Introduction: Evidence on screening high-risk groups for TB by mobile X-ray in low-incidence countries is building, but knowledge on other possible screening methods is limited. In this retrospective study we report results from a community based programme screening for TB by spot sputum culture.

Methods: On seven occasions, from September 2012 through June 2014, we offered TB screening to all persons present at 11 locations where socially marginalised people gather in Copenhagen. Spot sputum samples from participants were examined by smear microscopy and culture. Genotype, nucleic acid amplification test and chest X-ray were done if TB was found.

Results: Among 1075 participants, we identified 36 cases of TB. Twenty-four cases (66.7%) were identified at the first screening of each participant, that is, the prevalence of TB was 2233/100 000. Thirty-five (97%) of the TB cases were culture-positive and seven (19.4%) were smear-positive. Twelve out of 21 (57.1%) cases tested were nucleic acid amplification test positive. Twenty-eight (77.8%) had chest X-ray suggestive of TB. All patients with TB started treatment, 30 (83.3%) had a successful outcome.

Discussion: Screening for TB by spot sputum culture is possible and a promising alternative to mobile X-ray in a community based screening programme. 22.2% did not have chest X-ray suggestive of TB and would not have been identified using mobile X-ray. Most of the TB cases were smear-negative, suggesting that they were identified at an early, less infectious stage, which is essential in order to prevent transmission and gain infection control.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/thoraxjnl-2015-207162DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

mobile x-ray
12
spot sputum
12
chest x-ray
12
screening
8
sputum culture
8
high-risk groups
8
community based
8
screening spot
8
nucleic acid
8
acid amplification
8

Similar Publications

Paleoradiology has become a standard diagnostic method in the study of mummified or embalmed bodies. Among the various available techniques, computed tomography valuing for its ability to provide detailed information. However, computed tomography equipment is not always accessible to research teams, cannot be easily transported to all conservation sites, and raises health concerns.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Cardioembolic stroke caused by atrial myxoma.

BMJ Case Rep

January 2025

ARHC/Stroke Service, Naas General Hospital, Naas, Kildare, Ireland.

A woman in her early 60s presented with multiple transient neurological symptoms over the course of 20 months, including transient loss of power to her right lower limb. Initial workup with CT brain scan, carotid dopplers and ECG revealed no abnormality; however, MRI of the brain suggested recent ischaemic events in separate cortical territories. Subsequent transoesophageal echocardiogram revealed a large mobile mass histologically confirmed to be an atrial myxoma.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Inosine 5'-monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) is a promising antibiotic target. This enzyme catalyzes the NAD-dependent oxidation of inosine 5'-monophosphate (IMP) to xanthosine 5'-monophosphate (XMP), which is the rate-limiting step in guanine nucleotide biosynthesis. Bacterial IMPDH-specific inhibitors have been developed that bind to the NAD site.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Despite the increasing popularity of electronic devices, the longitudinal effects of daily prolonged electronic device usage on brain health and the aging process remain unclear.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the daily use of mobile phones/computers on the brain structure and the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.

Methods: We used data from the UK Biobank, a longitudinal population-based cohort study, to analyze the impact of mobile phone use duration, weekly usage time, and playing computer games on the future brain structure and the future risk of various neurodegenerative diseases, including all-cause dementia (ACD), Alzheimer disease (AD), vascular dementia (VD), all-cause parkinsonism (ACP), and Parkinson disease (PD).

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background And Objectives: Although previous trials have established the efficacy and safety of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) in large ischemic core strokes, most of them excluded patients with extracranial internal carotid artery (e-ICA) occlusion. We aimed to compare outcomes in patients with e-ICA occlusion and large ischemic core infarcts treated with EVT vs medical management (MM).

Methods: This was a secondary analysis of the SELECT2 trial, a randomized controlled trial conducted at 31 international sites.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!