The international journal of tuberculosis and lung disease : the official journal of the International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease
-
Int. J. Tuberc. Lung Dis. · Nov 2011
The looming epidemic of diabetes-associated tuberculosis: learning lessons from HIV-associated tuberculosis.
The prevalence of diabetes mellitus is increasing at a dramatic rate, and countries in Asia, particularly India and China, will bear the brunt of this epidemic. Persons with diabetes have a significantly increased risk of active tuberculosis (TB), which is two to three times higher than in persons without diabetes. In this article, we argue that the epidemiological interactions and the effects on clinical presentation and treatment resulting from the interaction between diabetes and TB are similar to those observed for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and TB. ⋯ The response to the growing HIV-associated TB epidemic in the 1980s and 1990s was slow and uncoordinated, despite clearly articulated warnings about the scale of the forthcoming problem. We must not make the same mistake with diabetes and TB. The Framework provides a template for action, and it is now up to donors, policy makers and implementers to apply the recommendations in the field and to 'learn by doing'.
-
Int. J. Tuberc. Lung Dis. · Oct 2011
Multicenter StudyProgrammatic management of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis: models from three countries.
Although multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a major global health problem, there is a gap in programmatic treatment implementation. ⋯ It is recommended that all programs providing MDR-TB treatment address these six areas during program development and implementation.
-
Int. J. Tuberc. Lung Dis. · Oct 2011
Recurrence after successful treatment among patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis.
A retrospective review was conducted of patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) to elucidate the rate of recurrence after successful treatment. Of 123 MDR-TB patients, 90 were declared as 'cured' or 'treatment completed' after individualised treatment; four (4.4%) experienced recurrence. All patients with recur- rent MDR-TB were documented as 'treatment completed' after treatment. Recurrence of MDR-TB is possible after successful treatment, particularly among those documented as 'treatment completed'.
-
Int. J. Tuberc. Lung Dis. · Oct 2011
Translating tuberculosis research into global policies: the example of an international collaboration on diagnostics.
Using the example of an international collaboration on tuberculosis (TB) diagnostics, we mapped the key stages and stakeholders involved in translating research into global policies. In our experience, the process begins with advocacy for high-quality, policy-relevant research and appropriate funding. Following the assessment of current policy and the identification of key study areas, policy-relevant research questions need to be formulated and prioritised. ⋯ This may be one reason why there has been poor uptake of new tools by national TB control programmes despite global policy recommendations. Stronger engagement with national policy makers and donors during the research-intopolicy process may be needed to ensure that their evidence requirements are met and that global policies translate into national policies. National policies are central to translating global policies into practice.