Publications by authors named "S M LaCourse"

Tuberculosis (TB) is the leading cause of death from a single infectious agent. The burden is highest in some low- and middle-income countries. One-quarter of the world's population is estimated to have been infected with TB, which is the seedbed for progressing from TB infection to the deadly and contagious disease itself.

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Background: Despite immune restoration after initiation of antiretroviral treatment (ART), the risk of tuberculosis (TB) persists in children living with HIV (CLHIV). We determined patterns of immune restoration of mycobacteria-specific T cells following ART in CLHIV.

Methods: CD4 and CD8 T cell activation and memory phenotype and functional profiles before and 6 months after ART were evaluated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from CLHIV enrolled in the PUSH study (NCT02063880) in Nairobi, Kenya.

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Background: Although prior studies of tuberculosis-preventive treatment (TPT) for pregnant people with human immunodeficiency virus (PPWH) report conflicting adverse pregnancy outcome (APO) risks, international guidelines recommend TPT for PPWH.

Methods: We used a microsimulation model to evaluate 5 TPT strategies among PPWH receiving antiretroviral therapy in South Africa: No TPT; 6 months of isoniazid (6H) or 3 months of isoniazid-rifapentine (3HP) during pregnancy (Immediate 6H or Immediate 3HP) or post partum (Deferred 6H or Deferred 3HP). The primary outcomes were maternal, fetal/infant, and combined deaths from causes potentially influenced by TPT (maternal tuberculosis, maternal hepatotoxicity, stillbirth, low birth weight [LBW], and infant tuberculosis).

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Background: Isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) decreases risk of tuberculosis (TB) disease; impact on long-term infant growth is unknown. In a recent randomized trial (RCT), we assessed IPT effects on infant growth without known TB exposure.

Methods: The infant TB Infection Prevention Study (iTIPS) trial was a non-blinded RCT among HIV-exposed uninfected (HEU) infants in Kenya.

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