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Fulltext Latent tuberculosis infection screening in foreign-born populations: a successful mobile clinic outreach model

Morano JP, Zelenev A, Walton MR, Bruce RD, Altice FL

Am J Public Health, 2014 Aug;104(8):1508-15.
PMID: 24922157 DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2014.301897

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the efficacy of a mobile medical clinic (MMC) screening program for detecting latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) and active tuberculosis.
METHODS: A LTBI screening program in a MMC in New Haven, Connecticut, used medical surveys to examine risk factors and tuberculin skin test (TST) screening eligibility. We assessed clinically relevant correlates of total (prevalent; n = 4650) and newly diagnosed (incident; n = 4159) LTBI from 2003 to 2011.
RESULTS: Among 8322 individuals, 4159 (55.6%) met TST screening eligibility criteria, of which 1325 (31.9%) had TST assessed. Similar to LTBI prevalence (16.8%; 779 of 4650), newly diagnosed LTBI (25.6%; 339 of 1325) was independently correlated with being foreign-born (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 8.49; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 5.54, 13.02), Hispanic (AOR = 3.12; 95% CI = 1.88, 5.20), Black (AOR = 2.16; 95% CI = 1.31, 3.55), employed (AOR = 1.61; 95% CI = 1.14, 2.28), and of increased age (AOR = 1.04; 95% CI = 1.02, 1.05). Unstable housing (AOR = 4.95; 95% CI = 3.43, 7.14) and marijuana use (AOR = 1.57; 95% CI = 1.05, 2.37) were significantly correlated with incident LTBI, and being male, heroin use, interpersonal violence, employment, not having health insurance, and not completing high school were significantly correlated with prevalent LTBI.
CONCLUSIONS: Screening for TST in MMCs successfully identifies high-risk foreign-born, Hispanic, working, and uninsured populations and innovatively identifies LTBI in urban settings.
Study site: Mobile clinic, New Haven, Connecticut, United States

Matched MeSH terms: Tuberculin Test/methods
Ocular tuberculosis in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia - A case series

Shahidatul-Adha M, Zunaina E, Liza-Sharmini AT, Wan-Hazabbah WH, Shatriah I, Mohtar I, et al.

Ann Med Surg (Lond), 2017 Dec;24:25-30.
PMID: 29062482 DOI: 10.1016/j.amsu.2017.10.003

INTRODUCTION: Ocular tuberculosis (TB) encompasses a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations affecting different structures of the eye. It is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a great ancient organism that induces various types of diseases and unfavorable outcomes if unrecognized and not well treated.
PURPOSE: To report the clinical profile of 34 ocular TB cases observed during 6 years period in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM).
METHOD: A retrospective review of medical records from 34 patients diagnosed with ocular TB in HUSM from January 2011 until December 2016.
RESULTS: The mean age was 43 ± 14.6 years old. Both male and female affected in about 1:1 ratio. The majority of subjects were local Malays (91.2%). Risk factors included previous contact with pulmonary TB patients (38.2%), and patients with underlying diabetes mellitus (26.5%). Most patients showed normal chest radiography (79.4%). However they had positive Mantoux test (94.1%) and raised erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) value (58.8%). Uveitis was the most common ocular manifestation of ocular TB (70.6%) while the rare ocular manifestations included optic perineuritis and optic neuritis, orbital apex syndrome, orbital cellulitis, sclerokeratitis, corneal ulcer and conjunctival abscess. All patients responded well to anti-TB treatment, but visual outcome was variable.
CONCLUSIONS: This review shows the diverse entity of ocular TB spectrum in an endemic area. Good clinical response to anti-tuberculous therapy supported the presumed diagnosis of ocular TB in majority of the cases.

Matched MeSH terms: Tuberculin Test
Fulltext Prevalence and risk factors of latent tuberculosis infection among health care workers in Malaysia

Rafiza S, Rampal KG, Tahir A

BMC Infect Dis, 2011;11:19.
PMID: 21244645 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-11-19

BACKGROUND: Health care workers are exposed to patients with tuberculosis and are at risk of nosocomial infection. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with latent tuberculosis infection among health care workers in Malaysia and also to evaluate the agreement between Quantiferon TB Gold in tube test with Tuberculin Skin Test.
METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted at four randomly selected hospitals in the Klang Valley from December 2008 to May 2009. Self administered questionnaire was used to obtain information on health care workers and possible risk factors. The response rate for this study was 90.8% with 954 respondents completed the questionnaire and were tested with Quantiferon TB Gold in tube for latent tuberculosis infection. Agreement between Quantiferon TB Gold in tube and Tuberculin Skin Test was assessed among 95 health care workers who consented to undergo both tests.
RESULTS: The overall prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection among health care workers was 10.6% (CI: 8.6%; 12.6%). Factors significantly associated with latent tuberculosis infection were aged 35 years and older [9.49 (CI: 2.22; 40.50)], history of living in the same house with close family members or friends who had active tuberculosis [8.69 (CI: 3.00; 25.18)], worked as a nurse [4.65 (CI: 1.10; 19.65)] and being male [3.70 (CI: 1.36; 10.02)]. Agreement between Quantiferon TB Gold in tube test and tuberculin skin test at cut-off points of 10 mm and 15 mm was 50.5% and 82.1% respectively. However, Kappa-agreement was poor for both cut-off points.
CONCLUSION: The prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection in Malaysia was relatively low for an intermediate TB burden country. We could not comment on the occupational risk of latent tuberculosis infection among health care worker compared to the general population as there were no prevalence data available for latent tuberculosis infection in the general population. Kappa agreement between Quantiferon TB gold in-tube and tuberculin skin test was poor.

Matched MeSH terms: Tuberculin Test
Fulltext Latent tuberculosis infection in a Malaysian prison: implications for a comprehensive integrated control program in prisons

Al-Darraji HA, Kamarulzaman A, Altice FL

BMC Public Health, 2014 Jan 10;14:22.
PMID: 24405607 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-14-22

Prisons continue to fuel tuberculosis (TB) epidemics particularly in settings where access to TB screening and prevention services is limited. Malaysia is a middle-income country with a relatively high incarceration rate of 138 per 100,000 population. Despite national TB incidence rate remaining unchanged over the past ten years, data about TB in prisons and its contribution to the overall national rates does not exist. This survey was conducted to address the prevalence of latent TB infection (LTBI) in Malaysia's largest prison.

Matched MeSH terms: Tuberculin Test
Fulltext Effects of repeated comparative intradermal tuberculin testing on test results: a longitudinal study in TB-free red deer

Che-Amat A, Risalde MÁ, González-Barrio D, Ortíz JA, Gortázar C

BMC Vet Res, 2016 Sep 05;12(1):184.
PMID: 27596591 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-016-0825-2

Diagnosing tuberculosis (TB) in farmed red deer (Cervus elaphus) is challenging and might require combining cellular and humoral diagnostic tests. Repeated skin-testing with mycobacterial purified protein derivatives (PPDs) might sensitize or desensitize the subjects to both kinds of diagnostic tools. We evaluated the effect of repeated (every 6 months) comparative tuberculin skin testing on skin test and ELISA responsiveness in farmed red deer hinds from a TB-free herd. Eighteen 8-month old hinds were inoculated with bovine and avian PPDs and the mitogen phytohaemagglutinin (PHA), as positive control and concurrently tested by ELISA for antibodies against avian (avian PPD, aPPD and protoplasmatic antigen 3, PPA3) and bovine antigens (bPPD and MPB70). Blood serum was also sampled three weeks after each skin testing round and tested for antibodies against aPPD and bPPD, in order to detect eventual antibody level boosts. Testing took place every six months from winter 2012 until winter 2015.

Matched MeSH terms: Tuberculin Test/veterinary*
Histoplasmosis in Malaya

Ponnampalam JT

Br J Dis Chest, 1964 Apr;58:49-55.
PMID: 14152216

A survey of 227 patients from 5-60 years of age revealed the presence of positive histoplasmin skin tests in 10.5 per cent. and positive complement-fixation tests in 19-8 per cent. Sputum from 13 of the 37 patients who had a positive complement-fixation test were cultured for H. capsulatum but with negative results. Exposure to infection by the fungus is equally distributed among the different race and age groups. A careful and constant watch should be kept for histoplasmosis in all chest hospitals as a certain number of cases may be present. It tends to elude diagnosis unless specially sought as it resembles the clinical picture of tuberculosis or other granulomatous disease. It presents a field for further investigation and research in Malaya.

Matched MeSH terms: Tuberculin Test*
Fulltext Ocular Tuberculosis Initially Presenting as Central Retinal Vein Occlusion

Mahyudin M, Choo MM, Ramli NM, Omar SS

Case Rep Ophthalmol, 2010 Aug 02;1(1):30-35.
PMID: 21116342

A 23-year-old man presented with central retinal vein occlusion. The retinal haemorrhages worsened and signs of retinal vasculitis appeared later as vision dropped from 6/60 to Counting Fingers. No signs of systemic disease were observed. Routine Mantoux test and chest radiograph were negative for tuberculosis. Fundus flourescein angiogram confirmed presence of retinal vasculitis. Both systemic and topical corticosteroid therapy were ineffective. Polymerase chain reaction analysis of vitreous fluid showed presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. A full 6-month course of antituberculosis therapy was given and inflammation subsided. Vision improved to 3/60. This is a rare case of ocular tuberculosis without evidence of systemic infection, presenting first as a central retinal vein occlusion.

Matched MeSH terms: Tuberculin Test
Fulltext Prevalence of Latent Tuberculosis Infection Among Non-US-Born Persons by Country of Birth-United States, 2012-2017

Collins JM, Stout JE, Ayers T, Hill AN, Katz DJ, Ho CS, et al.

Clin Infect Dis, 2021 11 02;73(9):e3468-e3475.
PMID: 33137172 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa1662

BACKGROUND: Most tuberculosis (TB) disease in the United States (US) is attributed to reactivation of remotely acquired latent TB infection (LTBI) in non-US-born persons who were likely infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis in their countries of birth. Information on LTBI prevalence by country of birth could help guide local providers and health departments to scale up the LTBI screening and preventive treatment needed to advance progress toward TB elimination.
METHODS: A total of 13 805 non-US-born persons at high risk of TB infection or progression to TB disease were screened for LTBI at 16 clinical sites located across the United States with a tuberculin skin test, QuantiFERON Gold In-Tube test, and T-SPOT.TB test. Bayesian latent class analysis was applied to test results to estimate LTBI prevalence and associated credible intervals (CrIs) for each country or world region of birth.
RESULTS: Among the study population, the estimated LTBI prevalence was 31% (95% CrI, 26%-35%). Country-of-birth-level LTBI prevalence estimates were highest for persons born in Haiti, Peru, Somalia, Ethiopia, Vietnam, and Bhutan, ranging from 42% to 55%. LTBI prevalence estimates were lowest for persons born in Colombia, Malaysia, and Thailand, ranging from 8% to 13%.
CONCLUSIONS: LTBI prevalence in persons born outside the US varies widely by country. These estimates can help target community outreach efforts to the highest-risk groups.

Matched MeSH terms: Tuberculin Test
Efficacy and safety of intralesional tuberculin purified protein derivative versus cryotherapy in the treatment of warts: An assessor-blinded, randomized controlled trial

Wan Ahmad Kammal WSL, Jamil A, Md Nor N

Dermatol Ther, 2021 09;34(5):e15080.
PMID: 34351693 DOI: 10.1111/dth.15080

Cryotherapy is a standard treatment for warts. Tuberculin immunotherapy is a novel therapeutic option. We compared the efficacy and safety of cryotherapy versus tuberculin immunotherapy in a randomized, assessor-blinded study. 15 patients were treated with intralesional tuberculin and 15 patients received cryotherapy every 2 weeks until complete wart resolution or a maximum of six sessions. Wart diameter, total number of warts and adverse effects were documented. Complete clearance of treated warts was achieved in 13(86.7%) and 11(73.3%) of patients with immunotherapy and cryotherapy respectively. Immunotherapy showed greater wart size reduction (51.88 ± 89.36 mm) than cryotherapy (32.99 ± 36.19 mm), (p = 0.46). Immunotherapy resulted in 64% reduction in total number of warts compared to 23.2% with cryotherapy, p Tuberculin immunotherapy and cryotherapy are equally effective in treating warts. Immunotherapy has added benefit with resolution of distant warts. Safety profiles were similar except for blisters which were more common with cryotherapy.

Matched MeSH terms: Tuberculin*
Fulltext Cell-mediated immunity in nasopharyngeal carcinoma and allergic rhinitis: a controlled study

Wong HT, Shahrizal TA, Prepageran N, Lim WK, Raman R

Ear Nose Throat J, 2007 May;86(5):292-4.
PMID: 17580811

We conducted a prospective study of 60 patients in a tertiary care referral center to ascertain the status of cell-mediated immunity as determined by delayed hypersensitivity reactions in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) or allergic rhinitis. Delayed hypersensitivity as detected by Mantoux testing is generally accepted as a reflection of the level of cell-mediated immunoactivity-the less hypersensitivity reaction that occurs, the lower the level of immunoactivity is, and vice versa. Our study population was made up of three groups: 20 newly diagnosed patients with NPC (pretreatment), 20 age- and sex-matched patients with allergic rhinitis, and 20 matched controls without either disease. A negative Mantoux test (0- to 5-mm induration) was seen in 13 patients with NPC (65.0%), in 17 patients with allergic rhinitis (85.0%), and in 16 controls (80.0%); none of these differences was statistically significant. However, it is interesting that while the NPC group had the lowest percentage of negative Mantoux results overall, it had the highest percentage of patients who had no reaction at all (i.e., 0-mm induration); a complete absence of any reaction was seen in 7 of the 13 Mantoux-negative NPC patients (53.8%), compared with 2 of the 17 Mantoux-negative allergic rhinitis patients (11.8%) and 3 of the 16 Mantoux-negative controls (18.8%). An absence of a reaction generally indicates a very limited degree of cell-mediated immunoactivity. Therefore, we conclude that patients with NPC appear to have significantly less cell-mediated immunity than do patients with allergic rhinitis and normal controls; no statistically significant difference was noted between the latter two groups.
Study site: ENT clinic, University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Matched MeSH terms: Tuberculin Test
Effect of delay in diagnosis on the rate of tuberculosis among close contacts of tuberculosis patients

Aldhubhani AH, lzham MI, Pazilah I, Anaam MS

East Mediterr Health J, 2013 Oct;19(10):837-42.
PMID: 24313146

Few studies have explored diagnosis delay by tuberculosis (TB) patients and its effects on the rate of infection among their close contacts. A cross-sectional study of the close contacts of 505 newly diagnosed TB patients was conducted in a TB referral centre in Sana'a, Yemen from 2008 to 2010. Only the close contacts of 89 new TB patients agreed to participate and completed the tuberculin skin test (TST). Of the 239 close contacts investigated, 133 (55.6%) had a positive TST result. Index patients were classified as long or short diagnosis delay (above or below the median). There was no significant difference in the number of infected close contacts between long and short delay index patients (Mann-Whitney U-test). A larger sample size, with more incentives for patients to participate and the use of other investigative tools could provide a better picture of the pattern of TB transmission among all contacts.

Matched MeSH terms: Tuberculin Test
Fulltext Epidemiology of latent tuberculosis infection among patients with and without diabetes mellitus

Swarna Nantha Y, Puri A, Mohamad Ali SZ, Suppiah P, Che Ali SA, Ramasamy B, et al.

Fam Pract, 2017 09 01;34(5):532-538.
PMID: 28369346 DOI: 10.1093/fampra/cmx017

Background: Individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) are at a greater risk of tuberculosis (TB) reactivation. There is a paucity of information about the risk factors associated with latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in patients with diabetes.

Objective: We conducted an observational study to compare the prevalence and risk factors associated with LTBI factors in Malaysian adults with and without DM.

Methods: Four hundred and four patients with DM and 359 patients with non-DM at a regional primary care clinic were recruited as participants in this case-control study. The tuberculin sensitivity test (TST) was performed. The presence of LTBI was defined by a TST value of 10 mm in DM patients and 10 mm in the non-DM group. A logistic regression model was used to identify variables associated with LTBI.

Results: There was no statistical significant difference in the prevalence rates seen between the DM and non-DM group of the study. LTBI prevalence among patients with DM was 28.5%. The proportion of patients in the non-DM group with LTBI was 29.2%. When a critical cut-off of 8 mm was used, the adjusted odds ratio of LTBI in DM patients was 1.88 (95% confidence interval: 1.22-2.82). Smoking was an independent risk factor for LTBI regardless of DM status. HbA1c levels or anthropometric measurements were not associated with LTBI in diabetic patients.

Conclusions: There is no significant risk of contracting LTBI in DM patients using the standard 10-mm TST cut-off. Nonetheless, using lower cut-offs in a DM population appear valid. Smoking is an important predictor of LTBI.

Matched MeSH terms: Tuberculin Test
Fulltext Plasma- and Saliva Exosome Profile Reveals a Distinct MicroRNA Signature in Chronic Periodontitis

Nik Mohamed Kamal NNS, Awang RAR, Mohamad S, Shahidan WNS

Front Physiol, 2020;11:587381.
PMID: 33329037 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.587381

Chronic periodontitis (CP) is an oral cavity disease arising from chronic inflammation of the periodontal tissues. Exosomes are lipid vesicles that are enriched in specific microRNAs (miRNAs), potentially providing a disease-specific diagnostic signature. To assess the value of exosomal miRNAs as biomarkers for CP, 8 plasma- and 8 salivary-exosomal miRNAs samples were profiled using Agilent platform (comparative study). From 2,549 probed miRNAs, 33 miRNAs were significantly down-regulated in CP as compared to healthy plasma samples. Whereas, 1,995 miRNAs (1,985 down-regulated and 10 up-regulated) were differentially expressed in the CP as compared to healthy saliva samples. hsa-miR-let-7d [FC = -26.76; AUC = 1; r = -0.728 [p-value = 0.04]), hsa-miR-126-3p (FC = -24.02; AUC = 1; r = -0.723 [p-value = 0.043]) and hsa-miR-199a-3p (FC = -22.94; AUC = 1; r = -0.731 [p-value = 0.039]) are worth to be furthered studied for plasma-exosomal samples. Meanwhile, for salivary-exosomal samples, hsa-miR-125a-3p (FC = 2.03; AUC = 1; r = 0.91 [p-value = 0.02]) is worth to be furthered studied. These miRNAs are the reliable candidates for the development of periodontitis biomarker, as they were significantly expressed differently between CP and healthy samples, have a good discriminatory value and strongly correlate with the mean of PPD. These findings highlight the potential of exosomal miRNAs profiling in the diagnosis from both sourced as well as provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms involved in CP.

Matched MeSH terms: Tuberculin
Tuberculin skin testing among healthcare workers in the University of Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Tan LH, Kamarulzaman A, Liam CK, Lee TC

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol, 2002 Oct;23(10):584-90.
PMID: 12400887

To determine the occupational risk of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection among healthcare workers (HCWs) and to examine the utility of tuberculin skin testing in a developing country with a high prevalence of bacille Calmette-Guerin vaccination.

Matched MeSH terms: Tuberculin Test/utilization*
Fulltext Giant reactions to tuberculin in lepromatous leprosy patients

Waters MFR, Stanford JL

Int. J. Lepr. Other Mycobact. Dis., 1985 Dec;53(4):546-53.
PMID: 4086918

A detailed account and definition is given of the previously inadequately described "giant reactions" to tuberculin occasionally seen in leprosy patients. The reaction is an accelerated and exaggerated response to species-specific antigens of Mycobacterium tuberculosis found in both PPD and New tuberculin. Our studies were performed in Malaysia, Uganda, Spain, and England. There was a significantly higher incidence of the phenomenon in Malaysia than in the other centers, but this may have been because there alone previously untreated lepromatous (LL and BL) patients were serially tested for up to three years after starting chemotherapy. Of the 28 patients exhibiting giant reactions, 27 occurred among lepromatous patients (24 LL and 3 BL), of which only 3 (1 LL and 2 BL) were untreated. One treated BL patient had developed, and one untreated BL patient was a family contact of, active tuberculosis. Giant reactions are uncommon in untreated and in very long-term treated LL patients, but may occur in up to a fifth of those receiving their first 1-3 years of chemotherapy. Although the mechanism is not yet understood, it appears to be a coincidence of delayed hypersensitivity of the tuberculin type and a less-delayed phenomenon of excessive local edema associated with local lymphadenopathy and short-lasting symptoms of malaise and pyrexia. It is suggested that the majority of giant reactions occur during a period of temporary lack of immune regulation associated with changing levels of antigenic load.

Matched MeSH terms: Tuberculin Test*
Fulltext The Kveim test in lepromatous and tuberculoid leprosy

Pearson JMH, Pettit JHS, Siltzbach LE, Ridley DS, Hart PD, Rees RJ

Int. J. Lepr. Other Mycobact. Dis., 1969;37(4):372-81.
PMID: 5394258

Kveim tests using a validated material have been undertaken in Malaysia on 39 patients (32 Chinese; 4 Malay and 3 Aboriginal) with lepromatous or tuberculoid leprosy. All the patients had been treated for leprosy, most for two or more years. The tests were read microscopically. Of the 21 lepromatous patients one gave a weak positive and two an equivocal Kveim test whereas four of the nine tuberculoid patients gave equivocal or weak Kveim positivity. Only the tuberculoid form elicits a higher proportion of granulomas than might be expected in a comparable normal population. Of nine patients (8 lepromatous; 1 tuberculoid ) who failed to sensitize well to tuberculin
following two BCG vaccinations, two gave equivocal Kveim tests similar in appearance to those in the other groups.

Matched MeSH terms: Tuberculin Test
Fulltext Tuberculosis contact tracing in low and middle income countries: a systematic review

Norfazilah Ahmad, Siti Norbayah Yusof, Nurmawati Ahmad, Zaleha Md Nor, Juhaida Mohd Noor, Hasanain Faisal Ghazi, et al.

Int J Public Health Res, 2018;8(1):924-932.
MyJurnal

Introduction Tuberculosis (TB) is a major global health challenge especially in low- and middle-income countries reflects improper, delayed or missed diagnosis. Contact screening should be utilized both as an efficient and effective targeted approach to intensify TB case finding.
Methods Through a comprehensive systematic literature review of online database, this paper aims at providing an insight into the current practice of TB contact screening and to provide evidence based practice for formulation of appropriate policies in low- and middle-income countries. There are 24 articles included in this review from studies published from 2005 to 2014.
Results Findings in literature varies substantially. Generally, contact screening is better intensified with clear operational guidelines, adequate training, include close contact outside household as appropriate and follow up at least for 1 year. Prioritizing high risk close contacts is helpful in resource limited setting. Tuberculin skin test is still of value as screening tool and intensified case finding must be accompanied with effective management protocol. Prophylaxis treatment is recommended especially for children especially less than 5 years old, unvaccinated, malnourished, living with person having HIV and close contact with MDR-TB.
Conclusions Policy recommendations in improving TB management must incorporate complementary strategies to enhance case finding, effective management protocol for follow up or prophylaxis treatment, training for public health capacity and concerted dedication from various stakeholders

Matched MeSH terms: Tuberculin Test
Fulltext Tuberculosis – HIV coinfection: the relationship between manifestation of tuberculosis and the degree of immunosuppression (CD4 counts)

Ong, C.K., Tan, W.C., Leong, K.N., Muttalif, A.R.

International e-Journal of Science, Medicine & Education, 2008;2(2):17-22.
MyJurnal

The incidence of tuberculosis (TB) is currently increasing. HIV induced immuno-suppression modifies the clinical presentation of TB. Our aim is to determine the differences in clinical presentation of HIV-TB co-infection based on their CD4 counts. This retrospective study looked at cases of adult active TB and HIV-1 co-infection treated in Penang Hospital from January 2004 to December 2005. Of the 820 patients treated for active TB, HIV-1 seropositivity rate was 12.6% (103 patients). Majority of HIV-1 co-infected patients presented with prolonged insidious and non-specific symptoms like weight loss, fever and night sweats. The clinical presentation of TB depended on the stage of HIV-1 infection and associated degree of immunodeficiency. Compared to the less immuno-compromised HIV-1 and TB co-infected population (CD4 > 200/mm3 ), patients with CD4 counts ≤ 200 are more likely to have atypical chest radiographs (P = 0.009). During active TB, the Mantoux test was positive in 12 (14.5%) HIV-1 infected patients with a CD4 counts ≤ 200/mm3 and in 16 (80%) of those with CD4 counts > 200/mm3 (P = 0.0001). In our series, the AFB smear / AFB culture and type of TB did not show obvious correlation with CD4 counts. Therefore to diagnose TB in severely immuno-compromised HIV patients, we need to have a high index of suspicion.

Matched MeSH terms: Tuberculin Test
Changes in serum proteins, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and Mantoux tuberculin skin test reactivity in active tuberculosis

Liam CK, Lim KH, Wong CMM

JUMMEC, 1998;3:47-53.

The records of 141 consecutive patients with proven tuberculosis (TB) were reviewed to examine for changes in their serum proteins, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and tuberculin skin test reactivity. Hypoalbuminaemia was present in 73% of patients and hyperglobulinaemia was seen in 92% of patients. ESR showed a negative correlation with the serum albumin level but a positive correlation with the serum globulin level. In the case of pulmonary TB, ESR was higher in patients with radiologically more extensive disease. Tuberculin reactivity was reduced in patients who were older, those with more severe hypoalbuminaemia and those with disseminated TB. KEYWORDS: Albumin, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, globulin, tuberculin reactivity, tuberculosis

Matched MeSH terms: Tuberculin; Tuberculin Test
Fulltext Case series of ocular tuberculosis; the great masquerader

Loh, Ui Lyn, Nadras, Indira, Yeong, Choo Mee, Nadarajah, Gaayathri, Fazilawati Qamarruddin, Shelina Oli Mohamed, et al.

Journal of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, 2018;3(2):1-5.
MyJurnal

Tuberculosis, an ancient disease, still thrives today as the leading infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Diagnosis of ocular tuberculosis poses a great challenge due to the varied clinical presentations. We report 3 cases of primary ocular tuberculosis with varied presentations: conjunctival abscess, sclera-uveitis and occlusive vasculitis. There were no symptoms suggestive of pulmonary tuberculosis in all cases. All patients presented with acute, unilateral painful red eye. The first case had good visual acuity (VA) OD (6/9) with a swollen upper lid, localized perilimbal-hemorrhagic conjunctival swelling superiorly, keratic precipitates and mild anterior chamber reaction. The posterior segment was normal. The second case had a VA of 6/60 OD. There was presence of conjunctival injection, keratic precipitates, posterior synechiae and anterior chamber reaction of 1+. A few days later, there was a progression to vitritis OU and hyperemic optic disc OD with choroidal folds, cystoid macula edema and a positive T sign on B scan ultrasonography. The third case had VA of 6/6 OU, AC reaction of 2+ OD. There was multiple peripheral choroiditis with peripheral vasculitis seen in the posterior segment OU. Fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) showed peripheral periphlebitis in all 4 quadrants OU. All 3 cases had positive Tuberculin Skin Test (Mantoux test) results which were more than 20mm. Anti-tuberculous treatment was promptly started and all patients showed significant clinical improvement. This case series highlights the diverse clinical presentations of ocular tuberculosis. A high clinical index of suspicion led to prompt initiation of anti-tuberculous therapy which resulted in good clinical outcomes for all cases.

Matched MeSH terms: Tuberculin Test

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