Publications by authors named "Michael Asare-Baah"
Article Synopsis
- The Beijing genotype of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) shows no significant difference in transmissibility compared to non-Beijing strains, with slight variances in LTBI prevalence.
- The study analyzed 4,457 TB patients and their 20,448 contacts in Florida over 14 years, concluding that older age, male sex, and certain exposures increase LTBI risk.
- However, the Beijing strain was linked to a higher rate of TB case clustering, indicating it may be more involved in spreading within communities rather than being more transmissible overall.
Background: The objective of this study was to investigate timing and risk factors for discontinuation of short-course tuberculosis preventive therapy (TPT) comparing directly observed 3-month isoniazid/rifapentine (3HP) vs self-administered 4-month rifampin (4R).
Methods: This was a subanalysis of a 6-month health department cohort (2016-2017) of 993 latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) patients initiating 3HP (20%) or 4R (80%). Time at risk of TPT discontinuation was compared across regimens.
Background: Despite advancements in tuberculosis (TB) control and treatment in the United States (US), patients with central nervous system TB (CNS-TB) continue to experience significantly higher mortality rates than those without CNS-TB. This raises concerns regarding clinical management and the need for a deeper understanding of the risk factors contributing to these deaths. This study aimed to determine the predictors of mortality in patients with CNS-TB.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a devastating impact on health systems and economies across the globe. Implementing public health measures in tandem with effective vaccination strategies have been instrumental in curtailing the burden of the pandemic. With the three vaccines authorized for use in the U.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has been a major global health challenge since its emergence in 2019. Contrary to early predictions that sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) would bear a disproportionate share of the burden of COVID-19 due to the region's vulnerability to other infectious diseases, weak healthcare systems, and socioeconomic conditions, the pandemic's effects in SSA have been very mild in comparison to other regions. Interestingly, the number of cases, hospitalizations, and disease-induced deaths in SSA remain low, despite the loose implementation of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) and the low availability and administration of vaccines.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- The study investigates mixed infections of genetically distinct Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains in patients receiving treatment for tuberculosis in Florida from 2008 to 2018.
- A prevalence rate of 2.6% for mixed infections was found, with higher occurrences in middle-aged and older patients, as well as those with diabetes.
- However, the research did not find a significant link between mixed infections and patient mortality, highlighting the need for better management strategies for these cases.