Diabetes is associated with lower tuberculosis antigen-specific interferon gamma release in Tanzanian tuberculosis patients and non-tuberculosis controls.

Background: Diabetes is increasingly common in TB endemic regions and plays a role as a possible risk factor for increased progression from latent TB infection (LTBI) to active TB disease. Although the pathophysiological mechanisms are not fully understood, the immune system is weakened in diabetes patients and therefore the validity of interferon gamma release assays (IGRA) may be compromised. The aim of the present study was to assess the association between diabetes and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) antigen-specific interferon gamma (IFN-γ) release in a TB endemic area among culture-confirmed TB patients and non-TB controls.

[Research training is inadequate among future medical doctors].

This questionnaire survey investigated interest and activity in pregraduate research among 643 medical students at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Copenhagen. We find, that although the students show great interest and motivation for research, very few have actual research experience. The students described suboptimal research training, lack of tutoring and facilitation as well as of career counselling.

The role of diabetes co-morbidity for tuberculosis treatment outcomes: a prospective cohort study from Mwanza, Tanzania.

Background: Due to the association between diabetes and pulmonary tuberculosis (TB), diabetes may threaten the control of TB. In a prospective cohort study nested in a nutrition trial, we investigated the role of diabetes on changes in anthropometry, grip strength, and clinical parameters over a five months follow-up period.

Methods: Among pulmonary TB patients with known diabetes status, we assessed anthropometry and clinical parameters (e.

Diabetes is a risk factor for pulmonary tuberculosis: a case-control study from Mwanza, Tanzania.

Background: Diabetes and TB are associated, and diabetes is increasingly common in low-income countries where tuberculosis (TB) is highly endemic. However, the role of diabetes for TB has not been assessed in populations where HIV is prevalent.

Methods: A case-control study was conducted in an urban population in Tanzania among culture-confirmed pulmonary TB patients and non-TB neighbourhood controls.