scholarly journals Expected background rates of latent TB infection in London inner city schools: lessons from a TB contact investigation exercise in a secondary school

2018 ◽  
Vol 146 (16) ◽  
pp. 2102-2106 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Anaraki ◽  
A.J. Bell ◽  
S. Perkins ◽  
S. Murphy ◽  
S. Dart ◽  
...  

AbstractFollowing an extensive contact tracing exercise at a school in a London borough with one of highest tuberculosis (TB) rates in England, we estimated the background prevalence of latent TB infection to be significantly less than the widely accepted 10%. We screened 271 pupils aged 14–15 years in two groups: 96 pupils in group 1 had significant exposure (>8 h/week in the same room) to a case of infectious TB and 175 in group 2 who had minimal exposure. In group 1, 26% were diagnosed with latent or active TB, compared to 6.3% in group 2. Risk factors for TB infection (e.g. previous exposure or link to high-prevalence communities) were analysed using a cohort study design. In the univariable analysis only being in contact group 1 was statistically significantly associated with being a case (OR 5.25, 95%, P < 0.001). In the multivariable model contact group 1 remained significantly associated with being a case (adjusted OR 4.40, P = 0.001). We concluded that the 6.3% yield of TB infection in contact group 2 is either similar to or higher than the background prevalence rate of latent TB infection (LTBI) in this high TB prevalence London borough. Other parts of England with lower TB prevalence are likely to have even lower LTBI rates.

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. S289-S289
Author(s):  
Woosuck Suh ◽  
Jong-Hyun Kim ◽  
Ji Hyen Hwang ◽  
Sodam Lee ◽  
Kang-Hee Lee ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The Republic of Korea has the highest incidence rate of tuberculosis (TB) among members of the OECD, reported as 78.8/100,000 population in 2016. In response, a state-run intensive contact investigation for TB is being conducted. More effective TB control requires an epidemiologic emphasis on the diagnosis and treatment of latent TB infections in children and adolescents, compared with other age groups. Here we present an analysis of data from the childcare center and school contact investigation by the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2013–2015. Methods Data collected from index patients included age, sex, occupation, disease status, results of AFB smear/culture, and chest x-ray. Data collected from contacts included age, sex, results of serial tuberculin skin test (TST), and chest x-ray. Congregate settings included childcare centers, kindergartens, elementary and secondary schools, and age groups were stratified as follows: 0–4 years, 5–12 years, and 13–18 years. TSTs were considered positive if induration ≥10 mm on the first test (TST1) or demonstrated an increase ≥6 mm over the induration of TST1 on repeat testing after 8 weeks (TST2). Results Of the 197,801 subjects with data collected, 173,998 were eligible and included in our analysis. TST1 results were available for 159,346 (91.6%) and when results were positive, induration was 10–14 mm in 7.6% and ≥15 mm in 1.5%. TST2 results were available for 119,797 (82.7%) of the 144,904 with negative TST1, and conversion rate was 9.0%. Altogether considering TST1 and TST2, 17.3% contacts had latent TB infections. Positive rates of TST significantly decreased with age: 20.3% in 0–4 years, 18.8% in 5–12 years, 17.1% in 13–18 years. Conclusion In this 3-year school-setting contact investigation, 17.3% contacts were diagnosed with latent TB infection, as demonstrated by TST reactions. Positive rates of TST significantly but mildly decreased with age. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.


Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 1169
Author(s):  
Carlos David Araújo Bichara ◽  
Maria Alice Freitas Queiroz ◽  
Ednelza da Silva Graça Amoras ◽  
Gergiane Lopes Vaz ◽  
Izaura Maria Vieira Cayres Vallinoto ◽  
...  

The present study evaluated the frequency of seropositivity for anti-SARS-CoV-2 (S1 and S2) total antibodies and anti-SARS-CoV-2 (receptor binding domain-RBD-S1) neutralizing antibodies in individuals vaccinated with the immunizing agent Coronavac. This was a cross-sectional study involving 358 individuals divided into two groups. Group 1 consisted of 205 volunteers who were tested for anti-SARS-CoV-2 total antibodies; group 2 consisted of 153 individuals tested for the presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies. Seropositivity was greater than 70% in both groups, although 17.6% and 20.9% of individuals showed no neutralizing or total antibody reactivity, respectively. The frequency of anti-SARS-CoV-2 total antibodies displayed a significantly different distribution between the sexes but not according to age. The frequency of anti-SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies was 93.3% (95% CI 68.1–99.8) in the age group from 21 to 40 years but significantly decreased with advancing age, and was 76.2% (95% CI 52.8–91.8) for 41 to 60 years, 72.5% (95% CI 62.8–80.9) for 61 to 80 years, and 46.7% (95% CI 21.3–73.4) for >80 years. Our results reveal a high prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 total antibodies and anti-SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies in individuals who received both doses of the Coronavac vaccine, suggesting a lower effectiveness of the humoral immune response among those older than 60 years of age, which might be associated with senescence of the immune system.


1993 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 315-321 ◽  
Author(s):  
C.F.T. Yoshida ◽  
Y. Takahashi ◽  
B.O.M. Vanderborght ◽  
C.D. Rouzere ◽  
M.S. França ◽  
...  

Two groups of patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) maintenance were evaluated for their antibody response to non-structural c100/3 protein and structural core protein of hepatitis C virus (HCV). Forty-six patients (Group 1) never presented liver abnormalities during HD treatment, while 52 patients (Group 2) had either current or prior liver enzyme elevations. Prevalence rates of 32.6% and 41.3% were found for anti-c100/3 and anti-HCV core antibodies, respectively, in patients with silent infections (Group 1). The rate of anti-c100/3 in patients of Group 2 was 71.15% and reached 86.5% for anti-HCV core antibodies. The recognition of anti-c100/3 and anti-core antibodies was significantly higher in Group 2 than in Group 1. A line immunoassay composed of structural and non-structural peptides was used as a confirmation assay. HBV infection, measured by the presence of anti-HBc antibodies, was observed in 39.8% of the patients. Six were HBsAg chronic carriers and 13 had naturally acquired anti-HBs antibodies. The duration of HD treatment was correlated with anti-HCV positivity. A high prevalence of 96.7% (Group 2) was found in patients who underwent more than 5 years of treatment. Our results suggest that anti-HCV core ELISA is more accurate for detecting HCV infection than anti-c100/3. Although the risk associated with the duration of HD treatment and blood transfusion was high, additional factors such as a significant non-transfusional spread of HCV seems to play a role as well. The identification of infective patients by more sensitive methods for HCV genome detection should help to control the transmission of HCV in the unit under study.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos David Araújo Bichara ◽  
Maria Alice Freitas Queiroz ◽  
Ednelza da Silva Graça Amoras ◽  
Gergiane Lopes Vaz ◽  
Izaura Maria Vieira Cayres Vallinoto ◽  
...  

Abstract The race to develop a vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) has raised questions regarding the safety of immunizers, efficacy regarding the production of neutralizing antibodies, and the longevity of the immune response, especially when related to variables such as sex and age. The present study evaluated the frequency of seropositivity for anti-SARS-CoV-2 (S1 and S2) total antibodies and anti-SARS-CoV-2 (receptor binding domain - RBD - S1) neutralizing antibodies in individuals vaccinated with the immunizing agent Coronavac (Sinovac). This was a cross-sectional study involving 358 individuals divided into two groups. Group 1 consisted of 205 volunteers who were tested for anti-SARS-CoV-2 total antibodies (S1 and S2); group 2 consisted of 153 individuals tested for the presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies (RBD-S1). Seropositivity was greater than 70% in both groups, though approximately 20% of individuals showed no antibody production. The frequency of anti-SARS-CoV-2 total antibodies (S1 and S2) displayed a significantly different distribution between the sexes but not according to age. The frequency of anti-SARS-CoV-2 (RBD-S1) neutralizing antibodies was 93% in the age group from 21 to 40 years, which was significantly lower with advancing age, to 76% (41 to 60 years), 72% (61 to 80 years) and 47% (>80 years). Our results reveal a high prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 total antibodies (S1 and S2) and anti-SARS-CoV-2 (RBD - S1) neutralizing antibodies in individuals who received both doses of the Coronavac vaccine, suggesting a lower efficiency of the humoral immune response among those older than 60 years of age, which might be associated with senescence of the immune system.


2020 ◽  
Vol 148 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Bishara ◽  
M. Green ◽  
D. Chemtob ◽  
A. Saffouri ◽  
L. Zelikman ◽  
...  

Abstract Despite considerable efforts to control tuberculosis (TB) among Ethiopian immigrants in Israel, an outbreak of TB among second-generation Ethiopian immigrants that involved native Israelis occurred between January 2011 and December 2019. The aim of this article is to report on this outbreak and discuss the patient and health system barriers that led to its propagation. Overall, 13 culture-positive TB patients were diagnosed in this outbreak. An additional 36 cases with identical mycobacterium tuberculosis genotypes were identified through cross-checking with the National TB Laboratory Registry. Among the 32 close contacts of the index case, 18 (56.3%) reported for screening and treatment of latent TB infection (LTBI) was recommended for 11 (61.1%) of them. However, none completed treatment and eight eventually developed TB. Of the 385 close contacts identified in this outbreak, 286 (74.3%) underwent contact investigation, 154 (53.8%) were recommended LTBI treatment, but only 26 (16.9%) completed the treatment. Routine contact investigation and treatment practice measures failed to contain the cascade of infection and disease, leading to the spread of the infecting strain of TB. This report highlights the challenges to identify the high-risk group and address barriers to care among such a vulnerable population.


Author(s):  
Azhar Khan ◽  
Mohamad Imran ◽  
Mohammed Imran ◽  
Shoib N. Parkar ◽  
Mueed U. Islam ◽  
...  

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome has a high prevalence among adults. Cephalometric variables can be a valuable method for evaluating patients with this syndrome. The objective of this study is to evaluate and compare the craniofacial variables in subjects with and without snoring by cephalometric analysis.Methods: 40 patients were included in the study who were divided into two groups; group 1 of 20 snoring patients and group 2 control group of 20 non-snoring patients and were evaluated and compared for various cephalometric variables.Results: The distance from the hyoid bone to the mandibular plane (MP-H) was the only variable that showed a statistically significant correlation between two groups.Conclusions: Cephalometric variables are useful tools for evaluating the patients with snoring who are predisposed to obstructive sleep apnoea. The distance from the hyoid bone to the mandibular plane showed a statistically significant correlation between two groups.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jille Gelders ◽  
Siddhartha Lieten ◽  
Tony Mets ◽  
Ivan Bautmans ◽  
Sebastiaan Engelborghs ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Hypoglycemia, especially at old age, can lead to several major problems, such as falls and cognitive deficits. The aim of our study was to detect hypoglycemia in older persons with and without diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM).Methods: The frequency and duration of hypoglycemia/hyperglycemia was studied in ambulatory geriatric (>75 years), non-diabetic persons (Group 1, n=10), using real time Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM, Dexcom G6), and in age- and sex-matched cognitively-healthy, T2DM patients having HbA1c levels < 9.0% (Group 2, n=10). The device was used during 20 days per person, who was blinded for the values on the receiver (except in case of severe hypo- or hyperglycemia). Data were stored for further analysis on the Dexcom Clarity Portal.Results: Hypoglycemia occurred frequently in older persons without T2DM, despite absence of hypoglycemia-inducing medication. In this group, people had 0.50% (median value) of the time glycemic values below 70 mg/dL, most of the episodes happened during nighttime. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that hypoglycemia occurs frequently in non-diabetic older persons. Further studies are needed to determine whether this could be part of the normal aging process, and to determine if hypoglycemia might contribute to cognitive deterioration.


2009 ◽  
Vol 137 (9) ◽  
pp. 1342-1347 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. RIVAS ◽  
I. LATORRE ◽  
A. SANVISENS ◽  
J. DOMÍNGUEZ ◽  
J. TOR ◽  
...  

SUMMARYIn vitro tests have been developed for the diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) infection. The objective was to analyse latent TB infection in drug and alcohol abusers through two interferon-γ techniques. One hundred and thirty-nine patients were admitted between February 2006 and May 2007. Mean age was 39·8 years [31% HIV positive]. The enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) interferon-γ assays were positive in 34% of patients with an agreement of 83% (κ=0·63). Tuberculin skin test (TST) was positive in 29% of patients and the agreement of TST with EIA and ELISPOT interferon-γ assays was 85% (κ=0·62) and 83% (κ=0·57), respectively. Almost 50% of patients with history of TB had a positive in vitro test. In conclusion, we observed a high prevalence of latent TB and good agreement between the new in vitro tests that otherwise may continue to be positive long after developing TB disease.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline Corbett ◽  
Aizat Kulzhabaeva ◽  
Tatjana Toichkina ◽  
Gulmira Kalmambetova ◽  
Sevim Ahmedov ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Effective active case finding (ACF) activities are essential for early identification of new cases of active tuberculosis (TB) and latent TB infection (LTBI). Accurate diagnostics as well as the ability to identify contacts at high risk of infection are essential for ACF, and have not been systematically reported from Central Asia. The objective was to implement a pilot ACF program to determine the prevalence and risk factors for LTBI and active TB among contacts of individuals with TB in Kyrgyz Republic using Quantiferon-TB Gold plus (QuantiFERON). Methods An enhanced ACF project in the Kyrgyz Republic was implemented in which close and household (home) contacts of TB patients from the Issyk-Kul Oblast TB Center were visited at home. QuantiFERON and the tuberculin skin test (TST) alongside clinical and bacteriological examination were used to identify LTBI and active TB cases among contacts. The association for QuantiFERON positivity and risk factors were analysed and compared to TST results. Results Implementation of ACF with QuantiFERON involved close collaboration with the national sanitary and epidemiological services (SES) and laboratories in the Kyrgyz Republic. From 67 index cases, 296 contacts were enrolled of whom 253 had QuantiFERON or TST results; of those 103 contacts had LTBI (positive TST or IGRA), and four (1.4%) active TB cases were detected. Index case smear microscopy (OR 1.76) and high household density (OR 1.97) were significant risk factors for QuantiFERON positivity for all contacts. When stratified by age, association with smear positivity disappeared for children below 15 years. TST was not associated with any risk factor. Conclusions This is the first time that ACF activities have been reported for Central Asia, and provide insight for implementation of effective ACF in the region. These ACF activities using QuantiFERON led to increase in the detection of LTBI and active cases, prior to patients seeking treatment. Household density should be taken into consideration as an important risk factor for the stratification of future ACF activities.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos David Araújo Bichara ◽  
Maria Alice Freitas Queiroz ◽  
Ednelza da Silva Graça Amoras ◽  
Gergiane Lopes Vaz ◽  
Izaura Maria Vieira Cayres Vallinoto ◽  
...  

Abstract Background. The race to develop a vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) has raised questions regarding the safety of immunizers, efficacy regarding the production of neutralizing antibodies, and the longevity of the immune response, especially when related to variables such as sex and age.Objective. The present study evaluated the frequency of seropositivity for anti-SARS-CoV-2 (S1 and S2) total antibodies and anti-SARS-CoV-2 (receptor binding domain - RBD - S1) neutralizing antibodies in individuals vaccinated with the immunizing agent Coronavac (Sinovac).Method. This was a cross-sectional study involving 358 individuals divided into two groups. Group 1 consisted of 205 volunteers who were tested for anti-SARS-CoV-2 total antibodies (S1 and S2); group 2 consisted of 153 individuals tested for the presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies (RBD-S1).Results. Seropositivity was greater than 70% in both groups, though approximately 20% of individuals showed no antibody production. The frequency of anti-SARS-CoV-2 total antibodies (S1 and S2) displayed a significantly different distribution between the sexes but not according to age. The frequency of anti-SARS-CoV-2 (RBD-S1) neutralizing antibodies was 93% in the age group from 21 to 40 years, which was significantly lower with advancing age, to 76% (41 to 60 years), 72% (61 to 80 years) and 47% (>80 years).Conclusion. Our results reveal a high prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 total antibodies (S1 and S2) and anti-SARS-CoV-2 (RBD - S1) neutralizing antibodies in individuals who received both doses of the Coronavac vaccine, suggesting a lower efficiency of the humoral immune response among those older than 60 years of age, which might be associated with senescence of the immune system.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document