Article
Immunology
Ecaterina Noroc, Dumitru Chesov, Matthias Merker, Matthias I. Groeschel, Ivan Barilar, Viola Dreyer, Nelly Ciobanu, Maja Reimann, Valeriu Crudu, Christoph Lange
Summary: Using whole-genome sequencing, we aimed to identify transmission events of multidrug-resistant/rifampin-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex at a tuberculosis hospital in Chisinau, Moldova. Patient information including ward, room, and bed was recorded, and in-hospital transfers were monitored over a period of 1 year. Detailed molecular and patient surveillance revealed only 2 nosocomial transmission events.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Christian Shleider Carnero Canales, Jessica Marquez Cazorla, Andre Henrique Furtado Torres, Eloise T. Monteiro Filardi, Leonardo Delello Di Filippo, Paulo Inacio Costa, Cesar Augusto Roque-Borda, Fernando Rogerio Pavan
Summary: This article reviews the latest scientific evidence on new diagnostic approaches and emerging therapeutic treatments for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). New diagnostic tests based on molecular diagnostics, pulmonary immunity, epigenetics, metabolomics, and next-generation MTB antigen-based skin test (TBST) show potential for accurately distinguishing between LTBI and active TB. Therapeutic options include anti-LTBI drugs, anti-resistant TB drugs, and innovative candidates in preclinical and clinical stages. However, further research and clinical evidence are needed to validate the effectiveness and safety of these new approaches.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Li Wang, Ruoyan Ying, Yidian Liu, Qin Sun, Wei Sha
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the metabolic changes in drug-susceptible and multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis and provide insights into the mechanisms of drug resistance based on metabolic pathways.
INFECTION AND DRUG RESISTANCE
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
SeungCheor Lee, Moon Jung Kim, Seung Heon Lee, Hae-Young Kim, Hee-Sun Kim, In-Hwan Oh
Summary: In the future, tuberculosis will pose a heavy burden on the aging population in Korea. This study measured DALYs and economic burden on DS-TB and MDR-TB patients from 2014 to 2017 and found that the burden of DS-TB was decreasing while MDR-TB remained burdensome. Additionally, the economic burden was higher for men below the age of 79, but higher for women aged 80 and above.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Immunology
James C. M. Brust, Neel R. Gandhi, Sean Wasserman, Gary Maartens, Shaheed Omar, Nazir A. Ismail, Angela Campbell, Lindsay Joseph, Alexandria Hahn, Salim Allana, Alfonso C. Hernandez-Romieu, Chenshu Zhang, Koleka Mlisana, Charle A. Viljoen, Benjamin Zalta, Ismaeel Ebrahim, Meghan Franczek, Iqbal Master, Limpho Ramangoaela, Julian Te Riele, Graeme Meintjes
Summary: This study looked at patients with rifampin-resistant tuberculosis in three provinces of South Africa who were treated with bedaquiline and found that severe QT prolongation was uncommon and did not usually require permanent discontinuation of the medication. Older age was associated with a higher risk of QT prolongation, but it was not more common or severe in participants receiving concurrent lopinavir-ritonavir. Close monitoring of the QT interval may be advisable in older patients.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Review
Microbiology
Anja Reuter, Jennifer Furin
Summary: Around 19 million people worldwide are infected with rifampicin-resistant/multidrug-resistant strains of tuberculosis. There is a lack of effective prevention and treatment for RR/MDR-TB, a disease that has severe impacts on health. While phase III trials are underway to assess the effectiveness of preventive therapy for RR/MDR-TB, it may take years to obtain results. In the meantime, there is sufficient evidence to support the implementation of comprehensive management programs for individuals exposed to RR/MDR-TB, as demonstrated in a case study in South Africa, with the aim of inspiring similar initiatives in other high-burden RR/MDR-TB settings.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Arminder K. Deol, Danny Scarponi, Peter Beckwith, Tom A. Yates, Aaron S. Karat, Ada W. C. Yan, Kathy S. Baisley, Alison D. Grant, Richard G. White, Nicky McCreesh
Summary: In order to identify poorly-ventilated spaces, two methods were demonstrated to estimate ventilation rate in busy congregate settings, such as clinic waiting rooms. Both approaches produced comparable results, with the simple linear regression method having the advantage of not requiring room volume measurements. These methods can help reduce airborne transmission of pathogens like Mycobacterium tuberculosis, measles, and SARS-CoV-2.
Article
Microbiology
Letemichael Negash Welekidan, Solomon Abebe Yimer, Eystein Skjerve, Tsehaye Asmelash Dejene, Havard Homberset, Tone Tonjum, Ola Brynildsrud
Summary: This study investigated the genetic diversity and drug resistance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) among pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Tigray, Ethiopia. The analysis revealed high genetic diversity in Mtb strains, with predominant Lineage 4 and Ural strains showing higher resistance to anti-TB drugs. The presence of disputed rpoB mutations highlights the importance of establishing a regional-level WGS facility for monitoring drug-resistant mutations and controlling the transmission of DR-TB.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Getu Diriba, Ayinalem Alemu, Bazezew Yenew, Habteyes Hailu Tola, Dinka Fikadu Gamtesa, Hilina Mollalign, Kirubel Eshetu, Shewki Moga, Saro Abdella, Getachew Tollera, Abebaw Kebede, Mesay Hailu Dangisso
Summary: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) and pre-extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (pre-XDR-TB) in patients with multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB). A total of 64 studies involving 12,711 patients from 22 countries were included. The pooled proportion of pre-XDR-TB was 26%, while XDR-TB in MDR-TB cases was 9%. These findings highlight the substantial burden of pre-XDR-TB and XDR-TB in MDR-TB patients, emphasizing the importance of strengthening TB programs and drug resistance surveillance.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Ole Skouvig Pedersen, Freja Breth Holmgaard, Mads Kristian Duborg Mikkelsen, Christoph Lange, Giovanni Sotgiu, Troels Lillebaek, Aase Bengaard Andersen, Christian Morberg Wejse, Victor Naestholt Dahl
Summary: This study aimed to estimate the proportion of extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis patients globally who achieved successful treatment outcomes. The pooled proportion of successful treatment outcomes was found to be 44.2%, far below the WHO's target rate of 75%. These results may serve as a reference for future studies assessing extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis treatment outcomes.
JOURNAL OF INFECTION
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pavithra Madamarandawala, Sanath Rajapakse, Bandu Gunasena, Dushantha Madegedara, Dhammika Magana-Arachchi
Summary: In this study, blood RNA sequencing was used to identify 55 genes that were differentially expressed in multi-drug/rifampin resistant TB (MDR/RR-TB) patients compared to drug-susceptible TB patients. Of these genes, CLEC2B and CD300LD were found to be linked to TB for the first time. Pathway analysis revealed upregulation of interferon alpha/gamma response and downregulation of Wnt/beta catenin signaling, lysosome, microtubule nucleation, and notch signaling.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Amyn A. Malik, Mercedes C. Becerra, Timothy L. Lash, Lisa M. Cranmer, Saad B. Omer, Junaid Fuad, Sara Siddiqui, Farhana Amanullah, Maria Jaswal, Naseem Salahuddin, Salmaan Keshavjee, Hamidah Hussain, Neel R. Gandhi
Summary: This study investigated the occurrence of adverse events and associated risk factors during a 6-month fluoroquinolone-based preventive treatment for household contacts of drug-resistant TB patients in Karachi, Pakistan. Approximately 21% of contacts developed adverse events during treatment, with higher incidence in regimens containing ethionamide compared to ethambutol.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Sungho Bea, Hyesung Lee, Ju Hwan Kim, Seung Hun Jang, Hyunjin Son, Jin-Won Kwon, Ju-Young Shin
Summary: A study conducted in South Korea found that approximately 45% of TB patients were non-adherent to the drug, posing a major concern for treatment outcomes. Patients initiating quadruple regimen were more likely to adhere, while those aged 65 and older, with a history of dementia, and with a history of diabetes mellitus were less likely to adhere.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Respiratory System
Simon M. Barry, Gareth Davies, Tamas D. Barry, Jennifer Evans, Matthijs Backx, Mattheus Brouns, Ahsan Mughal, Stephen Kelly, Gareth Collier, Sakkarai Ambalavanan, Chris Davies, Hannah Sharp, Pam Lloyd, Yvonne Hester, Natalie Murray, Kelly Goddard, Linzi Johnstone, Jane Parry, Olwen Davies, Rhian Williams, George Ahern, Josie Smith
Summary: The high rates of drug-resistant tuberculosis in Ukraine highlight the need for screening to mitigate public health hazards for the host populations. A study conducted in Wales with 5425 Ukrainian arrivals found that 44% of them were notified to the TB teams, and 82% of them were screened. Among the screened refugees, the median age was 30, and 6.5% showed positive results in the IGRA tests. Only one case of active tuberculosis was identified (0.05%). The data supports the European guidelines that routine screening for this population is not recommended, but the long-term risks remain uncertain.
Article
Infectious Diseases
S. S. Chiang, S. M. Graham, H. S. Schaaf, B. J. Marais, C. C. Sant'Anna, S. Sharma, J. R. Starke, R. Triasih, J. Achar, F. Amanullah, L. Y. Armitage, R. B. Aurilio, W. C. Buck, R. Centis, C. Chabala, A. T. Cruz, A. -M. Demers, K. du Preez, A. Enimil, J. Furin, A. J. Garcia-Prats, N. E. Gonzalez, G. Hoddinott, P. Isaakidis, D. Jaganath, S. K. Kabra, B. Kampmann, A. Kay, I. Kitai, E. Lopez-Varela, E. Maleche-Obimbo, F. Mestanza Malaspina, J. Niederbacher Velasquez, J. J. C. Nuttall, J. N. Oliwa, I. Orozco Andrade, C. M. Perez-Velez, H. Rabie, J. A. Seddon, M. P. Sekadde, A. Shen, A. Skrahina, A. Soriano-Arandes, A. P. Steenhoff, M. Tebruegge, M. A. Tovar, B. Tsogt, M. M. van der Zalm, H. Welch, G. B. Migliori
Summary: This study aims to provide clinical guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment, and management of drug-susceptible TB in children and adolescents. Through a consensus process involving global experts, eight standards were identified, including considerations for different age and developmental stages, prompt evaluation and treatment initiation based on symptoms and signs, appropriate weight-based regimen, TB infection prevention, home-based/community-based treatment support, age-appropriate support for engagement in care, and case reporting and contact tracing. These standards, adapted to local contexts, will improve the care of children and adolescents affected by TB.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF TUBERCULOSIS AND LUNG DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Roman Shrestha, Jaimie P. Meyer, Sheela Shenoi, Antoine Khati, Frederick L. Altice, Colleen Mistler, Lydia Aoun-Barakat, Michael Virata, Miriam Olivares, Jeffrey A. Wickersham
Summary: This study examined COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among people with HIV (PWH) in the United States and found that the majority of respondents had some degree of vaccine hesitancy. Vaccine hesitancy was associated with factors such as race, marital status, political ideology, anti-vaccine beliefs, and concerns about side effects, safety, and efficacy. Male White individuals, university graduates, those with higher CD4 counts, and those with liberal political orientations exhibited lower levels of vaccine hesitancy.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Irene Ayakaka, Mari Armstrong-Hough, Alisse Hannaford, Joseph M. Ggita, Patricia Turimumahoro, Achilles Katamba, Anne Katahoire, Adithya Cattamanchi, Sheela Shenoi, J. Lucian Davis
Summary: This study aimed to investigate stakeholder perceptions of tuberculosis education and counseling (TEC) in a public healthcare facility in Kampala, Uganda. The results revealed that high-quality TEC is rarely provided due to factors such as lack of time, space, staff, planning, and prioritization. To improve TEC, participants suggested adopting practices that have proven effective in HIV clinics.
GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Jeffrey A. Wickersham, Jaimie P. Meyer, Sheela Shenoi, Frederick L. Altice, Lydia Aoun Barakat, Michael Virata, Miriam Olivares, Francesca Maviglia, Antoine Khati, Roman Shrestha
Summary: A survey of people with HIV (PWH) in the United States found that the majority of participants were willing to be vaccinated for COVID-19, especially those who were already engaged in HIV care or directly affected by COVID-19. However, the survey also revealed that Black and politically conservative PWH were less willing to be vaccinated, indicating the need for intensive outreach efforts to support their engagement in vaccination programs.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Julia Rozanova, Katherine M. M. Rich, Frederick L. L. Altice, Sheela V. V. Shenoi, Irina Zaviryukha, Tetiana Kiriazova, Elmira Mamedova, Oleksandr Shipunov, Volodymyr Yariy, Alexandra Deac, Oleksandr Zeziulin
Summary: The COVID-19 lockdown in Ukraine has negatively affected the mental health of older people with HIV. A high percentage of individuals experience symptoms of depression and anxiety. Factors associated with moderate to severe depression include being female, having concerns about potential barriers to HIV treatment, and active drug use. Being female and having concerns about potential barriers to HIV treatment are correlated with generalized anxiety disorder. Screening for psychiatric and substance use disorders using telehealth strategies is necessary.
Article
Immunology
Hoi Yee Wong, Pui Li Wong, Maria Kahar Bador, Meng Li Chong, Sheela Shenoi, Julia Rozanova, Sharifah Faridah Syed Omar, Malinee Neelamegam, Yew Kong Lee, Reena Rajasuriar
Summary: In resource-limited settings, HIV-related services are often targeted to younger key populations, although increasing reports have found that adults >= 50 years now account for among the highest increase in new HIV diagnosis. We assessed the proportion of new HIV infections among older adults (>= 50 years) and compared their sociodemographics, risk behaviors, and HIV-related outcomes to newly diagnosed younger adults (<50 years).
JAIDS-JOURNAL OF ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROMES
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Sarah Norton, Anthony P. Moll, Jabulile Madi, Nkazi Nkomo, Ralph P. Brooks, Laurie Andrews, Sheela Shenoi
Summary: South Africa has a high incidence of tuberculosis and HIV, and this study shows that community health workers can be trained to identify and refer patients for tuberculosis prevention therapy. However, there are challenges and losses at each step of the process.
AJAR-AFRICAN JOURNAL OF AIDS RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Shana E. Gleeson, Heidi Zapata, Meghan E. Bathgate, Brinda Emu, Jennifer Frederick, Gerald Friedland, Marjorie P. Golden, Jaimie P. Meyer, Joanna Radin, Robert Sideleau, Albert Shaw, Sheela Shenoi, Paul A. Trubin, Michael Virata, Lydia A. Barakat, Mahalia S. Desruisseaux
Summary: To address healthcare inequities, a curriculum was designed and implemented at Yale School of Medicine to integrate Infectious Disease Diversity, Equity, and Antiracism (ID2EA) into ID educational training. The curriculum was rated as useful and effective in fostering understanding of health disparities and strategies to deal with racism and inequities.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
C. F. Palacios, M. A. Hough, R. Shrestha, A. P. Moll, T. Kompala, L. Andrews, S. Shenoi
Summary: Stigma associated with TB preventive therapy (TPT) is a significant issue in rural South African communities. The study found that community members anticipated more stigma from other social groups compared to their own families.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF TUBERCULOSIS AND LUNG DISEASE
(2023)
Editorial Material
Substance Abuse
Alexandra A. Deac, Irina Zaviryukha, Julia Rozanova, Oleksandr Zeziulin, Tetiana Kiriazova, Sheela Shenoi, Anna Peycheva, Renata Solorzano de Souza, Harry Skipper, Asmau A. Abubakar, V. Benjamin Gustilo, Graham Thornicroft, Paula Dellamura, Katherine M. Rich, Valerie Earnshaw, Daniel J. Bromberg, Elmira Mamedova, Volodymyr Yariy
Summary: The war in Ukraine has had significant impacts on the healthcare system, particularly in the areas of HIV/AIDS, addiction, and mental health services. This paper discusses the experiences of frontline healthcare workers, the challenges they face, and the local adaptations made to meet the increased mental health needs. The recommendations emphasize the importance of tailoring services and enabling healthcare providers to respond effectively to the dynamics of war.
SUBSTANCE USE & MISUSE
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Salome Charalambous, Kavindhran Velen, Zulma Rueda, Julio Croda, Michael E. Herce, Sheela Shenoi, Frederick L. Altice, Monde Muyoyeta, Lily Telisinghe, Louis Grandjean, Salmaan Keshavjee, Jason R. Andrews
Summary: People deprived of liberty have the highest rates of tuberculosis globally, with a ten times greater incidence than the general population. WHO strongly recommends systematic screening for tuberculosis in prisons and penitentiary systems. This Viewpoint reviews the evidence base for screening and diagnostic strategies in prisons, discussing challenges and opportunities for improving diagnosis and treatment.
LANCET PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Aditya Narayan, Argita D. Salindri, Salmaan Keshavjee, Monde Muyoyeta, Kavindhran Velen, Zulma V. Rueda, Julio Croda, Salome Charalambous, Alberto L. Garcia-Basteiro, Sheela V. Shenoi, Crhistinne C. M. Goncalves, Liliane Ferreira da Silva, Lia G. Possuelo, Sarita Aguirre, Gladys Estigarribia, Guillermo Sequera, Louis Grandjean, Lily Telisinghe, Michael E. Herce, Fernanda Dockhorn, Frederick L. Altice, Jason R. Andrews
Summary: In this Policy Forum piece, the challenges and opportunities for tuberculosis preventive treatment in carceral settings are discussed by Aditya Narayan and colleagues.
Review
Infectious Diseases
Katherine Hill, Irene Kuo, Sheela V. Shenoi, Mahalia S. Desruisseaux, Sandra A. Springer
Summary: This review explores the negative impact of behaviors and practices associated with substance use on HIV virologic suppression and transmission. It provides an overview and evaluation of initiatives for integrated care aimed at serving individuals at risk for and living with HIV and substance use disorder. The review identifies that integrated care services can improve health outcomes and suggests various strategies such as brick-and-mortar facilities, mobile healthcare clinics, and technology incorporation for delivering integrated care.
CURRENT HIV/AIDS REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Tabor E. Flickinger, Breanna R. Campbell, Allyson Timm, Sonia Baee, Debajyoti Datta, Sheela Shenoi, Julia Rozanova, Rebecca Dillingham
Summary: The study found that older PositiveLinks members used the app more frequently and posted more on the CMB compared to younger members at 6 and 12 months, indicating a higher level of social support need and provision among the older age group.
TELEMEDICINE REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Divya K. Chandra, Anthony P. Moll, Frederick L. Altice, Elizabeth Didomizio, Laurie Andrews, Sheela V. Shenoi
Summary: The study found that in rural South Africa, only 57.8% of HIV patients initiated tuberculosis preventive treatment. Older age and symptoms of fever or weight loss were associated with higher likelihood of treatment initiation, while the clinic was the only independent factor influencing TPT initiation. Addressing contextual barriers through evidence-based strategies may improve future TPT implementation in this setting.
GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Immunology
M. Grammatico, A. Moll, K. Choi, S. Springer, S. Shenoi
JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL AIDS SOCIETY
(2021)
