Publications by authors named "R R Nathavitharana"

Article Synopsis
  • - The systematic review focused on the effectiveness and impacts of respiratory isolation for pulmonary tuberculosis (TB), highlighting the lack of clear guidelines on how long isolation should last and inconsistent implementation across different settings.
  • - Researchers analyzed 17 studies, finding limited direct comparisons between isolation and no isolation. Some evidence suggests isolation might reduce transmission, but studies often combined it with other interventions and did not show significant effects post-treatment initiation.
  • - The review revealed significant negative consequences of isolation, including impacts on employment, education, and mental health, especially in marginalized groups, indicating that public health decisions must balance community transmission risks with the personal hardships faced by individuals with TB.
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Determining the extent and duration of infectiousness of individuals with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is critical for various aspects of TB care, including decisions regarding isolation. Studies suggest considerable heterogeneity in infectiousness of people with pulmonary TB. Pre-treatment, measures of bacillary burden including sputum smear microscopy, culture time-to-positivity, and Xpert MTB/RIF cycle threshold (Ct) value, predict the risk of transmission to contacts.

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INTRODUCTIONClosing the TB diagnostic gap is an urgent priority, for which non-sputum-based tests are needed. We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of Aeonose, an exhaled breath test (EBT), as a TB triage test.METHODSPatients with cough or TB risk factors admitted to a tertiary hospital in Lima, Peru, were prospectively enrolled and underwent EBT.

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Background: Anticipated, internal, and enacted stigma are major barriers to tuberculosis (TB) care engagement and directly impact patient well-being. Unfortunately, targeted stigma interventions are lacking. We aimed to co-develop a person-centred stigma intervention with TB-affected community members and health workers in South Africa.

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