Evaluation of effectiveness of mass screening for tuberculosis infection in children from 1 to 7 years old in Moscow

The objective: to evaluate effectiveness of mass screening for tuberculosis infection in children aged 1 to 7 years in different periods – before and after the use of tuberculosis recombinant allergen skin test (TRA) in primary health care as an additional diagnostic method.Subjects and Methods. The study was designed as continuous observational prospective-retrospective study. Two different periods were assessed: the first one was 2014-2016 when screening for tuberculosis infection was performed in all children from 1 to 17 years (inclusive) using Mantoux test with 2 TU PPD-L in pediatric primary health care, and then children suspected to have a positive reaction were referred to TB dispensary where they were examined with a skin test with TRA if necessary. The second period was from 2018 to 2020 when children of 1-7 years old were given Mantoux test and if tuberculosis infection was suspected, a skin test with TRA was done both in primary health care network and TB units. In the first 3 years, 1,864,137 children were examined and in the second 3 years, 2,078,800 children from 1 to 7 years old were examined.Results. Among children of 1-7 years old who were screened by two stages (initial Mantoux test, and then in those who had a positive reaction, the TRA test was used), only 10-12% of those referred to a phthisiologist were subject to dispensary follow-up. Thus, with the implementation of the new edict on screening for tuberculosis infection in children with two tests, this proportion has not changed compared to previous years, when screening was carried out only with one Mantoux test. The reason why almost 90% of the children who were referred to TB Dispensary were not subject to dispensary follow-up is the following: children who have had previous conversion of tuberculin tests, along with everyone else are again screened with Mantoux test despite being previously followed up by TB dispensary due to the primary infection.Recommendations:Currently, there is no division of Group VI into Subgroups A, B, C in the dispensary follow up grouping. Why should conversion of Mantoux test reaction from negative into positive not be considered an infection, and the increase in the reaction must be at least 6 mm.Since Order No. 124n of the Russian Ministry of Health allows testing with TRA in the primary health care in case of suspected infection, it is advisable to refer those who have already had this test to a phthisiologist.A child with conversion of Mantoux test should not be re-screened with Mantoux test but the TRA test should be used. If a positive reaction to the TRA test occurs for the first time, it should be considered as conversion of this test, and in this case the child should be examined by computed tomography (CT), and preventive therapy should be prescribed. If in subsequent years the TRA reaction increases by at least 6 mm after previous preventive therapy, the child should be re-referred for CT to rule out the development of active tuberculosis.

Clinical characteristics and outcome of genitourinary tuberculosis in Sri Lanka: an observational study

Background Although genitourinary Tuberculosis (GUTB) is the second commonest source of extrapulmonary TB in most countries, the reported rate of GUTB in Sri Lanka remains low. The characteristics of GUTB in Sri Lanka have not been studied and documented so far. We aimed to study the clinical and imaging characteristics, treatment modalities and outcome of GUTB in Sri Lanka. Methods Data collected from patients treated by a single urological surgeon in two institutes consecutively over a period of 21 years were analysed. All patients with a microbiological and/or histopathological diagnosis of GUTB were included. Median duration of follow-up was 24 months (range: 6–96). Results There were 82 patients and 45 (54.9%) were men. The median age was 51 (range: 26–75) years. Most patients (39%, n = 32) had vague non-specific symptoms at presentation. Common specific symptoms at presentation were haematuria (15.8%, n = 13) and scrotal manifestations (15.8%, n = 13). Mantoux test was done in 70 patients and was > 10 mm in 62 (88.5%). Erythrocyte sedimentation rate was available in 69 patients and was > 30 mm in 54 (78.3%) patients. Chest x-ray and x-ray kidney-ureter-bladder (KUB) abnormalities were detected in 9 (11%) and 6 (7.3%) respectively. CT-urography was performed in 72 patients and abnormalities were detected in 57 (79%) patients. Forty-two patients underwent cystoscopy and 73.8% (n = 31) had abnormal findings. Microbiological diagnosis was feasible in 43 (52.4%) and rest were diagnosed histopathologically. Commonest organs involved were kidney (64.6%, n = 53), ureter (51.2%, n = 42), bladder (43.9%, n = 36) and testis/epididymis (15.8%, n = 13). One patient had TB of the prostate. All were treated primarily with anti-TB drugs however, 50 (61%) required ancillary therapeutic interventions. The majority of interventions were reconstructive surgeries (n = 20, 24.4%) followed by excisional surgeries (n = 19, 23.2%) and drainage procedures (n = 11, 13.4%). Seven patients developed serious adverse reactions to anti-TB drugs. Five patients developed a thimble bladder with disabling storage symptoms. Eight patients had deranged renal functions at diagnosis and three patients developed progressive deterioration of renal function and two patients died of end stage renal disease. Conclusions The combination of urine for acid-fast bacilli, Mantoux test, CT-Urography, cystoscopy and histopathology is necessary to diagnose GUTB in resource-poor settings. Most ureteric strictures, non-functioning kidneys and epididymal masses need surgical treatment. Long-term follow up is essential to detect progressive deterioration of renal function.

Immunodiagnostic Tests in the Assessment of Specific Sensitization to M. tuberculosis in Children under the Current Epidemical Situation

The objective: to study the degree of specific sensitization according to the results of intradermal immunodiagnostic tests in children with different manifestations of tuberculosis infection under the current epidemic situation.Subjects and Methods. The degree of tuberculin sensitization was studied in 299 children from different age groups (0-14 years old) who were registered for dispensary follow-up in 2018-2019.Based on the results of a tuberculosis recombinant allergen test (TRA), the degree of specific sensitization was studied in children with tuberculin tests conversion (n = 102) and infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) for 2 years or more (n = 165) exposed to tuberculous infection in their families and from healthy environment, and 145 patients under 14 years old with local respiratory tuberculosis.Results. Moderate sensitization to tuberculin predominated in children with converted tuberculin test exposed to tuberculous infection in their families and those from healthy environments. According to the results of TRA test, a high degree of sensitization was observed 4.7 times more frequently in children with tuberculin test conversion exposed to tuberculosis in their families. In children from healthy environments, negative responses to TRA test were registered 2.4 times more frequently. In 73% of children infected with MTB, results of annual Mantoux tests didn’t differ much. Hyperergic reactions to TRA test in infected children exposed to tuberculous infection were 10 times more frequent than in those from healthy environments. A direct correlation was found between the high degree of sensitization to active M. tuberculosis and exposure to a tuberculosis case with a positive result of sputum test (χ2 < 0.001, p < 0.05). In the case of converted tuberculin test and infection with M. tuberculosis for 2 years or more, pronounced and hyperergic reactions to TRA test were registered with equal frequency and did not depend on the timing and duration of infection. A high risk factor and predictor of the disease development is high sensitization of the host to active M. tuberculosis which is found in patients with tuberculosis using TRA test six times more frequently versus Mantoux test (OR 5.951, 95% CI 3.548 and 9.981). The demonstrated results are important for the identification of children facing a high risk to develop active tuberculosis and preventive treatment prescription.

ImmunoStart: preparing patients for immunosuppression

Objectives Patients with immune-mediated inflammatory disease (IMID) present an increased risk of infection. Here, we present the concept of a preventive consultation called ImmunoStart and the first results of its implementation in the care pathway of patients with IMID. Methods Relevant information about vaccination history, TB exposition and other infectious risks are collected through blood sampling, complete anamnesis, chest X-Ray and Mantoux test. During ImmunoStart consultation, vaccination schedules, specific treatments and risk considerations are discussed. Results Between October 2016 and February 2020, 437 patients were seen at the ImmunoStart consultation, mainly referred by rheumatologists (56%), dermatologists (25%), and gastroenterologists (18%). A total of 421 (96%) patients needed at least one vaccine (a mean of 3.3 vaccines per patient). Live attenuated vaccine was indicated for 45 patients (10%), requiring them to reduce or interrupt their immunosuppressive drug(s). Ninety-two patients (21%) were treated for latent TB infection. Conclusion This preventive consultation provides a centralized and systematic setting for the direct management of patients with IMID in need of vaccination, treatment of latent disease and specific advice regarding their immunomodulating treatments.

Unmasking of miliary tuberculosis in COVID-19: A case report

Both coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) and pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) are transmitted through the respiratory route and are related to various risk factors. The index case was a 45-year-old female who presented to a tertiary care hospital in North India with complaints of dry cough, loss of weight, and appetite for twenty days followed by fever and dyspnea for five days. RT-PCR for COVID-19 turned out positive. Chest-roentgenogram revealed bilateral homogenous micronodules. She was started on COVID-19 treatment according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare guidelines. She was not clinically improved so CECT-thorax was performed which revealed bilateral homogenous millet-shaped micronodular opacities. Mantoux test was twenty-five millimeters in size but sputum analysis for acid-fast bacilli was negative. The patient was started on anti-tubercular-therapy (ATT). The patient got improved clinically and is being followed. This case focuses on the need for prompt diagnosis of PTB in COVID patients for the appropriate management and early recovery.

Retinal artery occlusion as a probable idiosyncratic reaction to topical minoxidil: a case report

Background Minoxidil hair formulation is commonly used for the treatment of male or female androgenic alopecia. This over-the-counter product is considered safe, but should be used with caution. Ocular side effects following topical minoxidil use are rarely reported. In this paper, we report a rare case of inferior hemiretinal artery occlusion possibly caused by topical 5% minoxidil treatment. Case description A 21-year-old Asian Indian male presented to the retina clinic with sudden onset blurring of vision and superior visual field loss in the right eye since morning. He was diagnosed with androgenic alopecia and was on treatment with topical 5% minoxidil spray twice a day for the last 3 years. On examination, his corrected distance visual acuity was 6/6, N6 in both eyes. Anterior segment examination and intraocular pressure in both eyes and left eye fundus were within normal limits. Right eye fundus examination showed features suggestive of inferior hemiretinal artery occlusion, which were confirmed on fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography. A detailed systemic evaluation and investigations (blood pressure, random blood sugar, hematological and coagulation profile, serum homocysteine level, Mantoux test, chest x-ray, cardiac two-dimensional echography, thyroid function test, and immunological profile) did not detect any abnormalities. The ocular condition and its visual prognosis were explained to the patient, and he was asked to review after 4 weeks. Conclusion Though there is no definite cause–outcome relationship between topical minoxidil use and retinal artery occlusion development, this possibility should be kept in mind when observing retinal vascular occlusion cases with concurrent use of topical minoxidil.

Tuberculosis Verucossa Cutis of Hand: A Case Report

Tuberculosis verrucosa cutis (TBVC) is exogenous paucibacillary cutaneous tuberculosis (CTB) and is the third commonest type of CTB. Clinically, TBVC usually begins as isolated or multiple warty papules, and soon acquires a verrucous plaque and are usually located in the extremities. Here we report a case of 41-year-old South Indian woman presenting with occasional pruritus, erythematous scaly nodules and warty plaques on the back of right hand following nail prick. A positive Mantoux test, skin biopsy showing granuloma and related epidemiologic, clinical and histopathologic data with an excellent response of patient to the treatment confirmed TBVC.

KNOWLEDGE ABOUT TUBERCULOSIS INFECTION IN WOMEN OF THE PERM REGION

In the conditions of an unfavorable epidemiological situation for tuberculosis in the Perm Region, there was a decrease in the coverage of preventive examinations for tuberculosis in 2020 due to restrictive measures related to the pandemic of a new coronavirus infection. One in five mothers of those who were not vaccinated with the BCG vaccine refused to carry it out. In order to study the knowledge about tuberculosis among women of the Perm Region, a survey was conducted of 108 residents of the Perm Region in 2019, 135 women in 2021 and 22 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis in 2021. The average age of the respondents was 40.2 years in 2019 and 37.8 years in 2021, among patients with pulmonary tuberculosis - 39.6 years. There is a fairly good knowledge about tuberculosis, about the need for an annual examination by Mantoux test methods, fluorography. Knowledge about the safety of BCG vaccination in the Perm Region among respondents increased from 2019 to 2021, as well as knowledge about the properties of the vaccine, allowed to reduce the negative opinion about it. From 2019 to 2021, there is a clear trend of increasing knowledge about the safety of the Mantoux sample. Despite the knowledge about fluorography, every fifth fluorography has not been performed for 2 or more years. The study allowed us to draw conclusions about the need to strengthen measures aimed at prevention, treatment and propaganda.

Vitreous Hemorrhage following High-Altitude Retinopathy

Purpose. To report a case of high-altitude retinopathy with vitreous hemorrhage. Methods. An apparently healthy 29-year-old boy presented with a history of floater and slight diminution of vision in the left eye after climbing the mountain 4760 meters high. Results. The visual acuity at presentation was 20/20 in the right eye and 20/30 in the left eye. Anterior segment findings of both eyes were unremarkable. Fundus evaluation revealed bilaterally dilated major retinal veins. The right eye revealed clear, quiet vitreous, healthy macula, and pink and smooth optic disc. There was fresh vitreous hemorrhage confined just one disc diameter away at the superior and inferior part of the optic nerve in the left eye. The macula and optic nerve head of this eye grossly looked normal. Complete blood count, haemoglobin, ESR, CRP, sugar, renal function test, lipid panel, and serology for HIV, HCV, VDRL, and HBsAg were normal. The Mantoux test and chest X-ray also revealed normal findings. Physician consultation did not reveal other abnormalities. On the 3rd week of follow-up, his vision was 20/20 in both eyes. Fundus examination revealed clear vitreous in both eyes though some venous dilation and tortuosities were still evident in the left eye. A macular OCT scan showed almost normal-appearing fundus. Conclusions. Vitreous hemorrhage following climbing high altitude can be one of the manifestations of high-altitude retinopathy.