Efficacy and safety of a 4-drug fixed-dose combination regimen compared with separate drugs for treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis: the Study C randomized controlled trial.

Context: Fixed-dose combinations (FDCs) of drugs for treatment of tuberculosis have been advocated to prevent the emergence of drug resistance.

Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of a 4-drug FDC for the treatment of tuberculosis.

Design, Setting, And Patients: The Study C trial, a parallel-group, open-label, noninferiority, randomized controlled trial conducted in 11 sites in Africa, Asia, and Latin America between 2003 and 2008.

Possible outbreak of streptomycin-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis Beijing in Benin.

Using geographic information system and molecular tools, we characterized a possible outbreak of tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis Beijing strain in 17 patients in Cotonou, Benin, during July 2005-October 2006. Most patients lived or worked in the same area and frequented the same local drinking bar. The isolates were streptomycin resistant.

New foci of Buruli ulcer, Angola and Democratic Republic of Congo.

We report 3 patients with laboratory-confirmed Buruli ulcer in Kafufu/Luremo, Angola, and Kasongo-Lunda, Democratic Republic of Congo. These villages are near the Kwango/Cuango River, which flows through both countries. Further investigation of artisanal alluvial mining as a risk factor for Buruli ulcer is recommended.

Setting up a national reference laboratory for Buruli ulcer: the case of Benin.

Objective: To report the experience of Benin, where Buruli ulcer (BU) is endemic, in the implementation of diagnostic laboratory services.

Methods And Results: There has been a gradual introduction of biologic diagnostic activities for BU comprising (1) training of a laboratory technician in a highly experienced reference laboratory; (2) acquiring indispensable laboratory start-up materials; (3) progressive development of diagnostic laboratory activities; (4) regular external quality assessment with an experienced reference laboratory and (5) decentralization of activities to various clinical diagnostic and treatment centres for BU in Benin.

Conclusion: Setting up a reference laboratory for BU is a continuous process, which necessitates motivated personnel and the cooperation of an experienced external reference laboratory.