scholarly journals Using Video Technology to Increase Treatment Completion for Patients With Latent Tuberculosis Infection on 3-Month Isoniazid and Rifapentine: An Implementation Study (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chee Kin Lam ◽  
Kara McGinnis Pilote ◽  
Ashraful Haque ◽  
Joseph Burzynski ◽  
Christine Chuck ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Since January 2013, the New York City (NYC) Health Department Tuberculosis (TB) Program has offered persons diagnosed with latent TB infection (LTBI) the 3-month, once-weekly isoniazid and rifapentine (3HP) treatment regimen. Patients on this treatment are monitored in-person under directly observed therapy (DOT). To address patient and provider barriers to in-person DOT, we piloted the use of a videoconferencing software app to remotely conduct synchronous DOT (video directly observed therapy; VDOT) for patients on 3HP. OBJECTIVE The objective of our study was to evaluate the implementation of VDOT for patients on 3HP and to assess whether treatment completion for these patients increased when they were monitored using VDOT compared with that using the standard in-person DOT. METHODS Between February and October 2015, patients diagnosed with LTBI at any of the four NYC Health Department TB clinics who met eligibility criteria for treatment with 3HP under VDOT (V3HP) were followed until 16 weeks after treatment initiation, with treatment completion defined as ingestion of 11 doses within 16 weeks. Treatment completion of patients on V3HP was compared with that of patients on 3HP under clinic-based, in-person DOT who were part of a prior study in 2013. Furthermore, outcomes of video sessions with V3HP patients were collected and analyzed. RESULTS During the study period, 70% (50/71) of eligible patients were placed on V3HP. Treatment completion among V3HP patients was 88% (44/50) compared with 64.9% (196/302) among 3HP patients on clinic DOT (P<.001). A total of 360 video sessions were conducted for V3HP patients with a median of 8 (range: 1-11) sessions per patient and a median time of 4 (range: 1-59) minutes per session. Adherence issues (eg, >15 minutes late) during video sessions occurred 104 times. No major side effects were reported by V3HP patients. CONCLUSIONS The NYC TB program observed higher treatment completion with VDOT than that previously seen with clinic DOT among patients on 3HP. Expanding the use of VDOT may improve treatment completion and corresponding outcomes for patients with LTBI.

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simone Villa ◽  
Maurizio Ferrarese ◽  
Giovanni Sotgiu ◽  
Paola Francesca Castellotti ◽  
Laura Saderi ◽  
...  

To tackle the tuberculosis (TB) epidemic, in 2014 the World Health Organization launched the End TB Strategy, which includes action to prevent latent TB infection (LTBI) reactivation. Available preventive treatments (PT) are based on either isoniazid (INH) alone or rifampicin (RIF)-containing regimens. This study aims to assess and compare PT completion rates, the occurrence of adverse events, and the time of dropout among those receiving INH-alone or RIF-containing regimens at Villa Marelli Institute, Milan, Italy, covering the period from 1992 to 2018. A total of 19,670 subjects, belonging to various risk groups—mainly young (median age of 29 years), foreign-born (73.3%), and males (58.8%)—with presumed LTBI were prescribed PT (79.3% INH-alone and 20.7% RIF-containing regimens). The treatment completion rate was 79.4% on average, with higher rates among those receiving RIF-containing regimens (85.6%) compared to those that were prescribed INH-alone (77.8%) (p < 0.0001). Notably, some of the high-risk groups for progression of LTBI were more likely to complete PT from RIF-containing regimens. These groups included recent TB contact (89.9%, p < 0.0001), healthcare workers (93.5%, p < 0.0001), and homeless people (76.6%, p < 0.0001). Irrespectively of the chosen PT regimen, most of the dropouts occurred between the start of the treatment and the first follow-up visit (14.3%, 15.2% for those on INH-alone vs. 11.1% for those on RIF-containing regimens). Further shortening of the PT regimen is therefore an aim to ensure adherence, even though it might need further efforts to enhance the patient’s attitude towards starting and carrying out PT.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sivaporn Gatechompol ◽  
Weerakit Harnpariphan ◽  
Ruamthip Supanan ◽  
Gompol Suwanpimolkul ◽  
Jiratchaya Sophonphan ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Prisons are considered as major reservoirs for tuberculosis. Preventive therapy for latent TB infection (LTBI) is an adjunctive strategy to control TB. However, LTBI data in Thai prisoners is limited. This study assessed the prevalence of LTBI and feasibility of isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT). Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among prisoners in Klong Prem Central Prison, Bangkok. Participants were screened for active TB by questionnaire and chest X-ray. LTBI was evaluated by Tuberculin skin test (TST) and QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus (QFTP) among subgroup. Participants with positive TST or QFTP were considered to have LTBI. Participants with LTBI were offered IPT. Results From August 2018–November 2019, 1002 participants were analyzed. All participants were male with a median age of 38 (IQR 32–50) years. LTBI identified by either TST/QFTP was present in 466 (46.5%) participants. TST was positive in 359 (36%) participants. In the subgroup of 294 participants who had both TST and QFTP results, 181/294 (61.6%) tested positive by QFTP. Agreement between TST and QFTP was 55.1% (Kappa = 0.17). The risk factors associated with LTBI were previous incarceration (aOR 1.53, 95%CI, 1.16–2.01, p = 0.002), history of prior active TB (aOR 3.02, 95%CI, 1.74–5.24, p < 0.001) and duration of incarceration ≥10 years (aOR 1.86, 95%CI, 1.24–2.79, p = 0.003). Majority of LTBI participants (82%) agreed to take IPT. Three hundred and 56 (93%) participants completed treatment whereas 27 (7%) participants discontinued IPT due to the side effects of INH. Conclusion This is the first study to evaluate the prevalence of LTBI and feasibility of IPT among Thai prisoners. LTBI prevalence in male prisoners in Thailand is high. LTBI screening and treatment should be implemented together with other preventive components.


2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean-Pierre Zellweger ◽  

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major global public health problem and is the leading cause of death linked to a single pathogen, ranking above human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).1 Clinically, TB has been categorised as active disease (patients who are generally symptomatic and may be infectious if pulmonary involvement is present) and latent infection (asymptomatic and not infectious, but at variable risk for progression to active TB disease). It is increasingly being recognised that latent TB infection (LTBI) reflects diverse responses to infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis and may lead to heterogeneous clinical outcomes. In an expert interview, Jean-Pierre Zellweger discusses the latest World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines on the management of LTBI.


2014 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 473-482 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martha Torres ◽  
Lourdes García-García ◽  
Pablo Cruz-Hervert ◽  
Heinner Guio ◽  
Claudia Carranza ◽  
...  

Treatment of persons with latent tuberculosis (TB) infection at greatest risk of reactivation is an important component of TB control and elimination strategies. Biomarkers evaluating the effectiveness of treatment of latent TB infection have not yet been identified. This information would enhance control efforts and assist the evaluation of new treatment regimes.We designed a two-group, two-arm, randomised clinical study of tuberculin skin test-positive participants: 26 with documented contact with TB patients and 34 with non-documented contact. Participants in each group were randomly assigned to the immediate- or deferred-isoniazid treatment arms. Assays ofin vitrointerferon (IFN)-γ secretion in response to recombinant Rv1737 and overlapping synthetic peptide pools from various groups of immunodominant proteins were performed.During isoniazid therapy, a significant increase from baseline in the proportion of IFN-γ responders to the 10-kDa culture filtrate protein, Rv2031, Rv0849, Rv1986, Rv2659c, Rv2693c and the recombinant Rv1737 protein was observed (p⩽0.05). The peptide pool of Rv0849 and Rv1737 recombinant proteins induced the highest percentage of IFN-γ responders after isoniazid therapy.Thein vitroIFN-γ responses to these proteins might represent useful markers to evaluate changes associated with treatment of latent TB infection.


2016 ◽  
Vol 113 (38) ◽  
pp. E5636-E5644 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taylor W. Foreman ◽  
Smriti Mehra ◽  
Denae N. LoBato ◽  
Adel Malek ◽  
Xavier Alvarez ◽  
...  

The synergy between Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) and HIV in coinfected patients has profoundly impacted global mortality because of tuberculosis (TB) and AIDS. HIV significantly increases rates of reactivation of latent TB infection (LTBI) to active disease, with the decline in CD4+ T cells believed to be the major causality. In this study, nonhuman primates were coinfected with Mtb and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), recapitulating human coinfection. A majority of animals exhibited rapid reactivation of Mtb replication, progressing to disseminated TB and increased SIV-associated pathology. Although a severe loss of pulmonary CD4+ T cells was observed in all coinfected macaques, a subpopulation of the animals was still able to prevent reactivation and maintain LTBI. Investigation of pulmonary immune responses and pathology in this cohort demonstrated that increased CD8+ memory T-cell proliferation, higher granzyme B production, and expanded B-cell follicles correlated with protection from reactivation. Our findings reveal mechanisms that control SIV- and TB-associated pathology. These CD4-independent protective immune responses warrant further studies in HIV coinfected humans able to control their TB infection. Moreover, these findings will provide insight into natural immunity to Mtb and will guide development of novel vaccine strategies and immunotherapies.


2003 ◽  
Vol 24 (11) ◽  
pp. 801-806 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Garber ◽  
Pablo San Gabriel ◽  
Lauren Lambert ◽  
Lisa Saiman

AbstractObjective:To determine the prevalence of positive tuberculin skin tests (TSTs), incidence of TST conversion, risk factors for positive TSTs, and history of active TB among HCWs in microbiology laboratories in New York City.Design:Two-year survey from May 1999 to June 2001.Setting:Nineteen microbiology laboratories.Results:During the first year, interviews were conducted with 345 laboratory HCWs (mean, 18 HCWs per site; range, 2 to 51) to assess the prevalence of positive TSTs, but 3 (1%) could not recall their result and were excluded from further analyses. The mean age of the remaining 342 HCWs was 48 years; 68% (n = 233) were female, 54% (n = 183) received bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination, and 71% (n = 244) were foreign born. The prevalence of a positive TST was 57% (n = 196), but only 20% (n = 39) of the HCWs received isoniazid. The incidence of TST conversion in the second year of the study was 1% (1 of 108). Multivariate analysis identified age (odds ratio [OR] per year, 1.05; 95% confidence interval [CI95], 1.02–1.08), foreign birth (OR, 3.80; CI95, 1.98–7.28), BCG immunization (OR, 4.89; CI95, 2.72–8.80), and employment in a mycobacteriology laboratory (OR, 2.14; CI95, 1.25–3.68) as risk factors for a positive TST. Only one HCW had been treated for active TB.Conclusions:The prevalence of positive TSTs was high among laboratory HCWs, but the TST conversion rate was low. Higher rates of treatment for latent TB infection are desirable.


Author(s):  
Nicky J Mehtani ◽  
Sarah Puryear ◽  
Paul Pham ◽  
Kelly E Dooley ◽  
Maunank Shah

Abstract Tuberculosis remains the leading cause of death among people with HIV (PWH). The diagnosis of latent TB infection (LTBI) and treatment with TB preventative therapy (TPT) can reduce morbidity and mortality in this population. Historically, isoniazid has been recommended for TPT in PWH due to the absence of drug-drug interactions with most antiretroviral therapy (ART). However, newer rifamycin-based regimens are safer, shorter in duration, associated with improved adherence, and may be as or more effective than isoniazid TPT. Current guidelines have significant heterogeneity in their recommendations for TPT regimens and acceptability of drug interactions with modern ART. In this ID learning unit, we review common questions on diagnosis, treatment, and drug interactions related to the management of LTBI among PWH.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (8) ◽  
pp. e0254211
Author(s):  
Ruvandhi R. Nathavitharana ◽  
Ananja van der Westhuizen ◽  
Helene-Mari van der Westhuizen ◽  
Hridesh Mishra ◽  
Annalean Sampson ◽  
...  

Background Healthcare workers (HWs) have at least twice the risk of tuberculosis (TB) compared to the general population. There is growing emphasis on latent TB infection (LTBI) in high-risk populations. Yet we know little about HWs’ perspectives of LTBI testing and treatment to inform implementation in high-incidence settings. We developed a qualitative networked approach to analyze HWs’ perspectives on LTBI testing and treatment. Methods We conducted 22 in-depth interviews with nurse and physician stakeholders, who had been recruited as part of a larger study evaluating TB transmission risk in HWs at Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa. We performed open coding to identify emergent themes and selective coding to identify relevant text citations. We used thematic analysis to inductively derive the CARD (Constraints, Actions, Risks, Desires) framework. Results All HWs desired to avoid developing TB but few felt this was actionable. Despite LTBI knowledge gaps, safety and cost concerns, most HWs reported hypothetical willingness to take LTBI treatment. The CARD framework showed that desire and action related to LTBI testing and treatment was clearly framed by the interactions between constraints, administrative action, and risk. The surprise HWs described on receiving a negative LTBI (Quantiferon-Plus) result suggests LTBI testing may recalibrate HWs’ perceptions regarding the futility of actions to reduce their TB risk. Conclusions LTBI testing and treatment are acceptable to HWs and could counteract the perceived inevitability of occupational TB infection that currently may limit risk reduction action. This should be coupled with administrative leadership and infrastructural support. The CARD analytic framework is a helpful tool for implementation scientists to understand current practices within complex health systems. Application of CARD could facilitate the development of contextually-relevant interventions to address important public health problems such as occupational TB.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francisca Srioetami Tanoerahar ◽  
Indri Rooslamiati ◽  
Natalie Kipuw ◽  
Hadiyanto ◽  
Soegianto Ali ◽  
...  

Abstract IntroductionActive tuberculosis (TB) patient is a potential source of Mycobacterium tuberculosis transmission in an overcrowded and poor area. Family members living in the same house may have been infected or latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) may develop. The aim of the study was to explore LTBI among newborns and their family members living in an overcrowded area in Jakarta, Indonesia. MethodsA prospective analytical study was conducted among newborns from October 2016 to March 2017. Interferon gamma release assay (IGRA) was examined before BCG vaccination and after 12 weeks. In parallel, TB active case finding was performed among family members of the newborns.ResultsOf 135 newborns, only 117 (86.7%) came for BCG vaccination. Of 346 family members screened, 8 (2.3%) were detected as untreated active pulmonary TB, confirmed by positive sputum and/or MTB culture. Family members living in the same house with active TB individuals (p=0.011, OR 2.69) as well as being males (p = 0.025; OR 1.68) had a significant higher risk of having a positive IGRA. ConclusionsUntreated pulmonary TB infection in overcrowded areas infects the surrounding neighbors, resulting in latent TB infection. An active program for detecting pulmonary TB cases and preventive measures need to be taken seriously to contain the potential spreading of the infection.


2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. e26
Author(s):  
Sruthi Sekaran ◽  
◽  
Ravi Pankajbhai Jagani ◽  
Madeeha Subhan Waleed ◽  
Claudia Samanta Villa Celi ◽  
...  

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, there has been chaos in the world. With the COVID-19 cases rising, many other medical diseases have been ignored and not prioritized. One of these crucial diseases is Tuberculosis (TB). TB is a highly infectious bacterial respiratory disease. Every year there are millions of cases that are registered all around the world. TB is seen in two forms, an active and a latent form. In both of the states, the individual with TB is immunocompromised. This is of great importance, as COVID-19 is known to readily infect individuals in an immunocompromised state more than those with a healthy immune system. Although a little investigation about coexisting infections with COVID-19 and TB is conducted, it is important to consider many factors that can be beneficial to help treat these patients with both conditions effectively and promptly. A few of these factors are pathophysiological relation, diagnostic measurements, effects of each condition on the other, and approaches to treatment. Through a literature review of available information, we summarized the knowledge regarding the correlation between Latent TB infection and COVID-19 infection. The main objective of this publication is to provide a brief overview of how the two conditions overlap with one another. The article also provides a clinical review of how to approach these two conditions in a scenario where an individual is found to be infected with both Latent TB and COVID-19.


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