3, and a primarily vegetable-based diet had independent effects on the nutritional status of tuberculosis patients (all P < 0.05). No significant difference was found in nutritional status between the Han ethnic group and other ethnicities.

Conclusion

The study revealed that the dietary and nutritional status of TB patients in Hulunbuir City was suboptimal and influenced by several factors. Smoking, meat-based diet, and low dietary diversity score were the primary risk factors for malnutrition among TB patients. The study suggests that nutritional education and intervention programs should be implemented for TB patients to improve their dietary quality and nutritional status.

Computed tomography findings in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis and diabetes at an infectious disease hospital in China: a retrospective cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between active pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) by analysing the clinical features and computed tomography (CT) findings of patients with active pulmonary TB and comorbid T2DM (TB-DM) in the LiangShan Yi regions.

METHODS

We collected data from 154 hospitalised patients with TB-DM initially confirmed at an infectious disease hospital in the Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture between 1 and 2019, and 31 December 2021. These were matched by sex and age ± 3 years to 145 hospitalised patients with initially confirmed pulmonary TB without comorbid T2DM (TB-NDM) over the same period. The clinical characteristics of the two groups were analysed separately. Three group-blinded radiologists independently analysed the CT findings and classified them into mild-to-moderate and severe groups. Severe chest CT lesion refers to a lesion that is less diffused or moderately dense and either exceeds the total volume of one lung, a high-density fused lesion greater than one-third of the volume of one lung, or a cavitary lesion with a maximum diameter ≥ 4 cm.

RESULTS

No significant differences were observed in the presentation of clinical features. Regarding the severity of chest CT manifestation, patients with TB-DM had significantly more severe TB than those with TB-NDM (89.61% vs. 68.97%, P < 0.0001). Regarding CT findings, patients with TB-DM had higher proportions of consolidation (79.22% vs. 52.41%, P < 0.0001), cavitary lesions (85.06% vs. 59.31%, P < 0.0001), bronchiectasis (71.43% vs. 31.03%, P < 0.0001), exudative lesions (88.96% vs. 68.28%, P < 0.0001), and fibrous lesions (93.51% vs. 68.97%, P < 0.0001) than patients with TB-NDM. In conclusion, patients with TB-DM have more severe pulmonary TB CT findings than those without. There were no significant differences in the distribution of lesions in the lung lobes between TB-DM and TB-NDM patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients hospitalised with pulmonary TB, those with T2DM had more severe findings on chest CT than those without T2DM. However, the clinical presentation was not significantly different.

Differential Role of Type 2 Diabetes as a Risk Factor for Tuberculosis in the Elderly versus Younger Adults

The elderly are understudied despite their high risk of tuberculosis (TB). We sought to identify factors underlying the lack of an association between TB and type 2 diabetes (T2D) in the elderly, but not adults. We conducted a case-control study in elderly (≥65 years old; ELD) vs. younger adults (young/middle-aged adults (18-44/45-64 years old; YA|MAA) stratified by TB and T2D, using a research study population (n = 1160) and TB surveillance data (n = 8783). In the research study population the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of TB in T2D was highest in young adults (AOR 6.48) but waned with age becoming non-significant in the elderly. Findings were validated using TB surveillance data. T2D in the elderly (vs. T2D in younger individuals) was characterized by better glucose control (e.g., lower hyperglycemia or HbA1c), lower insulin resistance, more sulphonylureas use, and features of less inflammation (e.g., lower obesity, neutrophils, platelets, anti-inflammatory use). We posit that differences underlying glucose dysregulation and inflammation in elderly vs. younger adults with T2D, contribute to their differential association with TB. Studies in the elderly provide valuable insights into TB-T2D pathogenesis, e.g., here we identified insulin resistance as a novel candidate mechanism by which T2D may increase active TB risk.

Prevalence and surveillance of tuberculosis in Yemen from 2006 to 2018

Tuberculosis is a major public health issue in Yemen, a country located at the southwestern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, while the situation of tuberculosis had been further exacerbated since the war started in 2015. The objective of this study is to investigate the incidence of tuberculosis in Yemen before the outbreak of COVID-19, from 2006 to 2018. During the 13-year period, 92 482 patients were enrolled in the TB programme records from the 22 governorates. Almost equal number of cases were diagnosed between males and females (a male to female ratio, 1.03:1). A notable rising incidence was observed in all age groups starting from 2011. The sharpest increase occurred in children under age 15, rising by 8.0-fold from 0.5 in the period 2006-2010 to 4.1 in the period 2011-2018. Paediatric TB accounted for 9.6% of all reported cases. In terms of the patient residence, incidence has more than doubled in Sana'a city, Sana'a Gov., Hajjah and Saadah. Concomitant diseases with tuberculosis included diabetes mellitus (14.0%), brucellosis (6.1%), hepatitis (6.0%), rheumatoid arthritis (4.3%), renal disorders (2.5%) and HIV infection (2.5%). Development of interventions to reduce tuberculosis incidence in children and concomitant communicable diseases is urgently needed.

The Effect of Diabetes and Prediabetes on Mycobacterium tuberculosis Transmission to Close Contacts

BACKGROUND

It is unknown whether dysglycemia is associated with Mycobacterium tuberculosis transmission.

METHODS

We assessed epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients with culture-confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis and their close contacts, enrolled in a multicenter prospective cohort in Brazil. Contacts were investigated at baseline and 6 months after enrollment. QuantiFERON positivity at baseline and conversion (from negative to positive at month 6) were compared between subgroups of contacts according to glycemic status of persons with tuberculosis (PWTB) as diabetes mellitus (DM) or prediabetes. Multivariable mixed-effects logistic regression models were performed to test independent associations with baseline QuantiFERON positive and QuantiFERON conversion.

RESULTS

There were 592 PWTB (153 DM, 141 prediabetes, 211 normoglycemic) and 1784 contacts, of whom 658 were QuantiFERON-positive at baseline and 106 converters. Multivariable analyses demonstrated that tuberculosis-prediabetes cases, acid-fast bacilli-positive, pulmonary cavities, and living with someone who smoked were independently associated with QuantiFERON positive in contacts at baseline. DM, persistent cough, acid-fast bacilli-positive, and pulmonary cavities in tuberculosis source cases were associated with QuantiFERON conversion.

CONCLUSIONS

Contacts of persons with pulmonary tuberculosis and dysglycemia were at increased risk of being QuantiFERON positive at baseline or month 6. Increased focus on such close contacts could improve tuberculosis control.

Predictors of extrapulmonary tuberculosis among diabetic patients at Debre Markos compressive specialized hospital, Ethiopia, 2021: A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Extrapulmonary tuberculosis is an emerging public health problem among diabetic patients. Diabetes, which causes immunosuppression, is increasingly being recognized as an independent risk factor for tuberculosis, and the two often coexist and impact each other. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the incidence and predictors of extra pulmonary tuberculosis among diabetic patients at Debre Markos referral hospital, Northwest Ethiopia.

METHODS

This institutionally-based retrospective cohort study was undertaken among 433 diabetic patients of Debre Markos compressive specialized hospital between January 2016 to December 2020. All eligible diabetic patients who full filled the inclusion criteria were included in the study. Data were entered using Epi-data Version 3.1 and analyzed using STATA Version 14. The survival time of diabetic patients was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier survival curve, and the survival time between different categorical variables was compared using the log rank test. Both bi-variable and multivariable Cox-proportional hazard regression models were fitted to identify independent predictors of tuberculosis among diabetic patients.

RESULTS

Among a cohort of 433 diabetic patients at Debre Markos compressive specialized hospital, 17(3.9%) developed extra pulmonary tuberculosis during the follow-up time. The total time allotted to follow up the study participants was 1101.5 person-years (PY). The overall extra pulmonary tuberculosis incidence rate was 1.5 per 100 PY with 95% CI. Using the multivariable Cox-regression analysis, age (AIR 4.8 (95% CI (1.2-20.7), 0.03), diabetic medication (AIR 1.4 (95% CI(1.24-16), 0.03), having past history of PTB before diabetic follow up initiation (AID 1.5(95% CI (3.2-6.9),0.01) and having history of alcohol (AIR (95%CI (4(1.2-13),0.02) were significantly increased the risk of extra pulmonary tuberculosis while BMI (18.5-25) AIR(95% CI (0.22 (0.06-0.76), 0.02) was associated with a rate reduction for the incidence of extra pulmonary tuberculosis.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, we found a high rate of extra pulmonary tuberculosis among diabetic patients. Factors significantly linked with increased risk of extra pulmonary tuberculosis included: age, using insulin as hypoglycemic medication, having past history of PTB before diabetic follow up initiation and alcoholic history while BMI was associated with a rate reduction of EPTB. Early screening and treatment for extra pulmonary tuberculosis is highly recommended at diabetes mellitus follow up for patients with the above risk factors.

Transient Impact of Dysglycemia on Sputum Conversion among Smear-Positive Tuberculosis Patients in a Tertiary Care Facility in Ghana

BACKGROUND

Apart from increasing the risk of tuberculosis (TB), diabetes may be associated with more severe disease and lower rates of sputum conversion among TB patients.

METHODS

We conducted a baseline cross-sectional study with a longitudinal follow-up of newly diagnosed smear-positive TB patients for 6 months. Sputum conversion rates between those with dysglycemia and those without were compared at 2 months (end of the intensive phase) and 6 months (end of the treatment). Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were computed to assess factors associated with dysglycemia as well as sputum conversion.

RESULTS

A significantly higher proportion of normoglycemic patients had negative sputum compared with those with dysglycemia (83% vs 67%, P-value < .05) at 2 months but not at 6 months (87% vs 77%, P-value > .05). After controlling for age group and adjusting for other covariates, patients with dysglycemia were 66% less likely to convert sputum than those with normoglycemia. Females were at least 7 times more likely than males and those with high waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) of 88% were less likely compared with those with low WHR for sputum conversion at 2 months, respectively. At 6 months, females (compared with males) and those with high WHR (compared with those with normal WHR) were at over 9 times increased odds and 89% less likely for sputum conversion, respectively.

CONCLUSION

A significantly lower proportion of smear-positive TB patients with dysglycemia converted to smear negative after 2 months of treatment but not at the end of the treatment, thus suggesting a transient impact of dysglycemia on sputum conversion.

United States immigration detention amplifies disease interaction risk: A model for a transnational ICE-TB-DM2 syndemic

Detention and removal of unauthorised immigrants by United States (U.S.) Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has steadily increased despite declining rates of unauthorised migration. ICE detainees are held in overcrowded detention centres, often without due process and deprived of adequate food, sanitation, and medical care. Conditions of ICE detention contribute to malnutrition and increase the likelihood of infectious disease exposure, including tuberculosis (TB). TB infection interacts with Type 2 Diabetes (DM2), disproportionately affecting individuals who are routinely targeted by federal immigration practices. When two diseases interact and exacerbate one another within a larger structural context, thereby amplifying multiple disease interactions, this is called a syndemic. In this paper, we examine malnutrition in ICE detention as a pathway of bidirectional risks for and interactions between TB and DM2 among ICE detainees. Drawing from literature on detention conditions, TB, and DM2 rates along the U.S.-Mexico border, we propose an ICE-TB-DM2 syndemic model. We present a map displaying our proposed syndemic model to demonstrate the spatial application of syndemic theory in the context of ICE detention, strengthening the growing scholarship on syndemics of incarceration and removal.

Slow radiological improvement and persistent low-grade inflammation after chemotherapy in tuberculosis patients with type 2 diabetes

Background

Diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM) may impede immune responses in tuberculosis (TB) and thus contribute to enhanced disease severity. In this study, we aimed to evaluate DM-mediated alterations in clinical, radiological and immunological outcomes in TB disease.

Methods

Newly diagnosed pulmonary TB patients with or without DM (TB n = 40; TB-DM n = 40) were recruited in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Clinical symptoms, sputum smear and culture conversion as well as chest radiography were assessed. Peripheral blood and sputum samples were collected at the time of diagnosis (baseline) and after 1, 2 and 6 months of standard anti-TB treatment. Blood samples were also obtained from healthy controls (n = 20). mRNA expression of inflammatory markers in blood and sputum samples were quantified using real-time PCR.

Results

The majority of TB-DM patients had poor glycemic control (HbA1c > 8%) and displayed elevated pulmonary pathology (P = 0.039) particularly in the middle (P < 0.004) and lower lung zones (P < 0.02) throughout the treatment period. However, reduction of clinical symptoms and time to sputum smear and culture conversion did not differ between the groups. Transcripts levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β (P = 0.003 at month-1 and P = 0.045 at month-2) and TNF-α (P = 0.005 at month-1) and the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 (P = 0.005 at month-2) were higher in peripheral blood after anti-TB treatment in TB-DM compared to TB patients. Conversely in sputum, TB-DM patients had reduced CD4 (P < 0.009 at month-1) and IL-10 (P = 0.005 at month-1 and P = 0.006 at month-2) transcripts, whereas CD8 was elevated (P = 0.016 at month-2). At 1- and 2-month post-treatment, sputum IL-10 transcripts were inversely correlated with fasting blood glucose and HbA1c levels in all patients.

Conclusion

Insufficient up-regulation of IL-10 in the lung may fuel persistent local inflammation thereby promoting lung pathology in TB-DM patients with poorly controlled DM.

Diabetes in tuberculosis patients: An emerging public health concern and the determinants and impact on treatment outcome

BACKGROUND

Tuberculosis (TB) and diabetes mellitus are still of much public health concern. Screening of TB patients for diabetes will ensure early case detection, better management of diabetes, and better TB treatment outcome. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated factors of diabetes in TB patients and their impact on treatment outcome of TB.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a longitudinal follow-up study of registered TB patients under the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program in all five TB units of Bhopal district. Participants were contacted and the interview was conducted. The blood sugar of all TB patients was checked, and they were followed up to assess the treatment outcome from October 2014 to September 2017. Data were analyzed using SPSS (version 16.0. Chicago, SPSS Inc.). Logistic regression was done to find the factors for diabetes in TB patients. The Chi-square tests were used to find the difference in treatment outcomes and assess the relative risk for poor outcome in diabetic TB patients.

RESULTS

Of total 662 TB patients, 82 (12.39%) were diagnosed as diabetic. Age >50 years, males, higher body mass index, pulmonary TB, patients on Category II treatment, and history of smoking were found to be predictors of diabetes in TB patients. The treatment outcome of TB was more unfavorable (defaulter, failure, and death) in diabetic TB patients (16.17%) than in nondiabetic TB patients (5.8%) (risk ratio = 2.78, 1.469-5.284 confidence interval).

CONCLUSION

The high prevalence of diabetes and the unfavorable treatment outcome in diabetic TB patients make screening and management of diabetes at an early-stage crucial for a better outcome in TB patients.

The correlation between CT features and insulin resistance levels in patients with T2DM complicated with primary pulmonary tuberculosis

The aim is to investigate the correlation between computed tomography (CT) features and insulin resistance levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) complicated with primary pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). Nearly, 268 untreated PTB patients complicated with T2DM were divided into two groups according to the optimal cutoff value of HOMA-IR score for the Chinese population: HOMA-IR ≤ 2.69 (Group I: 74 patients), >2.69 (Group II: 194 patients). The basic characteristics and changes of CT manifestations were analyzed. In the two groups, the detection rate of large segmented leafy shadow was 39.2% and 78.9%; the air bronchogram sign detection rate was 40.5% and 80.9%; the discovery rate of mouth-eaten cavity was 33.8% and 73.7%; the thin-walled cavity detection rate was 2.7% and 16.0%; the rate of multiple cavities was 35.1% and 69.6%; and bronchial tuberculosis was found in 4.1% and 35.6%, respectively. The detection rates of lesions in Group II were significantly higher than in Group I (p < .05). HOMA-IR was found independently associated with large segmented leafy shadow, air bronchial sign, thin-walled cavity, and bronchial tuberculosis. The level of insulin resistance can effectively reflect the severity of PTB patients with T2DM. CT scan can directly provide image information in clinics. These two examinations can guide clinicians to accurately formulate subsequent treatment plans.

Diabetes, undernutrition, migration and indigenous communities: tuberculosis in Chiapas, Mexico

We investigated the distribution of comorbidities among adult tuberculosis (TB) patients in Chiapas, the poorest Mexican state, with a high presence of indigenous population, and a corridor for migrants from Latin America. Secondary analysis on 5508 new adult TB patients diagnosed between 2010 and 2014 revealed that the most prevalent comorbidities were diabetes mellitus (DM; 19.1%) and undernutrition (14.4%). The prevalence of DM in these TB patients was significantly higher among middle aged (41–64 years) compared with older adults (⩾65 years) (38.6% vs. 23.2%; P < 0.0001). The prevalence of undernutrition was lower among those with DM, and higher in communities with high indigenous presence. Immigrants only comprised 2% of all TB cases, but were more likely to have unfavourable TB treatment outcomes (treatment failure, death and default) when compared with those born in Chiapas (29.5% vs. 11.1%; P < 0.05). Unfavourable TB outcomes were also more prevalent among the TB patients with undernutrition, HIV or older age, but not DM (P < 0.05). Our study in Chiapas illustrates the challenges of other regions worldwide where social (e.g. indigenous origin, poverty, migration) and host factors (DM, undernutrition, HIV, older age) are associated with TB. Further understanding of these critical factors will guide local policy makers and health providers to improve TB management.

Tuberculosis and diabetes: association with sociodemographic characteristics and diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis. Brazil, 2007-2011

INTRODUCTION

Tuberculosis and diabetes comorbidity remains a challenge for global public health.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the sociodemographic profile and the diagnostic and treatment characteristics of tuberculosis cases with and without diabetes in Brazil.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study with data from the Notifiable Diseases Information System and the Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus Primary Care Clinical Management System, from 2007 to 2011. We adopted a Poisson regression model with robust variance to estimate the prevalence ratios (PR) and their respective confidence intervals.

RESULTS

We found the studied comorbidity in 7.2% of cases. The hierarchical model showed a higher PR among women (PR=1.31; 95% confidence interval - 95%CI 1.27-1.35); a greater association in the age groups 40-59 years and ≥ 60 years (PR=11.70; 95%CI 10.21-13.39, and PR=17.49; 95%CI 15.26-20.05), and in those with positive sputum smear microscopy results - 1st sample (PR=1.40; 95%CI 1.35-1.47). Return after treatment discontinuation and treatment discontinuation were inversely associated with comorbidity (PR=0.66; 95%CI 0.57-0.76 and PR=0.79; 95%CI 0.72-0.87).

CONCLUSION

The findings, such as the inverse relationship with tuberculosis treatment discontinuation in the group of people with comorbidity, reinforce the importance of integrated actions in health services to change the scenario of this challenging comorbidity.

Forecasting the impact of diabetes mellitus on tuberculosis disease incidence and mortality in India

Background

In context of the rapidly expanding diabetes mellitus (DM) epidemic in India and slowly declining tuberculosis (TB) incidence, we aimed to estimate the past, current, and future impact of DM on TB epidemiology.

Methods

An age-structured TB-DM dynamical mathematical model was developed and analyzed to assess the DM-on-TB impact. The model was calibrated using a literature review and meta-analyses. The DM-on-TB impact was analyzed using population attributable fraction metrics. Sensitivity analyses were conducted by accommodating less conservative effect sizes for the TB-DM interactions, by factoring the age-dependence of the TB-DM association, and by assuming different TB disease incidence rate trajectories.

Results

In 1990, 11.4% (95% uncertainty interval (UI) = 6.3%-14.4%) of new TB disease incident cases were attributed to DM. This proportion increased to 21.9% (95% UI = 12.1%-26.4%) in 2017, and 33.3% (95% UI = 19.0%-44.1%) in 2050. Similarly, in 1990, 14.5% (95% UI = 9.5%-18.2%) of TB-related deaths were attributed to DM. This proportion increased to 28.9% (95% UI = 18.9%-34.1%) in 2017, and 42.8% (95% UI = 28.7%-53.1%) in 2050. The largest impacts originated from the effects of DM on TB disease progression and infectiousness. Sensitivity analyses suggested that the impact could be even greater.

Conclusions

The burgeoning DM epidemic is predicted to become a leading driver of TB disease incidence and mortality over the coming decades. By 2050, at least one-third of TB incidence and almost half of TB mortality in India will be attributed to DM. This is likely generalizable to other Asian Pacific countries with similar TB-DM burdens. Targeting the impact of the increasing DM burden on TB control is critical to achieving the goal of TB elimination by 2050.

A public-private model to scale up diabetes mellitus screening among people accessing tuberculosis diagnostics in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Background:

Data are scarce regarding the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) among tuberculosis (TB) patients in Bangladesh. This study was undertaken to estimate the number needed to screen (NNS) to identify a case of DM among those with TB symptoms and those with confirmed TB disease, and to identify factors predicting treatment outcomes of TB patients with and without DM.

Methods:

Persons attending public–private model screening centres in urban Dhaka for the evaluation of TB were offered free blood glucose testing in addition to computer-aided chest X-ray and sputum Xpert MTB/RIF.

Results:

Among 7647 people evaluated for both TB and DM, the NNS was 35 (95% confidence interval (CI) 31–40) to diagnose one new case of DM; among those diagnosed with TB, the NNS was 21 (95% CI 17–29). Among those with diagnosed TB, patients with DM were more likely to have cavitation on chest X-ray compared to those without DM (31% vs 22%). Treatment failure (odds ratio (OR) 18.9, 95% CI 5.43–65.9) and death (OR 2.08, 95% CI 1.11–3.90) were more common among TB patients with DM than among TB patients without DM. DM was the most important predictor of a poor treatment outcome in the classification analysis for TB patients aged 39 years and above.

Conclusions:

A considerable burden of DM was found among patients accessing TB diagnostics through a public–private model in urban Bangladesh, and DM was associated with advanced TB disease and a high rate of poor treatment outcome.

Incidence and Predictors of Tuberculosis among Adult Diabetic Patients, Debre Markos Referral Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia, 2018: A Retrospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Tuberculosis remains a serious global public health problem. It mainly affects the lungs, and occurs in every part of the world. The link between tuberculosis and diabetes mellitus is essential to inform programs and policies, yet there is a scarcity of information in our study area. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the incidence and predictors of tuberculosis among diabetic patients at Debre Markos Referral Hospital, northwest Ethiopia.

METHODS

This institutionally based retrospective cohort study was undertaken among 433 diabetic patients of Debre Markos Referral Hospital between January 2013 and December 2017. All eligible diabetic patients who met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. Data were entered using EpiData version 3.1 and analyzed using Stata version 14. The survival time of diabetic patients was estimated using Kaplan-Meier survival curves, and survival time among different categorical variables compared using the log-rank test. Both bivariate and multivariate Coxproportional-hazard regression models were fitted to identify independent predictors of tuberculosis among diabetic patients.

RESULTS

Among the cohort of 43326 (6%) developed tuberculosis during follow-up. The overall tuberculosis-incidence rate was 2.4 per 100 with 95% CI. The total time allotted to follow up the study participants was 1,101.5 person-years. Using multivariate Cox regression analysis, history of alcohol consumption (adjusted incidence ratio 4, 95% CI 1.2-13; P=0.02) and history of tuberculosis (12, 95% CI 3-39; P=0.01) significantly increased the risk of tuberculosis, but normal body-mass index and above (≥18.5 kg/m²) was associated with a rate reduction (0.34, 95% CI 0.14; P=0.80; 0.03) forincidence of tuberculosis.

CONCLUSION

In this study, we found a high rate of tuberculosis among diabetic patients. Factors significantly linked with increased risk of tuberculosis included history of alcohol consumption, history of tuberculosis, and low body-mass index. Early screening and treatment for tuberculosis is highly recommended at diabetes mellitus follow-up for patients with these risk factors.

Diabetes mellitus and treatment outcomes of pulmonary tuberculosis: a cohort study

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate the impact of diabetes on the treatment outcomes among pulmonary TB patients in Yerevan, Armenia.

METHODS

We utilized a cohort study design that included TB patients with diabetes and TB patients without diabetes. The data collection was conducted in the National Tuberculosis Control Center, eight tuberculosis outpatient centers and the 'Prisoners' Hospital' in Yerevan, Armenia. Data were collected from an existing national TB database and patients medical records. Multivariable logistic regressions were conducted to construct the final model and test the associations.

RESULTS

The final sample included 621 patients 5.8% of whom had diabetes. The odds of having treatment failure was 8.99 times higher among TB patients with diabetes (95% confidence interval 2.51-32.23) compared to TB patients without diabetes after adjusting for weight and sputum smear status.

CONCLUSIONS

Diabetes comorbidity had a negative effect on TB treatment outcomes. Countries with a high burden of both TB and diabetes need to develop mechanisms for active screening for diabetes among patients with TB and address their treatment needs carefully.

Analytical Exploration of Potential Pathways by which Diabetes Mellitus Impacts Tuberculosis Epidemiology

We aimed to develop a conceptual framework of diabetes mellitus (DM) effects on tuberculosis (TB) natural history and treatment outcomes, and to assess the impact of these effects on TB-transmission dynamics. The model was calibrated using TB data for India. A conceptual framework was developed based on a literature review, and then translated into a mathematical model to assess the impact of the DM-on-TB effects. The impact was analyzed using TB-disease incidence hazard ratio (HR) and population attributable fraction (PAF) measures. Evidence was identified for 10 plausible DM-on-TB effects. Assuming a flat change of 300% (meaning an effect size of 3.0) for each DM-on-TB effect, the HR ranged between 1.0 (Effect 9-Recovery) and 2.7 (Effect 2-Fast progression); most effects did not have an impact on the HR. Meanwhile, TB-disease incidence attributed directly and indirectly to each effect ranged between -4.6% (Effect 7-TB mortality) and 34.5% (Effect 2-Fast progression). The second largest impact was for Effect 6-Disease infectiousness at 29.9%. In conclusion, DM can affect TB-transmission dynamics in multiple ways, most of which are poorly characterized and difficult to assess in epidemiologic studies. The indirect (e.g. onward transmission) impacts of some DM-on-TB effects are comparable in scale to the direct impacts. While the impact of several effects on the HR was limited, the impact on the PAF was substantial suggesting that DM could be impacting TB epidemiology to a larger extent than previously thought.

The re-emerging association between tuberculosis and diabetes: Lessons from past centuries

The association between tuberculosis (TB) and diabetes mellitus (DM) had a common place in the literature up to the first half of the 20th century, but virtually disappeared with the discovery of insulin to treat DM and antibiotics to cure TB. In the late 1990s the literature began to re-emerge with the worldwide increase in type 2 DM, particularly in TB-endemic countries. Today, type 2 DM is the most prevalent comorbidity among TB patients and the World Health Organization considers it a threat to TB control. We summarize the literature on TB and DM up to the 1960s. Then we evaluate unique aspects of this comorbidity in older times, such as the frequent diabetic comas that suggest challenges for proper DM management as insulin was being implemented, or the absence of antibiotics to cure TB. Despite the unique aspects of each study period, the literature across times is consistent in key aspects of the association. Namely, a higher TB prevalence among DM (versus non-DM patients), the importance of glucose control and chronic DM on TB susceptibility and the higher risk of death among patients with the co-morbidity. From the older literature, we can infer the likely contribution of type 1 DM to TB (in addition to type 2), regardless of their differing autoimmune or metabolic pathophysiology, respectively. Furthermore, in the older literature there was a notable reporting of DM development among TB patients, even though DM usually preceded TB. This observation deserves further epidemiological and basic studies to elucidate this intriguing aspect of the relationship between TB and DM.

Association of polymorphisms at -174 in IL-6, and -308 and -238 in TNF-α, in the development of tuberculosis and type 2 diabetes mellitus in the Mexican population

Polymorphisms at -176 in IL-6, and -238 and -308 in TNF-α have been described as risk factors for developing tuberculosis (TB) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, it is not known how these changes influence the development of TB-T2DM comorbidity. The objective of this work was therefore to analyze the impact of these polymorphisms in the Mexican population. This is a cross-sectional study of cases and controls in which polymorphisms at -174 in IL-6, -238 and -308 in TNF-α were identified in healthy subjects, those with TB, T2DM and carriers of the comorbidity, each group consisted of 30 individuals. Descriptions of the population, frequency of genotypes and risk association were calculated, and a reduction of multifactorial dimensionality between groups (MDR) was determined. Genotype 174 G/G-of IL-6 was observed in 78% of individuals, while -308 G/G and -238 G/G of TNF-α occurred in 90% and 91% of individuals, respectively. The -174 G/G IL-6 in individuals with T2DM increased five-fold (p = .02) the risk of developing the comorbidity. The MDR analysis showed that the association of -174 G/G IL-6 and -308 G/G TNF-α in healthy individuals increased the risk of developing the comorbidity up to six-fold (p = .019), while in individuals with T2DM, this risk augmented 14-fold (p = .0002). The -174 G/G IL-6 genotype increases the risk of developing comorbidity in the T2DM population and this risk is raised when associated with -308 G/G TNF-α. These findings have implications for understanding the epidemiological dynamics of the TB-T2DM comorbidity, promoting prevention strategies and inhibiting the development of this co-morbidity.

Prevalence of diabetes mellitus among tuberculosis patients in Sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

BACKGROUND

Tuberculosis and diabetes mellitus are significant global public health challenges. In Sub-Saharan Africa, study findings regarding prevalence of diabetes mellitus amongst tuberculosis patients have been inconsistent and highly variable. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis estimates the overall prevalence of diabetes mellitus among tuberculosis patients in Sub-Saharan Africa.

METHODS

Four international databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct and Cochrane Library) were systematically searched. We included all observational studies reporting the prevalence of DM among TB patients in Sub-Saharan Africa. All necessary data for this review were extracted using a standardized data extraction format by two authors (CT and AA1). STATA Version 14 statistical software was employed to conduct meta-analysis. The Cochrane Q test statistics and I2 test were used to assess the heterogeneity of the studies. Finally, a random effects meta-analysis model was computed to estimate the pooled prevalence of diabetes mellitus in TB patients. Besides, subgroup analysis was done based on different factors.

RESULTS

In the meta-analysis, sixteen studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included. The findings of these 16 studies revealed that the pooled prevalence of diabetes mellitus among tuberculosis patients in Sub-Saharan Africa was 9.0% (95% CI: 6.0, 12.0%). The highest prevalence of diabetes mellitus among tuberculosis patients was found in Nigeria (15%), followed by Tanzania (11%), and then Ethiopia (10%). Besides, the prevalence of diabetes mellitus among HIV infected TB patients was (8.9%) which is slightly higher than HIV uninfected (7.7%) TB patients.

CONCLUSION

Diabetes mellitus among tuberculosis patients in Sub-Saharan Africa was significantly high. Moreover, this study found that there was a high prevalence of DM among HIV infected than uninfected TB patients. It is strongly recommended to screen for DM among TB patients and special emphasis should be given for early screening of DM among TB/HIV co-infected patients.

Trends of tuberculosis meningitis and associated mortality in Texas, 2010-2017, a large population-based analysis

Background

As the most severe form of tuberculosis (TB), TB meningitis (TBM) is still associated with high mortality even in developed countries. In certain areas of the United States (U.S.), more than 50% of the TBM patients die with TB or have neurological sequelae and complications despite the availability of advanced health care. This population-based analysis aimed to determine the risk factors and trends associated with TBM morbidity and mortality using state-wide surveillance data.

Methods

De-identified surveillance data of all confirmed TB patients from the state of Texas between 01/2010 and 12/2017 reported to the National TB Surveillance System was analyzed. Spatial distribution of TBM cases was presented by Stata's Geographic Information Systems mapping. Univariate and multiple generalized linear modeling were used to identify risk factors associated with meningitis morbidity and mortality. Non-parametric testing was used to analyze morbidity and mortality trends.

Results

Among 10,103 TB patients reported in Texas between 2010 and 2017, 192 (1.9%) had TBM. During this 8-year period, the TBM proportion fluctuated between 1.5% and 2.7% with peaks in 2011 (2.7%) and 2016 (2.1%) and an overall non-significant trend (z = -1.32, p = 0.19). TBM had a higher mortality at diagnosis (8.9%), during treatment (14.1%) and overall (22.9%) compared to non-TBM (1.9%, 5.3%, and 7.2%, respectively, p<0.001). While mortality during treatment was unchanged over time in non-TBM patients (z = 0.5, p = 0.62), it consistently increased in TBM patients after 2013 (z = 3.09, p = 0.002). TBM patients had nearly five times the risk for overall death in multivariate analysis [aRR 4.91 (95% CI 3.71, 6.51), p<0.001]. TBM patients were younger, and more likely to present with miliary TB or HIV (+). Age ≥45 years, resident of a long-term care facility, IDU, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, abnormal chest radiography, positive AFB smear or culture and HIV (+) were independently associated with higher mortality.

Conclusion

TBM remains challenging in Texas with significantly high mortality. Risk factors determined by multivariate modeling will inform health professionals and lay a foundation for the development of more effective strategies for TBM prevention and management.

Coprevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus and tuberculosis in low-income and middle-income countries: A systematic review

Increasing coprevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and tuberculosis (TB) in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) indicates a rising threat to the decades of progress made against TB and requires global attention. This systematic review provides a summary of type 2 diabetes and tuberculosis coprevalence in various LMICs. We searched PubMed, Ovid Medline, Embase, and PsychINFO databases for studies that provided estimates of TB-DM coprevalence in LMICs published between 1990 and 2016. Studies that were non-English and exclusively conducted in multidrug resistant-tuberculosis or type 1 diabetes and inpatient settings were excluded. We reviewed 84 studies from 31 countries. There were huge diversity of study designs and diagnostic methods used to estimate coprevalence, and this precluded pooling of the results. Most studies (n = 78) were from small, localized settings. The DM prevalence among TB patients in various LMICs varied from 1.8% to 45%, with the majority (n = 44) between 10% and 30%. The TB prevalence among people with DM ranged from 0.1% to 6.0% with most studies (n = 9) reporting prevalences less than 2%. Coprevalence of TB-DM was higher than general population prevalence of either diseases in these countries. This study underscores the need for intervention and more focused research on TB DM bidirectional screening programs in low-income and middle-income countries as well as integrated chronic disease management.

High prevalence of self-reported tuberculosis and associated factors in a nation-wide census among prison inmates in Peru

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the prevalence of self-reported tuberculosis TB diagnosed at Peruvian correctional facilities (CFs), and their associated factors.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study based on secondary analysis of the National Census held in all Peruvian CFs in 2016. Outcome was defined as self-reported TB diagnosed by a healthcare professional intra-penitentiary. A descriptive bivariate analysis was carried out, followed by multivariate analysis using Poisson regression in order to calculate the adjusted prevalence ratios (PRa). Additionally, a mixed effects multilevel model adjusted by CFs as clusters was performed.

RESULTS

Of 77 086 prison inmates in 66 CFs participated in the original census, of which 69 890 were included. Of these, 1754 self-reported TB diagnosed intra-penitentiary, yielding a prevalence of 2510/100 000 PDL. In the final model, self-reported TB was associated with younger age, male gender, lower educational level, not having a stable partner, having prison readmissions and having relatives in prison. There was also strong association with HIV/AIDS (PRa 2.77; 1.84-4.18), STIs (PRa 2.13; 1.46-3.10), DM (PRa 1.99; 1.59-2.50) and recreational drugs use (PRa 1.41; 1.23-1.61). The mixed model showed significant variance for belonging to different CFs (2.13; 1.02-4.44) and CF overcrowding (3.25; 1.37-7.71).

CONCLUSIONS

Self-reported TB prevalence found was higher than reported by other lower/lower-middle income countries. Demographic factors, individual clinical features and overcrowding increases the likelihood of self-reported TB.

Stress Hyperglycemia in Patients with Tuberculosis Disease: Epidemiology and Clinical Implications

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The intersection of tuberculosis (TB) disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus is severely hindering global efforts to reduce TB burdens. Diabetes increases the risk of developing TB disease and negatively impacts TB treatment outcomes including culture conversion time, mortality risk, and TB relapse. Recent evidence also indicates plausible mechanisms by which TB disease may influence the pathogenesis and incidence of diabetes. We review the epidemiology of stress hyperglycemia in patients with TB and the pathophysiologic responses to TB disease that are related to established mechanisms of stress hyperglycemia. We also consider clinical implications of stress hyperglycemia on TB treatment, and the role of TB disease on risk of diabetes post-TB.

RECENT FINDINGS

Among patients with TB disease, the development of stress hyperglycemia may influence the clinical manifestation and treatment response of some patients and can complicate diabetes diagnosis. Research is needed to elucidate the relationship between TB disease and stress hyperglycemia and determine the extent to which stress hyperglycemia impacts TB treatment response. Currently, there is insufficient data to support clinical recommendations for glucose control among patients with TB disease, representing a major barrier for efforts to improve treatment outcomes for patients with TB and diabetes.

A study on prevalence of diabetes and associated risk factors among diagnosed tuberculosis patients registered under Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme in Bhopal District

CONTEXT

Tuberculosis (TB) and diabetes mellitus (DM) remains a worldwide global public health problem. About 95% of patients with TB live in the low and middle-income countries and more than 70% of patients with DM also live in the same countries, especially in South East Asia. Screening for diabetes in patients with TB will not only ensure early case detection but also better management of diabetes and will lead to better TB treatment outcome.

AIMS

This study aims to determine the prevalence and its associated factors of diabetes and prediabetes among diagnosed cases of TB patients registered under Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) in Bhopal city.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN

The current study was a longitudinal follow-up study conducted among registered TB patients under RNTCP in all 5 TB units of Bhopal District.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Participants were contacted and interview was conducted after obtaining consent using predesigned and pretested Performa during October 2013-September 2014.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED

Continuous variable were summarized as frequency, mean, and standard deviation. All variables were analyzed using Chi-square test of significance; P < 0.05 was taken as statically significant.

RESULTS

Out of the total 662 TB patients, 352 were male and 310 were female. Out of the total, 82 (12.39%) patients were diagnosed as diabetic and 108 (16.3%) were prediabetic. significant association found with six variables which are age, sex, body mass index, type of TB, Category of TB, and smoking.

CONCLUSION

This study shows feasibility and importance of screening of TB patients.

Screening for diabetes among tuberculosis patients registered under revised national tuberculosis control program, Bhopal, India

Context:

Tuberculosis (TB) and diabetes mellitus (DM) remain a global public health problem. India has the largest number of TB cases; in 2015, out of total global annual incidence of 9.6 million TB cases, 2.2 million were estimated from India. There are 62.4 million people with type 2 diabetes and 77 million people with prediabetes in India, and these numbers are projected to increase to 101 million by the year 2030. Diabetes and TB affect each other at many levels. Screening for diabetes in patients with TB will not only help in early case detection but also better management of both comorbidities.

Aims:

(i) To determine the prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes among diagnosed cases of TB registered under RNTCP in Bhopal district. (ii) To determine additional yield of previously unknown DM and the number needed to screen (NNS) to find out a new case of DM. (iii) To find out the factors associated with diabetes among patients diagnosed with TB registered under RNTCP in Bhopal district.

Settings and Design:

This study was a cross-sectional study conducted on registered patients with TB under RNTCP in two TB units of Bhopal district.

Materials and Methods:

Participants were contacted and interview was conducted after obtaining consent using predesigned and pretested performa during the period of 1^st October 2014 to 30^th March 2015 for a period of 6 months.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Continuous variable were summarized as frequency, mean, and standard deviation. All variables were analyzed using Chi-square test of significance; P < 0.05 was taken as statically significant.

Result:

Of the total 528 patients with TB, 296 was male and 232 were female. Of the total, 63 (11.9%) patients were diagnosed as diabetic. NNS to diagnose a new case of DM was 22.1. Significant association was found with six variables which are age, sex, body mass index, type of TB, category of TB, and smoking.

Conclusion:

This study shows feasibility and importance of screening of patients with TB in existing program settings.

The Bidirectional Relationship between Tuberculosis and Diabetes

The burden of tuberculosis (TB) especially in developing countries continues to remain high despite efforts to improve preventive strategies. Known traditional risk factors for TB include poverty, malnutrition, overcrowding, and HIV/AIDS; however, diabetes, which causes immunosuppression, is increasingly being recognized as an independent risk factor for tuberculosis, and the two often coexist and impact each other. Diabetes may also lead to severe disease, reactivation of dormant tuberculosis foci, and poor treatment outcomes. Tuberculosis as a disease entity on the other hand and some commonly used antituberculous medications separately may cause impaired glucose tolerance. This review seeks to highlight the impact of comorbid TB and diabetes on each other. It is our hope that this review will increase the awareness of clinicians and managers of TB and diabetes programs on the effect of the interaction between these two disease entities and how to better screen and manage patients.

Effect of glycemic control and type of diabetes treatment on unsuccessful TB treatment outcomes among people with TB-Diabetes: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Stringent glycemic control by using insulin as a replacement or in addition to oral hypoglycemic agents (OHAs) has been recommended for people with tuberculosis and diabetes mellitus (TB-DM). This systematic review (PROSPERO 2016:CRD42016039101) analyses whether this improves TB treatment outcomes.

OBJECTIVES

Among people with drug-susceptible TB and DM on anti-TB treatment, to determine the effect of i) glycemic control (stringent or less stringent) compared to poor glycemic control and ii) insulin (only or with OHAs) compared to 'OHAs only' on unsuccessful TB treatment outcome(s). We looked for unfavourable TB treatment outcomes at the end of intensive phase and/or end of TB treatment (minimum six months and maximum 12 months follow up). Secondary outcomes were development of MDR-TB during the course of treatment, recurrence after 6 months and/or after 1 year post successful treatment completion and development of adverse events related to glucose lowering treatment (including hypoglycemic episodes).

METHODS

All interventional studies (with comparison arm) and cohort studies on people with TB-DM on anti-TB treatment reporting glycemic control, DM treatment details and TB treatment outcomes were eligible. We searched electronic databases (EMBASE, PubMed, Google Scholar) and grey literature between 1996 and April 2017. Screening, data extraction and risk of bias assessment were done independently by two investigators and recourse to a third investigator, for resolution of differences.

RESULTS

After removal of duplicates from 2326 identified articles, 2054 underwent title and abstract screening. Following full text screening of 56 articles, nine cohort studies were included. Considering high methodological and clinical heterogeneity, we decided to report the results qualitatively and not perform a meta-analysis. Eight studies dealt with glycemic control, of which only two were free of the risk of bias (with confounder-adjusted measures of effect). An Indian study reported 30% fewer unsuccessful treatment outcomes (aOR (0.95 CI): 0.72 (0.64-0.81)) and 2.8 times higher odds of 'no recurrence' (aOR (0.95 CI): 2.83 (2.60-2.92)) among patients with optimal glycemic control at baseline. A Peruvian study reported faster culture conversion among those with glycemic control (aHR (0.95 CI): 2.2 (1.1,4)). Two poor quality studies reported the effect of insulin on TB treatment outcomes.

CONCLUSION

We identified few studies that were free of the risk of bias. There were limited data and inconsistent findings among available studies. We recommend robustly designed and analyzed studies including randomized controlled trials on the effect of glucose lowering treatment options on TB treatment outcomes.

Diabetes and Tuberculosis

The increase in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients in countries where tuberculosis (TB) is also endemic has led to the reemerging importance of DM as a risk factor for TB. DM causes a 3-fold increase in TB risk and a 2-fold increase in adverse TB treatment outcomes. Given the sheer numbers of DM patients worldwide, there are now more TB patients with TB-DM comorbidity than TB-HIV coinfection. There is an urgent need to implement strategies for TB prevention and control among the millions of DM patients exposed to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This chapter summarizes the current epidemiological, clinical, and immunological knowledge on TB and DM and their clinical and public health implications. These include the underlying mechanisms for TB risk in DM patients and their clinical and sociodemographic characteristics that distinguish them from TB patients without DM. TB-DM comorbidity is posing a new challenge for integrating the short-term care for TB with the long-term care for DM, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

Human Immunology of Tuberculosis

Immunology is a central theme when it comes to tuberculosis (TB). The outcome of human infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis is dependent on the ability of the immune response to clear or contain the infection. In cases where this fails, the bacterium replicates, disseminates within the host, and elicits a pathologic inflammatory response, and disease ensues. Clinical presentation of TB disease is remarkably heterogeneous, and the disease phenotype is largely dependent on host immune status. Onward transmission of M. tuberculosis to new susceptible hosts is thought to depend on an excessive inflammatory response causing a breakdown of the lung matrix and formation of lung cavities. But this varies in cases of underlying immunological dysfunction: for example, HIV-1 infection is associated with less cavitation, while diabetes mellitus comorbidity is associated with increased cavitation and risk of transmission. In compliance with the central theme of immunology in tuberculosis, we rely on detection of an adaptive immune response, in the form of interferon-gamma release assays or tuberculin skin tests, to diagnose infection with M. tuberculosis. Here we review the immunology of TB in the human host, focusing on cellular and humoral adaptive immunity as well as key features of innate immune responses and the underlying immunological dysfunction which associates with human TB risk factors. Our review is restricted to human immunology, and we highlight distinctions from the immunological dogma originating from animal models of TB, which pervade the field.

A Study of the Patients Suffering from Tuberculosis and Tuberculosis-diabetes Comorbidity in Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program Centers of Northern Madhya Pradesh, India

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is recognized as an important risk factor to tuberculosis (TB). India has high TB burden, along with rising DM prevalence.

AIM

This study was conducted to document the coexistence of DM and TB in persons with established TB under the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program.

TYPE OF STUDY

This was a cross-sectional, descriptive observational study conducted at selected Directly Observed Therapy center in Gwalior North Central India.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 550 patients with confirmed diagnosis of TB and on treatment were recruited. The study participants were screened for DM and diagnoses were made on the basis of the World Health Organization criteria. Clinical parameters were compared between persons with DM and those without DM.

RESULTS

DM/TB co-morbidity was noted in 85 individuals and these made up 15.4% of the study population. The mean age was higher in DM patients with TB (43.4 ± 15.4 vs. 33.1 ± 16.2 years, P = 0.000); the mean duration of symptoms of TB with DM was more (124 ± 16.4 vs. 107.49 ± 10.3 days). Multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that increasing age, positive family history of diabetes, sedentary occupation, and presence of pulmonary TB were significantly associated with diabetes among TB patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Diabetes is an important co-morbid feature to be sought in patients with TB. This study re-echo the need to raise awareness on screening for DM in persons with TB.

Prevalence and associated factors of tuberculosis and diabetes mellitus comorbidity: A systematic review

Introduction

The dual burden of tuberculosis (TB) and diabetes mellitus (DM) has become a major global public health concern. There is mounting evidence from different countries on the burden of TB and DM comorbidity. The objective of this systematic review was to summarize the existing evidence on prevalence and associated/risk factors of TBDM comorbidity at global and regional levels.

Methods

Ovid Medline, Embase, Global health, Cochrane library, Web of science and Scopus Elsevier databases were searched to identify eligible articles for the systematic review. Data were extracted using standardized excel form and pilot tested. Median with interquartile range (IQR) was used to estimate prevalence of TBDM comorbidity. Associated/risk factors that were identified from individual studies were thematically analyzed and described.

Results

The prevalence of DM among TB patients ranged from 1.9% to 45%. The overall median global prevalence was 16% (IQR 9.0%-25.3%) Similarly, the prevalence of TB among DM patients ranged from 0.38% to 14% and the overall median global prevalence was 4.1% (IQR 1.8%-6.2%). The highest prevalence of DM among TB patients is observed in the studied countries of Asia, North America and Oceania. On the contrary, the prevalence of TB among DM patients is low globally, but relatively higher in the studied countries of Asia and the African continents. Sex, older age, urban residence, tobacco smoking, sedentary lifestyle, poor glycemic control, having family history of DM and TB illness were among the variables identified as associated/risk factors for TBDM comorbidity.

Conclusion

This systematic review revealed that there is a high burden of DM among TB patients at global level. On the contrary, the global prevalence of TB among DM patients is low. Assessing the magnitude and risk/associated factors of TBDM comorbidity at country/local level is crucial before making decisions to undertake TBDM integrated services.

The Diabetes-Tuberculosis Co-Epidemic: The Interaction between Individual and Socio-Economic Risk Factors

Worldwide, tuberculosis (TB) is a major cause of morbi-mortality, about 30% of the population having a Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) have a threefold increased risk of developing the disease. The prevalence of DM is rapidly increasing, especially in countries with low and middle income, where TB incidence is also increased, thus baffling the efforts for TB control. The DM-TB co-epidemic is more frequent in married, older men, with reduced level of education, low income, without a steady job, with lifestyle habits such as alcohol consumption, smoking, sedentarism, living in an urban environment, in crowded areas, in insanitary conditions. These patients have a higher body mass index (BMI) compared with those without DM and frequently present family history of TB, family history of DM, longer duration of DM and reduced glycemic control. TB associated with DM is usually asymptomatic, more contagious, multidrug resistant and is significantly associated with an increased risk of therapy failure, relapse and even death. Thus, the DM-TB comorbidity represents a threat to public health and requires the implementation of urgent measures in order to both prevent and manage the two diseases.

Concurrence of Tuberculosis and Other Major Diseases

The chronic respiratory disease of tuberculosis (TB) has become one of the most significant infectious diseases because of its high mortality. It also results in serious social and economic problems that challenge global public health. Anti-TB treatment has achieved satisfactory results; however, concurrence with other diseases such as diabetes, silicosis, malnutrition, or immunosuppressive therapy can significantly interfere with the treatment of TB. Though irregular treatment is the overriding cause of treatment failure, drug-resistant TB or severe TB and complications are also significant factors. Respiratory tract infection and respiratory failure are the leading cause of death for TB.

Tuberculosis-diabetes co-morbidity is characterized by heightened systemic levels of circulating angiogenic factors

BACKGROUND

Tuberculosis-diabetes co-morbidity (TB-DM) is characterized by increased inflammation with elevated circulating levels of inflammatory cytokines and other factors. Circulating angiogenic factors are intricately involved in the angiogenesis-inflammation nexus.

METHODS

To study the association of angiogenic factors with TB-DM, we examined the systemic levels of VEGF-A, VEGF-C, VEGF-D, VEGF-R1, VEGF-R2, VEGF-R3 in individuals with either TB-DM (n = 44) or TB alone (n = 44).

RESULTS

Circulating levels of VEGF-A, C, D, R1, R2 and R3 were significantly higher in TB-DM compared to TB individuals. Moreover, the levels of VEGF-A, C, R2 and/or R3 were significantly higher in TB-DM with bilateral or cavitary disease or with hemoptysis, suggesting an association with both disease severity and adverse clinical presentation. The levels of these factors also exhibited a significant positive relationship with bacterial burdens and HbA1c levels. In addition, VEGF-A, C and R2 levels were significantly higher (at 2 months of treatment) in culture positive compared to culture negative TB-DM individuals. Finally, the circulating levels of VEGF-A, C, D, R1, R2 and R3 were significantly reduced following successful chemotherapy at 6 months.

CONCLUSION

Our data demonstrate that TB-DM is associated with heightened levels of circulating angiogenic factors, possibly reflecting both dysregulated angiogenesis and exaggerated inflammation.

Tuberculosis-diabetes epidemiology in the border and non-border regions of Tamaulipas, Mexico

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is a re-emerging risk factor for TB development and adverse TB outcomes. As a follow-up of our previous study in 1998-2004, we reassessed prevalence of DM and its associated factors among 8431 TB patients using surveillance data from 2006 to 2013 for the Mexican state of Tamaulipas, across the border with Texas. Prevalence of DM was 25.2%, with an increase of at least 2.8% over the study period. Newly discovered factors associated with TB-DM (versus no DM) were lower education and higher unemployment (p < 0.001), which are reportedly associated with poorer DM management. At least 15% of the DM patients were newly-diagnosed and younger than those previously diagnosed, showing the importance of early DM diagnosis at TB clinics. TB-DM patients were more likely to have smear-positive, pulmonary (versus extra-pulmonary) and drug-resistant TB (1.9-, 3.8- and 1.4-fold, respectively). During treatment, TB-DM patients were more likely to be smear-positive, and less likely to die or abandon TB treatment. Thus, the increasing prevalence of DM among TB, and its association with low education, features of a more contagious TB, and drug resistance, highlight the need for design of TB management programs in DM patients, blood testing of all new TB patients for DM, and if positive for DM, testing for drug resistance.

[Diabetes among new cases of pulmonary tuberculosis in Hanoï, Vietnam]

The aim of this study was to analyze all new pulmonary tuberculosis cases and to assess the frequency and consequences of associated diabetes mellitus. Although apparently distinct, these two diseases could be linked, as suspected since decades. The context is the persistent endemicity of tuberculosis and the recent emergence of diabetes, two major health events for developing countries. The study was conducted at National TB hospital in Hanoï, Vietnam, and retrospectively included tuberculosis patients, cases with diabetes and controls without diabetes, collected during a three-year period 2006-2008. Cases associated with HIV infection or other comorbidities potentially affecting mortality were excluded. Among 2867 new pulmonary TB cases, 254 (8.8%) had associated diabetes. Eighty-six cases and 86 matched controls were included. Among cases mean blood glucose at admission was 14.4 mmol/dl, and patients were mostly urban (50% cases vs 32.5% controls, p=0.03). Clinical symptoms were similar in both groups. However, chest X-Ray cavitary images were significantly more frequent among cases (38.3% vs 16.3%, p=0.002, OR=4.1), as did infiltrative images (78% vs 62%, p=0.017, OR=2.55) and positive sputum smears (67.4% vs 47.8%, p=0.014, OR=2.21). In Vietnam, DM is found in quasi 9% of patients with a new diagnosis of primary pulmonary TB. The diabetes-TB patients may have more severe radiologic findings and a higher smear positivity rate. We suggest that in addition to the systematic HIV screening, all new TB patients should also be screened for diabetes.

Effect of Diabetes Mellitus on Tuberculosis Treatment Outcome and Adverse Reactions in Patients Receiving Directly Observed Treatment Strategy in India: A Prospective Study

Despite successful implementation of directly observed treatment, short course (DOTS) in India, the growing number of diabetes mellitus (DM) patients appears to be a cause in the increasing tuberculosis (TB) incidence, affecting their management. In this regard, a prospective study was conducted on DOTS patients in three primary health care centers in urban slum region of South Delhi, India, to evaluate the effect of DM on sputum conversion, treatment outcome, and adverse drug reactions (ADR) due to anti-TB treatment. Eligible TB patients underwent blood glucose screening at treatment initiation. Disease presentation, clinical outcome, and ADRs were compared between patients of TB with and without DM. Out of 316 patients, the prevalence of DM was found to be 15.8%, in which 19.4% and 9.6% were PTB and EPTB patients, respectively. DM patients have observed higher sputum positivity (OR 1.247 95% CI; 0.539–2.886) at the end of 2-month treatment and poor outcome (OR 1.176 95% CI; 0.310–4.457) at the completion of treatment compared with non DM patients. Presence of DM was significantly associated (OR 3.578 95% CI; 1.114–11.494, p = 0.032) with the development of ADRs. DM influences the treatment outcome of PTB patients in our setting and also on the ADR incidence.

Diabetes mellitus is associated with increased mortality during tuberculosis treatment: a prospective cohort study among tuberculosis patients in South-Eastern Amahra Region, Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

There is growing evidence suggesting that diabetes mellitus (DM) affects disease presentation and treatment outcome in tuberculosis (TB) patients. This study aimed at investigating the role of DM on clinical presentations and treatment outcomes among newly diagnosed TB patients.

METHODS

A prospective cohort study was conducted in South-Eastern Amhara Region, Ethiopia from September 2013 till March 2015. Study subjects were consecutively recruited from 44 randomly selected health facilities in the study area. Participants were categorized into two patient groups, namely, patients with TB and DM (TBDM) and TB patients without DM (TBNDM). Findings on clinical presentations and treatment outcomes were compared between the two patient groups. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was applied to identify factors associated with death.

RESULTS

Out of 1314 TB patients enrolled in the study, 109 (8.3 %) had coexisting DM. TBDM comorbidity [adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) 3.96; 95 % confidence interval (C.I.) (1.76-8.89)], and TB coinfection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) [AHR 2.59; 95 % C.I. (1.21-5.59)] were associated with increased death. TBDM and TBNDM patients did not show significant difference in clinical symptoms at baseline and during anti-TB treatment period. However, at the 2(nd) month of treatment, TBDM patients were more symptomatic compared to patients in the TBNDM group.

CONCLUSIONS

The study showed that DM is associated with increased death during TB treatment. DM has no association with clinical presentation of TB except at the end of the intensive phase treatment. Routine screening of TB patients for DM is recommended for early diagnosis and treatment of patients with TBDM comorbidity.

Diabetes mellitus in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis in an aging population in Shanghai, China: Prevalence, clinical characteristics and outcomes

AIMS

To determine the prevalence of diabetes mellitus among pulmonary tuberculosis patients and the difference of clinical characteristics and outcomes between pulmonary tuberculosis patients with and without diabetes mellitus in an aging population in Shanghai, China.

METHODS

This is a retrospective population-based study. 201 newly diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Changning District, Shanghai during 2007-2008 were included. Clinical characteristics and outcomes were collected. Determination of diabetes mellitus was based on the medical records before pulmonary tuberculosis was diagnosed.

RESULTS

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus among pulmonary tuberculosis patients was 19.9% (40/201). Pulmonary tuberculosis patients with diabetes mellitus were more likely to be old (≥50, OR=5.23, 95% CI=2.07-13.25), to have pulmonary cavities (OR=3.02, 95% CI=1.31-6.98), to be sputum smear positive (OR=2.90, 95% CI=1.12-7.51), and to have extension of anti-tuberculosis treatment duration (OR=2.68, 95% CI 1.17-6.14). Besides, they had a higher 2nd month sputum smear positive proportion (OR=2.97, 95% CI 1.22-7.22) and a higher 5-year recurrence rate (OR=5.87, 95% CI 1.26-27.40).

CONCLUSIONS

High prevalence, severe clinical characteristics and poor outcomes of pulmonary tuberculosis patients with diabetes mellitus highlight the necessity of early bi-directional screening and co-management of these two diseases in Shanghai, China.

Diabetes mellitus is associated with cavities, smear grade, and multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in Georgia

SETTING

National tuberculosis (TB) treatment facility in the country of Georgia.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and pre-DM among patients with TB using glycosylated-hemoglobin (HbA1c), and to estimate the association between DM and clinical characteristics and response to anti-tuberculosis treatment.

DESIGN

A cohort study was conducted from 2011 to 2014 at the National Centre for TB and Lung Disease in Tbilisi. Patients aged ⩾ 35 years with pulmonary TB were included. HbA1c was used to define DM (⩾ 6.5%), pre-DM (⩾ 5.7-6.4%), and no DM (<5.7%). Interviews and medical chart abstraction were performed. Regression analyses estimated associations between DM and 1) baseline TB characteristics and 2) anti-tuberculosis treatment outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 318 newly diagnosed patients with TB were enrolled. The prevalence of DM and pre-DM was 11.6% and 16.4%, respectively. In multivariable analyses, patients with TB-DM had more cavitation (adjusted OR [aOR] 2.26), higher smear grade (aOR 2.37), and more multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) (aOR 2.27) than patients without DM. The risk of poor anti-tuberculosis treatment outcomes was similar among patients with and those without DM (28.1% vs. 23.6%).

CONCLUSION

DM and pre-DM were common among adults with newly diagnosed pulmonary TB in Tbilisi, Georgia, and DM was associated with more clinical symptoms, and MDR-TB, at presentation.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Diabetes Mellitus among Tuberculosis Patients in South-Eastern Amhara Region, Ethiopia: A Cross Sectional Study

Background

The association between diabetes mellitus (DM) and tuberculosis (TB) is re-emerging worldwide. Recently, the prevalence of DM is increasing in resource poor countries where TB is of high burden. The objective of the current study was to determine the prevalence and analyze associated factors of TB and DM comorbidity in South-Eastern Amhara Region, Ethiopia.

Methods

This was a facility based cross-sectional study. All newly diagnosed TB patients attending selected health facilities in the study area were consecutively screened for DM. DM was diagnosed based on the World Health Organization diagnostic criteria. A pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic, lifestyles and clinical data. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with TB and DM comorbidity.

Result

Among a total of 1314 patients who participated in the study, the prevalence of DM was estimated at 109 (8.3%). Being female [odds ratio (OR) 1.70; 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.10–2.62)], patients age [41–64 years (OR 3.35; 95% CI (2.01–5.57), 65–89 years (OR 3.18; 95% CI (1.52–6.64)], being a pulmonary TB case [(OR 1.69; 95% CI 1.09–2.63)] and having a family history of DM [(OR 4.54; 95% CI (2.36–8.73)] were associated factors identified with TB and DM comorbidity.

Conclusion

The prevalence of DM among TB patients in South-Eastern Amahra Region is high. Routine screening of TB patients for DM is recommended in the study area.