Tuberculosis-diabetes epidemiology in the border and non-border regions of Tamaulipas, Mexico

Picking the low-hanging fruit: the cost-effectiveness of opportunistic diabetes screening during tuberculosis contact investigations on the Texas-Mexico border

Objective

There is a known association between type 2 diabetes (diabetes) and tuberculosis (TB), and TB clinics have become hubs for new diabetes diagnosis among active patients with TB. However, despite the potential to identify diabetes patients, resources limit diabetes screening opportunities to close TB contacts. We assessed the cost-effectiveness of adding opportunistic screening for diabetes during the routine TB contact investigations conducted at TB clinics.

Research design and methods

We used a Markov-based model to simulate the costs of diabetes screening, management and health outcomes, including the incidence of complications and death. All costs were considered from a health system perspective. One-way sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the robustness of the results to various assumptions. Interventions that fall below US$50 000 per quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) are commonly considered very cost-effective, while those between $50 000 and $100 000 are considered moderately cost-effective.

Results

Simulation of diabetes screening among TB contacts resulted in not only increased survival and reduced complications but also increased costs of diabetes management. The resulting incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was $32 642 per QALY added, which is well within commonly used willingness-to-pay thresholds for cost-effectiveness. Compared with no screening, screening increased the costs by $8633 and resulted in an increase in QALYs by 0.26 per patient.

Conclusions

In the base case analysis, screening was very cost-effective given that none of the sensitivity analyses resulted in a cost-effectiveness ratio above $50 000 per QALY. Our results indicate that the expansion of diabetes screening in TB clinics is a cost-effective strategy to improve health outcomes.

The Complex Relationship Between Tuberculosis and Hyperglycemia

Hyperglycemia and tuberculosis are dual global pandemics. Each has a propulsive and amplifying effect on the other, and, because of this, we must consider hyperglycemia and tuberculosis together. Hyperglycemia is immunosuppressive and increases the risk of tuberculosis by threefold. It also leads to a more advanced presentation of pulmonary tuberculosis, thus increasing the likelihood of being smear positive and having cavitating lesions, and it impacts the duration and outcomes of treatment, with an increased one year mortality seen in patients with tuberculosis and diabetes. Additionally, any degree of hyperglycemia can have an impact on susceptibility to tuberculosis, and this effect is not limited to poorly controlled diabetes. Conversely, tuberculosis itself is associated with hyperglycemia and worsens hyperglycemia in those with diabetes mellitus. The impact of this relationship varies based on the base rates of each disease in different regions of the world. In order to successfully achieve the World Health Organization's goals of tuberculosis eradication and adequate glycemic control, we must improve our understanding, co-management, and screening of hyperglycemia and tuberculosis. This review aims to explore the current research investigating the relationship between tuberculosis and diabetes, including the changes in disease susceptibility, presentation, geographic distribution, and effects on treatment.

High all-cause mortality and increasing proportion of older adults with tuberculosis in Texas, 2008-2020

Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) elimination efforts must consider the global growth of the ageing population. Here we used TB surveillance data from Texas, United States (2008-2020; total n = 10656) to identify unique characteristics and outcomes in older adults (OA, ≥65 years) with PTB, compared to young adults (YA, 18-39 years) or middle-aged adults (40-64 years). We found that the proportion of OA with PTB increased from 15% in 2008 to 24% in 2020 (trend p < 0.05). Diabetes was highly prevalent in OA (32%) but not associated with adverse outcomes. Death was 13-fold higher in OA compared to YA and was 7% at the time of diagnosis which suggests diagnostic delays. However, once TB was suspected, we found no differences in culture, smear, or nucleic acid detection of mycobacteria (although less lung cavitations) in OA. During treatment, OA had less drug-resistant TB, few adverse reactions and adhered with TB treatment. We recommend training healthcare workers to 'think TB' in OA, for prompt treatment initiation to diminish deaths. Furthermore, OA should be added as a priority group to the latent TB treatment guidelines by the World Health Organization, to prevent TB disease in this highly vulnerable group.

Predictors for Concurrent Diabetes in Tuberculosis Patients. Perspectives from Two Mining Districts of Eastern Tribal State Jharkhand, in India

Background

Tuberculosis and diabetes both diseases are present in large numbers in the country and we are major contributors to both globally. With the objective to understand the various traits of patients having both tuberculosis and diabetes and to ascertain various possible predictors for such occurrence based on the public health database we carried out this study. We seek answers to questions like they have any effects? Are they having any additive role to play?

Methods

One-year data from the NIKSHAY portal of both districts were analyzed to look for possible associations and other variable traits. Data were analyzed using standard methods to express data in frequency and percentage. Chi-square test was used to establish association, while step-wise approach was used to calculate univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis for knowing various predictors. P-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Concurrent diabetes in tuberculosis patients was close to 294 (6%) in the 4933 individuals. In total, 65.2% of the study population were male. Diagnosis of tuberculosis was made most of the time by chest X-ray (49.4%) followed by Microscopy ZN staining and cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification test (CBNAAT). Death was more among diabetics (4.4%) as compared to nondiabetics (3.5%).

Conclusion

Diabetes is increasing in tuberculosis patients; improvement in data quality is needed. More research is required to reveal various other reasons that make tuberculosis patients more prone to develop diabetes.

Host-directed therapy against mycobacterium tuberculosis infections with diabetes mellitus

Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by the bacterial pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and is one of the principal reasons for mortality and morbidity worldwide. Currently, recommended anti-tuberculosis drugs include isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide. TB treatment is lengthy and inflicted with severe side-effects, including reduced patient compliance with treatment and promotion of drug-resistant strains. TB is also prone to other concomitant diseases such as diabetes and HIV. These drug-resistant and complex co-morbid characteristics increase the complexity of treating MTB. Host-directed therapy (HDT), which effectively eliminates MTB and minimizes inflammatory tissue damage, primarily by targeting the immune system, is currently an attractive complementary approach. The drugs used for HDT are repositioned drugs in actual clinical practice with relative safety and efficacy assurance. HDT is a potentially effective therapeutic intervention for the treatment of MTB and diabetic MTB, and can compensate for the shortcomings of current TB therapies, including the reduction of drug resistance and modulation of immune response. Here, we summarize the state-of-the-art roles and mechanisms of HDT in immune modulation and treatment of MTB, with a special focus on the role of HDT in diabetic MTB, to emphasize the potential of HDT in controlling MTB infection.

Tuberculosis presentation and outcomes in older Hispanic adults from Tamaulipas, Mexico

Older people are at high risk of developing and dying from pulmonary infections like tuberculosis (TB), but there are few studies among them, particularly in Hispanics. To address these gaps, we sought to identify host factors associated with TB and adverse treatment outcomes in older Hispanics by conducting a cross-sectional study of TB surveillance data from Tamaulipas, Mexico (2006-2013; n = 8381). Multivariable logistic regressions were assessed for older adults (OA ≥65 years) when compared to young (YA, 18-39 years) and middle-aged adults (40-64 years). We found that the OA had features associated with a less complicated TB (e.g., lower prevalence of extra-pulmonary TB and less likely to abandon treatment or have drug resistant TB), and yet, were more likely to die during TB treatment (adj-OR 3.9, 95% 2.5, 5.25). Among the OA, excess alcohol use and low body mass index increased their odds of death during TB treatment, while a higher number of reported contacts (social support) was protective. Diabetes was not associated with adverse outcomes in OA. Although older age is a predictor of death during TB disease, OA are not prioritized by the World Health Organization for latent TB infection screening and treatment during contact investigations. With safer, short-course latent TB infection treatment available, we propose the inclusion of OA as a high-risk group in latent TB management guidelines.

Comparison of CD4+/CD8+ Lymphocytic Subpopulations Pre- and Post-Antituberculosis Treatment in Patients with Diabetes and Tuberculosis

Is there a CD4+ and CD8+ immunity alteration in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) and diabetes (DM) that does not recover after antituberculosis treatment? This prospective comparative study evaluated CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytic subpopulations and antituberculosis antibodies in patients with diabetes and tuberculosis (TB-DM), before and after antituberculosis treatment. CD4+ T cell counts were lower in patients with TB-DM compared to those with only TB or only DM, and these levels remained low even after two months of anti-TB treatment. Regarding the CD8+ T cell analysis, we identified higher blood values in the DM-only group, which may be explained by the high prevalence of latent tuberculosis (LTBI) in patients with DM. IgM antituberculosis antibodies levels were elevated in patients with only TB at baseline, and 2 months post-anti-TB treatment, IgG did not express any relevant alterations. Our results suggest an alteration in CD4+ immunity in patients with TB-DM that did not normalize after antituberculosis treatment.

Differential Role of Type 2 Diabetes as a Risk Factor for Tuberculosis in the Elderly versus Younger Adults

The elderly are understudied despite their high risk of tuberculosis (TB). We sought to identify factors underlying the lack of an association between TB and type 2 diabetes (T2D) in the elderly, but not adults. We conducted a case-control study in elderly (≥65 years old; ELD) vs. younger adults (young/middle-aged adults (18-44/45-64 years old; YA|MAA) stratified by TB and T2D, using a research study population (n = 1160) and TB surveillance data (n = 8783). In the research study population the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of TB in T2D was highest in young adults (AOR 6.48) but waned with age becoming non-significant in the elderly. Findings were validated using TB surveillance data. T2D in the elderly (vs. T2D in younger individuals) was characterized by better glucose control (e.g., lower hyperglycemia or HbA1c), lower insulin resistance, more sulphonylureas use, and features of less inflammation (e.g., lower obesity, neutrophils, platelets, anti-inflammatory use). We posit that differences underlying glucose dysregulation and inflammation in elderly vs. younger adults with T2D, contribute to their differential association with TB. Studies in the elderly provide valuable insights into TB-T2D pathogenesis, e.g., here we identified insulin resistance as a novel candidate mechanism by which T2D may increase active TB risk.

Prevalence of Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Diabetic Patients: Epidemiology, Immunological Basis, and Its Amalgamated Management

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the most widespread and infectious diseases in the world, which is brought on by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). Most infection lacks traditional signs. Latent TB is the name given to this ailment. Of these latent infections, 10% become active and cause illness. Fever, night sweats, a prolonged cough with blood-containing mucus, and weight loss are common signs of active TB infection. Diabetes, on the other hand, is a group of metabolic illnesses characterized by elevated serum glucose levels. It is a chronic metabolic condition brought on by a deficiency in insulin secretion or resistance. It is of two types, that is, type 1 and type 2. Among all the cases of diabetes, the occurrence of type 2 is more common and less fatal than type 1. The prevalence of diabetes is currently increasing in low- and middle-income nations. As both diabetes and TB come under the most widespread chronic condition; therefore, their combined effect is evaluated. In recent years, the higher occurrence of TB in patients with hyperglycemia has come to light. People with elevated blood glucose levels exhibit several risk factors that make them more vulnerable to contracting TB. This review provides information on epidemiological data about the prevalence of TB in patients with hyperglycemia. In addition, this paper discusses the immunological underpinnings of TB development in patients with diabetes mellitus and how glycemic management reduces the risk of TB infection. It illustrates how the clinical signs and radiographic evidence of TB differ between people with diabetes and healthy people and mentions diabetes and TB combined management.

Determinants of delayed tuberculosis treatment among patients in Selangor: A study protocol

The high prevalence rate and ever-increasing incidence of tuberculosis (TB) worldwide remain a significant issue in healthcare. In Malaysia, the incidence and mortality rate of TB is increasing due to the delayed presentation of TB patients to healthcare facilities. However, there is a lack of local studies on the contributing factors of delayed presentation of TB patients in Malaysia. This study aims to establish a social epidemiology framework by analysing social factors including socio-epidemiological, socio-cultural, and health-seeking behaviours associated with the delay in seeking TB treatment among patients in Selangor, Malaysia. A sequential exploratory mixed-method study design that combines qualitative and quantitative research methods will be employed. This study will recruit adult patients who have been diagnosed with TB using chest X-ray and sputum smear microscopy. Four districts with the highest recorded cases in the state of Selangor will be selected as study locations. The qualitative study will involve a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) to explore six components, namely demographic, socio-cultural, health-seeking behaviours, social support and resources, previous knowledge and experience with illness, and treatment pathway. Meanwhile, the quantitative study will incorporate a structured survey that will be developed based on the themes identified in the qualitative phase and a review of several studies in the literature. Several quality control measures will be taken while ensuring that the survey questionnaires are anonymised and participants' confidentiality is maintained. The data obtained from both qualitative and quantitative approaches will be combined to provide a more robust assessment of the study. Given that this study will focus on districts with high recorded cases of TB in Selangor, the findings might assist to address TB-related issues such as the increasing incidence and mortality rates, which are mainly attributed to the delayed presentation of TB patients to healthcare facilities.

Prevalence and Clinical Profiling of Dysglycemia and HIV Infection in Persons With Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Brazil

BACKGROUND

There are scarce data on the prevalence and disease presentation of HIV in patients with tuberculosis (TB) and dysglycemia (diabetes [DM] and prediabetes [PDM]), especially in TB-endemic countries.

METHODS

We assessed the baseline epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients with culture-confirmed pulmonary TB, enrolled in a multicenter prospective cohort in Brazil (RePORT-Brazil) during 2015-2019. Dysglycemia was defined by elevated glycated hemoglobin and stratified as PDM or DM. Additionally, we used data from TB cases obtained through the Brazilian National Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN), during 2015-2019. In SINAN, diagnosis of diabetes was based on self-report. Logistic regression models were performed to test independent associations between HIV, dysglycemia status, and other baseline characteristics in both cohorts.

RESULTS

In the RePORT-Brazil cohort, the prevalence of DM and of PDM was 23.7 and 37.8%, respectively. Furthermore, the prevalence of HIV was 21.4% in the group of persons with TB-dysglycemia and 20.5% in that of patients with TBDM. In the SINAN cohort, the prevalence of DM was 9.2%, and among the TBDM group the prevalence of HIV was 4.1%. Logistic regressions demonstrated that aging was independently associated with PDM or DM in both the RePORT-Brazil and SINAN cohorts. In RePORT-Brazil, illicit drug use was associated with PDM, whereas a higher body mass index (BMI) was associated with DM occurrence. Of note, HIV was not associated with an increased risk of PDM or DM in patients with pulmonary TB in both cohorts. Moreover, in both cohorts, the TBDM-HIV group presented with a lower proportion of positive sputum smear and a higher frequency of tobacco and alcohol users.

CONCLUSION

There is a high prevalence of dysglycemia in patients with pulmonary TB in Brazil, regardless of the HIV status. This reinforces the idea that DM should be systematically screened in persons with TB. Presence of HIV does not substantially impact clinical presentation in persons with TBDM, although it is associated with more frequent use of recreational drugs and smear negative sputum samples during TB screening.

Global, regional, and national prevalence of diabetes mellitus in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Both pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and diabetes mellitus (DM) are major global public health problems. We estimated the global, regional, and national prevalence of diabetes mellitus in a population with PTB.

METHODS

We searched for observational studies of DM in people with PTB using the PubMed and Embase electronic bibliographic databases, focusing on articles published in the English language from database inception until March 31, 2021. We included original research that reported the prevalence of DM in PTB or those that had sufficient data to compute these estimates. Studies were excluded if they did not provide primary data or were case studies or reviews. Two authors independently extracted the articles and collected detailed information using a predefined questionnaire. A country-specific random-effects meta-analysis was used for countries with two or more available studies, and a fractional response regression model was employed to predict the prevalence of DM in PTB for countries with one or no study. The study was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews, using the registration number CRD42018101989.

RESULTS

We identified 22,658 studies, and 153, across 51 countries, were retained for data extraction. The global prevalence of DM among patients with PTB was estimated to be 13.73% (95% confidence interval [CI] 12.51-14.95). The prevalence rates were 19.32% (95% CI 13.18-25.46) in the region of the Americas, 17.31% (95% CI 12.48-22.14) in the European region, 14.62% (95% CI 12.05-17.18) in Southeast Asia, 13.59% (95% CI 7.24-19.95) in the western Pacific region, 9.61% (95% CI 4.55-14.68) in the eastern Mediterranean region, and 9.30% (95% CI 2.83-15.76) in the African region. The country with the highest estimated prevalence was the Marshall Islands (50.12%; 95% CI 4.28-95.76).

CONCLUSION

Comorbid PTB and DM remain prevalent worldwide.

South to North Migration Patterns of Tuberculosis Patients Diagnosed in the Mexican Border with Texas

The Mexican state of Tamaulipas serves as a migration waypoint into the US. Here, we determined the contribution of immigrants to TB burden in Tamaulipas. TB surveillance data from Tamaulipas (2006-2013) was used to conduct a cross-sectional characterization of TB immigrants (born outside Tamaulipas) and identify their association with TB treatment outcomes. Immigrants comprised 30.8% of TB patients, with > 99% originating from internal Mexican migration. Most migration was from South to North, with cities adjacent to the US border as destinations. Immigrants had higher odds of risk factors for TB [older age (≥ 65 year old, OR 2.4, 95% CI 2.1, 2.8), low education (OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.2, 1.4), diabetes (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.1, 1.4)], or abandoning treatment (adjusted OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.0, 1.5). There is a need to identify strategies to prevent TB more effectively in Tamaulipas, a Mexican migration waypoint.

Diabetes mellitus and HIV infection among active tuberculosis patients in Northwest Ethiopia: health facility-based cross-sectional study

Background

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) is increasing globally and its comorbidity with tuberculosis (TB) is re-emerging, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

Objective

The main aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of DM and HIV infection and their associated risk factors among active tuberculosis patients in Northwest Ethiopia.

Methods

This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted between February 1st and June 30th, 2017 among active TB patients in two hospitals of Northwest Ethiopia. Two hundred and sixty-seven active TB cases aged 18 years or older were screened for diabetes using fasting blood glucose (FBG) test. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect demographic data, lifestyle habits and clinical data. Identification of pre-diabetes or diabetes in TB patients was achieved according to American Diabetes Association guidelines (2016).

Results

Prevalence of DM and TB comorbidity was 11.5% (95% confidence interval, CI 7.8–15.2) compared to 24.9% (95% CI 20.1–30.1) for pre-diabetes. Prevalence of HIV/TB co-infection was 21.9% (95% CI 16.7–26.8). Risk of DM was higher in TB patients from a rural location (adjusted odds ratio, aOR 3.13, 95% CI 1.02–9.62, p = 0.046). Similarly, DM was higher in TB patients who have a family history of DM (aOR 4.54, 95% CI 1.31–15.68, p = 0.017). Furthermore, HIV/TB co-infection was identified as a predictor of DM comorbidity in active TB patients (aOR 5.11, 95% CI 2.01–12.98, p = 0.001).

Conclusion

The magnitude of DM and pre-diabetes in active TB patients in Northwest Ethiopia was high, warranting collaborative efforts to improve screening and adopt better clinical management strategies for DM–TB comorbid patients. Furthermore, being rural residents, family history of DM and HIV/TB co-infection were found to associate with DM among TB patients, highlighting the importance of the above-mentioned risk factors in the clinical management of this comorbidity.

United States immigration detention amplifies disease interaction risk: A model for a transnational ICE-TB-DM2 syndemic

Detention and removal of unauthorised immigrants by United States (U.S.) Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has steadily increased despite declining rates of unauthorised migration. ICE detainees are held in overcrowded detention centres, often without due process and deprived of adequate food, sanitation, and medical care. Conditions of ICE detention contribute to malnutrition and increase the likelihood of infectious disease exposure, including tuberculosis (TB). TB infection interacts with Type 2 Diabetes (DM2), disproportionately affecting individuals who are routinely targeted by federal immigration practices. When two diseases interact and exacerbate one another within a larger structural context, thereby amplifying multiple disease interactions, this is called a syndemic. In this paper, we examine malnutrition in ICE detention as a pathway of bidirectional risks for and interactions between TB and DM2 among ICE detainees. Drawing from literature on detention conditions, TB, and DM2 rates along the U.S.-Mexico border, we propose an ICE-TB-DM2 syndemic model. We present a map displaying our proposed syndemic model to demonstrate the spatial application of syndemic theory in the context of ICE detention, strengthening the growing scholarship on syndemics of incarceration and removal.

Co-existence of diabetes and TB among adults in India: a study based on National Family Health Survey data

Multiple studies suggest that diabetes mellitus (DM) is a potential risk factor for tuberculosis (TB) development and treatment, especially in low- and middle-income countries. The study aimed to test concomitancy between DM and TB among adults in India. Data were from the 2015-16 National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4). The study sample comprised 107,575 men aged 15-54 and 677,292 women aged 15-49 for which data on DM status were available in the survey. The association between state-level prevalence of TB and DM was examined and robust Poisson regression analysis applied to examine the effect of DM on TB. A high prevalence of TB was observed among individuals with diabetes in India in 2015-16. A total of 866 per 100,000 men and 405 per 100,000 women who self-reported having diabetes also had TB; among those who self-reported not having diabetes the ratios were 407 per 100,000 men and 241 per 100,000 women. The risk of having TB among those who self-reported having DM was higher for both men (2.03, 95% CI: 1.26, 3.28) and women (1.79, 95% CI: 1.48, 2.49) than for those who did not self-report having DM. Adults who were diagnosed with diabetes (including pre-diabetes) also had a higher rate of TB (477 per 100,000 men and 331 per 100,000 women) than those who were not diagnosed (410 per 100,000 men and 239 per 100,000 women). Adults from poor families, with lower BMIs, lower levels of literacy and who were not working had a higher risk of TB-DM co-morbidity. The state-level pattern of co-morbidity, the under-reporting of DM (undiagnosed) and TB stigmatization are discussed. The study confirms that diabetes is an important co-morbid feature with TB in India, and reinforces the need to raise awareness on screening for the co-existence of DM and TB with integrated health programmes for the two conditions.

Lipid mediators of inflammation and Resolution in individuals with tuberculosis and tuberculosis-Diabetes

Individuals with concurrent tuberculosis (TB) and Type 2 diabetes (DM) have a higher risk of adverse outcomes. To better understand potential immunological differences, we utilized a comprehensive panel to characterize pro-inflammatory and pro-resolving (i.e., mediators involved in the resolution of inflammation) lipid mediators in individuals with TB and TB-DM. A nested cross-sectional study of 40 individuals (20 newly diagnosed DM and 20 without DM) was conducted within a cohort of individuals with active drug-susceptible treatment-naïve pulmonary TB. Lipid mediators were quantified in serum samples through lipid mediator profiling. We conducted correlation-based analysis of these mediators. Overall, the arachidonic acid-derived leukotriene and prostaglandin families were the most abundant pro-inflammatory lipid mediators, while lipoxins and maresins families were the most abundant pro-resolving lipid mediators in individuals with TB and TB-DM. Individuals with TB-DM had increased correlations and connectivity with both pro-inflammatory and pro-resolving lipid mediators compared to those with TB alone. We identified the most abundant lipid mediator metabolomes in circulation among individuals with TB and TB-DM; in addition, our data shows a substantial number of significant correlations between both pro-inflammatory and pro-resolving lipid mediators in individuals with TB-DM, delineating a molecular balance that potentially defines this comorbidity.

Diabetic trends and associated mortality in tuberculosis patients in Texas, a large population-based analysis

BACKGROUND

Tuberculosis (TB) and diabetes mellitus (DM) comorbidity (TB-DM) is a major public health challenge worldwide. This analysis aimed to determine the risk factors and trends associated with TB-DM morbidity and mortality.

METHODS

Risk factors for TB-DM morbidity and mortality were identified by logistic regression using de-identified surveillance data of all TB patients from Texas, USA. reported between 01/2010-12/2016. Non-parametric testing was used for the morbidity and mortality trends.

RESULTS

From 2010 to 2016, 1400/9002 (15.6%) TB patients were diabetic with an annual prevalence increase from 12.5% to 18.7% (p = 0.005). Reported TB-DM patients had a higher mortality (10.3%) than non-DM patients (7.6%, p = 0.001) with nearly a 3-fold increase in the odds of death (overall and during treatment). Older age, being Hispanic, chronic kidney failure, pulmonary cavitation and positive TB culture or smear were associated with TB-DM. Age ≥45, US-birth, resident of long-term care facility, injecting-drug user, chronic kidney disease, TB meningitis, abnormal chest radiograph, non-conversion of culture, and HIV(+) were independently associated with a higher mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

TB-DM is an increasing public health problem in Texas with significantly high mortality. Risk factors for mortality determined by multivariate modeling will provide a foundation for the development of more effective strategies for TB-DM management.

Development and validation of a risk score to predict mortality during TB treatment in patients with TB-diabetes comorbidity

BACKGROUND

Making an accurate prognosis for mortality during tuberculosis (TB) treatment in TB-diabetes (TB-DM) comorbid patients remains a challenge for health professionals, especially in low TB prevalent populations, due to the lack of a standardized prognostic model.

METHODS

Using de-identified data from TB-DM patients from Texas, who received TB treatment had a treatment outcome of completed treatment or died before completion, reported to the National TB Surveillance System from January 2010-December 2016, we developed and internally validated a mortality scoring system, based on the regression coefficients.

RESULTS

Of 1227 included TB-DM patients, 112 (9.1%) died during treatment. The score used nine characteristics routinely collected by most TB programs. Patients were divided into three groups based on their score: low-risk (< 12 points), medium-risk (12-21 points) and high-risk (≥22 points). The model had good performance (with an area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of 0.83 in development and 0.82 in validation), and good calibration. A practical mobile calculator app was also created ( https://oaa.app.link/Isqia5rN6K ).

CONCLUSION

Using demographic and clinical characteristics which are available from most TB programs at the patient's initial visits, our simple scoring system had good performance and may be a practical clinical tool for TB health professionals in identifying TB-DM comorbid patients with a high mortality risk.

Diabetes, undernutrition, migration and indigenous communities: tuberculosis in Chiapas, Mexico

We investigated the distribution of comorbidities among adult tuberculosis (TB) patients in Chiapas, the poorest Mexican state, with a high presence of indigenous population, and a corridor for migrants from Latin America. Secondary analysis on 5508 new adult TB patients diagnosed between 2010 and 2014 revealed that the most prevalent comorbidities were diabetes mellitus (DM; 19.1%) and undernutrition (14.4%). The prevalence of DM in these TB patients was significantly higher among middle aged (41-64 years) compared with older adults (⩾65 years) (38.6% vs. 23.2%; P < 0.0001). The prevalence of undernutrition was lower among those with DM, and higher in communities with high indigenous presence. Immigrants only comprised 2% of all TB cases, but were more likely to have unfavourable TB treatment outcomes (treatment failure, death and default) when compared with those born in Chiapas (29.5% vs. 11.1%; P < 0.05). Unfavourable TB outcomes were also more prevalent among the TB patients with undernutrition, HIV or older age, but not DM (P < 0.05). Our study in Chiapas illustrates the challenges of other regions worldwide where social (e.g. indigenous origin, poverty, migration) and host factors (DM, undernutrition, HIV, older age) are associated with TB. Further understanding of these critical factors will guide local policy makers and health providers to improve TB management.

Coprevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus and tuberculosis in low-income and middle-income countries: A systematic review

Increasing coprevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and tuberculosis (TB) in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) indicates a rising threat to the decades of progress made against TB and requires global attention. This systematic review provides a summary of type 2 diabetes and tuberculosis coprevalence in various LMICs. We searched PubMed, Ovid Medline, Embase, and PsychINFO databases for studies that provided estimates of TB-DM coprevalence in LMICs published between 1990 and 2016. Studies that were non-English and exclusively conducted in multidrug resistant-tuberculosis or type 1 diabetes and inpatient settings were excluded. We reviewed 84 studies from 31 countries. There were huge diversity of study designs and diagnostic methods used to estimate coprevalence, and this precluded pooling of the results. Most studies (n = 78) were from small, localized settings. The DM prevalence among TB patients in various LMICs varied from 1.8% to 45%, with the majority (n = 44) between 10% and 30%. The TB prevalence among people with DM ranged from 0.1% to 6.0% with most studies (n = 9) reporting prevalences less than 2%. Coprevalence of TB-DM was higher than general population prevalence of either diseases in these countries. This study underscores the need for intervention and more focused research on TB DM bidirectional screening programs in low-income and middle-income countries as well as integrated chronic disease management.

Stress Hyperglycemia in Patients with Tuberculosis Disease: Epidemiology and Clinical Implications

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The intersection of tuberculosis (TB) disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus is severely hindering global efforts to reduce TB burdens. Diabetes increases the risk of developing TB disease and negatively impacts TB treatment outcomes including culture conversion time, mortality risk, and TB relapse. Recent evidence also indicates plausible mechanisms by which TB disease may influence the pathogenesis and incidence of diabetes. We review the epidemiology of stress hyperglycemia in patients with TB and the pathophysiologic responses to TB disease that are related to established mechanisms of stress hyperglycemia. We also consider clinical implications of stress hyperglycemia on TB treatment, and the role of TB disease on risk of diabetes post-TB.

RECENT FINDINGS

Among patients with TB disease, the development of stress hyperglycemia may influence the clinical manifestation and treatment response of some patients and can complicate diabetes diagnosis. Research is needed to elucidate the relationship between TB disease and stress hyperglycemia and determine the extent to which stress hyperglycemia impacts TB treatment response. Currently, there is insufficient data to support clinical recommendations for glucose control among patients with TB disease, representing a major barrier for efforts to improve treatment outcomes for patients with TB and diabetes.

Predicting treatment failure, death and drug resistance using a computed risk score among newly diagnosed TB patients in Tamaulipas, Mexico

The purpose of this study was to develop a method for identifying newly diagnosed tuberculosis (TB) patients at risk for TB adverse events in Tamaulipas, Mexico. Surveillance data between 2006 and 2013 (8431 subjects) was used to develop risk scores based on predictive modelling. The final models revealed that TB patients failing their treatment regimen were more likely to have at most a primary school education, multi-drug resistance (MDR)-TB, and few to moderate bacilli on acid-fast bacilli smear. TB patients who died were more likely to be older males with MDR-TB, HIV, malnutrition, and reporting excessive alcohol use. Modified risk scores were developed with strong predictability for treatment failure and death (c-statistic 0·65 and 0·70, respectively), and moderate predictability for drug resistance (c-statistic 0·57). Among TB patients with diabetes, risk scores showed moderate predictability for death (c-statistic 0·68). Our findings suggest that in the clinical setting, the use of our risk scores for TB treatment failure or death will help identify these individuals for tailored management to prevent these adverse events. In contrast, the available variables in the TB surveillance dataset are not robust predictors of drug resistance, indicating the need for prompt testing at time of diagnosis.

Diabetes and Tuberculosis

The increase in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients in countries where tuberculosis (TB) is also endemic has led to the reemerging importance of DM as a risk factor for TB. DM causes a 3-fold increase in TB risk and a 2-fold increase in adverse TB treatment outcomes. Given the sheer numbers of DM patients worldwide, there are now more TB patients with TB-DM comorbidity than TB-HIV coinfection. There is an urgent need to implement strategies for TB prevention and control among the millions of DM patients exposed to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This chapter summarizes the current epidemiological, clinical, and immunological knowledge on TB and DM and their clinical and public health implications. These include the underlying mechanisms for TB risk in DM patients and their clinical and sociodemographic characteristics that distinguish them from TB patients without DM. TB-DM comorbidity is posing a new challenge for integrating the short-term care for TB with the long-term care for DM, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

Defining a Research Agenda to Address the Converging Epidemics of Tuberculosis and Diabetes: Part 1: Epidemiology and Clinical Management

There is growing interest in the interaction between type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and TB, but many research questions remain unanswered. Epidemiologists, basic scientists, and clinical experts recently convened and identified priorities. This is the first of two reviews on this topic, summarizing priority areas of research regarding epidemiology, clinical management, and public health. First, from an epidemiologic point of view, more study is needed to determine the importance of transient hyperglycemia in patients with TB and on the importance of DM for the global epidemic of multidrug resistant (MDR)-TB. Second, regarding the screening and clinical management of combined TB and DM (TB-DM), clinical trials and large cohort studies should examine the benefits of improved DM care as well as prolonged or intensified TB treatment on the outcome of TB-DM and investigate the cost-effectiveness of screening methods for DM among patients newly diagnosed with TB. Third, from a public health and health systems point of view, the population health impact and cost-effectiveness of different interventions to prevent or treat DM and TB in high-burden populations should be examined, and health-system interventions should be developed for routine TB-DM screening, management of DM after completion of TB treatment, and better access to DM services worldwide. Studies are needed across different ethnicities and settings given the heterogeneity of metabolic perturbations, inflammatory responses, medications, and access to health care. Finally, studies should address interactions between TB, DM, and HIV because of the convergence of epidemics in sub-Saharan Africa and some other parts of the world.

Defining a Research Agenda to Address the Converging Epidemics of Tuberculosis and Diabetes: Part 2: Underlying Biologic Mechanisms

There is growing interest in the re-emerging interaction between type 2 diabetes (DM) and TB, but the underlying biologic mechanisms are poorly understood despite their possible implications in clinical management. Experts in epidemiologic, public health, basic science, and clinical studies recently convened and identified research priorities for elucidating the underlying mechanisms for the co-occurrence of TB and DM. We identified gaps in current knowledge of altered immunity in patients with DM during TB, where most studies suggest an underperforming innate immunity, but exaggerated adaptive immunity to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Various molecular mechanisms and pathways may underlie these observations in the DM host. These include signaling induced by excess advanced glycation end products and their receptor, higher levels of reactive oxidative species and oxidative stress, epigenetic changes due to chronic hyperglycemia, altered nuclear receptors, and/or differences in cell metabolism (immunometabolism). Studies in humans at different stages of DM (no DM, pre-DM, and DM) or TB (latent or active TB) should be complemented with findings in animal models, which provide the unique opportunity to study early events in the host-pathogen interaction. Such studies could also help identify biomarkers that will complement clinical studies in order to tailor the prevention of TB-DM, or to avoid the adverse TB treatment outcomes that are more likely in these patients. Such studies will also inform new approaches to host-directed therapies.

The Diabetes-Tuberculosis Co-Epidemic: The Interaction between Individual and Socio-Economic Risk Factors

Worldwide, tuberculosis (TB) is a major cause of morbi-mortality, about 30% of the population having a Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) have a threefold increased risk of developing the disease. The prevalence of DM is rapidly increasing, especially in countries with low and middle income, where TB incidence is also increased, thus baffling the efforts for TB control. The DM-TB co-epidemic is more frequent in married, older men, with reduced level of education, low income, without a steady job, with lifestyle habits such as alcohol consumption, smoking, sedentarism, living in an urban environment, in crowded areas, in insanitary conditions. These patients have a higher body mass index (BMI) compared with those without DM and frequently present family history of TB, family history of DM, longer duration of DM and reduced glycemic control. TB associated with DM is usually asymptomatic, more contagious, multidrug resistant and is significantly associated with an increased risk of therapy failure, relapse and even death. Thus, the DM-TB comorbidity represents a threat to public health and requires the implementation of urgent measures in order to both prevent and manage the two diseases.

Association of Body Mass Index with the Tuberculosis Infection: a Population-based Study among 17796 Adults in Rural China

Body mass index (BMI) has been shown to be associated with host susceptibility to several infections. However, the link between BMI and the risk of tuberculosis (TB) infection has been sparsely studied in China and in worldwide. Based on the baseline survey of a population-based, prospective study in rural China, the association between BMI and TB infection among adults was estimated by means of cross-sectional analysis. TB infection status was tested using QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube (QFT), a commercial of interferon-γ release assay (IGRA). Totally, 17796 eligible participants aged ≥18 years from 4 study sites, were included in the analysis. 21.76% (3873/17796) were observed to be QFT positive. Age and gender standardized prevalence ranged from 16.49% to 23.81% across the study sites. 42.19% study participants were obese/overweight with BMI ≥ 24.0 kg/m². BMI ≥ 28.0 kg/m² was observed to be independently associated with QFT positivity (adjusted odds ratio: 1.17, 95% confidence interval: 1.04–1.33). The strength of the association was found to be geographically diversity, which might be explained, at least partly, by the varied local TB epidemic status. Our results suggest that individuals with obesity might be one important target population for TB infection control in rural China.