BCG is protective against death in male but not female patients with pulmonary tuberculosis in Guinea-Bissau.

Background: Growing evidence supports the existence of a sex difference in immunity to tuberculosis (TB). This is most often to the detriment of males. This study aimed to assess the association between scar size from bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) and mortality risk stratified by sex.

Tobacco smoking impact on tuberculosis treatment outcome: an observational study from West Africa.

Objective: Both tuberculosis (TB) and tobacco smoking are preventable health hazards. Few studies have examined the relationship between TB and tobacco smoking in an African setting, where the two health burdens collide heavily. This study aimed to describe the severity of TB disease and treatment outcomes among smokers with TB compared with nonsmokers with TB in Guinea-Bissau.

Assessing gender differences among presumed and diagnosed patients with pulmonary TB: observations from Guinea-Bissau.

Background: Globally, more males than females are diagnosed with pulmonary TB (PTB); however, the cause of this gender disparity remains unknown. We aimed to assess gender differences in an observational cohort of patients with presumed PTB (prePTB) at the Bandim Health Project, Guinea-Bissau.

Methods: Adult patients with signs and symptoms suggestive of PTB seeking medical care were invited to participate and were referred to comprehensive diagnostic work-up.

Active case-finding of tuberculosis in general populations and at-risk groups: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends active case-finding (ACF) of tuberculosis (TB) in certain high-risk groups; however, more evidence is needed to elucidate the scope of ACF beyond the current recommendations. In this study we aimed to systematically review yields (the prevalence of active TB) of studies on ACF in general populations and at-risk groups.

Methods: A literature search in PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Central Library (CENTRAL) was performed for studies concluded after 31 December 1999 and published before 1 September 2020.

Mid-upper arm circumference as an indicator of underweight in adults: a cross-sectional study from Nepal.

Background: Undernourished people have an increased risk of premature mortality from both infectious and non-communicable diseases. Aside from screening purposes, assessment of nutritional status is a useful tool in management and evaluation of various chronic diseases. Body-Mass-Index (BMI) is today the most commonly used marker of nutritional status however, this method presents a challenge in many low resource settings and immobile patients.

Dietary intake in undernourished adults living in Guinea-Bissau; a cross-sectional study.

Background: Data on dietary intake in Guinea-Bissau is limited. The main purpose of this study was to compare mean daily energy intake (EI) with mean daily energy expenditure (EE) for a moderately active lifestyle in health-seeking individuals with a body mass index < 20.0 kg/m.

Disseminated Mycobacterium celatum disease with prolonged pulmonary involvement.

Mycobacterium celatum is a rare cause of human infection, causing disseminated disease in immunosuppressed individuals. Infections localized to the lungs and the lymph nodes have also been reported in immunocompetent individuals. The existing literature on the subject is limited as are experiences with treatment regimens and durations.