Analysis of tuberculosis prevalence surveys: new guidance on best-practice methods.

Background: An unprecedented number of nationwide tuberculosis (TB) prevalence surveys will be implemented between 2010 and 2015, to better estimate the burden of disease caused by TB and assess whether global targets for TB control set for 2015 are achieved. It is crucial that results are analysed using best-practice methods.

Objective: To provide new theoretical and practical guidance on best-practice methods for the analysis of TB prevalence surveys, including analyses at the individual as well as cluster level and correction for biases arising from missing data.

Feasibility and cost-effectiveness of treating multidrug-resistant tuberculosis: a cohort study in the Philippines.

Background: Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is an important global health problem, and a control strategy known as DOTS-Plus has existed since 1999. However, evidence regarding the feasibility, effectiveness, cost, and cost-effectiveness of DOTS-Plus is still limited.

Methodology/principal Findings: We evaluated the feasibility, effectiveness, cost, and cost-effectiveness of a DOTS-Plus pilot project established at Makati Medical Center in Manila, the Philippines, in 1999.

Diagnosis and management of tuberculosis by private practitioners in Manila, Philippines.

Setting: Private for-profit health care providers are prominent in the health system of the Philippines.

Objectives: To examine the practices of the private practitioners in Malabon, Metropolitan Manila, Philippines, concerning diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis (TB).

Design: Forty-five private practitioners of Malabon who treat adult TB patients were interviewed.