Diabetes mellitus among adults with tuberculosis in the USA, 2010-2017

Analysis of the influencing factors and clinical related characteristics of pulmonary tuberculosis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

In China, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) among diabetic patients is estimated to be between 90%-95%. Additionally, China is among the 22 countries burdened by a high number of tuberculosis cases, with approximately 4.5 million individuals affected by active tuberculosis. Notably, T2DM poses a significant risk factor for the development of tuberculosis, as evidenced by the increased incidence of T2DM coexisting with pulmonary tuberculosis (T2DM-PTB), which has risen from 19.3% to 24.1%. It is evident that these two diseases are intricately interconnected and mutually reinforcing in nature.

AIM

To elucidate the clinical features of individuals diagnosed with both T2DM and tuberculosis (T2DM-PTB), as well as to investigate the potential risk factors associated with active tuberculosis in patients with T2DM.

METHODS

T2DM-PTB patients who visited our hospital between January 2020 and January 2023 were selected as the observation group, Simple DM patients presenting to our hospital in the same period were the control group, Controls and case groups were matched 1:2 according to the principle of the same sex, age difference ( ± 3) years and disease duration difference ( ± 5) years, patients were investigated for general demographic characteristics, diabetes-related characteristics, body immune status, lifestyle and behavioral habits, univariate and multivariate analysis of the data using conditional logistic regression, calculate the odds ratio (OR) values and 95%CI of OR values.

RESULTS

A total of 315 study subjects were included in this study, including 105 subjects in the observation group and 210 subjects in the control group. Comparison of the results of both anthropometric and biochemical measures showed that the constitution index, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and lymphocyte count were significantly lower in the case group, while fasting blood glucose and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were significantly higher than those in the control group. The results of univariate analysis showed that poor glucose control, hypoproteinemia, lymphopenia, TB contact history, high infection, smoking and alcohol consumption were positively associated with PTB in T2DM patients; married, history of hypertension, treatment of oral hypoglycemic drugs plus insulin, overweight, obesity and regular exercise were negatively associated with PTB in T2DM patients. Results of multivariate stepwise regression analysis found lymphopenia (OR = 17.75, 95%CI: 3.40-92.74), smoking (OR = 12.25, 95%CI: 2.53-59.37), history of TB contact (OR = 6.56, 95%CI: 1.23-35.03) and poor glycemic control (OR = 3.37, 95%CI: 1.11-10.25) was associated with an increased risk of developing PTB in patients with T2DM, While being overweight (OR = 0.23, 95%CI: 0.08-0.72) and obesity (OR = 0.11, 95%CI: 0.02-0.72) was associated with a reduced risk of developing PTB in patients with T2DM.

CONCLUSION

T2DM-PTB patients are prone to worse glycemic control, higher infection frequency, and a higher proportion of people smoking, drinking alcohol, and lack of exercise. Lymphopenia, smoking, history of TB exposure, poor glycemic control were independent risk factors for T2DM-PTB, and overweight and obesity were associated with reduced risk of concurrent PTB in patients with T2DM.

Using Geographic Disaggregation to Compare Tuberculosis Epidemiology Among American Indian and Alaska Native Persons-USA, 2010-2020

BACKGROUND

American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) populations are frequently associated with the highest rates of tuberculosis (TB) disease of any racial/ethnic group in the USA. We systematically investigated variation in patterns and potential drivers of TB epidemiology among geographically distinct AIAN subgroups.

METHODS

Using data reported to the National Tuberculosis Surveillance System during 2010-2020, we applied a geographic method of data disaggregation to compare annual TB incidence and the frequency of TB patient characteristics among AIAN persons in Alaska with AIAN persons in other states. We used US Census data to compare the prevalence of substandard housing conditions in AIAN communities in these two geographic areas.

RESULTS

The average annual age-adjusted TB incidence among AIAN persons in Alaska was 21 times higher than among AIAN persons in other states. Compared to AIAN TB patients in other states, AIAN TB patients in Alaska were associated with significantly higher frequencies of multiple epidemiologic TB risk factors (e.g., attribution of TB disease to recent transmission, previous diagnosis of TB disease) and significantly lower frequencies of multiple clinical risk factors for TB disease (e.g., diagnosis with diabetes mellitus, end-stage renal disease). Occupied housing units in AIAN communities in Alaska were associated with significantly higher frequencies of multiple measures of substandard housing conditions compared to AIAN communities in other states.

CONCLUSIONS

Observed differences in patient characteristics and substandard housing conditions are consistent with contrasting syndromes of TB epidemiology in geographically distinct AIAN subgroups and suggest ways that associated public health interventions could be tailored to improve efficacy.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis lineage 4 associated with cavitations and treatment failure

BACKGROUND

Mycobacterium tuberculosis genotyping has been crucial to determining the distribution and impact of different families on disease clinical presentation. The aim of the study was to evaluate the associations among sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and M. tuberculosis lineages from patients with pulmonary tuberculosis in Orizaba, Veracruz, Mexico.

METHODS

We analyzed data from 755 patients whose isolates were typified by 24-loci mycobacterial interspersed repetitive unit-variable number of tandem repeats (MIRU-VNTR). The associations among patient characteristics and sublineages found were evaluated using logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Among M. tuberculosis isolates, 730/755 (96.6%) were assigned to eight sublineages of lineage 4 (Euro-American). Alcohol consumption (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.528, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.041-2.243; p = 0.030), diabetes mellitus type 2 (aOR 1.625, 95% CI 1.130-2.337; p = 0.009), sputum smear positivity grade (3+) (aOR 2.198, 95% CI 1.524-3.168; p < 0.001) and LAM sublineage isolates (aOR 1.023, 95% CI 1.023-2.333; p = 0.039) were associated with the presence of cavitations. Resistance to at least one drug (aOR 25.763, 95% CI 7.096-93.543; p < 0.001) and having isolates other than Haarlem and LAM sublineages (aOR 6.740, 95% CI 1.704-26.661; p = 0.007) were associated with treatment failure. In a second model, multidrug resistance was associated with treatment failure (aOR 31.497, 95% CI 5.119-193.815; p < 0.001). Having more than 6 years of formal education was not associated with treatment failure.

CONCLUSIONS

Knowing M. tuberculosis genetic diversity plays an essential role in disease development and outcomes, and could have important implications for guiding treatment and improving tuberculosis control.

Analysis on the Risk Factors of Malnutrition in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients with Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Objective

To explore the risk factors of malnutrition in type 2 diabetes mellitus combined with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB-T2DM) patients and further to provide a clinical research basis for the identification and prevention of malnutrition.

Methods

From January 2020 to February 2022, 307 adult patients diagnosed with PTB-T2DM were enrolled in this retrospective study. According to whether malnutrition occurred after 6 months of treatment, patients were divided into malnutrition group (n = 123) and non-malnutrition group (n = 184). The nutritional status of patients was evaluated according to the Micro-Nutrition Assessment Scale (MNA). Evaluation of indicators was performed, including general information, disease characteristics of PTB-T2DM and laboratory indicators.

Results

Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that drinking, divorced, BMI <18.5kg/m², weight <45kg, waist circumference <79cm, hip circumference <88cm, waist-to-hip ratio <69.99, calf circumference <26kg, grip strength <28kg, NRS score ≥3, Hb <106g/L, Alb <29.00g/L, PA <48.00μmol/L, GHB <3.40%, serum transferrin <1.37 mmol/L, serum potassium <3.18mmol/L, serum sodium <142.95 mmol/L, FEV₁ ≥67.90% and RV <2.89% were risk factors for malnutrition in PTB-T2DM patients (all P < 0.05). The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that drinking, divorced, weight <45kg, BMI <18.5kg/m², NRS score ≥3, Hb <106g/L, Alb <29.00g/L, PA <48.00μmol/L, serum transferrin <1.37mmol/L, FEV₁ ≥67.90% and RV <2.89% were independent risk factors for malnutrition in PTB-T2DM patients (all P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Drinking, divorced, weight <45kg, BMI <18.5kg/m², NRS score ≥3, Hb <106g/L, Alb <29.00g/L, PA <48.00μmol/L, serum transferrin <1.37mmol/L, FEV₁ ≥67.90% and RV <2.89% may be independent risk factors for malnutrition in PTB-T2DM patients, and timely identification of high-risk groups could improve the prognosis of PTB-T2DM patients.

Tuberculosis in Indigenous Persons - United States, 2009-2019

BACKGROUND

Populations of indigenous persons are frequently associated with pronounced disparities in rates of tuberculosis (TB) disease compared to co-occurring nonindigenous populations.

METHODS

Using data from the National Tuberculosis Surveillance System on TB cases in U.S.-born patients reported in the United States during 2009-2019, we calculated incidence rate ratios and risk ratios for TB risk factors to compare cases in American Indian or Alaska Native (AIAN) and Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander (NHPI) TB patients to cases in White TB patients.

RESULTS

Annual TB incidence rates among AIAN and NHPI TB patients were on average ≥10 times higher than among White TB patients. Compared to White TB patients, AIAN and NHPI TB patients were 1.91 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.35-2.71) and 3.39 (CI: 1.44-5.74) times more likely to have renal disease or failure, 1.33 (CI: 1.16-1.53) and 1.63 (CI: 1.20-2.20) times more likely to have diabetes mellitus, and 0.66 (CI: 0.44-0.99) and 0.19 (CI: 0-0.59) times less likely to be HIV positive, respectively. AIAN TB patients were 1.84 (CI: 1.69-2.00) and 1.48 (CI: 1.27-1.71) times more likely to report using excess alcohol and experiencing homelessness, respectively.

CONCLUSION

TB among U.S. indigenous persons is associated with persistent and concerning health disparities.

Potential and challenges for an integrated management of tuberculosis, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension: A scoping review protocol

In many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), the epidemiological transition is characterized by an increased burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and the persistent challenge of infectious diseases. The transmission of tuberculosis, one of the leading infectious diseases, can be halted through active screening of risk groups and early case findings. Studies have reported comorbidities between tuberculosis (TB) and NCDs, which necessitates the development of an integrated disease management model. This scoping review discusses the possibilities and problems of integration in managing TB and NCDs, with a particular emphasis on diabetic mellitus (DM) and hypertension screening and control. We will conduct this review following Arksey and O’Malley’s framework for scoping review. We will use key terms related to integrated management, i.e., screening, diagnosis, treatment, and care, of TB, DM, and hypertension in PubMed, Scopus Database, and ScienceDirect for research published from January 2005 to July 2021. This review will also consider grey literature, including unpublished literature and international disease management guidelines on TB, DM, and hypertension from WHO or other health professional organization. We will export the search results to citation manager software (EndNote). We will remove duplicates and apply the inclusion and exclusion criteria to identify the set of papers for the review. After screening the titles and abstract, two authors will independently review the full text of selected studies and extract the data. We will synthesize all selected studies qualitatively and the results will be discussed with the experts. The results will be used as the basis of the development of a guideline for integrated TB, DM, and hypertension management.

Tuberculosis Among Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander Persons: United States and U.S.-Affiliated Pacific Islands, 2010-2019

Background

In recent years, tuberculosis (TB) incidence in the United States has declined overall but remained high among Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander (NH/PI) persons. Few studies have examined the epidemiology of TB among NH/PI persons, particularly in the U.S.-Affiliated Pacific Islands (USAPI). We describe TB incidence and characteristics of NH/PI patients during 2010-2019.

Methods

We used data from the National Tuberculosis Surveillance System to characterize TB cases reported among NH/PI persons born in the 50 U.S. states (defined to include District of Columbia) and the USAPI. We calculated annual TB incidence among NH/PI patients, stratified by place of birth (U.S. states or USAPI). Using Asian persons born outside the United States-persons historically grouped with NH/PI persons as one racial category-as the reference, we compared demographic, clinical, and socio-behavioral characteristics of NH/PI TB patients.

Results

During 2010-2019, 4359 TB cases were reported among NH/PI patients born in the U.S. states (n=205) or the USAPI (n=4154). Median annual incidence per 100,000 persons was 6.5 cases (persons born in the U.S. states) and 150.7 cases (persons born in the USAPI). The proportion of TB patients aged <15 years was higher among NH/PI persons (U.S. states: 54%, USAPI: 24%) than among Asian persons born outside the United States (1%).

Conclusions

TB incidence among NH/PI persons is high, particularly among persons born in the USAPI, emphasizing the need to enhance TB prevention strategies in these communities. Interventions should be tailored toward those who experience the highest risk, including NH/PI children and adolescents.

[Epidemiologic-clinical, biological and radiological features of pulmonary tuberculosis in patients with diabetes in Antananarivo, Madagascar]

Pulmonary tuberculosis is frequently associated with diabetes mellitus and, sometimes, it may present with atypical signs. The purpose of this study is to identify the epidemiological, clinical, biological and radiological features of pulmonary tuberculosis in patients with diabetes versus patients without diabetes in order to improve treatment. We conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study in the Department of Endocrinology and Pneumology at the Joseph Raseta Befelatanana University Hospital Center and in the Department of Respiratory Diseases at the Soavinandriana Hospital Center in Antananarivo, Madagascar. It involved patients diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis who presented a positive bacilloscopy exam from January 2018 to January 2020 (25 months). In our study, the overall prevalence of diabetes among TB patients was 20.31 %. Older age, insidious clinical course, severe biologic inflammatory syndrome, fewer caves but more systematized opacities and diffuse radiological lesions in the basal zone (more commonly unilateral right lesions) were mainly detected in patients with diabetes compared to patients without diabetes. Knowledge of signs of pulmonary TB in patients with diabetes can help health care workers to make a diagnosis, even in patients with atypical signs. Moreover, as the majority of pulmonary tuberculosis occur in patients with unstable diabetes, a good glycemic balance can certainly reduce its incidence.

Structural homology between 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and Mycobacterium tuberculosis Inh-A enzyme: Dehydroepiandrosterone as a potential co-adjuvant treatment in diabetes-tuberculosis comorbidity

Metabolic syndrome is considered the precursor of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Tuberculosis is a leading infection that constitutes a global threat remaining a major cause of morbi-mortality in developing countries. People with type 2 diabetes mellitus are more likely to suffer from infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. For both type 2 diabetes mellitus and tuberculosis, there is pulmonary production of anti-inflammatory glucocorticoids mediated by the enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1). The adrenal hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) counteracts the glucocorticoid effects of cytokine production due to the inhibition of 11β-HSD1. Late advanced tuberculosis has been associated with the suppression of the Th1 response, evidenced by a high ratio of cortisol/DHEA. In a murine model of metabolic syndrome, we determined whether DHEA treatment modifies the pro-inflammatory cytokines due to the inhibition of the 11β-HSD1 expression. Since macrophages express 11β-HSD1, our second goal was incubating them with DHEA and Mycobacterium tuberculosis to show that the microbicide effect was increased by DHEA. Enoyl-acyl carrier protein reductase (InhA) is an essential enzyme of Mycobacterium tuberculosis involved in the mycolic acid synthesis. Because 11β-HSD1 and InhA are members of a short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase family of enzymes, we hypothesize that DHEA could be an antagonist of InhA. Our results demonstrate that DHEA has a direct microbicide effect against Mycobacterium tuberculosis; this effect was supported by in silico docking analysis and the molecular dynamic simulation studies between DHEA and InhA. Thus, DHEA increases the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the lung, inactivates GC by 11β-HSD1, and inhibits mycobacterial InhA. The multiple functions of DHEA suggest that this hormone or its synthetic analogs could be an efficient co-adjuvant for tuberculosis treatment.

Evaluation of the T-SPOT.TB test, oxidation-related factors, and antimicrobial peptide LL-37 in the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis with type 2 diabetes

Objective

To investigate the diagnostic value of the T cell spot (T-SPOT.TB) test, oxidation-related factors (ORF), and antimicrobial peptide LL-37 in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

A total of 560 patients with PTB admitted to our hospital from January 2019 to April 2021 were retrospectively included in this study. Of these, 232 patients with PTB and type 2 diabetes were assigned to the combined group, and 328 patients without complications were assigned to the PTB group.

Results

Areas under the curve (AUCs) for the number of spot-forming cells in CFP10 and ESAT-6 test panels detecting PTB with type 2 diabetes were 0.892 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.831–0.921) and 0.893 (95% CI 0.841–0.935), respectively. CFP10 combined with ESAT-6 had the highest diagnostic value, with sensitivity and specificity levels and an AUC of 87.73%, 88.93%, and 0.942 (95% CI 0.907–0.967), respectively. The levels of total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, and catalase in the combined group were lower than in PTB and control groups.

Conclusion

The combination of T-SPOT.TB, ORF, and LL-37 in the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis with type 2 diabetes mellitus has a high diagnostic value and clinical application value.

Evaluation of point-of-care algorithms to detect diabetes during screening for latent TB infection

BACKGROUND: Individuals with both diabetes mellitus (DM) and TB infection are at higher risk of progressing to TB disease.OBJECTIVE: To determine DM prevalence in populations at high risk for latent TB infection (LTBI) and to identify the most accurate point-of-care (POC) method for DM screening.METHODS: Adults aged ≥25 years were recruited at health department clinics in Hawaii and Arizona, USA, and screened for LTBI and DM. Screening methods for DM included self-report, random blood glucose (RBG), and POC hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). Using HbA1c ≥6.5% or self-reported history as the gold standard for DM, we compared test strategies to determine the most accurate method while keeping test costs low.RESULTS: Of 472 participants, 13% had DM and half were unaware of their diagnosis. Limiting HbA1c testing to ages ≥30 years with a RBG level of 120-180 mg/dL helped identify most participants with DM (sensitivity 85%, specificity 99%) at an average test cost of US$2.56 per person compared to US$9.56 per person using HbA1c for all patients.CONCLUSION: Self-report was insufficient to determine DM status because many participants were previously undiagnosed. Using a combination of POC RBG and HbA1c provided an inexpensive option to assess DM status in persons at high risk for LTBI.