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Ferrer J, Giménez E, Carretero D, Clari MÁ, Orta N, Navarro D, Albert E. Abbott realtime MTB assay for detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in respiratory specimens: a cost-benefit analysis. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2024; 43:1699-1709. [PMID: 38958810 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-024-04880-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Molecular screening for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) can lead to rapid empirical treatment inception and reduce hospitalization time and complementary diagnostic tests. However, in low-prevalence settings, the cost-benefit balance remains controversial due to the high cost. METHODS We used a Markov model to perform an economic analysis to evaluate the profit after implementing molecular MTB screening (Period B) compared with conventional culture testing (Period A) in respiratory samples from 7,452 consecutive subjects with presumed tuberculosis (TB). RESULTS The proportion of positivity was comparable between both periods (P > 0.05), with a total of 2.16 and 1.78 samples/patient requested in periods A and B, respectively (P < 0.001). The mean length of hospital stay was 8.66 days (95%CI: 7.63-9.70) in Period B and 11.51 days (95%CI: 10.15-12.87) in Period A (P = 0.001). The healthcare costs associated with diagnosing patients with presumed TB were reduced by €717.95 per patient with PCR screening. The probability of remaining hospitalized and the need for a greater number of outpatient specialty care visits were the variables with the most weight in the model. CONCLUSION Employing PCR as an MTB screening method in a low-prevalence setting may increase the profits to the system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josep Ferrer
- Microbiology Service, Clinic University Hospital, INCLIVA Health Research Institute, Valencia, Spain
| | - Estela Giménez
- Microbiology Service, Clinic University Hospital, INCLIVA Health Research Institute, Valencia, Spain
| | - Diego Carretero
- Microbiology Service, Clinic University Hospital, INCLIVA Health Research Institute, Valencia, Spain
| | - Mª Ángeles Clari
- Microbiology Service, Clinic University Hospital, INCLIVA Health Research Institute, Valencia, Spain
| | - Nieves Orta
- Microbiology Unit, Hospital Francisco de Borja, Gandía, Spain
| | - David Navarro
- Microbiology Service, Clinic University Hospital, INCLIVA Health Research Institute, Valencia, Spain
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Valencia, Spain, Av. Blasco Ibáñez 17, Valencia, Spain
| | - Eliseo Albert
- Microbiology Service, Clinic University Hospital, INCLIVA Health Research Institute, Valencia, Spain.
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Valencia, Spain, Av. Blasco Ibáñez 17, Valencia, Spain.
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Huang WC, Lin CB, Chien ST, Wang JY, Lin CJ, Feng JY, Lee CH, Shu CC, Yu MC, Lee JJ, Chiang CY. Performance of Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests in Patients with Presumptive Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Taiwan. Infect Dis Ther 2022; 11:871-885. [PMID: 35254635 PMCID: PMC8900096 DOI: 10.1007/s40121-022-00610-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Several nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) for detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) complex (MTBC) are available in Taiwan; however, their performances may differ and have not been extensively evaluated. Therefore, we aimed to explore the accuracy of NAATs overall followed by comparison between platforms commonly used in Taiwan. METHODS This study enrolled presumptive pulmonary TB patients with NAATs throughout Taiwan. The diagnostic performance of smear microscopy and NAATs was assessed using sputum culture as a reference standard. To investigate the performance of NAATs in excluding non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), we quantified the false-positive proportion of NAATs in patients infected with NTM. RESULTS Of the 4126 enrollees, 860 (20.8%) had positive NAATs. The sensitivity and specificity of NAATs were 83.2% and 96.7%, respectively, compared to 81.5% and 55.3% for smear. There was no significant difference in sensitivity between the NAATs and smear; however, the specificity of smear was significantly lower than that of the NAATs [difference 41.4%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 39.6-43.2%]. There was no significant difference in sensitivity among Roche Cobas Amplicor Mycobacterium tuberculosis assay (Amplicor), Xpert MTB/RIF assay (Xpert) and in-house polymerase chain reaction (in-house PCR) (82.2% versus 83.8% versus 82.4%); however, in-house PCR was significantly less specific than Amplicor (difference 5.3%, 95% CI 2.4-8.2%) and Xpert (difference 5.8%, 95% CI 3.1-8.5%). The sensitivity of NAATs among smear-negative cases was 33.1% (95% CI 26.0-40.3%). In-house PCR had a significantly higher false-positive rate among specimens that were culture positive for NTM than Amplicor (7.7% versus 0.3%; difference 7.4%, 95% CI 3.4-11.5%) and Xpert (7.7% versus 0.7%; difference 7.0%, 95% CI 2.9-11.0%). CONCLUSION The NAATs overall had a relatively high sensitivity and specificity in detecting MTBC while Amplicor and Xpert performed better than in-house PCR in excluding NTM. Our findings will be useful for the development of national policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Chang Huang
- Division of Chest Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, 407, Taiwan.,Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, 402, Taiwan.,Department of Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, 402, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, 402, Taiwan.,Department of Industrial Engineering and Enterprise Information, Tunghai University, Taichung, 407, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Technology, Jen-Teh Junior College of Medicine, Nursing and Management, Miaoli, 350, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Bin Lin
- Division of Chest Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, 970, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, 970, Taiwan
| | - Shun-Tien Chien
- Chest Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Tainan, 701, Taiwan
| | - Jann-Yuan Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, 100, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 100, Taiwan
| | - Chou-Jui Lin
- Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taoyuan, 330, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Yih Feng
- Department of Chest Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, 112, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 112, Taiwan.,Institute of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 112, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Hsin Lee
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine & Pulmonary Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, 111 Xing-Long Road, Section 3, Taipei, 116, Taiwan.,Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Chung Shu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, 100, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 100, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Chih Yu
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine & Pulmonary Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, 111 Xing-Long Road, Section 3, Taipei, 116, Taiwan.,School of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110, Taiwan
| | - Jen-Jyh Lee
- Division of Chest Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, 970, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, 970, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Yuan Chiang
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine & Pulmonary Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, 111 Xing-Long Road, Section 3, Taipei, 116, Taiwan. .,Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110, Taiwan. .,International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Paris, France.
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Campelo TA, Cardoso de Sousa PR, Nogueira LDL, Frota CC, Zuquim Antas PR. Revisiting the methods for detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis: what has the new millennium brought thus far? Access Microbiol 2021; 3:000245. [PMID: 34595396 PMCID: PMC8479963 DOI: 10.1099/acmi.0.000245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) affects around 10 million people worldwide in 2019. Approximately 3.4 % of new TB cases are multidrug-resistant. The gold standard method for detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which is the aetiological agent of TB, is still based on microbiological culture procedures, followed by species identification and drug sensitivity testing. Sputum is the most commonly obtained clinical specimen from patients with pulmonary TB. Although smear microscopy is a low-cost and widely used method, its sensitivity is 50-60 %. Thus, owing to the need to improve the performance of current microbiological tests to provide prompt treatment, different methods with varied sensitivity and specificity for TB diagnosis have been developed. Here we discuss the existing methods developed over the past 20 years, including their strengths and weaknesses. In-house and commercial methods have been shown to be promising to achieve rapid diagnosis. Combining methods for mycobacterial detection systems demonstrates a correlation of 100 %. Other assays are useful for the simultaneous detection of M. tuberculosis species and drug-related mutations. Novel approaches have also been employed to rapidly identify and quantify total mycobacteria RNA, including assessments of global gene expression measured in whole blood to identify the risk of TB. Spoligotyping, mass spectrometry and next-generation sequencing are also promising technologies; however, their cost needs to be reduced so that low- and middle-income countries can access them. Because of the large impact of M. tuberculosis infection on public health, the development of new methods in the context of well-designed and -controlled clinical trials might contribute to the improvement of TB infection control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thales Alves Campelo
- Faculdade de Medicina, Departamento de Patologia e Medicina Legal, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | | | - Lucas de Lima Nogueira
- Faculdade de Medicina, Departamento de Patologia e Medicina Legal, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Cristiane Cunha Frota
- Faculdade de Medicina, Departamento de Patologia e Medicina Legal, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Paulo Renato Zuquim Antas
- Laboratório de Imunologia Clínica, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Chopra A, Avadhani V, Tiwari A, Riemer EC, Sica G, Judson MA. Granulomatous lung disease: clinical aspects. Expert Rev Respir Med 2020; 14:1045-1063. [PMID: 32662705 DOI: 10.1080/17476348.2020.1794827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Granulomatous lung diseases (GLD) are heterogeneous group of diseases that can be broadly categorized as infectious or noninfectious. This distinction is extremely important, as the misdiagnosis of a GLD can have serious consequences. In this manuscript, we describe the clinical manifestations, histopathology, and diagnostic approach to GLD. We propose an algorithm to distinguish infectious from noninfectious GLD. AREAS COVERED We have searched PubMed and Medline database from 1950 to December 2019, using multiple keywords as described below. Major GLDs covered include those caused by mycobacteria and fungi, sarcoidosis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and vasculidities. EXPERT OPINION The cause of infectious GLD is usually identified through microbiological culture and molecular techniques. Most noninfectious GLD are diagnosed by clinical and laboratory criteria, often with exclusion of infectious pathogens. Further understanding of the immunopathogenesis of the granulomatous response may allow improved diagnosis and treatment of GLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Chopra
- Department of Medicine, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Albany Medical Center , NY, USA
| | - Vaidehi Avadhani
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University , Atlanta, USA
| | - Anupama Tiwari
- Department of Medicine, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Albany Medical Center , NY, USA
| | - Ellen C Riemer
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of South Carolina , SC, USA
| | - Gabriel Sica
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University , Atlanta, USA
| | - Marc A Judson
- Department of Medicine, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Albany Medical Center , NY, USA
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Model-based economic evaluations of diagnostic point of care tests were rarely fit for purpose. J Clin Epidemiol 2018; 109:1-11. [PMID: 30423377 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2018.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Revised: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Linked evidence models are recommended to predict health benefits and cost-effectiveness of diagnostic tests. We considered how published models accounted for changes in patient pathways that occur with point of care tests (POCTs) and their impact on patient health and costs. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING Model-based evaluations of diagnostic POCTs published from 2004 to 2017 were identified from searching six databases. For each model, we assessed the outcomes considered, and whether reduced time to diagnosis and increased access to testing affected patient health and costs. RESULTS Seventy-four model-based evaluations were included: 95% incorporated evidence on test accuracy, but 34% only assessed intermediate outcomes such as rates of correct diagnosis. Of 54 models where POCTs reduced testing time, 39% addressed the economic and 37% addressed the health benefits of faster diagnosis. No model considered differences in access to tests. CONCLUSION Many models fail to capture the effects of POCTs in increasing access, advancing speed of diagnosis and treatment, and reducing anxiety and the associated costs. Many only consider the impact of testing from changes in accuracy. Ensuring models incorporate changes in patient pathways from faster and more accessible testing will lead to economic evaluations that better reflect the impact of POCTs.
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Padmasawitri TIA, Frederix GW, Alisjahbana B, Klungel O, Hövels AM. Disparities in model-based cost-effectiveness analyses of tuberculosis diagnosis: A systematic review. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0193293. [PMID: 29742106 PMCID: PMC5942841 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0193293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Structural approach disparities were minimally addressed in past systematic reviews of model-based cost-effectiveness analyses addressing Tuberculosis management strategies. This review aimed to identify the structural approach disparities in model-based cost-effectiveness analysis studies addressing Tuberculosis diagnosis and describe potential hazards caused by those disparities. Methods A systematic search to identify studies published before October 2015 was performed in five electronic databases. After removal of duplication, studies’ titles and abstracts were screened based on predetermined criteria. The full texts of potentially relevant studies were subsequently screened and excluded when they did not address active pulmonary Tuberculosis diagnosis. Quality of the studies was assessed using the “Philips’ checklist.” Various data regarding general information, cost-effectiveness results, and disease modeling were extracted using standardized data extraction forms. Data pertaining to models’ structural approaches were compared and analyzed qualitatively for their applicability in various study settings, as well as their potential influence on main outcomes and cost-effectiveness conclusion. Results A total of 27 studies were included in the review. Most studies utilized a static model, which could underestimate the cost-effectiveness of the diagnostic tools strategies, due to the omission of indirect diagnosis effects, i.e. transmission reduction. A few structural assumption disparities were found in the dynamic models. Extensive disparities were found in the static models, consisting of varying structural assumptions regarding treatment outcomes, clinical diagnosis and empirical treatment, inpatient discharge decision, and re-diagnosis of false negative patients. Conclusion In cost-effectiveness analysis studies addressing active pulmonary Tuberculosis diagnosis, models showed numerous disparities in their structural approaches. Several structural approaches could be inapplicable in certain settings. Furthermore, they could contribute to under- or overestimation of the cost-effectiveness of the diagnosis tools or strategies. They could thus lead to ambiguities and difficulties when interpreting a study result. A set of recommendations is proposed to manage issues related to these structural disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- T. I. Armina Padmasawitri
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy Research Group, School of Pharmacy, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Gerardus W. Frederix
- Julius Centre for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Bachti Alisjahbana
- TB-HIV Research Centre, Medical Faculty, Padjadjaran University, Hasan Sadikin Hospital, Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Olaf Klungel
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Anke M. Hövels
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
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Fløe A, Hilberg O, Thomsen VØ, Lillebaek T, Wejse C. Shortening Isolation of Patients With Suspected Tuberculosis by Using Polymerase Chain Reaction Analysis: A Nationwide Cross-sectional Study. Clin Infect Dis 2015; 61:1365-73. [PMID: 26175524 DOI: 10.1093/cid/civ563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2015] [Accepted: 07/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Isolation of patients suspected for pulmonary tuberculosis is guided by serial sputum smears. This can result in isolation for days for patients with noncontagious tuberculosis. To determine whether a single sample negative for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex at polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can guide isolation. METHODS We retrospectively evaluated sputum samples analyzed for M. tuberculosis complex at the International Reference Laboratory of Mycobacteriology, Copenhagen, Denmark in 2002-2011. We selected culture-confirmed tuberculosis cases with ≥3 samples within 14 days before or after the initial culture-positive sample. We repeated the process for those with ≥2 samples within 28 days. The primary outcome was PCR-negative, smear-positive patients. RESULTS We included 53 533 sputum samples from 20 928 individuals; 1636 had culture-confirmed tuberculosis. Of these, 856 had ≥3 sputum samples analyzed within the 28 days, and 482 had ≥1 PCR result. Nine patients (2.5% of smear-positive patients) were smear positive/PCR negative; 8 of the 9 had a smear-positive result in only 1 of 3 samples, and 5 had a low smear grade. Of 722 patients with 2 samples, 7 (1.3% of smear-positive patients) were smear positive/PCR negative. Overall, none were smear positive for the sample that produced the negative PCR result. CONCLUSIONS Primary PCR identified >97% of serial smear-positive cases. The majority of the missed cases had low-grade smears. Nevertheless, the occurrence of smear-positive/PCR-negative cases underlines the importance of increasing the quantity and quality of samples. Moreover, it is important that samples analyzed with PCR are cultured, owing to higher-sensitivity drug susceptibility testing, differential diagnosis, and surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ole Hilberg
- Departments of Respiratory Diseases and Allergy
| | | | - Troels Lillebaek
- International Reference Laboratory of Mycobacteriology, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christian Wejse
- Infectious Diseases, Aarhus University Hospital GloHAU Center for Global Health, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University
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Lu C, Tsai S, Ruhumuriza J, Umugiraneza G, Kandamutsa S, Salvatore PP, Zhang Z, Binagwaho A, Ngabo F. Tracking rural health facility financial data in resource-limited settings: a case study from Rwanda. PLoS Med 2014; 11:e1001763. [PMID: 25460586 PMCID: PMC4251825 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1001763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Chunling Lu and colleagues describe a project for tracking health center financial data in two rural districts of Rwanda, which could be adapted for other low- or middle-income countries. Please see later in the article for the Editors' Summary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunling Lu
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Sandy Tsai
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | | | | | | | | | - Zibiao Zhang
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
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Modeling of novel diagnostic strategies for active tuberculosis - a systematic review: current practices and recommendations. PLoS One 2014; 9:e110558. [PMID: 25340701 PMCID: PMC4207742 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0110558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2014] [Accepted: 09/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The field of diagnostics for active tuberculosis (TB) is rapidly developing. TB diagnostic modeling can help to inform policy makers and support complicated decisions on diagnostic strategy, with important budgetary implications. Demand for TB diagnostic modeling is likely to increase, and an evaluation of current practice is important. We aimed to systematically review all studies employing mathematical modeling to evaluate cost-effectiveness or epidemiological impact of novel diagnostic strategies for active TB. Methods Pubmed, personal libraries and reference lists were searched to identify eligible papers. We extracted data on a wide variety of model structure, parameter choices, sensitivity analyses and study conclusions, which were discussed during a meeting of content experts. Results & Discussion From 5619 records a total of 36 papers were included in the analysis. Sixteen papers included population impact/transmission modeling, 5 were health systems models, and 24 included estimates of cost-effectiveness. Transmission and health systems models included specific structure to explore the importance of the diagnostic pathway (n = 4), key determinants of diagnostic delay (n = 5), operational context (n = 5), and the pre-diagnostic infectious period (n = 1). The majority of models implemented sensitivity analysis, although only 18 studies described multi-way sensitivity analysis of more than 2 parameters simultaneously. Among the models used to make cost-effectiveness estimates, most frequent diagnostic assays studied included Xpert MTB/RIF (n = 7), and alternative nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) (n = 4). Most (n = 16) of the cost-effectiveness models compared new assays to an existing baseline and generated an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). Conclusion Although models have addressed a small number of important issues, many decisions regarding implementation of TB diagnostics are being made without the full benefits of insight from mathematical models. Further models are needed that address a wider array of diagnostic and epidemiological settings, that explore the inherent uncertainty of models and that include additional epidemiological data on transmission implications of false-negative diagnosis and the pre-diagnostic period.
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Millman AJ, Dowdy DW, Miller CR, Brownell R, Metcalfe JZ, Cattamanchi A, Davis JL. Rapid molecular testing for TB to guide respiratory isolation in the U.S.: a cost-benefit analysis. PLoS One 2013; 8:e79669. [PMID: 24278155 PMCID: PMC3835836 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0079669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2013] [Accepted: 09/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Respiratory isolation of inpatients during evaluation for TB is a slow and costly process in low-burden settings. Xpert MTB/RIF (Xpert) is a novel molecular test for tuberculosis (TB) that is faster and more sensitive but substantially more expensive than smear microscopy. No previous studies have examined the costs of molecular testing as a replacement for smear microscopy in this setting. Methods We conducted an incremental cost–benefit analysis comparing the use of a single negative Xpert versus two negative sputum smears to release consecutive adult inpatients with presumed TB from respiratory isolation at an urban public hospital in the United States. We estimated all health-system costs and patient outcomes related to Xpert implementation, diagnostic evaluation, isolation, hospitalization, and treatment. We performed sensitivity and probabilistic uncertainty analyses to determine at what threshold the Xpert strategy would become cost-saving. Results Among a hypothetical cohort of 234 individuals undergoing evaluation for presumed active TB annually, 6.4% had culture-positive TB. Compared to smear microscopy, Xpert reduced isolation bed utilization from an average of 2.7 to 1.4 days per patient, leading to a 48% reduction in total annual isolation bed usage from 632 to 328 bed-days. Xpert saved an average of $2,278 (95% uncertainty range $1582–4570) per admission, or $533,520 per year, compared with smear microscopy. Conclusions Molecular testing for TB could provide substantial savings to hospitals in high-income countries by reducing respiratory isolation usage and overall length of stay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander J. Millman
- Department of Medicine, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- PRIME Residency Program, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - David W. Dowdy
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Cecily R. Miller
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Robert Brownell
- Department of Medicine, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - John Z. Metcalfe
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Curry International Tuberculosis Center, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Adithya Cattamanchi
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Curry International Tuberculosis Center, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - J. Lucian Davis
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Curry International Tuberculosis Center, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Lu C, Liu Q, Sarma A, Fitzpatrick C, Falzon D, Mitnick CD. A systematic review of reported cost for smear and culture tests during multidrug-resistant tuberculosis treatment. PLoS One 2013; 8:e56074. [PMID: 23457502 PMCID: PMC3574085 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0056074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2012] [Accepted: 01/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In 2011, World Health Organization revised its recommendation for microbiological monitoring during treatment for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) by increasing the frequency of culture examination from quarterly to monthly after culture conversion. Implementing the recommendation requires substantial additional investment in laboratory infrastructure. The objective of this review is to provide cost evidence that is needed for national TB programs to budget for optimal monitoring strategies. Methods and Findings We conducted the first systematic literature review on unit cost estimates of three monitoring strategies: 1) smear only; 2) culture only; 3) combined smear and culture. 26 peer-reviewed studies were selected by searching 10 databases in English and Chinese for literature published between 1995 and 2012. Cost estimates were converted into 2010 constant USD and international dollars. We assessed the quality of the estimates using a matrix with five essential elements and provided a cost projection for the combined smear and culture tests where the data were available. The 26 studies reported the cost estimates in 16 predominantly high- or middle-income countries from 1993 to 2009. The estimated unit cost for smear, culture, and combined tests ranges from $0.26 to $10.50, $1.63 to $62.01, and $26.73 to $39.57, respectively. The ratio of culture to smear costs varies from 1.35 to 11.98. The wide range of estimates is likely attributable to using different laboratory methods in different regions and years and differing practices in collecting and reporting cost data. Most studies did not report information critical for generalizing their conclusions. Conclusion The paucity and low quality of unit cost estimates for TB monitoring in resource-poor settings impose technical challenges in predicting the resources needed for strengthening microbiological monitoring. To improve the validity and comparability of the cost data, we strongly advocate the data collection, estimation, and reporting follow protocols proposed by WHO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunling Lu
- Division of Global Equity, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America.
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Abubakar I, Stagg HR, Cohen T, Mangtani P, Rodrigues LC, Pimpin L, Watson JM, Squire SB, Zumla A. Controversies and unresolved issues in tuberculosis prevention and control: a low-burden-country perspective. J Infect Dis 2012; 205 Suppl 2:S293-300. [PMID: 22448025 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jir886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite declining incidence in most high-income countries, tuberculosis shows no signs of disappearing in the near future. Although surveillance data from most Western European countries show relatively stable declines in the rate of tuberculosis over the past several decades, some have reported either an increasing rate or a decelerating pace of reduction in recent years. The burden of disease now disproportionately affects high-risk groups such as migrants, homeless persons, and prisoners. In view of the concentration of cases in urban areas and high-risk deprived groups, interventions that may not be efficient when applied to the general population may be highly cost effective when targeted at high-risk groups. In this article, we examine some controversial elements of tuberculosis prevention and control in low-burden countries and recommend issues for further research. In particular, we assess current evidence on the duration of protection by BCG vaccine, the screening of migrants and hard-to-reach groups, and the use of preventive therapy for contacts of cases of infectious multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. This analysis is presented from the perspective of low-tuberculosis-burden, high-income countries attempting to eliminate tuberculosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Abubakar
- Respiratory Diseases Department, Health Protection Services Colindale, Health Protection Agency, London, UK.
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Hughes R, Wonderling D, Li B, Higgins B. The cost effectiveness of Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques for the diagnosis of tuberculosis. Respir Med 2011; 106:300-7. [PMID: 22137190 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2011.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2011] [Accepted: 10/07/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is wide variation in the techniques deployed to diagnose tuberculosis in the UK, with little agreement on which tools or strategies are cost effective. This analysis therefore comprehensively evaluated the cost effectiveness of currently available diagnostic strategies for routine diagnosis of TB in the NHS. METHODS The analysis compared strategies consisting of Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques, culture and microscopy. A decision tree was used to estimate costs and Quality-Adjusted Life Years (QALYs) from a UK health service perspective. The sensitivity and specificity of each test determined the true and false positive and negative results in patients suspected of having active tuberculosis. These results led to either early, correct diagnosis or delayed diagnosis and the associated costs and QALYs. The presence of active tuberculosis combined with the side effects of treatment was associated with reduction in quality of life. Costs included were test costs, drug costs and the management of tuberculosis. Drug costs were based on generic UK list prices. Uncertainty in the model was explored through probabilistic and deterministic sensitivity analyses. RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS The cost effective strategy at threshold of £20,000 per QALY was a strategy using only sputum microscopy and culture routinely, meaning Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques are not cost effective at baseline. When the prevalence of tuberculosis was increased, however, nucleic acid amplification became cost effective at the same threshold. Aside from the prevalence, the results were shown to be robust. At low tuberculosis prevalence, Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques may not be cost effective but their potential in higher prevalence situations is considerable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralph Hughes
- National Clinical Guidelines Centre, 180 Great Portland Street, London W1W 5QZ, UK.
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Routine using pattern and performance of diagnostic tests for tuberculosis on a university hospital. Am J Med Sci 2010; 339:244-8. [PMID: 20124879 DOI: 10.1097/maj.0b013e3181cbfe40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Nucleic acid amplification tests to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis in clinical specimens are used increasingly as a laboratory tool. We aimed to investigate the routine using pattern and the effects on therapeutic decision of diagnostic tests for tuberculosis in our hospital. METHODS In this descriptive study, we investigated retrospectively the routine using pattern and the effects on therapeutic decision of diagnostic tests for tuberculosis. Patients with discordant results were clinically evaluated retrospectively by a chest physician. Samples were tested for the presence of M. tuberculosis by a smear technique, M. tuberculosis culture growth technique (Löwenstein-Jensen and/or BACTEC-960), and IS6110 polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS Culture positivity was 7.2% (83 of 1159 patients). In total, 198 (62.4%) were tested with PCR, acid-fast bacilli, and culture. On the basis of culture results as a gold standard, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of PCR were 46%, 89%, 23%, and 93.5%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Selection of appropriate patients for further testing and exclusion of low-risk patients from microbiologic testing by experienced clinicians may help to optimize the positive predictive value of PCR.
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Campos M, Quartin A, Mendes E, Abreu A, Gurevich S, Echarte L, Ferreira T, Cleary T, Hollender E, Ashkin D. Feasibility of Shortening Respiratory Isolation with a Single Sputum Nucleic Acid Amplification Test. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2008; 178:300-5. [DOI: 10.1164/rccm.200803-381oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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MacPherson DW, Gushulak BD. Balancing prevention and screening among international migrants with tuberculosis: Population mobility as the major epidemiological influence in low-incidence nations. Public Health 2006; 120:712-23. [PMID: 16828821 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2006.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2005] [Revised: 02/04/2006] [Accepted: 04/05/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tuberculosis infection and disease remain a significant cause of global morbidity and mortality. The burden of tuberculosis disease is greatest in the developing nations of the world, although the effect of imported disease is observed in low-incidence tuberculosis regions, represented predominantly by high-income countries. In these regions, national tuberculosis control and elimination programmes are increasingly challenged to address disease in foreign-born residents. Immigration policies and shifting migration patterns over the past 5 decades have brought larger numbers of permanent and temporary residency migrants from high-prevalence regions of the world into low tuberculosis incidence environments. As a consequence, both national immigration policies and global health strategies for the control of tuberculosis share common interest in mobile populations moving from high-to-low prevalence regions. Existing immigration medical screening practices in major immigrant-receiving nations were often designed to prevent and manage the importation of contagious, active pulmonary tuberculosis disease. Such programmes may be limited in addressing the long-term consequences of latent tuberculosis infection in foreign-born residents. In nations with a low incidence of tuberculosis, a direct link can be found between the globalization of health factors related to international population movements, as observed with tuberculosis and immigration policies and practices. Continued migration from high-endemic tuberculosis regions will increasingly influence the disease burden in low-endemic areas, and challenge local tuberculosis control and elimination programmes. Evidence-based approaches to meeting those challenges will allow for the effective use of resources and support ongoing programme evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- D W MacPherson
- Migration Health Consultants Inc., Hartackerstrasse 77/21190 Vienna, Austria
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Michos AG, Daikos GL, Tzanetou K, Theodoridou M, Moschovi M, Nicolaidou P, Petrikkos G, Syriopoulos T, Kanavaki S, Syriopoulou VP. Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA in respiratory and nonrespiratory specimens by the Amplicor® MTB PCR. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2006; 54:121-6. [PMID: 16406184 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2005.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2005] [Revised: 09/05/2005] [Accepted: 09/08/2005] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
To evaluate the diagnostic performance of a commercially available Mycobacterium tuberculosis PCR assay (Amplicor MTB-ROCHE), 2296 respiratory and nonrespiratory specimens from 2296 patients with suspected tuberculosis (TB) were collected prospectively in an 8-year period. Clinical data for each patient were abstracted, and all samples were examined blindly by direct microscopy, culture, and PCR. M. tuberculosis DNA was detected in 93 of 113 culture-positive samples and in 29 of 38 samples from patients with probable TB. The lowest sensitivity was observed in pleural fluid and abscess aspirates. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value of the assay were 97.2%, 100%, and 100% for smear-positive specimens and 75.3%, 97.0%, and 47.5% for smear-negative specimens, respectively. The PCR cost per additional correct clinical decision was Euro 2826 but would have declined to Euro 308 if the test was applied only to smear-positive specimens. The overall performance of Amplicor MTB test was excellent for smear-positive, but suboptimal for smear-negative specimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athanasios G Michos
- First Department of Pediatrics, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, Athens University, 11527 Athens, Greece
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Abstract
Diagnostic testing for tuberculosis has remained unchanged for nearly a century, but newer technologies hold the promise of a true revolution in tuberculosis diagnostics. New tests may well supplant the tuberculin skin test in diagnosing latent tuberculosis infection in much of the world. Tests such as the nucleic acid amplification assays allow more rapid and accurate diagnosing of pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis. The appropriate and affordable use of any of these tests depends on the setting in which they are employed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Brodie
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, 622 West 168th Street, PH 8 East, Room 101, New York, NY 10032, USA
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Abstract
Molecular diagnostic techniques, such as PCR, have become useful tools for the rapid etiological diagnosis of lower respiratory tract infections. Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) have been evaluated for detecting most respiratory pathogens, and commercial assays are available for some pathogens. However, standardized protocols are needed before these assays are introduced into routine diagnostic use. For pneumonia, NAATs offer advantages over conventional tests for the detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Legionella spp. and Chlamydia pneumoniae. For pneumococcal pneumonia in adults, PCR adds little to existing diagnostic tests, and is unable to distinguish pneumococcal colonization from infection when testing respiratory samples. Although less sensitive than culture-based methods, several commercial molecular diagnostic assays have been developed for tuberculosis and are useful rapid tests for selected patients. PCR can now be considered the rapid diagnostic test of choice for pertussis and some respiratory virus infections. Further work is required to better characterize the role of molecular diagnostic tests for diagnosing lower respiratory tract infections, and to develop standard assays that can be readily adopted by routine diagnostic laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R Murdoch
- Department of Pathology, Christchurch School of Medicine and Health Sciences, and Microbiology Unit, Canterbury Health Laboratories, Christchurch, New Zealand.
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