The international journal of tuberculosis and lung disease : the official journal of the International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease
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Int. J. Tuberc. Lung Dis. · May 2006
Screening for tuberculosis prior to isoniazid preventive therapy among HIV-infected gold miners in South Africa.
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) clinic for employees of a gold mine, Free State, South Africa. ⋯ CXR greatly increased the sensitivity of screening for TB in this population. Sputum microscopy conferred no additional benefit among asymptomatic patients with a normal CXR. The high prevalence of TB amongst those with a low CD4 count underlines the importance of screening for active TB prior to commencing TB preventive therapy, and before antiretroviral therapy.
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Int. J. Tuberc. Lung Dis. · May 2006
Serum procalcitonin distinguishes CAP due to bacteria, Mycobacterium tuberculosis and PJP.
Procalcitonin (PCT), a propeptide of the hormone calcitonin, is a novel marker of the inflammatory response to infection. It has been used to discriminate between infectious and non-infectious causes of inflammation, and as a marker of severe sepsis in the intensive care unit. ⋯ PCT levels differ significantly in patients with CAP due to TB, PJP and bacteria. PCT may be important in distinguishing M. tuberculosis and PJP in a high HIV prevalence setting where atypical presentations often confound the empirical clinical diagnosis.