Comparative analysis of pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis:A seven-year experience from a refugee host country,Turkiye

Objective:To investigate and compare the demographic characteristics,clinical findings,and laboratory results of pulmonary tuberculosis(PTB)and extrapulmonary tuberculosis(EPTB)patients,among Turkish citizens,and foreign nationals.Methods:This study included patients aged 18 and over,both Turkish citizens and foreign nationals,diagnosed with PTB or EPTB between 2016 and 2022.All patients were divided into PTB and EPTB group,and demographic characteristics,clinical findings,and laboratory results were compared.Patients with both PTB and EPTB were not included in the comparison.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify potential risk factors for PTB.Results:Among the 261 TB cases included,46 patients(17.6%)had PTB,and 188(72%)had EPTB.The percentage of female patients was significantly higher(P=0.003)in EPTB compared to PTB group.While the prevalence of diabetes mellitus(P=0.002),hypertension(P=0.017),coronary obstructive pulmonary disease(P=0.001),congestive heart failure(P=0.005),coronary artery disease(P=0.001)and immunosuppressive medication use(P=0.017)were significantly higher in PTB patients than in EPTB patients.Multivariate logistical analysis reveals that male(OR 2.6,95%CI 1.3-5.5,P=0.009),diabetes mellitus(OR 2.7,95%CI 1.2-6.1,P=0.015),and asthma(OR 6.3,95%CI 1.2-33.9,P=0.032)were associated with an increased risk of PTB.Social security coverage(P<0.001)and regular employment status(P<0.001)were found to be lower and the presence of multidrug resistance(P=0.002),isoniazid resistance(P=0.012),and rifampin resistance(P=0.012)were found to be significantly higher in foreign-national TB patients comparing with Turkiye citizens.Conclusions:Patients with PTB need to be evaluated for comorbidities and PTB should be investigated in men,in patients with diabetes mellitus or asthma if there are clinical findings suspicious for TB.TB screening for foreign nationals upon entry into the country is essential for TB control and elimination.

Analysis of the influencing factors and clinical related characteristics of pulmonary tuberculosis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND In China,the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)among diabetic patients is estimated to be between 90%-95%.Additionally,China is among the 22 countries burdened by a high number of tuberculosis cases,with approximately 4.5 million individuals affected by active tuberculosis.Notably,T2DM poses a significant risk factor for the development of tuberculosis,as evidenced by the increased incidence of T2DM coexisting with pulmonary tuberculosis(T2DMPTB),which has risen from 19.3%to 24.1%.It is evident that these two diseases are intricately interconnected and mutually reinforcing in nature.AIM To elucidate the clinical features of individuals diagnosed with both T2DM and tuberculosis(T2DM-PTB),as well as to investigate the potential risk factors associated with active tuberculosis in patients with T2DM.METHODS T2DM-PTB patients who visited our hospital between January 2020 and January 2023 were selected as the observation group,Simple DM patients presenting to our hospital in the same period were the control group,Controls and case groups were matched 1:2 according to the principle of the same sex,age difference(±3)years and disease duration difference(±5)years,patients were investigated for general demographic characteristics,diabetes-related characteristics,body immune status,lifestyle and behavioral habits,univariate and multivariate analysis of the data using conditional logistic regression,calculate the odds ratio(OR)values and 95%CI of OR values.RESULTS A total of 315 study subjects were included in this study,including 105 subjects in the observation group and 210 subjects in the control group.Comparison of the results of both anthropometric and biochemical measures showed that the constitution index,systolic blood pressure,diastolic blood pressure and lymphocyte count were significantly lower in the case group,while fasting blood glucose and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were significantly higher than those in the control group.The results of univariate analysis showed that poor glucose control,hypoproteinemia,lymphopenia,TB contact history,high infection,smoking and alcohol consumption were positively associated with PTB in T2DM patients;married,history of hypertension,treatment of oral hypoglycemic drugs plus insulin,overweight,obesity and regular exercise were negatively associated with PTB in T2DM patients.Results of multivariate stepwise regression analysis found lymphopenia(OR=17.75,95%CI:3.40-92.74),smoking(OR=12.25,95%CI:2.53-59.37),history of TB contact(OR=6.56,95%CI:1.23-35.03)and poor glycemic control(OR=3.37,95%CI:1.11-10.25)was associated with an increased risk of developing PTB in patients with T2DM,While being overweight(OR=0.23,95%CI:0.08-0.72)and obesity(OR=0.11,95%CI:0.02-0.72)was associated with a reduced risk of developing PTB in patients with T2DM.CONCLUSION T2DM-PTB patients are prone to worse glycemic control,higher infection frequency,and a higher proportion of people smoking,drinking alcohol,and lack of exercise.Lymphopenia,smoking,history of TB exposure,poor glycemic control were independent risk factors for T2DM-PTB,and overweight and obesity were associated with reduced risk of concurrent PTB in patients with T2DM.

Organizing pneumonia secondary to pulmonary tuberculosis:A case report

BACKGROUND Organizing pneumonia secondary to pulmonary tuberculosis is rare.Moreover,the temporal boundary between pulmonary tuberculosis and secondary organizing pneumonia has not been defined.We report a case of secondary organizing pneumonia associated with pulmonary tuberculosis occurring after nine months of antituberculosis treatment.CASE SUMMARY A 54 years old man,previously diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis and tuberculous pleurisy,underwent nine months of antituberculosis treatment.Follow-up lung computed tomography revealed multiple new subpleural groundglass opacities in both lungs,and a lung biopsy confirmed organizing pneumonia.Treatment continued with anti-tuberculosis agents and hormone therapy,and subsequent dynamic pulmonary computed tomography exams demonstrated improvement in lesion absorption.No disease recurrence was observed after corticosteroid therapy discontinuation.CONCLUSION When treating patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis,if an increase in lesions is observed during anti-tuberculosis treatment,it is necessary to consider the possibility of tuberculosis-related secondary organizing pneumonia,timely lung biopsy is essential for early intervention.

Identification of pathological characteristics in pulmonary tuberculosis using polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography

The low detection rate of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in clinical practice leads to a high rate of missed diagnosis for pulmonary tuberculosis(PTB).As a noninvasive,high-resolution,real-time imaging technology,polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography(PS-OCT)may be feasible for the rapid identification of pathological feature.This study aimed to explore the feasibility of using PS-OCT to identify pathological features of PTB.In the experiments,PTB samples containing some surrounding lung tissues were imaged using PS-OCT.It is demonstrated that PS-OCT images showed good consistency with the corresponding pathological images and were able to identify PTB-related characteristic pathological regions.We think PS-OCT can serve as an effective supplement for the diagnosis of PTB,enabling rapid and accurate diagnosis,and aiding in the understanding of the pathological characteristics and pathophysiological processes of PTB.

Carrimycin in the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia combined with pulmonary tuberculosis: A case report

BACKGROUND Pulmonary tuberculosis(PTB)is prevalent in immunocompromised populations,including patients with hematologic malignancies,human immunodeficiency virus infections,and chronic diseases.Effective treatment for acute promyelocytic leukemia(APL)combined with PTB is lacking.These patients show an extremely poor prognosis.Therefore,studies should establish efficient treatment options to improve patient survival and prognosis.CASE SUMMARY A 60-year-old male with pain in the right side of his chest and a fever for 4 d visited the outpatient department of our hospital.Peripheral blood smear revealed 54%blasts.Following bone marrow examinations,variant APL with TNRC18-RARA fusion gene was diagnosed.Chest computed tomography scan showed bilateral pneumonitis with bilateral pleural effusions,partial atelectasis in the lower lobes of both lungs,and the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid gene X-Pert test was positive,indicative of PTB.Carrimycin,ethambutol(EMB),and isoniazid(INH)were administered since he could not receive chemotherapy as the WBC count decreased continuously.After one week of treatment with carrimycin,the patient recovered from fever and received chemotherapy.Chemotherapy was very effective and his white blood cells counts got back to normal.After being given five months with rifampin,EMB and INH and chemotherapy,the patient showed complete remission from pneumonia and APL.CONCLUSION We report a case of PTB treated successfully with carrimycin with APL that requires chemotherapy.

Computed tomography imaging and clinical significance of bacterium-positive pulmonary tuberculosis complicated with diabetes

BACKGROUND The increasing prevalence of tuberculosis(TB)and diabetes on a global scale poses a significant health challenge,particularly due to their co-occurrence,which amplifies the severity,recurrence and mortality rates associated with both conditions.This highlights the need for further investigation into their interrelationship.AIM To explore the computed tomography(CT)imaging and clinical significance of bacterium-positive pulmonary TB(PTB)combined with diabetes.METHODS There were 50 patients with bacterium-positive PTB and diabetes,and 50 with only bacterium-positive PTB.The latter were designated as the control group.The CT imaging of the two groups of patients was compared,including lesion range,shape,density and calcification.RESULTS No significant differences were observed in age,gender,smoking and drinking history,high blood pressure,hyperlipidemia and family genetic factors between the groups.However,compared to the patients diagnosed solely with simple bacterium-positive PTB,those with concurrent diabetes showed a wider range of lesions and more complex and diverse morphology on CT images.Among them,intrapulmonary tuberculosis lesions were often accompanied by manifestations of pulmonary infection,such as cavity formation and bronchiectasis.At the same time,diabetes-related signs were often seen on CT images,such as pulmonary infection combined with diabetic pulmonary lesions.Logistic regression analysis identified age and medical history as significant factors influencing the degree of pulmonary infection and CT imaging outcomes in patients with both TB and diabetes.This suggests that older age and specific medical histories may increase the risk or severity of pulmonary damage in these patients.CONCLUSION CT imaging reveals more complex lesions in PTB patients with diabetes,emphasizing the need for careful evaluation and comprehensive analysis to enhance diagnostic accuracy.

Diagnostic Value of Spiral CT Chest Enhanced Scan in Adult with Active Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Aim:To explore the diagnostic value of spiral CT chest enhanced scan for adults with active pulmonary tuberculosis.Methods:The clinical data of 60 adult patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis who were treated in our hospital from January 2018 to November 2019 were retrospectively analyzed.All patients underwent conventional chest radiography and spiral CT chest enhanced scan.The number of tuberculosis diagnosis,the detection rate of special site lesions,and the detection rate of active pulmonary tuberculosis signs by the two methods were compared.Results:In 60 patients,the pathological results confirmed the existence of 75 tuberculosis lesions.The detection rate of spiral CT was 98.67%,which was not statistically significant compared with the detection rate of 92.00%(P>0.05)in the conventional chest X-ray.The detection rate of spiral CT enhanced scans for tuberculosis lesions in special sites was 100.00%,which was significantly higher than that of conventional chest X-ray of 7.69%,and the accuracy rate of active pulmonary tuberculosis signs was 98.85%higher than that of conventional chest X-ray of 79.31%.P<0.05).The difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion:Spiral CT chest enhanced scan can not only find special tuberculosis lesions that cannot be detected by conventional chest radiography,but also accurately determine active pulmonary tuberculosis in adults,which is of high diagnostic value.

Association of TNF-α-238G/A and 308 G/A Gene Polymorphisms with Pulmonary Tuberculosis among Patients with Coal Worker’s Pneumoconiosis

Objectives Tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） may play an important role in host＇s immune response to mycobacterium tuberculosis （M. tuberculosis） infection. This study was to investigate the association of TNF-α gene polymorphism with pulmonary tuberculosis （TB） among patients with coal worker＇s pneumoconiosis （CWP）. Methods A case-control study was conducted in 113 patients with confirmed CWP complicated with pulmonary TB and 113 non-TB controls with CWP. They were matched in gender, age, job, and stage of pneumoconiosis. All participants were interviewed with questionnaires and their blood specimens were collected for genetic determination with informed consent. The TNF-α gene polymorphism was determined with polymerase chain reaction of restriction fragment length polymorphism （PCR-RFLP）. Frequency of genotypes was assessed for Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium by chi-square test or Fisher＇s exact probability. Factors influencing the association of individual susceptibility with pulmonary TB were evaluated with logistic regression analysis. Gene-environment interaction was evaluated by a multiplieative model with combined OR. All data were analyzed using SAS version 8.2 software. Results No significant difference in frequency of the TNF-α-308 genotype was found between CWP complicated with pulmonary TB and non-TB controls （2,2=5.44, P=-0.07）. But difference in frequency of the TNF-α-308 A allele was identified between them （2,2-5.14, P=0.02）. No significant difference in frequencies of the TNF-α-238 genotype and allele （P=0.23 and P=0.09, respectively） was found between cases and controls either, with combined （GG and AA） OR of 3.96 （95% confidence interval of 1.30-12.09） at the -308 locus of the TNF-α gene, as compared to combination of the TNF-α-238 GG and TNF-α-308 GG genotypes. Multivariate-adjusted odds ratio of the TNF-α-238 GG and TNF-α-308 GA genotypes was 1.98 （95% CI of 1.06-3.71） for risk for pulmonary TB in patients with CWP. There was a synergic interaction between the TNF-a-308 GG genotype and body mass index （OR=4.92）, as well as an interaction between the TNF-α-308 GG genotype and history of BCG immunization or history of TB exposure. And, the interaction of the TNF-α-238 GG genotype and history of BCG immunization or TB exposure with risk for pulmonary TB in them was also indicated. Conclusions TNF-α-308 A allele is associated with an elevated risk for pulmonary TB, whereas TNF-α-238 A allele was otherwise.

Risk of Active Pulmonary Tuberculosis among Patients with Coal Workers'Pneumoconiosis:A Case-control Study in China

The aim of this study was to estimate the association between occupational, environmental, behavioral risk factors, and active pulmonary tuberculosis（PTB） among coal workers＇ pneumoconiosis（CWP） patients. A matched case-control study was conducted in 86 CWP patients with active PTB and 86 CWP controls without TB. A standardized questionnaire was used for risk factors assessment. Conditioned logistic regression analysis was used to identify associations between the risk factors and active PTB among CWP patients. The results showed that the stage of CWP, poor workplace ventilation, family history of TB, and exposure to TB were independent risk factors for active PTB in patients with CWP with which recommendations for improving work environments, and for case finding activities in patients with CWP could be made.

Comparison of LAMP,GeneXpert,Mycobacterial Culture,Smear Microscopy,TSPOT.TB,TBAg/PHA Ratio for Diagnosis of Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Objective:To investigate the application value of loop-mediated isothermal amplification(LAMP),GeneXpert,mycobacterial culture,smear microscopy,TSPOT.TB(TSPOT),ratio of TB-specific antigen to phytohemagglutinin(TBAg/PHA ratio)in the detection of mycobacterium tuberculosis in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on the patients who underwent bronchoscopy from December 2018 to November 2019 in Tongji Hospital.The patients with positive tuberculosis culture or positive GeneXpert in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were selected as the case group,and those without tuberculosis served as the control group.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic value of LAMP,GeneXpert,culture,smear microscopy,TSPOT,and TBAg/PHA ratio.Results:For the patients with positive cultures as case,the sensitivity of LAMP,GeneXpert,smear microscopy,TSPOT and TBAg/PHA ratio was 73.49%,89.16%,25.30%,80.00%,33.85%,respectively,the specificity was 99.00%,100.00%,99.00%,86.00%,100.00%,respectively,the area under the ROC curve(AUC)was 0.849,0.938,0.633,0.830,0.669,respectively.For the patients with positive GeneXpert as case,the sensitivity of LAMP,mycobacterial culture,smear microscopy,TSPOT and TBAg/PHA ratio was 73.20%,74.23%,22.68%,68.92%,29.73%,respectively,the specificity was 99.00%,100.00%,99.00%,86.00%,100.00%,respectively,the AUC was 0.853,0.878,0.623,0.775,0.649,respectively.Conclusion:The sensitivity of GeneXpert was best.The sensitivity and diagnostic value of LAMP were slightly lower than those of GeneXpert,and were similar to tuberculosis culture.The sensitivity of smear microscopy was low.The specificity of TSPOT was low.When TBAg/PHA ratio>0.2 was used as a diagnostic index,the specificity was improved,but the sensitivity was low.

Comparison of Two Molecular Assays For Detecting Smear Negative Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Objective To compare the performance of MTBDRplus V2 and Xpert MTB/RIF for detecting smear negative pulmonary tuberculosis （PTB）. Methods Clinical PTB suspects were enrolled consecutively in Anhui Chest Hospital and Xi＇an Chest Hospital from January to December in 2014. The sputum samples of smear negative PTB suspects were collected and decontaminated. The sediment was used to conduct MTBDRplus V2, Xpert MTB/RIF and drug susceptibility test （DST）. All the samples with discrepant drug susceptibility result between molecular methods and phenotypic method were confirmed by DNA sequencing. Results A total of 1973 cases were enrolled in this study. The detection rates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex （MTBC） by MTBDRplus V2 and Xpert MTB/RIF were 27.67% and 27.98%, respectively. When setting MGIT culture result as a gold standard, the sensitivity and specificity of MTBDRplus V2 were 86.74% and 93.84%, and the sensitivity and specificity of Xpert MTB/RIF were 86.55% and 93.43%, respectively. For the detection of the resistance to rifampin, the sensitivity and specificity of MTBDRplus V2 were 94.34% and 96.62%, and the sensitivity and specificity of Xpert MTB/RIF were 88.68% and 95.96%, respectively. For the detection of the resistance to isoniazid, the sensitivity and specificity of MTBDRplus V2 were 77.38% and 98.02%, respectively. Conclusion MTBDRplus V2 and Xpert MTB/RIF can be used to detect MTBC in smear negative samples with satisfactory performance.

Association between depression and malnutrition in pulmonary tuberculosis patients:A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND Depression has been reported to be prevalent in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis(PTB).Moreover,several clinical symptoms of PTB and depression overlap,such as loss of appetite and malnutrition.However,the association between depression and malnutrition in TB patients has not been fully elucidated.AIM To explore the association between depression and malnutrition in patients with PTB.METHODS This hospital-based cross-sectional study included patients with PTB in Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University from April 2019 to July 2019.The Patient Health Questionnaire-9(PHQ-9)scale was used to evaluate depression.The cut-off value was set at 10,and the nutritional state was determined by the body mass index(BMI).In addition,the Quality of Life Instruments for Chronic Diseases was employed to establish the quality of life(QOL).Univariable analysis and multivariable analysis(forward mode)were implemented to identify the independent factors associated with depression.RESULTS A total of 328 PTB patients were screened for analysis.Eight were excluded for missing demographic data,four excluded for missing nutrition status,and sixteen for missing QOL data.Finally,300 PTB patients were subjected to analysis.We found that depressive state was present in 225 PTB patients(75%).The ratio of malnutrition in the depressive PTB patients was 45.33%.Our results revealed significantly lower BMI,hemoglobin,and prealbumin in the depression group than in the control group(P<0.05).Moreover,the social status differed significantly(P<0.05)between the groups.In addition,glutamic pyruvic transaminase and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase in the depression group were significantly higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that BMI[odds ratio(OR)=1.21,95%confidence interval(CI):1.163-1.257,P<0.001]and poor social function(OR=0.95,95%CI:0.926-0.974,P=0.038)were independently associated with depression.CONCLUSION Malnutrition and poor social function are significantly associated with depressive symptoms in PTB patients.A prospective large-scale study is needed to confirm these findings.

Clinical Study of Drug-resistant Pulmonary Tuberculosis Treated by Combination of Anti-Tuberculosis Chemicals and Compound Astragalus Capsule(复方黄芪胶囊)

Objective: To observe and evaluate the therapeutic effect of anti-tuberculosis (anti-TB) chemicals and Compound Astragalus Capsule (CAC) in combinedly treating drug resistant pulmonary tuberculosis (DR-TB). Methods: Ninety-two patients with DR-TB were equally randomized into the treated group (treated with combination therapy) and the control group (treated with anti-TB chemicals alone). The therapeutic course for both groups was 18 months. Therapeutic effects between the two groups were compared at the end of the therapeutic course. Sputum bacterial negative rate, focal absorption effective rate, cavity closing rate, 10-day symptom improving rate, the incidence of adverse reaction and 2-year bacteriological recurrence rate between the two groups were compared. Results: In the treated group, the sputum bacterial negative conversion rate was 84. 8% , focal absorption effective rate 91. 3% , cavity closing rate 58. 7% and 10-day symptom improving rate 54. 4% , while in the control group, the corresponding rates were 65.2% , 73. 9 % , 37.0% and 26.1 % , respectively. Comparison between the groups showed significant difference in all the parameters (P<0.05, P<0.05, P<0.05 and P<0.01). The incidence of adverse reaction and 2-year bacteriological recurrence rate in the treated group were 23. 9% and 2.6% respectively, while those in the control group 50. 0% and 16. 7% , which were higher than the former group with significant difference ( P<0. 01 and P<0. 05, respectively). Conclusion: The therapeutic effect of combined treatment with anti-TB and CAC is superior to that of treatment with anti-TB chemicals alone, and the Chinese herbal medicine showed an adverse reaction alleviating effect, which provides a new therapy for DR-TB, and therefore, it is worth spreading in clinical practice.

Risk of Treatment Failure in Patients with Drug-susceptible Pulmonary Tuberculosis in China

The objective of this prospective study of the risks of treatment failure in patients with drug-susceptible pulmonary tuberculosis （PTB） was to provide reference data to help develop a disease control strategy. Participants were recruited in eight provinces of China from October 2008 to December 2010. A total of 1447 patients with drug-susceptible PTB and older than 15 years of age were enrolled.

Association between gene polymorphisms of vitamin D receptor and pulmonary tuberculosis susceptibility:a meta-analysis

The vitamin D receptor （VDR） gene is a primary candidate gene for tuberculosis susceptibility, but results of previous studies are somewhat contradictory and underpowered. Thus, it is essential to further explore the association between VDR gene polymorphisms and risk of pulmonary tuberculosis （PTB）. Methods： A systematic review and meta-analysis about the association between Fok[, TaqI, Apal and Bsm[ polymorphisms and PTB susceptibility was conducted. Statistical Package for Social Science （Version 13.0） and Review Manager （Version 4.2, The Cochrane Collaboration） were used to analyze the data reported in studies. Results： A total of 13 studies with 2 262 cases and 2 833 controls were involved in the FokI polymorphism, and the results showed FokI polymorphism was associated with PTB susceptibility （allele f vs F： OR=1.12, 95% CI=[1.02, 1.23]; the additive effect model ff vs FF： OR=1.40, 95%CI=[1.10, 1.77]; the recessive genetic model firs Ff＋FF： OR=1.39, 95%CI=[1.12, 1.71]）. No significant associations were observed between TaqI （15 studies with 3 031 cases and 3 132 controls）, ApaI （7 studies with 1 495 cases and 1 922 controls）, BsmI （6 studies with 919 cases and 1 250 controls） variants and PTB susceptibility. Conclusion： We found variant Fokl polymorphism of VDR gene may play a risky role in PTB development, and the genetic model was presumed to be recessive.

3-to 24-month Follow-up on COVID-19 with Pulmonary Tuberculosis Survivors after Discharge:Results from a Prospective,Multicenter Study

Objective Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)and tuberculosis(TB)are major public health and social issues worldwide.The long-term follow-up of COVID-19 with pulmonary TB(PTB)survivors after discharge is unclear.This study aimed to comprehensively describe clinical outcomes,including sequela and recurrence at 3,12,and 24 months after discharge,among COVID-19 with PTB survivors.Methods From January 22,2020 to May 6,2022,with a follow-up by August 26,2022,a prospective,multicenter follow-up study was conducted on COVID-19 with PTB survivors after discharge in 13 hospitals from four provinces in China.Clinical outcomes,including sequela,recurrence of COVID-19,and PTB survivors,were collected via telephone and face-to-face interviews at 3,12,and 24 months after discharge.Results Thirty-two COVID-19 with PTB survivors were included.The median age was 52(45,59)years,and 23(71.9%)were men.Among them,nearly two-thirds(62.5%)of the survivors were moderate,three(9.4%)were severe,and more than half(59.4%)had at least one comorbidity(PTB excluded).The proportion of COVID-19 survivors with at least one sequela symptom decreased from 40.6%at 3 months to 15.8%at 24 months,with anxiety having a higher proportion over a follow-up.Cough and amnesia recovered at the 12-month follow-up,while anxiety,fatigue,and trouble sleeping remained after 24months.Additionally,one(3.1%)case presented two recurrences of PTB and no re-positive COVID-19during the follow-up period.Conclusion The proportion of long symptoms in COVID-19 with PTB survivors decreased over time,while nearly one in six still experience persistent symptoms with a higher proportion of anxiety.The recurrence of PTB and the psychological support of COVID-19 with PTB after discharge require more attention.

Genetic association study of P2x7 A1513C(rs 3751143) polymorphism and susceptibility to pulmonary tuberculosis: A meta-analysis based on the findings of 11 case-control studies

Objective:To summarize the precise association between pulmonary tuberculosis(PTB) and P2x7 A1513 C gene polymorphism.Methods:PubMed and Google Scholar web-databases were searched for the studies reporting the association of P2x7 A1513 C polymorphism and PTB risk.A meta-analysis was performed for the selected case-control studies and pooled odds ratios(ORs) and 95%confidence intervals(95%CIs) were calculated for all the genetic models.Results:Eleven studies comprising 2 678 controls and 2 113 PTB cases were included in this meta-analysis.We observed overall no significant risk in all the five genetic models.When stratified population by the ethnicity,Caucasian population failed to show any risk of PTB in all the genetics models.In Asian ethnicity,variant allele(C vs.A:P=0.001;QR=1.375,95%CI=1.159-1.632) and heterozygous genotype(AC vs.AA:P=0.001;OR=1.570,95%CI=1.269-1.944) demonstrated significant increased risk of PTB.Likewise,recessive genetic model(CC+AC vs.AA:P=0.001;OR=1.540,95%CI= 1.255-1.890) also demonstrated increased risk of PTB in Asians.Conclusions:Our meta-analysis did not suggest the association of P2x7 A1513 C polymorphism with PTB risk in overall or separately in Caucasian population.However,it plays a significant risk factor for predisposing PTB in Asians.Future larger sample and expression studies are needed to validate this association.

Reliability of urinary tests for antibody to Helicobacterpylori in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis

AIM: Although the quality of currently available urinary tests for detecting antibody to Helicobacter pylori(H pylori) have been proved in some populations, the accuracy has not been studied regarding patients who suffer from pulmonary tuberculosis with multi-drug treatments. The present study was conducted to evaluate the accuracy of these urinary tests for antibody to H pylori in these patients. METHODS: Serum samples from 61 inpatients with pulmonary tuberculosis were tested using enzyme immunoassay, and urine samples were assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method (URINELISA) and immunochromatography method (RAPIRAN). Medicines prescribed to the patients were recorded for medical charts, to evaluate the influences on the results of urinary tests. RESULTS: The sensitivity, specificity, and consistency of URINELJSA against the serum test were 93.1%, 65.6%, and 78.6% respectively, and those of RAPIRAN were 86.2%, 93.7%, and 90.1% respectively, which were almost equal to the data previously reported. Prescribed medicines had little influence on the results. CONCLUSION: The two urinary tests for detecting H pylori antibody have a diagnostic accuracy in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis given multiple anti-tuberculosis drugs.

Boarding issue in a commercial flight for patients with cavitary pulmonary tuberculosis: A case report

BACKGROUND Several studies have demonstrated that airborne transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria from patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis(TB) to other passengers or crew members can occur during long flights. As such, non-infectious TB patients are usually allowed to undertake air travel after taking the appropriate anti-TB drugs. However, the global guidelines for air travel for patients with TB are inconsistent and insufficiently detailed with respect to cavitary pulmonary TB(CPTB).CASE SUMMARY Here, we report a case in which a patient with multiple CPTB was permitted air travel, following negative sputum acid-fast bacilli smear tests after administration of proper anti-TB medication. The patient’s culture results were pending.CONCLUSION This case revealed that more specific guidelines regulating air travel for patients with CPTB are necessary.

Diagnostic Evaluation of GeneXpert MTB/RIF Assay for the Detection of Rifampicin Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis among Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients in Bangladesh

Background: The emergence of multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and extensively drug- resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) has highlighted the need for early accurate detection and drug susceptibility. Objective: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the accuracy of GeneX-pert MTB/RIF assay for the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and rifampicin resistance. Methodology: This cross sectional study was done in the Department of Microbiology at Sir Salimullah Medical College, Dhaka and National Institute of Chest Disease & Hospital (NIDCH), Dhaka during the period of January 2014 to December 2014 for a period of 1 (one) year. Sputum samples from suspected MDR-TB patients were collected by purposive sampling technique from OPD of Sir Salimullah Medical College (SSMC) and NIDCH. Microscopy, liquid culture in liquid MGIT 960 media and GeneXpert MTB/RIF were done for MTB diagnosis and detection of rifampicin resistance. MGIT 960 media were also used for determination of drug resistance. Result: Liquid culture yielded higher growth (68%) from 100 samples while GeneXpert MTB assay showed similar result (67% positive and 33% negative). Drug susceptibility test in MGIT 960 media showed that out of 68 positive cases Rifampicin resistant cases were 15 (22.05%) whereas GeneXpert MTB assay detected 14 (20.89%) were Rifampicin resistant out of 67 MTB positive samples. When compared to liquid culture the calculated sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value (NPV), positive predictive value (PPV) and accuracy of GeneXpert MTB were 98.52%, 100%, 96.96%, 100% and 99%. Conclusion: GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay is high detection rate of pulmonary tuberculosis and multidrug resistant tuberculosis.