Article
Microbiology
Sean Wasserman, Angharad Davis, Cari Stek, Maxwell Chirehwa, Stephani Botha, Remy Daroowala, Marise Bremer, Mpumi Maxebengula, Sonya Koekemoer, Rene Goliath, Amanda Jackson, Thomas Crede, Jonathan Naude, Patryk Szymanski, Yakoob Vallie, Muhammed S. Moosa, Lubbe Wiesner, John Black, Graeme Meintjes, Gary Maartens, Robert J. Wilkinson
Summary: The plasma rifampicin AUC(0-24) was higher after an oral 35-mg/kg dose than with intravenous administration at a 20-mg/kg dose over the first few days of tuberculosis (TB) treatment. The findings support oral rifampicin dosing in future tuberculous meningitis trials.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Noha Abdelgawad, Mvuwo (Phophi) Tshavhungwe, Ursula Rohlwink, Helen McIlleron, Mahmoud T. Abdelwahab, Lubbe Wiesner, Sandra Castel, Chanel Steele, Johannes (Nico) Enslin, Nqobile Sindiswa Thango, Paolo Denti, Anthony Figaji
Summary: This analysis provides insights into the pharmacokinetics of rifampicin in children with tuberculous meningitis (TBM) and its penetration into brain tissue. The study characterizes the distribution of rifampicin in cerebrospinal fluid, lumbar and ventricular fluid, and brain extracellular fluid. It confirms rifampicin's ability to reach the brain tissue and provides valuable information for further research and treatment of TBM.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Angharad G. Davis, Sean Wasserman, Cari Stek, Mpumi Maxebengula, C. Jason Liang, Stephani Stegmann, Sonya Koekemoer, Amanda Jackson, Yakub Kadernani, Marise Bremer, Remy Daroowala, Saalikha Aziz, Rene Goliath, Louise Lai Sai, Thandi Sihoyiya, Paolo Denti, Rachel P. J. Lai, Thomas Crede, Jonathan Naude, Patryk Szymanski, Yakoob Vallie, Ismail Abbas Banderker, Muhammed S. Moosa, Peter Raubenheimer, Sally Candy, Curtis Offiah, Gerda Wahl, Isak Vorster, Gary Maartens, John Black, Graeme Meintjes, Robert J. Wilkinson
Summary: In this study, it was demonstrated that high-dose rifampicin and adjunctive linezolid is safe in adult HIV-associated tuberculous meningitis patients. Larger studies are needed to evaluate the potential toxicity of high-dose aspirin and its benefits on morbidity and mortality.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Mandar S. Paradkar, Bella D. Devaleenal, Tisungane Mvalo, Ana Arenivas, Kiran T. Thakur, Lisa Wolf, Smita Nimkar, Sadaf Inamdar, Prathiksha Giridharan, Elilarasi Selladurai, Aarti Kinikar, Chhaya Valvi, Saltanat Khwaja, Daphne Gadama, Sarath Balaji, Krishna Yadav Kattagoni, Mythily Venkatesan, Radojka Savic, Soumya Swaminathan, Amita Gupta, Nikhil Gupte, Vidya Mave, Kelly E. Dooley
Summary: In this antibiotic treatment trial for pediatric tuberculous meningitis, children receiving high-dose rifampicin had similar functional outcomes and a trend toward better neurocognitive outcomes compared to those receiving a standard-dose rifampicin-containing regimen. Confirmation in a larger trial is needed due to the higher frequency of adverse events.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Navarat Panjasawatwong, Thanaporn Wattanakul, Richard M. Hoglund, Nguyen Duc Bang, Thomas Pouplin, Wichit Nosoongnoen, Vi Nguyen Ngo, Jeremy N. Day, Joel Tarning
Summary: This study investigated the population pharmacokinetics of isoniazid, rifampin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol in Vietnamese children with TBM, recommended higher rifampin doses to achieve target exposure, and found that low rifampin plasma exposure was associated with an increased risk of neurological disability.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Mu-Tong Fang, You-Feng Su, Hui-Ru An, Pei-Ze Zhang, Guo-Fang Deng, Hou-Ming Liu, Zhi Mao, Jian-Feng Zeng, Guobao Li, Qian-Ting Yang, Zhong-Yuan Wang
Summary: The main risk factor of RR/MDR-TBM is a history of anti-tuberculosis treatment. In our study, a linezolid-containing regimen appears to significantly lower the mortality rate of RR/MDR-TBM. Linezolid should be prospectively evaluated in the treatment of RR/MDR-TBM.
BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Jill Combrinck, Phophi Tshavhungwe, Ursula Rohlwink, Nico Enslin, Nqobile Thango, Jed Lazarus, Katie Kriegler, Sandra Castel, Noha Abdelgawad, Helen Mcilleron, Paolo Denti, Lubbe Wiesner, Anthony Figaji
Summary: This study found significant differences in drug concentrations between spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and ventricular CSF in patients with tuberculous meningitis (TBM). The concentrations of total protein and rifampicin were higher in spinal CSF than in ventricular CSF.
JOURNAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL CHEMOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Fiona Cresswell, David B. Meya, Enock Kagimu, Daniel Grint, Lindsey Te Brake, John Kasibante, Emily Martyn, Morris Rutakingirwa, Carson M. Quinn, Micheal Okirwoth, Lillian Tugume, Kenneth Ssembambulidde, Abdu K. Musubire, Ananta S. Bangdiwala, Allan Buzibye, Conrad Muzoora, Elin M. Svensson, Rob Aarnoutse, David R. Boulware, Alison M. Elliott
Summary: The study showed that high-dose rifampicin can increase serum and cerebrospinal fluid concentrations in tuberculous meningitis patients without excess toxicity. Current international guidelines result in sub-therapeutic CSF rifampicin concentration for Ugandan TBM patients.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Pediatrics
Rovina Ruslami, Fajri Gafar, Vycke Yunivita, Ida Parwati, Ahmad R. Ganiem, Rob E. Aarnoutse, Bob Wilffert, Jan-Willem C. Alffenaar, Heda M. Nataprawira
Summary: This study examined the pharmacokinetics and safety of isoniazid, rifampicin, and pyrazinamide in children and adolescents with tuberculous meningitis. It found that higher doses of rifampicin are needed for the treatment of TBM in this population, and that there was an association between higher plasma concentrations of isoniazid, rifampicin, and pyrazinamide and the development of drug-induced liver injury. Further confirmatory studies are needed to validate these findings.
ARCHIVES OF DISEASE IN CHILDHOOD
(2022)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Mengmeng Zhang, Minggui Wang, Jian-Qing He
Summary: This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of high-dose rifampin in treating tuberculous meningitis. The results showed increased drug concentrations in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid, good safety profile, but no improvement in survival rates.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Ying Luo, Ying Xue, Qun Lin, Liyan Mao, Guoxing Tang, Huijuan Song, Wei Liu, Shiji Wu, Weiyong Liu, Yu Zhou, Lingqing Xu, Zhigang Xiong, Ting Wang, Xu Yuan, Yong Gan, Ziyong Sun, Feng Wang
Summary: The study established a diagnostic model based on a combination of CSF chlorine, CSF nucleated cell count, CSF lymphocyte proportion, and the tuberculosis-specific antigen/phytohemagglutinin (TBAg/PHA) ratio, which showed excellent utility in discriminating between TBM and BM, with high sensitivity and specificity.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Angharad G. Davis, Anna J. Dreyer, Christine Albertyn, Mpumi Maxebengula, Cari Stek, Sean Wasserman, Suzaan Marais, Kathleen Bateman, Mark Solms, John Joska, Robert J. Wilkinson, Sam Nightingale
Summary: This study systematically assessed the frequency and nature of cognitive impairment in adult tuberculous meningitis patients and found that it has an impact on functioning and medication adherence.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Caleb P. Skipper, Katherine Huppler Hullsiek, Fiona V. Cresswell, Kiiza K. Tadeo, Michael Okirwoth, Mark Blackstad, Nelmary Hernandez-Alvarado, Claudia Fernandez-Alarcon, Stewart Walukaga, Emily Martyn, Jayne Ellis, Kenneth Ssebambulidde, Lillian Tugume, Edwin Nuwagira, Joshua Rhein, David B. Meya, David R. Boulware, Mark R. Schleiss
Summary: This study investigates the association between CMV viremia and mortality in patients with HIV-associated meningitis. The results show that patients with CMV viremia have a higher mortality rate at 18 weeks, and the risk of death increases with the viral load.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Yan Cao, Tao Wang, Ke He, Juanmin Xue, Xinjing Wang, Jianqin Liang
Summary: This meta-analysis aimed to compare the efficacy of high-dose and standard-dose rifampicin in the treatment of tuberculous meningitis. Results showed that although high-dose rifampicin led to increased plasma concentration indicators, it did not reduce the 6-month mortality rate.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PHARMACY AND THERAPEUTICS
(2022)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Kenneth Ssebambulidde, Jane Gakuru, Jayne Ellis, Fiona V. Cresswell, Nathan C. Bahr
Summary: Diagnosis of TBM remains challenging due to the limitations of current diagnostic methods. A combination of clinical factors and various investigations are utilized for diagnosis. Starting empiric therapy promptly is crucial for good outcomes in many cases.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Lika Apriani, Susan McAllister, Katrina Sharples, Isni Nurul Aini, Hanifah Nurhasanah, Dwi Febni Ratnaningsih, Agnes Rengga Indrati, Rovina Ruslami, Bachti Alisjahbana, Reinout van Crevel, Philip C. Hill
Summary: Medical and nursing students entering clinical training in high TB-endemic areas are at high risk of M. tuberculosis infection. Improved infection prevention and control strategies are needed to protect these students.
TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2022)
Letter
Immunology
Willyhelmina Olomi, Irene Andia Biraro, Kajiru Kilonzo, Lindsey te Brake, Davis Kibirige, Nyasatu Chamba, Nyanda Elias Ntinginya, Issa Sabi, Julia Critchley, Katrina Sharples, Philip C. Hill, Reinout Van Crevel
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Nyanda Elias Ntinginya, Lindsey te Brake, Issa Sabi, Nyasatu Chamba, Kajiru Kilonzo, Sweetness Laizer, Irene Andia-Biraro, Davis Kibirige, Andrew Peter Kyazze, Sandra Ninsiima, Julia A. Critchley, Renee Romeo, Josephine van de Maat, Willyhelmina Olomi, Lucy Mrema, David Magombola, Issakwisa Habakkuk Mwayula, Katrina Sharples, Philip C. Hill, Reinout van Crevel
Summary: This study aims to examine the efficacy and safety of TB preventive therapy in people with DM who have LTBI. The study will randomize 3000 eligible adults with DM and LTBI to receive either a 12-week course of rifapentine and isoniazid or a placebo. The primary outcome is the occurrence of definite or probable TB disease. This study is significant as it provides important evidence for better global TB control.
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Sofiati Dian, Ahmad Rizal Ganiem, Savira Ekawardhani
Summary: Toxoplasma gondii infection in the central nervous system is common among immunodeficient patients, particularly in countries with a high burden of HIV and low coverage of antiretroviral drugs. The brain is a favored site for infection due to its low inflammatory reaction. The diagnosis of cerebral toxoplasmosis is mainly based on clinical symptoms, serology examination, and neuroimaging, although new diagnostic tools are being explored. Clinical trials are needed to develop new therapies and vaccines for this infection.
PATHOGENS AND GLOBAL HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Cassandra L. R. van Doorn, Clare Eckold, Katharina Ronacher, Rovina Ruslami, Suzanne van Veen, Ji-Sook Lee, Vinod Kumar, Sarah Kerry-Barnard, Stephanus T. Malherbe, Leanie Kleynhans, Kim Stanley, Philip C. Hill, Simone A. Joosten, Reinout van Crevel, Cisca Wijmenga, Julia A. Critchley, Gerhard Walzl, Bachti Alisjahbana, Marielle C. Haks, Hazel M. Dockrell, Tom H. M. Ottenhoff, Eleonora Vianello, Jacqueline M. Cliff
Summary: The study found that the analysis of patients' whole blood transcriptional profiles can predict treatment failure or success in tuberculosis, even in patients with diabetes mellitus.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Fathul Huda, Paulus Anam Ong, Yusuf Wibisono, Sofiati Dian, Ahmad Rizal Ganiem
Summary: Spinal fractures caused by tetanus are now extremely rare, especially in the higher thoracic vertebrae. Tuberculous spondylitis, the most common form of skeletal tuberculosis, can lead to spinal fractures. While tetanus is still reported in Indonesia and tuberculosis remains endemic, co-infection of both diseases is rarely reported.
INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL CASE REPORTS JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Biology
Edwin Ardiansyah, Julian Avila-Pacheco, Le Thanh Hoang Nhat, Sofiati Dian, Dao Nguyen Vinh, Hoang Thanh Hai, Kevin Bullock, Bachti Alisjahbana, Mihai G. Netea, Riwanti Estiasari, Trinh Thi Bich Tram, Joseph Donovan, Dorothee Heemskerk, Tran Thi Hong Chau, Nguyen Duc Bang, Ahmad Rizal Ganiem, Rovina Ruslami, Valerie A. C. M. Koeken, Raph L. Hamers, Darma Imran, Kartika Maharani, Vinod Kumar, Clary B. Clish, Reinout van Crevel, Guy Thwaites, Arjan van Laarhoven, Nguyen Thuy Thuong Thuong
Summary: Metabolomic analysis of tuberculous meningitis patients revealed that levels of tryptophan in cerebrospinal fluid were negatively associated with survival. Additionally, downstream metabolites of tryptophan were correlated with cerebrospinal fluid inflammation and blood-cerebrospinal fluid leakage, and plasma kynurenine levels predicted mortality.
Article
Hematology
Eswi Zenobia, Nushrotul Lailiyya, Sofiati Dian, Cep Juli, Asep Nugraha Hermawan, Lisda Amalia
Summary: This study aimed to describe the levels of P-selectin in patients with Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis (CVST). The results showed that P-selectin levels were associated with subacute onset, infectious etiology, duration of treatment <3 Months, past history of hyper aggregation, hypercoagulable state, increased D-dimer, normal fibrinogen, and multiple affected sinuses. P-selectin could potentially serve as a diagnostic marker for hyper aggregation and hypercoagulable state in CVST patients, but further research is needed to confirm this.
JOURNAL OF BLOOD MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Rheumatology
Lara D. Veeken, Merel A. A. Opdam, Lise M. Verhoef, Calin Popa, Reinout van Crevel, Alfons A. den Broeder
Summary: This study aims to determine the infection incidence in a large real-life population of RA patients using RTX, with special focus on (ultra-)low dosing and time since last infusion. The results showed that the risk of infection was lower with a dose of 200 mg, and infections seemed to occur more frequently in the first two months after infusion, suggesting an association with peak concentration.
Article
Microbiology
Ralf Stemkens, Maarten Cobussen, Wouter Hoefsloot, Erik de Laat, Reinout van Crevel, Rob E. Aarnoutse, Jakko van Ingen
Summary: Treatment of skin and soft tissue infections caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria can be challenging. Negative pressure wound therapy with instillation and dwell time of topical antibiotics can be a successful and well-tolerated treatment option.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2023)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Sofiati Dian, Ahmad Rizal Ganiem, Lindsey H. M. te Brake, Arjan van Laarhoven
Summary: Neurotuberculosis is the most severe form of tuberculosis with a high mortality rate. Early treatment is crucial, but diagnosing and treating neurotuberculosis remains challenging. New antibiotic regimens and host-directed therapies are being studied to combat drug resistance and improve patient outcomes.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Caryn M. Upton, Rob C. van Wijk, Laurynas Mockeliunas, Ulrika S. H. Simonsson, Kirsten McHarry, Gerben van den Hoogen, Chantal Muller, Arne von Delft, Helene-Mari van der Westhuizen, Reinout van Crevel, Gerhard Walzl, Pedro M. Baptista, Jonathan Peter, Andreas H. Diacon
Summary: This study evaluated the impact of BCG vaccination on the incidence and mortality of COVID-19 in healthcare workers in South Africa, and the results showed that BCG had no significant effect in preventing COVID-19.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Bowen Zhang, Simone J. C. F. M. Moorlag, Jorge Dominguez-Andres, Ozlem Bulut, Gizem Kilic, Zhaoli Liu, Reinout van Crevel, Cheng-Jian Xu, Leo A. B. Joosten, Mihai G. Netea, Yang Li
Summary: Trained immunity refers to the long-lasting memory traits of innate immunity. This study investigates the cellular transcriptional programs in monocyte populations upon the induction of trained immunity, identifying three monocyte subpopulations. The findings are also consistent with gene signatures in patients with immune-mediated diseases.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION
(2022)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Todia P. Setiabudiawan, Remi K. Reurink, Philip C. Hill, Mihai G. Netea, Reinout van Crevel, Valerie A. C. M. Koeken
Summary: BCG, developed 100 years ago, is the only licensed tuberculosis vaccine and is widely used worldwide. However, despite universal vaccination policies, TB burden remains high. The level of protection provided by BCG varies between age groups and settings. This review presents the evidence and factors influencing BCG's ability to protect against TB, as well as the immunological mechanisms involved. Possible strategies to boost BCG's efficacy are also discussed.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Annisa Rahmalia, Rudi Wisaksana, Marie Laga, Reinout van Crevel, Koen Peeters Grietens
Summary: This study examined the disclosure of HIV status and partner testing among women living with HIV in Bandung, Indonesia. The findings showed that women faced barriers in disclosing their status and getting their partners tested. Women with longstanding HIV infections in particular would benefit from partnership counseling and specific guidelines for partner notification and testing.
SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH MATTERS
(2022)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Allison M. Hitchcock, Wesley D. Kufel, Keri A. Mastro Dwyer, Eric F. Sidman
Summary: Lenacapavir is a novel HIV-1 treatment option for patients with multidrug-resistant (MDR) HIV-1 infection. It has a favorable pharmacokinetic profile and has shown good tolerability and efficacy in clinical trials.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS
(2024)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Roberta Gagliardini, Alessandro Tavelli, Stefano Rusconi, Sergio Lo Caputo, Vincenzo Spagnuolo, Maria Mercedes Santoro, Andrea Costantini, Alessandra Vergori, Franco Maggiolo, Andrea Giacomelli, Giulia Burastero, Giordano Madeddu, Eugenia Quiros Roldan, Antonella d'Arminio Monforte, Andrea Antinori, Alessandro Cozzi-Lepri
Summary: This study evaluated multiple treatment failures to modern antiretroviral therapy in HIV-infected individuals and found that approximately 4% of them were difficult to treat. The difficult to treat group, compared to the non-difficult to treat group, was characterized by older age, higher prevalence of AIDS, lower CD4+ cell count, and higher risk of treatment failure.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS
(2024)