Extrapulmonary nontuberculous mycobacterial infections: a guide for the general physician.

Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infections predominantly present as pulmonary disease. Although relatively rare, 20-30 % originate from extrapulmonary sites resulting in a wide range of clinical syndromes. Immunocompromised individuals are particularly susceptible.

The Congregational Structure of Homonegativity: Why Place of Worship May Matter More than Frequency of Worship.

Using 239 congregants from 14 randomly selected places of worship in the Southern United States-and a mega-analysis of 577 congregants from 34 similarly-located places of worship-we examined the relationship between religiousness and homonegativity. Multilevel models examining the effects of religiousness on homonegativity indicated that service attendance was more strongly related to homonegativity as a congregation-level variable than as an individual-level variable. Interaction effects between service attendance and the affirmativeness of a congregation were not significant, suggesting that the frequency of participation with a homonegative congregation is not related to homonegativity.

Non tuberculous mycobacteria pulmonary disease: patients and clinicians working together to improve the evidence base for care.

Non-tuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease is on the rise globally. It is often missed, and causes significant morbidity and even mortality. Here, members of a clinical research network and a patient support group discuss some of the current key issues in NTM management.

Fluoroquinolones and isoniazid-resistant tuberculosis: implications for the 2018 WHO guidance.

Introduction: 2018 World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for the treatment of isoniazid (H)-resistant (Hr) tuberculosis recommend a four-drug regimen: rifampicin (R), ethambutol (E), pyrazinamide (Z) and levofloxacin (Lfx), with or without H ([H]RZE-Lfx). This is used once Hr is known, such that patients complete 6 months of Lfx (≥6[H]RZE-6Lfx). This cohort study assessed the impact of fluoroquinolones (Fq) on treatment effectiveness, accounting for Hr mutations and degree of phenotypic resistance.

Prognostic value of interferon-γ release assays and tuberculin skin test in predicting the development of active tuberculosis (UK PREDICT TB): a prospective cohort study.

Background: Tackling tuberculosis requires testing and treatment of latent tuberculosis in high-risk groups. The aim of this study was to estimate the predictive values of the tuberculin skin test (TST) and two interferon-γ release assays (IGRAs) for the development of active tuberculosis in high-risk groups-ie, people in recent contact with active tuberculosis cases and from high-burden countries.

Method: In this prospective cohort study, we recruited participants from 54 centres (eg, clinics, community settings) in London, Birmingham, and Leicester in the UK.