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. · Sep 2011
Household contact investigation of multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis in a high HIV prevalence setting.
Multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) tuberculosis (TB) are now a nationwide epidemic in South Africa. Epidemiological data suggest nosocomial transmission as the primary route of spread; however, transmission among household contacts has not yet been investigated. ⋯ Incidence rates of MDR- and XDR-TB among household contacts were extremely high, with most secondary cases occurring shortly after the diagnosis of the index case. Active case finding of drug-resistant TB is a high-yield public health activity and must be a priority, as early diagnosis may stem further disease spread and improve survival.
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Int. J. Tuberc. Lung Dis. · Aug 2011
Multicenter Study Comparative StudyPredictors of discordant tuberculin skin test and QuantiFERON®-TB Gold In-Tube results in various high-risk groups.
Persons in whom targeted testing for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is recommended in Seattle, Washington; Atlanta, Georgia; and central North Carolina, United States. ⋯ QFT-GIT may be an improvement over the TST for diagnosing LTBI in foreign-born and older persons, and may be as useful as the TST in HIV-infected persons. The sensitivity of both tests may be low in HIV-infected persons.
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Int. J. Tuberc. Lung Dis. · Aug 2011
Comparative StudyConsulting private health care providers aggravates treatment delay in urban South African tuberculosis patients.
An urban primary health care facility in Khayelitsha, South Africa. ⋯ Initial care sought from non-NTP HCP was the main determinant of total, HS and diagnostic delays. Engagement and education of private HCPs is recommended.