scholarly journals Diagnosis of tuberculosis among COVID-19 suspected cases in Ghana

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (12) ◽  
pp. e0261849
Author(s):  
Theophilus Afum ◽  
Prince Asare ◽  
Adwoa Asante-Poku ◽  
Isaac Darko-Otchere ◽  
Portia Abena Morgan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mycobacterium Tuberculosis ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Respiratory Illness ◽  
Drug Susceptibility ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
National Guidelines ◽  
Tuberculosis Case ◽  
Clinical Signs And Symptoms

Background Tuberculosis (TB) and COVID-19 pandemics are both diseases of public health threat globally. Both diseases are caused by pathogens that infect mainly the respiratory system, and are involved in airborne transmission; they also share some clinical signs and symptoms. We, therefore, took advantage of collected sputum samples at the early stage of COVID-19 outbreak in Ghana to conduct differential diagnoses of long-standing endemic respiratory illness, particularly tuberculosis. Methodology Sputum samples collected through the enhanced national surveys from suspected COVID-19 patients and contact tracing cases were analyzed for TB. The sputum samples were processed using Cepheid’s GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay in pools of 4 samples to determine the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. Positive pools were then decoupled and analyzed individually. Details of positive TB samples were forwarded to the NTP for appropriate case management. Results Seven-hundred and seventy-four sputum samples were analyzed for Mycobacterium tuberculosis in both suspected COVID-19 cases (679/774, 87.7%) and their contacts (95/774, 12.3%). A total of 111 (14.3%) were diagnosed with SARS CoV-2 infection and six (0.8%) out of the 774 individuals tested positive for pulmonary tuberculosis: five (83.3%) males and one female (16.7%). Drug susceptibility analysis identified 1 (16.7%) rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis case. Out of the six TB positive cases, 2 (33.3%) tested positive for COVID-19 indicating a coinfection. Stratifying by demography, three out of the six (50%) were from the Ayawaso West District. All positive cases received appropriate treatment at the respective sub-district according to the national guidelines. Conclusion Our findings highlight the need for differential diagnosis among COVID-19 suspected cases and regular active TB surveillance in TB endemic settings.

scholarly journals The Promise of Angiogenic Markers for the Early Diagnosis and Prediction of Preeclampsia

2012 ◽  
Vol 58 (5) ◽  
pp. 837-845 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henning Hagmann ◽  
Ravi Thadhani ◽  
Thomas Benzing ◽  
S Ananth Karumanchi ◽  
Holger Stepan
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Utility ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Strong Association ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Angiogenic Factors ◽  
Blood Vessel Formation ◽  
Soluble Endoglin ◽  
Angiogenic Proteins ◽  
Clinical Signs And Symptoms

Abstract BACKGROUND An imbalance in circulating factors that regulate blood vessel formation and health, referred to as angiogenic factors, plays a central role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. CONTENT Several studies have demonstrated a strong association between altered circulating angiogenic factors and preeclampsia. These factors include circulating antiangiogenic proteins such as soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 and soluble endoglin and proangiogenic protein such as placental growth factor. Abnormalities in these circulating angiogenic factors are not only present during clinical disease, but also antedate clinical signs and symptoms by several weeks. These alterations are particularly prominent in patients who present with preeclamptic signs and symptoms prematurely and/or in patients with severe preeclampsia. The availability of automated platforms for the rapid measurement of circulating angiogenic proteins in blood samples has now allowed researchers and clinicians to evaluate the utility of these assays in the diagnosis of the disease, in the stratification of patients in clinical trials, or in the monitoring of therapies. In this review we highlight the various studies that have been performed, with a focus on large validation studies. SUMMARY Measurement of circulating angiogenic proteins for the diagnosis and prediction of preeclampsia is still at an early stage but is rapidly evolving. Standardization across the various automated platforms and prospective studies that demonstrate clinical utility are needed.

scholarly journals Tear Metabolomics in Dry Eye Disease: A Review

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (15) ◽  
pp. 3755 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mazyar Yazdani ◽  
Katja Benedikte Prestø Elgstøen ◽  
Helge Rootwelt ◽  
Aboulghassem Shahdadfar ◽  
Øygunn Aass Utheim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dry Eye ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Tear Film ◽  
Current Method ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Dry Eye Disease ◽  
Eye Disease ◽  
Health And Disease ◽  
Clinical Signs And Symptoms

Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial syndrome that can be caused by alteration in the quality or quantity of the precorneal tear film. It is considered one of the most common ocular conditions leading patients to seek eye care. The current method for diagnostic evaluations and follow-up examinations of DED is a combination of clinical signs and symptoms determined by clinical tests and questionnaires, respectively. The application of powerful omics technologies has opened new avenues toward analysis of subjects in health and disease. Metabolomics is a new emerging and complementary research discipline to all modern omics in the comprehensive analysis of biological systems. The identification of distinct metabolites and integrated metabolic profiles in patients can potentially inform clinicians at an early stage or during monitoring of disease progression, enhancing diagnosis, prognosis, and the choice of therapy. In ophthalmology, metabolomics has gained considerable attention over the past decade but very limited such studies have been reported on DED. This paper aims to review the application of tear metabolomics in DED.

Potential Nosocomial Exposure toMycobacterium tuberculosisFrom a Bronchoscope

2003 ◽  
Vol 24 (11) ◽  
pp. 825-830 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janet L. Larson ◽  
Lauren Lambert ◽  
Rachel L. Stricof ◽  
Jeffrey Driscoll ◽  
Michael A. McGarry ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Drug Susceptibility ◽  
Drug Susceptibility Testing ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Dna Fingerprint ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Hospital Infection Control ◽  
Specimen Processing ◽  
Clinical Signs And Symptoms

AbstractObjective:To investigate a possible nosocomial outbreak of tuberculosis (TB).Design:Retrospective cohort study.Setting:Community hospital.Methods:We reviewed medical records, hospital infection control measures, and potential locations of nosocomial exposure. We examined the results of acid-fast bacilli (AFB) smears, cultures, and drug susceptibility testing, and performed a DNA fingerprint analysis. We observed laboratory specimen processing procedures and bronchoscope disinfection procedures. We also reviewed bronchoscopy records.Results:In October 2000, three patients had bronchoscopy specimen cultures that were positive forMycobacterium tuberculosis.Of the three, only one had clinical signs and symptoms consistent with TB and positive AFB sputum smears. The other two did not have signs and symptoms consistent with TB and had no known exposure to individuals with infectious TB. The threeM. tuberculosisisolates had matching DNA fingerprints. No evidence of laboratory cross-contamination was identified. The three culture-positive specimens ofM. tuberculosiswere collected with the same bronchoscope within 9 days. This bronchoscope was inadequately cleaned and disinfected between patients, and the automated reprocessor used was not approved for use with the hospital bronchoscope.Conclusions:One of the bronchoscopes at this hospital was contaminated withM. tuberculosisduring bronchoscopy of an AFB-smear-positive patient. Subsequent specimen contamination likely occurred because the bronchoscope had been inadequately cleaned and disinfected. Patients who subsequently underwent bronchoscopy were also potentially exposed toM. tuberculosisfrom this bronchoscope.

scholarly journals Comparative analysis of COVID-19 guidelines from six countries: A qualitative study on the US, China, South Korea, the UK, Brazil and Haiti

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
JI YOUN YOO ◽  
Samia Valeria Ozorio Dutra ◽  
Dany Fanfan ◽  
Sarah Sniffen ◽  
Hao Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
South Korea ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Healthcare Systems ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Clinical Signs And Symptoms ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Uk

Abstract Background: In late January, a worldwide crisis known as COVID-19 was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the WHO. Within only a few weeks, the outbreak took on pandemic proportions, affecting over 100 countries. It was a significant issue to prevent and control COVID-19 on both national and global scales due to the dramatic increase in confirmed cases worldwide. Government guidelines provide a fundamental resource for communities, as they guide citizens on how to protect themselves against COVID-19, however, they also provide critical guidance for policy makers and healthcare professionals on how to take action to decrease the spread of COVID-19. We aimed to identify the differences and similarities between six different countries' (US, China, South Korea, UK, Brazil and Haiti) government-provided community and healthcare system guidelines, and to explore the relationship between guideline issue dates and the prevalence/incidence of COVID-19 cases.Methods: To make these comparisons, this exploratory qualitative study used document analysis of government guidelines issued to the general public and to healthcare professionals. Documents were purposively sampled (N=55) and analyzed using content analysis.Results: The major differences in the evaluation and testing criteria in the guidelines across the six countries centered around the priority of testing for COVID-19 in the general population, which was strongly dependent on each country’s healthcare capacity. However, the most similar guidelines pertained to the clinical signs and symptoms of COVID-19, and methods to prevent its contraction.Conclusion: In the initial stages of the outbreak, certain strategies were universally employed to control the deadly virus’s spread, including quarantining the sick, contact tracing, and social distancing. However, each country dealt with differing healthcare capacities, risks, threats, political and socioeconomic challenges, and distinct healthcare systems and infrastructure. Acknowledging these differences highlights the importance of examining the various countries’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic with a nuanced view, as each of these factors shaped the government guidelines distributed to each country’s communities and healthcare systems.

scholarly journals Comparative analysis of COVID-19 guidelines from six countries: a qualitative study on the US, China, South Korea, the UK, Brazil, and Haiti

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ji Youn Yoo ◽  
Samia Valeria Ozorio Dutra ◽  
Dany Fanfan ◽  
Sarah Sniffen ◽  
Hao Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
South Korea ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Healthcare Systems ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Clinical Signs And Symptoms ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Uk

Abstract Background In late January, a worldwide crisis known as COVID-19 was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the WHO. Within only a few weeks, the outbreak took on pandemic proportions, affecting over 100 countries. It was a significant issue to prevent and control COVID-19 on both national and global scales due to the dramatic increase in confirmed cases worldwide. Government guidelines provide a fundamental resource for communities, as they guide citizens on how to protect themselves against COVID-19, however, they also provide critical guidance for policy makers and healthcare professionals on how to take action to decrease the spread of COVID-19. We aimed to identify the differences and similarities between six different countries’ (US, China, South Korea, UK, Brazil and Haiti) government-provided community and healthcare system guidelines, and to explore the relationship between guideline issue dates and the prevalence/incidence of COVID-19 cases. Methods To make these comparisons, this exploratory qualitative study used document analysis of government guidelines issued to the general public and to healthcare professionals. Documents were purposively sampled (N = 55) and analyzed using content analysis. Results The major differences in the evaluation and testing criteria in the guidelines across the six countries centered around the priority of testing for COVID-19 in the general population, which was strongly dependent on each country’s healthcare capacity. However, the most similar guidelines pertained to the clinical signs and symptoms of COVID-19, and methods to prevent its contraction. Conclusion In the initial stages of the outbreak, certain strategies were universally employed to control the deadly virus’s spread, including quarantining the sick, contact tracing, and social distancing. However, each country dealt with differing healthcare capacities, risks, threats, political and socioeconomic challenges, and distinct healthcare systems and infrastructure. Acknowledging these differences highlights the importance of examining the various countries’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic with a nuanced view, as each of these factors shaped the government guidelines distributed to each country’s communities and healthcare systems.

Review on etio-pathogenesis and diagnostic approach of Amavata.

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (06) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sanjay Gamaji Pairkao ◽  
Arun Dudhamal
Keyword(s):  
Diagnostic Criteria ◽  
Clinical Presentation ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
The Body ◽  
Quality Life ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Clinical Signs And Symptoms

Amavata is a one of the difficult disease for clinicians due to it’s chronicity, incurability, complications, and morbidity. It is chronic disease as it needs repeated hospitalization so it put economic burden on family members and poor quality life. Madhavkara had described etiopathoganesis and clinical presentation of the disease briefly before thousands of years. Amavata is a multisystemic illness can be caused by vitiation of Vata and generation of Ama in the body which has articular as well as extra articular manifestations. Rheumatisim and Amavata have great similarities in the clinical presentation. Amavata can be clinically identical with any of the rheumatic disorder. Diagnosis of Amavata is not difficult in patient when it’s clinical presentation is classical but it may be confusing in a early stage.  In Amavata most of the clincical features are nominal and categorical there is wide range of clinical signs and symptoms narrated in Madhavakara So the diagnosis often made by some degree of subjective interpretation of clinician. To make a valid, reliable, consistent diagnosis of Amavata some pathological investigations can be included in the diagnostic criteria of Amavata. This study gives insight into review of diagnostic criteria of Amavata .

scholarly journals Saliva testing is accurate for early-stage and presymptomatic COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abigail J Johnson ◽  
Shannon Zhou ◽  
Susan L Hoops ◽  
Benjamin Hillmann ◽  
Matthew Schomaker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Disease Stage ◽  
Clinical Sensitivity ◽  
Negative Results ◽  
Population Scale ◽  
Clinical Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Record Review

Although nasopharyngeal (NP) samples have been considered the gold standard for COVID-19 testing, variability in viral load across different anatomical sites could theoretically cause NP samples to be less sensitive than saliva or nasal samples in certain cases. Self-collected samples also have logistical advantages over NP samples, making them amenable to population-scale screening. To evaluate sampling alternatives for population screening, we collected NP, saliva, and nasal samples from two cohorts with varied levels and types of symptoms. In a mixed cohort of 60 symptomatic and asymptomatic participants, we found that saliva had 88% concordance with NP when tested in the same testing lab (n = 41), and 68% concordance when tested in different testing labs (n = 19). In a second cohort of 20 participants hospitalized for COVID-19, saliva had 74% concordance with NP tested in the same testing lab, but detected virus in two participants that tested negative with NP on the same day. Medical record review showed that the saliva-based testing sensitivity was related to the timing of symptom onset and disease stage. We find that no sample site will be perfectly sensitive for COVID-19 testing in all situations, and the significance of negative results will always need to be determined in the context of clinical signs and symptoms. Saliva retained high clinical sensitivity while allowing easier collection, minimizing the exposure of healthcare workers and need for personal protective equipment, and making it a viable option for population-scale testing.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of Contact Tracing Using KNN for COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maheshwari Venkatasen ◽  
Sandeep Kumar Mathivanan ◽  
Prasanna Mani ◽  
Prabhu Jayagopal ◽  
Thanapal P ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Correct Prediction ◽  
Privacy Concerns ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Affected Person ◽  
Clinical Signs And Symptoms ◽  
The Moment ◽  
Transmission Of Disease

COVID-19 virus started to outbreak in China in the year January 2020. Contact tracing is an open-minded measure of control that applies to an extensive range of transmissible diseases. It is being used to fight infections like SARS, tuberculosis, smallpox, and many sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). From the moment of the lockdown, there have been a great many talks of applications helping to combat the coronavirus. Technical developers bring a solution to this problem by providing tools that help to contain the coronavirus. This kind of application is helpful, but it lacks in accuracy and privacy concerns. COVID-19 virus, irrespective of causes, solution, treatments, clinical signs, and symptoms is discussed in this paper. The main aim of this paper proposes a contact tracing using k-nearest neighbour, which shows the correct prediction of an affected person of COVID-19 based on the distance and also reduces the transmission of disease. It was tested on the WHO dataset obtained the prediction accuracy of which was carried out on clinical and quarantine data. The evaluation result shows that the contact tracing technique’s accuracy has been improved using the proposed algorithm.

scholarly journals Recognizing true H5N1 infections in humans during confirmed outbreaks

2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (02) ◽  
pp. 202-207 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mukhtiar Zaman ◽  
Viktor Gasimov ◽  
Ahmet Faik Oner ◽  
Nazim Dogan ◽  
Wiku Adisasmito ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Survival Benefit ◽  
Antiviral Treatment ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Case Fatality ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Respiratory Illness ◽  
Medical Attention ◽  
Presenting Symptoms ◽  
Life Saving ◽  
Clinical Signs And Symptoms

Introduction: The goal of this study was to evaluate whether any characteristics that are evident at presentation for urgent medical attention could be used to differentiate cases of H5N1 in the absence of viral testing. Methodology: Information about exposure to poultry, clinical signs and symptoms, treatments, and outcomes was abstracted from existing data in the global avian influenza registry (www.avianfluregistry.org) using standardized data collection tools for documented and possible cases of H5N1 infection who presented for medical attention between 2005-2011 during known H5N1 outbreaks in Azerbaijan, Indonesia, Pakistan and Turkey. Results: Demography, exposure to poultry, and presenting symptoms were compared, with only the common symptoms of fever and headache presenting significantly more frequently in confirmed H5N1 cases than in possible cases. Reported exposure to  infected humans was also more common in confirmed cases. In contrast, unexplained respiratory illness, sore throat, excess sputum production, and rhinorrhea were more frequent in possible cases. Overall, oseltamivir treatment showed a survival benefit, with the greatest benefit shown in H5N1 cases who were treated within two days of symptom onset (51% reduction in case fatality). Conclusion: Since prompt treatment with antivirals conferred a strong survival benefit for H5N1 cases, presumptive antiviral treatment should be considered for all possible cases presenting during an outbreak of H5N1 as a potentially life-saving measure.

scholarly journals Comparative analysis of COVID-19 guidelines from six countries: a qualitative study in the US, China, South Korea, the UK, Brazil and Haiti

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
JI YOUN YOO ◽  
Samia Valeria Ozorio Dutra ◽  
Dany Fanfan ◽  
Sarah Sniffen ◽  
Hao Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
South Korea ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Healthcare Systems ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Clinical Signs And Symptoms ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Uk

Abstract Background On January 30, 2020, the WHO declared the outbreak of COVID-19 a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Within only a few weeks, the outbreak took on pandemic proportions, affecting over 100 countries. This rapid increase in confirmed cases made the prevention and control of COVID-19 critical on both national and global scales in order to prevent the healthcare systems from being overwhelmed. Government guidelines provide a fundamental resource for communities, as they guide citizens on how to protect themselves against COVID-19, however, they also provide critical guidance for policy makers and healthcare professionals for taking action to slow the spread of COVID-19. Objective We aimed to identify the differences and similarities between six different countries' (U.S., China, South Korea, UK, Brazil and Haiti) government provided community and healthcare system guidelines, and to explore the relationship between guideline issue dates and the prevalence/incidence of COVID-19 cases. Research design and Methods: To make these comparisons, this exploratory qualitative study used document analysis of government guidelines issued to the general public and to healthcare professionals. Results The major differences in the evaluation and testing criteria in the guidelines across the six countries centered around the priority of testing for COVID-19 in the general population, which was strongly dependent on each country’s healthcare capacity. However, the most similar guidelines pertained to the clinical signs and symptoms of COVID-19, and methods to prevent its contraction. Conclusion In the initial stages of the outbreak, certain strategies were universally employed to control the deadly virus’s spread, including quarantining the sick, contact tracing, and social distancing. However, each country dealt with differing healthcare capacities, risks, threats, political and socioeconomic challenges, and distinct healthcare systems and infrastructure. Acknowledging these differences highlights the importance of examining the various countries’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic with a nuanced view, as each of these factors shaped the government guidelines distributed to each country’s communities and healthcare systems.

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