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.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFInt J Tuberc Lung Dis
September 2024
BMC Glob Public Health
August 2024
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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