Post-Tuberculosis Lung Disease: Clinical Review of an Under-Recognised Global Challenge

Immunopathology in human pulmonary tuberculosis: Inflammatory changes in the plasma milieu and impaired host immune cell functions

Host immune response is key for protection in tuberculosis, but the causative agent, Mycobacterium (M.) tuberculosis, manages to survive despite immune surveillance. Key mechanisms of immune protection have been identified, but the role of immunopathology in the peripheral blood of tuberculosis patients remains unclear. Tuberculosis immunopathology in the blood is characterised by patterns of immunosuppression and hyperinflammation. These seemingly contradictory findings and the pronounced heterogeneity made it difficult to interpret the results from previous studies and to derive implications of immunopathology. However, novel approaches based on comprehensive data analyses and revitalisation of an ancient plasma milieu in vitro assay connected inflammation with immunosuppressive factors in tuberculosis. Moreover, interrelations between the aberrant plasma milieu and immune cell pathology were observed. This review provides an overview of studies on changes in plasma milieu and discusses recent findings linking plasma factors to T-cell and monocyte/macrophage pathology in pulmonary tuberculosis patients.

Multimorbid life expectancy across race, socio-economic status, and sex in South Africa

Multimorbidity is increasing globally as populations age. However, it is unclear how long individuals live with multimorbidity and how it varies by social and economic factors. We investigate this in South Africa, whose apartheid history further complicates race, socio-economic, and sex inequalities. We introduce the term 'multimorbid life expectancy' (MMLE) to describe the years lived with multimorbidity. Using data from the South African National Income Dynamics Study (2008-17) and incidence-based multistate Markov modelling, we find that females experience higher MMLE than males (17.3 vs 9.8 years), and this disparity is consistent across all race and education groups. MMLE is highest among Asian/Indian people and the post-secondary educated relative to other groups and lowest among African people. These findings suggest there are associations between structural inequalities and MMLE, highlighting the need for health-system and educational policies to be implemented in a way proportional to each group's level of need.

Update on the treatment of tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) affects more than 10 million people each year. We have contested this burden with a paradoxically slow development of treatments, as compared to other infectious diseases. This review aims to update health care professionals on the last developments for the management of TB. The combination of drugs established more than 40years ago is still adequate to cure most people affected by TB. However, with the generalisation of regimens based on rifampicin and isoniazid for (only) 6months, resistance emerged. Resistant cases needed long treatments based on injectable drugs. Now, after an exciting decade of research, we can treat resistant TB with oral regimens based on bedaquiline, nitroimidazoles, and linezolid for (only) 6months, and we may soon break the 6-month barrier for treatment duration. However, these improvements are not enough to end TB without an engagement of people affected and their communities to achieve adherence to treatment, transmission control, and improve socioeconomic determinants of health.

Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis incidence in newly detected pulmonary tuberculosis cases during follow-up

BACKGROUND

Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) is known to complicate patients with post-tubercular lung disease. However, some evidence suggests that CPA might co-exist in patients with newly-diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis (P.TB) at diagnosis and also develop during therapy. The objective of this study was to confirm the presence of CPA in newly diagnosed P.TB at baseline and at the end-of-TB-therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This prospective longitudinal study included newly diagnosed P.TB patients, followed up at third month and end-of-TB-therapy with symptom assessment, anti-Aspergillus IgG antibody and imaging of chest for diagnosing CPA.

RESULTS

We recruited 255 patients at baseline out of which 158 (62%) completed their follow-up. Anti-Aspergillus IgG was positive in 11.1% at baseline and 27.8% at end-of-TB-therapy. Overall, proven CPA was diagnosed in 7% at baseline and 14.5% at the end-of-TB-therapy. Around 6% patients had evidence of aspergilloma in CT chest at the end-of-TB-therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

CPA can be present in newly diagnosed P.TB patients at diagnosis and also develop during anti-tubercular treatment. Patients with persistent symptoms or developing new symptoms during treatment for P.TB should be evaluated for CPA. Whether patients with concomitant P.TB and CPA, while receiving antitubercular therapy, need additional antifungal therapy, needs to be evaluated in future studies.

CD4-mediated immunity shapes neutrophil-driven tuberculous pathology

Pulmonary Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection results in highly heterogeneous lesions ranging from granulomas with central necrosis to those primarily comprised of alveolitis. While alveolitis has been associated with prior immunity in human post-mortem studies, the drivers of these distinct pathologic outcomes are poorly understood. Here, we show that these divergent lesion structures can be modeled in C3HeB/FeJ mice and are regulated by prior immunity. Using quantitative imaging, scRNAseq, and flow cytometry, we demonstrate that Mtb infection in the absence of prior immunity elicits dysregulated neutrophil recruitment and necrotic granulomas. In contrast, prior immunity induces rapid recruitment and activation of T cells, local macrophage activation, and diminished late neutrophil responses. Depletion studies at distinct infection stages demonstrated that neutrophils are required for early necrosis initiation and necrosis propagation at chronic stages, whereas early CD4 T cell responses prevent neutrophil feedforward circuits and necrosis. Together, these studies reveal fundamental determinants of tuberculosis lesion structure and pathogenesis, which have important implications for new strategies to prevent or treat tuberculosis.

A longitudinal prospective study of active tuberculosis in a Western Europe setting: insights and findings

PURPOSE

This study investigates the potential of inflammatory parameters (IP), symptoms, and patient-related outcome measurements as biomarkers of severity and their ability to predict tuberculosis (TB) evolution.

METHODS

People with TB were included prospectively in the Stage-TB study conducted at five clinical sites in Barcelona (Spain) between April 2018 and December 2021. Data on demographics, epidemiology, clinical features, microbiology, and Sanit George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and Kessler-10 as Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) were collected at three time points during treatment. C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), neutrophil/lymphocyte, and monocyte/lymphocyte ratios (NLR and MLR), complement factors C3, C4, and cH50, clinical and microbiological data, and HRQoL questionnaires were assessed at baseline, 2 months, and 6 months. Their ability to predict sputum culture conversion (SCC) and symptom presence after 2 months of treatment was also analysed.

RESULTS

The study included 81 adults and 13 children with TB. The CRP, ESR, NLR, and MLR values, as well as the presence of symptoms, decreased significantly over time in both groups. Higher IP levels at baseline were associated with greater bacillary load and persistent symptoms. Clinical severity at baseline predicted a delayed SCC. Kessler-10 improved during follow-up, but self-reported lung impairment (SGRQ) persisted in all individuals after 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS

IP levels may indicate disease severity, and sustained high levels are linked to lower treatment efficacy. Baseline clinical severity is the best predictor of SCC. Implementing health strategies to evaluate lung function and mental health throughout the disease process may be crucial for individuals with TB.

Risk Factors of Tuberculosis Destroyed Lung in Patients with Pulmonary Tuberculosis and Structural Lung Diseases: A Retrospective Observational Study

Background

Tuberculosis destroyed lung constitutes a significant worldwide public health challenge, little is known about its associated risk factors and prognosis. Our study aimed to identify the risk factors of tuberculosis destroyed lung among pulmonary tuberculosis and structural lung diseases.

Methods

Between January 2019 and December 2021, a case-control study was conducted at the Third People's Hospital of Shenzhen in China. We collected the clinical data among patients with pulmonary tuberculosis and structural lung diseases. Cases were defined as patients with tuberculosis destroyed lung. Controls were not diagnosed with the tuberculosis destroyed lung. A binary logistic regression was performed.

Results

In our study, a total of 341 patients met the inclusion criteria, including 182 cases and 159 controls. We found that age ranges of 46-60 years (aOR: 4.879; 95% CI: 2.338-10.180), >60 years (aOR: 3.384; 95% CI: 1.481-7.735); history of TB treatment (aOR: 2.729; 95% CI: 1.606-4.638); malnutrition (aOR: 5.126; 95% CI: 1.359-19.335); respiratory failure (aOR: 5.080; 95% CI: 1.491-17.306); and bronchiarctia (aOR: 3.499; 95% CI: 1.330-9.209) were the independent risk factors for tuberculosis destroyed lung. Conversely, having a normal (aOR: 0.207; 95% CI: 0.116-0.371) or overweight BMI (aOR: 0.259; 95% CI: 0.090-0.747) emerged as a protective factor against tuberculosis destroyed lung.

Conclusion

This study indicated that tuberculosis destroyed lung is a common condition among patients with pulmonary tuberculosis and structural lung diseases. The independent risk factors for tuberculosis destroyed lung were identified as being within the age groups of 46-60 and over 60 years, having a previous history of TB treatment, malnutrition, respiratory failure, and bronchiarctia. It is essential to closely monitor patients possessing these risk factors to prevent the progression towards tuberculosis destroyed lung.

Risk factors for pulmonary tuberculosis recurrence, relapse and reinfection: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The rate of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) recurrence is substantial. Identifying risk factors can support the development of prevention strategies.

METHODS

We retrieved studies published between 1 January 1980 and 31 December 2022 that assessed factors associated with undifferentiated TB recurrence, relapse or reinfection. For factors reported in at least four studies, we performed random-effects meta-analysis to estimate a pooled relative risk (RR). We assessed heterogeneity, risk of publication bias and certainty of evidence.

RESULTS

We included 85 studies in the review; 81 documented risk factors for undifferentiated recurrence, 17 for relapse and 10 for reinfection. The scope for meta-analyses was limited given the wide variety of factors studied, inconsistency in control for confounding and the fact that only few studies employed molecular genotyping. Factors that significantly contributed to moderately or strongly increased pooled risk and scored at least moderate certainty of evidence were: for undifferentiated recurrence, multidrug resistance (MDR) (RR 3.49; 95% CI 1.86 to 6.53) and fixed-dose combination TB drugs (RR 2.29; 95% CI 1.10 to 4.75) in the previous episode; for relapse, none; and for reinfection, HIV infection (RR 4.65; 95% CI 1.71 to 12.65). Low adherence to treatment increased the pooled risk of recurrence 3.3-fold (95% CI 2.37 to 4.62), but the certainty of evidence was weak.

CONCLUSION

This review emphasises the need for standardising methods for TB recurrence research. Actively pursuing MDR prevention, facilitating retention in treatment and providing integrated care for patients with HIV could curb recurrence rates. The use of fixed-dose combinations of TB drugs under field conditions merits further attention.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42018077867.

Left-Sided Destroyed Lung With Severe Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension as a Consequence of Recurrent Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Pulmonary tuberculosis is an infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which is an obligate aerobic microbe. Tuberculosis is a multisystemic disease that can attack the respiratory system, genitourinary system, central nervous system, gastrointestinal system, and the skeletal framework of the body. However, the most commonly affected system is the respiratory system (pulmonary tuberculosis). Tuberculosis is an ancient infection that affects millions of people every year, and even after adequate treatment, it is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, which can be attributed to reinfections, complications, extrapulmonary spread, and the long-term effects of tuberculosis on the lungs, leading to various restrictive and obstructive diseases. One of the most hazardous sequelae of pulmonary tuberculosis is the destroyed lung, which is predominately seen in the culminating stage of progressive disease or after reactivation of the disease. Here we present the case of a 46-year-old female patient who presented with complaints of breathlessness, cough with expectoration, and chest pain. With a history of recurrent tuberculosis infections and appropriate antituberculosis treatment for 30 years, the primary infection was recognized at 16 years of age. On examination, the patient was suspected to have developed fibrosis of the left lung, which, on radiological investigation, was confirmed to be a case of a destroyed left lung because of a recurrent tuberculosis infection. The patient was given symptomatic treatment along with broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy.

Post-tuberculosis Destroyed Lung Syndrome in an Indian Male: A Case Report

The term "destroyed lung" signifies the complete degradation of lung tissues, typically due to chronic or recurring lung infections, with tuberculosis often identified as a primary culprit. This condition, when occurs after tuberculosis and is known as post-tubercular destroyed lung syndrome, poses considerable difficulties, especially in areas where tuberculosis is prevalent. This paper outlines a case study involving a 50-year-old Indian man afflicted with destroyed lung syndrome. Despite having undergone tuberculosis treatment three years earlier, the patient exhibited symptoms such as a dry cough, coughing up blood, and difficulty breathing. A comprehensive clinical evaluation and radiological assessments confirmed the diagnosis of destroyed lung syndrome, leading to the commencement of appropriate treatment.

Quantifying gaps in the tuberculosis care cascade in Brazil: A mathematical model study using national program data

BACKGROUND

In Brazil, many individuals with tuberculosis (TB) do not receive appropriate care due to delayed or missed diagnosis, ineffective treatment regimens, or loss-to-follow-up. This study aimed to estimate the health losses and TB program costs attributable to each gap in the care cascade for TB disease in Brazil.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

We constructed a Markov model simulating the TB care cascade and lifetime health outcomes (e.g., death, cure, postinfectious sequelae) for individuals developing TB disease in Brazil. We stratified the model by age, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status, drug resistance, state of residence, and disease severity, and developed a parallel model for individuals without TB that receive a false-positive TB diagnosis. Models were fit to data (adult and pediatric) from Brazil's Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN) and Mortality Information System (SIM) for 2018. Using these models, we assessed current program performance and simulated hypothetical scenarios that eliminated specific gaps in the care cascade, in order to quantify incremental health losses and TB diagnosis and treatment costs along the care cascade. TB-attributable disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) were calculated by comparing changes in survival and nonfatal disability to a no-TB counterfactual scenario. We estimated that 90.0% (95% uncertainty interval [UI]: 85.2 to 93.4) of individuals with TB disease initiated treatment and 10.0% (95% UI: 7.6 to 12.5) died with TB. The average number of TB-attributable DALYs per incident TB case varied across Brazil, ranging from 2.9 (95% UI: 2.3 to 3.6) DALYs in Acre to 4.0 (95% UI: 3.3 to 4.7) DALYs in Rio Grande do Sul (national average 3.5 [95% UI: 2.8 to 4.1]). Delayed diagnosis contributed the largest health losses along the care cascade, followed by post-TB sequelae and loss to follow up from TB treatment, with TB DALYs reduced by 71% (95% UI: 65 to 76), 41% (95% UI: 36 to 49), and 10% (95% UI: 7 to 16), respectively, when these factors were eliminated. Total health system costs were largely unaffected by improvements in the care cascade, with elimination of treatment failure reducing attributable costs by 3.1% (95% UI: 1.5 to 5.4). TB diagnosis and treatment of false-positive individuals accounted for 10.2% (95% UI: 3.9 to 21.7) of total programmatic costs but contributed minimally to health losses. Several assumptions were required to interpret programmatic data for the analysis, and we were unable to estimate the contribution of social factors to care cascade outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, we observed that delays to diagnosis, post-disease sequelae and treatment loss to follow-up were primary contributors to the TB burden of disease in Brazil. Reducing delays to diagnosis, improving healthcare after TB cure, and reducing treatment loss to follow-up should be prioritized to improve the burden of TB disease in Brazil.

Burden, clinical features, and outcomes of post-tuberculosis chronic obstructive lung diseases

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Post-tuberculosis lung disease (PTLD) is an increasingly recognized and debilitating consequence of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of PTLD with airflow obstruction (PTLD-AFO), focusing on its burden, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic methods, and management strategies.

RECENT FINDINGS

The relationship between PTLD and airflow obstruction is complex and multifactorial. Approximately 60% of the patients with PTLD have some spirometric abnormality. Obstruction is documented in 18-22% of PTLD patients. The host susceptibility and host response to mycobacterium drive the pathogenic mechanism of PTLD. A balance between inflammatory, anti-inflammatory, and fibrotic pathways decides whether an individual with PTB would have PTLD after microbiological cure. An obstructive abnormality in PTLD-AFO is primarily due to destruction of bronchial walls, aberrant healing, and reduction of mucosal glands. The most common finding on computed tomography (CT) of thorax in patients with PTLD-AFO is bronchiectasis and cavitation. Therefore, the 'Cole's vicious vortex' described in bronchiectasis applies to PTLD. A multidisciplinary approach is required for diagnosis and treatment. The disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) attributed to PTLD represent about 50% of the total estimated burden of DALYs due to tuberculosis (TB). Patients with PTLD require comprehensive care that includes psychosocial support, pulmonary rehabilitation, and vaccination against respiratory pathogens. In the absence of trials evaluating different treatments for PTLD-AFO, therapy is primarily symptomatic.

SUMMARY

PTLD with airflow obstruction has considerable burden and causes a significant morbidity and mortality. However, many aspects of PTLD-AFO still need to be answered. Studies are required to evaluate different phenotypes, especially concerning Aspergillus -related complications. The treatment should be personalized based on the predominant phenotype of airflow obstruction. Extensive studies to understand the exact burden, pathogenesis, and treatment of PTBLD-AFO are needed.

Pulmonary function outcomes after tuberculosis treatment in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Despite tuberculosis (TB) being a curable disease, current guidelines fail to account for the long-term outcomes of post-tuberculosis lung disease-a cause of global morbidity despite successful completion of effective treatment. Our systematic review aimed to synthesise the available evidence on the lung function outcomes of childhood pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB).

METHODS

PubMed, ISI Web of Science, Cochrane Library and ProQuest databases were searched for English-only studies without time restriction (latest search date 22 March 2023). Inclusion criteria were (1) patients who had TB with pulmonary involvement at age ≤18 years; (2) pulmonary function tests (PFTs) performed on patients after treatment completion; and (3) observational studies, including cohort and cross-sectional studies. We adhered to the recommendations of the Cochrane Collaboration and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses.

RESULTS

From 8040 records, 5 studies were included (involving n=567 children), with spirometry measures from 4 studies included in the meta-analyses. The effect sizes of childhood TB on forced expiratory volume in the first second and forced vital capacity z-scores were estimated to be -1.53 (95% CI -2.65, -0.41; p=0.007) and -1.93 (95% CI -3.35, -0.50; p=0.008), respectively.

DISCUSSION

The small number of included studies reflects this under-researched area, relative to the global burden of TB. Nevertheless, as childhood PTB impacts future lung function, PFTs (such as spirometry) should be considered a routine test when evaluating the long-term lung health of children beyond their completion of TB treatment. PROSPERO registration number CRD42021250172.

Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis as a Considerable Complication in Post-Tuberculosis Lung Disease

Post-tuberculosis lung disease (PTLD) has only recently been put in the spotlight as a medical entity. Recent data suggest that up to 50% of tuberculosis (TB) patients are left with PTLD-related impairment after completion of TB treatment. The presence of residual cavities in the lung is the largest risk factor for the development of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) globally. Diagnosis of CPA is based on four criteria including a typical radiological pattern, evidence of Aspergillus species, exclusion of alternative diagnosis, and a chronic course of disease. In this manuscript, we provide a narrative review on CPA as a serious complication for patients with PTLD.

Risk of dementia in survivors of active tuberculosis in Korea: A nationwide cohort study

BACKGROUND

Concern has been growing regarding post-tuberculosis (TB) morbidities, including neurologic and vascular comorbidities. However, the association between post-TB status and the risk of dementia has been evaluated in only few studies. Therefore, in the present study, the risk of dementia was investigated in a nationwide population-based cohort.

METHODS

Using the Korean National Health Insurance Service (KNHIS) database, this study included TB survivors (n = 50,182) and matched controls (n = 50,182) for age, sex, and year of index date. The risk of dementia was estimated using Cox proportional hazards regression, and stratified analyses for related factors were performed.

RESULTS

During a mean 3.5 years of follow-up, the incidence of dementia was 9.32 for Alzheimer disease and 1.17 for vascular dementia per 1000 person-years for TB survivors and 7.21 and 0.67, respectively, for matched controls. The overall risk of Alzheimer disease was 1.11 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03-1.20)-fold higher in TB survivors than in matched controls. For vascular dementia, 1.48 (95% CI 1.16-1.89)-fold higher risk was found in TB survivors than in matched controls. The strength of the association between TB and dementia was higher in CNS TB (aHR 1.76, 95% CI 1.18 -2.64) than non-CNS TB (aHR 1.11, 95% CI 1.05-1.19) compared to controls, especially for patients with vascular dementia (3.33, 95% CI 1.06-10.49).

CONCLUSION

TB survivors had a significantly higher risk of dementia than the general population.

Brazilian Thoracic Association recommendations for the management of post-tuberculosis lung disease

Historically, all efforts against tuberculosis were focused on rapid diagnosis and effective treatment to break the chain of transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. However, in the last few years, more and more evidence has been found on the dramatic consequences of the condition defined as post-tuberculosis lung disease (PTLD). Approximately one third of patients surviving pulmonary tuberculosis face considerable ongoing morbidities, including respiratory impairment, psychosocial challenges, and reduced health-related quality of life after treatment completion. Given the important global and local burden of tuberculosis, as well as the estimated burden of PTLD, the development of a consensus document by a Brazilian scientific society-Sociedade Brasileira de Pneumologia e Tisiologia (SBPT)-was considered urgent for the prevention and management of this condition in order to allocate resources to and within tuberculosis services appropriately and serve as a guide for health care professionals. A team of eleven pulmonologists and one methodologist was created by the SBPT to review the current evidence on PTLD and develop recommendations adapted to the Brazilian context. The expert panel selected the topics on the basis of current evidence and international guidelines. During the first phase, three panel members drafted the recommendations, which were divided into three sections: definition and prevalence of PTLD, assessment of PTLD, and management of PTLD. In the second phase, all panel members reviewed, discussed, and revised the recommendations until a consensus was reached. The document was formally approved by the SBPT in a special session organized during the 2023 SBPT Annual Conference.

Post-tuberculosis lung disease and inflammatory role players: can we characterise the myriad inflammatory pathways involved to gain a better understanding?

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a global health threat, and even after successful TB treatment, a subset of patients develops serious long-term lung impairments, recently termed post-tuberculosis lung disease (PTLD). Much remains to be discovered, as PTLD as a post-TB disease is a developing field, still in its infancy. The pathogenesis of PTLD is not fully elucidated but has been linked to elevated inflammatory pathways. The complexity of PTLD makes it challenging to pinpoint the specific inflammatory pathways involved in its pathophysiology. Therefore, this paper provides a comprehensive review of inflammatory cytokines and their potential roles in PLTD, with a specific focus on interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-1, IL-8, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) and C-Reactive Protein (CRP). We delve into PTLD pathology, discuss its impact on lung function and review risk factors for PTLD. In addition, we summarise the current gaps in knowledge, provide recommendations for measuring inflammatory biomarkers and propose potential directions for future studies. We propose that future studies measure a wide range of inflammatory markers in TB populations with and without PTLD. In addition, studies could isolate peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patient blood to try and identify possible impairments that could be correlated with a PTLD diagnosis. Given that the PTLD field is still in an early stage of development, a comprehensive inflammatory analysis may help to know which pathways are key in PTLD development, and this may ultimately help to predict patients who are at risk. More research is warranted.

Long term management of people with post-tuberculosis lung disease

Post-tuberculosis lung disease (PTLD) is emerging as a significant area of global interest. As the number of patients surviving tuberculosis (TB) increases, the subsequent long-term repercussions have drawn increased attention due to their profound clinical and socioeconomic impacts. A primary obstacle to its comprehensive study has been its marked heterogeneity. The disease presents a spectrum of clinical manifestations which encompass tracheobronchial stenosis, bronchiectasis, granulomas with fibrosis, cavitation with associated aspergillosis, chronic pleural diseases, and small airway diseases-all persistent consequences of PTLD. The spectrum of symptoms a patient may experience varies based on the severity of the initial infection and the efficacy of the treatment received. As a result, the long-term management of PTLD necessitates a detailed and specific approach, addressing each manifestation individually-a tailored strategy. In the immediate aftermath (0-12 months after anti-TB chemotherapy), there should be an emphasis on monitoring for relapse, tracheobronchial stenosis, and smoking cessation. Subsequent management should focus on addressing hemoptysis, managing infection including aspergillosis, and TB-associated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or restrictive lung function. There remains a vast expanse of knowledge to be discovered in PTLD. This review emphasizes the pressing need for comprehensive, consolidated guidelines for management of patients with PTLD.

Impaired lung function in adolescents with pulmonary tuberculosis during treatment and following treatment completion

Background

Little is known about post-tuberculosis lung disease in adolescents. We prospectively assessed lung function in adolescents with microbiologically confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis during treatment and after treatment completion.

Methods

In a prospective study, we enrolled adolescents diagnosed with microbiologically confirmed tuberculosis and healthy tuberculosis-exposed household controls, between October 2020 and July 2021 in Cape Town, South Africa. Spirometry, plethysmography, diffusion capacity lung function tests and 6-min walking test (6MWT) were completed according to international guidelines 2 months into treatment and following treatment completion. Abnormal lung function was defined as abnormal spirometry (z-score < -1.64 for forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and/or forced vital capacity (FVC) and/or FEV1/FVC), plethysmography (total lung capacity (TLC) < 80% of predicted, residual volume over TLC of >45%) and/or diffusion capacity (DLCO z-score < -1.64).

Findings

One-hundred adolescents were enrolled; 50 (50%) with tuberculosis and 50 (50%) healthy tuberculosis-exposed controls. Of the 50 adolescents with tuberculosis, ten had multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. Mean age of the group was 14.9 years (SD 2.7), 6 (6.0%) were living with HIV and 9 (9.0%) were previously treated for tuberculosis. Lung function improved over time; during treatment abnormal lung function was found in 76% of adolescents with tuberculosis, compared to 65% after treatment completion. Spirometry indices were lower in adolescents with tuberculosis compared to controls, both at 2 months and after treatment completion. Plethysmography in adolescents with tuberculosis showed that air-trapping was more common during treatment than in controls (12% vs 0%, respectively, p = 0.017); which improved following treatment completion. Adolescents with tuberculosis both during and after treatment completion walked a shorter distance than controls.

Interpretation

Adolescents with tuberculosis have impaired lung function even after treatment completion. It is crucial to include adolescents in trials on the prevention and treatment of tuberculosis-associated respiratory morbidity.

Funding

EDCTP, National Institute of Health, Medical Research Council, BMBF.

Understanding the connections between climate change, air pollution, and human health in Africa: Insights from a literature review

Climate change and air pollution are two interconnected global challenges that have profound impacts on human health. In Africa, a continent known for its rich biodiversity and diverse ecosystems, the adverse effects of climate change and air pollution are particularly concerning. This review study examines the implications of air pollution and climate change for human health and well-being in Africa. It explores the intersection of these two factors and their impact on various health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease, respiratory disorders, mental health, and vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly. The study highlights the disproportionate effects of air pollution on vulnerable groups and emphasizes the need for targeted interventions and policies to protect their health. Furthermore, it discusses the role of climate change in exacerbating air pollution and the potential long-term consequences for public health in Africa. The review also addresses the importance of considering temperature and precipitation changes as modifiers of the health effects of air pollution. By synthesizing existing research, this study aims to shed light on complex relationships and highlight the key findings, knowledge gaps, and potential solutions for mitigating the impacts of climate change and air pollution on human health in the region. The insights gained from this review can inform evidence-based policies and interventions to mitigate the adverse effects on human health and promote sustainable development in Africa.

Improving measurement of tuberculosis care cascades to enhance people-centred care

Care cascades represent the proportion of people reaching milestones in care for a disease and are widely used to track progress towards global targets for HIV and other diseases. Despite recent progress in estimating care cascades for tuberculosis (TB) disease, they have not been routinely applied at national and subnational levels, representing a lost opportunity for public health impact. As researchers who have estimated TB care cascades in high-incidence countries (India, Madagascar, Nigeria, Peru, South Africa, and Zambia), we describe the utility of care cascades and identify measurement challenges, including the lack of population-based disease burden data and electronic data capture, the under-reporting of people with TB navigating fragmented and privatised health systems, the heterogeneity of TB tests, and the lack of post-treatment follow-up. We outline an agenda for rectifying these gaps and argue that improving care cascade measurement is crucial to enhancing people-centred care and achieving the End TB goals.

COPD in People with HIV: Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, Management, and Prevention Strategies

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive respiratory disorder characterized by airflow limitation and persistent respiratory symptoms. People with HIV (PWH) are particularly vulnerable to COPD development; PWH have demonstrated both higher rates of COPD and an earlier and more rapid decline in lung function than their seronegative counterparts, even after accounting for differences in cigarette smoking. Factors contributing to this HIV-associated difference include chronic immune activation and inflammation, accelerated aging, a predilection for pulmonary infections, alterations in the lung microbiome, and the interplay between HIV and inhalational toxins. In this review, we discuss what is known about the epidemiology and pathobiology of COPD among PWH and outline screening, diagnostic, prevention, and treatment strategies.

Tuberculosis Severity Predictive Model Using Mtb Variants and Serum Biomarkers in a Colombian Cohort of APTB Patients

Currently, tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) that primarily affects the lungs. The severity of active pulmonary TB (APTB) is an important determinant of transmission, morbidity, mortality, disease experience, and treatment outcomes. Several publications have shown a high prevalence of disabling complications in individuals who have had severe APTB. Furthermore, certain strains of Mtb were associated with more severe disease outcomes. The use of biomarkers to predict severe APTB patients who are candidates for host-directed therapies, due to the high risk of developing post-tuberculous lung disease (PTLD), has not yet been implemented in the management of TB patients. We followed 108 individuals with APTB for 6 months using clinical tools, flow cytometry, and whole-genome sequencing (WGS). The median age of the study population was 26.5 years, and the frequency of women was 53.7%. In this study, we aimed to identify biomarkers that could help us to recognize individuals with APTB and improve our understanding of the immunopathology in these individuals. In this study, we conducted a follow-up on the treatment progress of 121 cases of APTB. The follow-up process commenced at the time of diagnosis (T0), continued with a control visit at 2 months (T2), and culminated in an exit appointment at 6 months following the completion of medical treatment (T6). People classified with severe APTB showed significantly higher levels of IL-6 (14.7 pg/mL; p < 0.05) compared to those with mild APTB (7.7 pg/mL) at T0. The AUCs for the ROC curves and the Matthews correlation coefficient values (MCC) demonstrate correlations ranging from moderate to very strong. We conducted WGS on 88 clinical isolates of Mtb, and our analysis revealed a total of 325 genes with insertions and deletions (Indels) within their coding regions when compared to the Mtb H37Rv reference genome. The pattern of association was found between serum levels of CHIT1 and the presence of Indels in Mtb isolates from patients with severe APTB. A key finding in our study was the high levels of CHIT1 in severe APTB patients. We identified a biomarker profile (IL-6, IFN-γ, IL-33, and CHIT1) that allows us to identify individuals with severe APTB, as well as the identification of a panel of polymorphisms (125) in clinical isolates of Mtb from individuals with severe APTB. Integrating these findings into a predictive model of severity would show promise for the management of APTB patients in the future, to guide host-directed therapy and reduce the prevalence of PTLD.

Post-tuberculosis Sequelae in Children

Tuberculosis (TB) is a global health problem especially in the Indian subcontinent imposing significant physical, psychosocial and economic burden on the society. Most national programs define TB cure as completion of treatment with improvement in clinical symptoms, microbiological and radiological clearance. However, follow up these patients for long-term sequelae or complications has not got adequate attention. Post-TB lung disease, neurological deficits and spinal deformities are some of the post-TB sequelae reported in adults, with scanty data available for children. With this review authors attempt to discuss various post-TB disease manifestations and the risk factors associated with their development in children. They address the need to create awareness amongst physicians involved in managing children with TB and obtain more scientific data in this field.

Childhood TB sequel: evaluating respiratory function after treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis in a prospective cohort of Gambian children - a study protocol

BACKGROUND

1.2 million children under 15 years are estimated to have developed tuberculosis (TB) in 2021. 85% of paediatric patients achieve successful treatment outcomes if treated for the first episode of TB. However, despite so-called successful treatment, TB leaves many survivors with permanently destroyed or damaged lungs. Data from prospective paediatric cohorts to establish the burden and evolution of post-TB lung disease (PTLD) are still absent. The Childhood TB Sequel study aims to describe respiratory consequences associated with pulmonary TB in Gambian children, describe the evolution of these sequelae, and determine associated epidemiological risk factors.

METHODS

We aim to recruit up to 80 subjects aged 19 years and below who have recently completed treatment for pulmonary TB. Recruitment started in April 2022 and is expected to continue until June 2024. Clinical assessment, chest X-ray, and comprehensive lung function assessment are carried out at treatment completion and again six and 12 months later.

DISCUSSION

The Childhood TB Sequel study will address existing research gaps to enhance our knowledge and understanding of the burden of PTLD in Gambian children. The study will also contribute to formulating a plan for post-TB evaluation and long-term follow-up strategies.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05325125, April 13, 2022.

Risk factors and biomarkers for post-tuberculosis lung damage in a Chinese cohort of male smokers and non-smokers: protocol for a prospective observational study

INTRODUCTION

Post-tuberculosis lung damage (PTLD) refers to the residual pulmonary impairment following the completion of antituberculosis (TB) therapy, characterised by persistent respiratory symptoms and abnormal pulmonary function. The risk factors and biomarkers for PTLD have been scarcely investigated. More importantly, whether and to what extent cigarette smoking is involved in PTLD remain to be known.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This prospective observational study will enrol 400 male smoking or non-smoking patients aged 25-65 years, with newly confirmed active TB between 2022 and 2024, from the Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine at Peking University Third Hospital and the Tuberculosis Department at Beijing Geriatric Hospital. Because females rarely smoke in China, we will enrol only males in this study. Demographic data, smoking history and amount, clinical symptoms, lung function, and chest CT findings will be prospectively collected. Respiratory questionnaires, lung function measurements and chest CT examinations will be performed immediately after, and 1 year, 2 years and 3 years after the completion of TB treatment. Peripheral blood samples will be obtained at baseline and at the end of anti-TB therapy, and a Luminex xMAP-based multiplex immunoassay will be used to measure inflammatory mediators and cytokines in serum. The collected data will be analysed to determine the incidence and factors/biomarkers of PTLD according to smoking status.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Peking University Third Hospital (approval number: (2022)271-03; approval date: 8 June 2022). The research results will be disseminated through scientific and medical conferences and will be published in an academic journal.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT04966052.

Which side are they on? Diagnosing primary ciliary dyskinesias in low- or middle-income countries: A review and case series

Background

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a rare genetic condition with a variable clinical presentation, making its diagnosis a challenge. We describe two unrelated sibling pairs with PCD: adult siblings in the first and perinatal/neonatal in the second. Both families highlight the more common and rarer clinical manifestations of PCD. We use these cases to highlight: (i) current understanding of the underlying genetic and pathophysiological mechanisms of PCD; (ii) the diversity of cardiac and respiratory features of PCD across a wide age range; (iii) aspects of the history and clinical examination that should raise suspicion of PCD; and (iv) the role of next-generation sequencing gene panel testing in confirmation of the diagnosis. We note genomic evidence predicting that PCD is relatively common in black African populations.

Study synopsis

What the study adds. This review of two sibling pairs illustrates the variable histories, presentations, diagnostic processes and clinical courses of primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) in low- or middle-income countries (LMICs), highlighting the diagnostic challenges faced when encountering such patients in settings where there may not be access to specialised resources. Possible diagnostic tools that can be used are discussed, weighing up their pros and cons in an LMIC setting, and a potential diagnostic approach that can be adapted to the treating clinician's own context is provided.Implications of the findings. Confirmation of the diagnosis of primary ciliary dyskinesia is no longer limited to well-resourced institutions, but can be done in less specialised environments using novel, highly accurate next-generation sequencing gene panel testing, reducing the need to transport patients as well as the overall cost to the healthcare system. Well-resourced institutions that see high volumes of patients with PCD can invest in new highly sensitive diagnostic tools such as high-speed video microscopy. There is a need for research investigating the validity of tools such as ciliary immunofluorescence in the South African population.

Pulmonary hypertension in adults completing tuberculosis treatment

Background

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) after tuberculosis (TB) is typically not included among the chronic lung diseases causing PH (group 3 PH), with few data available to support the inclusion.

Objectives

To determine the prevalence of PH in an adult population completing TB treatment.

Methods

This single-centre, cross-sectional study only included patients with their first documented episode of TB, and who were in the second half of treatment or had recently completed treatment. PH was assessed using transthoracic echocardiography. Questionnaires were completed, and spirometry and a 6-minute walk test were performed.

Results

One hundred patients were enrolled, with a mean age of 37.1 years, of whom 58% were male and 46% HIV positive. The median time since initiation of TB treatment was 22 weeks. The mean (standard deviation) measured right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) was 23.6 (6.24) mmHg. One participant had PH (defined as RVSP ≥40 mmHg; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.0 - 3.0) and a further 3 had possible PH (RVSP ≥35 and <40 mmHg), with a combined PH prevalence of 4% (95% CI 0.2 - 7.8). Airflow obstruction on spirometry was found in 13.3% of 98 patients, while 25.5% had a reduced forced vital capacity. There was no association between RVSP or PH/possible PH and sex, age, HIV status, systemic hypertension, spirometry measurements or 6-minute walking distance. Smoking status was associated with RVSP, but not with the presence of PH/possible PH.

Conclusion

There was a significant prevalence of PH in this preliminary study of predominantly young patients completing treatment for a first episode of TB. Larger and more detailed studies are warranted.

Study synopsis

What the study adds. Of 100 adult patients with their first episode of tuberculosis (TB) who underwent echocardiograms near the end of treatment completion to determine the prevalence of pulmonary hypertension (PH), 1 (1%) had PH and a further 3 (3%) had possible PH. There was no association between sex, age, HIV status, lung function or 6-minute walking distance and the presence of PH. The study adds to the growing awareness of the association of TB with pulmonary vascular disease. It shows that even in a young population with a first episode of TB treated in an ambulatory setting, there is a significant prevalence of PH on treatment completion.Implications of the findings. Given that 10.6 million people acquire TB annually, the absolute global burden of cases with PH is likely to be high, but is underappreciated to date. Further work is urgently needed in this field.

Healthcare Utilization After Respiratory Tuberculosis: A Controlled Interrupted Time Series Analysis

BACKGROUND

Despite data suggesting elevated morbidity and mortality among people who have survived tuberculosis disease, the impact of respiratory tuberculosis on healthcare utilization in the years following diagnosis and treatment remains unclear.

METHODS

Using linked health administrative data from British Columbia, Canada, we identified foreign-born individuals treated for respiratory tuberculosis between 1990 and 2019. We matched each person with up to four people without a tuberculosis diagnosis from the same source cohort using propensity score matching. Then, using a controlled interrupted time series analysis, we measured outpatient physician encounters and inpatient hospital admissions in the 5 years following respiratory tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment.

RESULTS

We matched 1216 individuals treated for respiratory tuberculosis to 4864 non-tuberculosis controls. Immediately following the tuberculosis diagnostic and treatment period, the monthly rate of outpatient encounters in the tuberculosis group was 34.0% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 30.7%, 37.2%) higher than expected, and this trend was sustained for the duration of the post-tuberculosis period. The excess utilization represented an additional 12.2 (95% CI: 10.6, 14.9) outpatient encounters per person over the post-tuberculosis period, with respiratory morbidity a large contributor to the excess healthcare utilization. Results were similar for hospital admissions, with an additional 0.4 (95% CI: .3, .5) hospital admissions per person over the post-tuberculosis period.

CONCLUSIONS

Respiratory tuberculosis appears to have long-term impacts on healthcare utilization beyond treatment. These findings underscore the need for screening, assessment, and treatment of post-tuberculosis sequelae, as it may provide an opportunity to improve health and reduce resource use.

Untargeted Metabolomics of Feces Reveals Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarkers for Active Tuberculosis and Latent Tuberculosis Infection: Potential Application for Precise and Non-Invasive Identification

Purpose

Distinguishing latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) from active tuberculosis (ATB) is important to control the prevalence of tuberculosis; however, there is currently no effective method. The aim of this study was to discover specific metabolites through fecal untargeted metabolomics to discriminate ATB, individuals with LTBI, and healthy controls (HC) and to probe the metabolic perturbation associated with the progression of tuberculosis.

Patients and Methods

Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was performed to comprehensively detect compounds in fecal samples from HC, LTBI, and ATB patients. Differential metabolites between the two groups were screened, and their underlying biological functions were explored. Candidate metabolites were selected and enrolled in LASSO regression analysis to construct diagnostic signatures for discriminating between HC, LTBI, and ATB. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was applied to evaluate diagnostic value. A nomogram was constructed to predict the risk of progression of LTBI.

Results

A total of 35 metabolites were found to exist differentially in HC, LTBI, and ATB, and eight biomarkers were selected. Three diagnostic signatures based on the eight biomarkers were constructed to distinguish between HC, LTBI, and ATB, demonstrating excellent discrimination performance in ROC analysis. A nomogram was successfully constructed to evaluate the risk of progression of LTBI to ATB. Moreover, 3,4-dimethylbenzoic acid has been shown to distinguish ATB patients with different responses to etiological tests.

Conclusion

This study constructed diagnostic signatures based on fecal metabolic biomarkers that effectively discriminated HC, LTBI, and ATB, and established a predictive model to evaluate the risk of progression of LTBI to ATB. The results provide scientific evidence for establishing an accurate, sensitive, and noninvasive differential diagnosis scheme for tuberculosis.

Prediction of the COVID disease using lung CT images by Deep Learning algorithm: DETS-optimized Resnet 101 classifier

As a result of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) disease due to SARS-CoV2 becoming a pandemic, it has spread over the globe. It takes time to evaluate the results of the laboratory tests because of the rising number of cases each day. Therefore, there are restrictions in terms of both therapy and findings. A clinical decision-making system with predictive algorithms is needed to alleviate the pressure on healthcare systems via Deep Learning (DL) algorithms. With the use of DL and chest scans, this research intends to determine COVID-19 patients by utilizing the Transfer Learning (TL)-based Generative Adversarial Network (Pix 2 Pix-GAN). Moreover, the COVID-19 images are then classified as either positive or negative using a Duffing Equation Tuna Swarm (DETS)-optimized Resnet 101 classifier trained on synthetic and real images from the Kaggle lung CT Covid dataset. Implementation of the proposed technique is done using MATLAB simulations. Besides, is evaluated via accuracy, precision, F1-score, recall, and AUC. Experimental findings show that the proposed prediction model identifies COVID-19 patients with 97.2% accuracy, a recall of 95.9%, and a specificity of 95.5%, which suggests the proposed predictive model can be utilized to forecast COVID-19 infection by medical specialists for clinical prediction research and can be beneficial to them.

Vaccination in post-tuberculosis lung disease management: A review of the evidence

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Post-tuberculosis lung disease (PTLD), as other chronic respiratory disorders, may have infectious complications; some of them can be prevented with vaccinations. So far, no document has discussed the potential role of vaccination in PTLD. Therefore, the objective of this review was to describe vaccination recommendations to prevent infections potentially capable of complicating PTLD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A non-systematic review of the literature was conducted. The following keywords were used: tuberculosis, vaccination, vaccines and PTLD. PubMed/MEDLINE and Embase were used as the search engine, focusing on English-language literature only.

RESULTS

We identified 9 vaccines potentially useful in PTLD. Influenza, pneumococcal and anti-COVID-19 vaccinations should be recommended. Patients with PTLD can also benefit from vaccination against shingles. Vaccination against pertussis is mainly relevant during childhood. Diphtheria, tetanus and measles vaccination are recommended for general population and should be considered in patients with PTLD not previously vaccinated. Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) booster should be repeated in every adult every ten years. Vaccination against BCG retains its importance during early childhood in countries where TB is endemic.

CONCLUSIONS

Vaccination deserves to be considered among the strategies to prevent and/or mitigate PTLD complications. Further evidence is necessary to better understand which vaccines have the greatest impact and cost-benefit.

"Post tuberculosis": the urgent need for inclusion of lung health outcomes in tuberculosis treatment trials

We read with interest the systematic review by Ivanova et al. [1], recently published in the European Respiratory Review , highlighting significant long-term lung function impairment experienced by people that survive tuberculosis (TB). Lung function impairment is a well-described characteristic of post-TB lung disease (PTLD), a condition that spans the spectrum of obstructive airway disease, bronchiectasis and fibro-cavitating disease, along with fungal and other respiratory infections [2]. The pathophysiology of PTLD will also be described in detail in the ERS Monograph entitled “The Challenge of Tuberculosis in the 21st Century”.

New TB treatment regimens are a welcome advancement. However, for the millions of TB survivors with impaired lung function and quality of life, more holistic outcome measures and the inclusion of lung function is essential in future TB treatment trials. https://bit.ly/3PWT0o2

Sex modifies the risk of HIV-associated obstructive lung disease in Ugandans postpneumonia

OBJECTIVES

Spirometric abnormalities are frequent, and obstructive lung disease (OLD) is a common comorbidity among people with HIV (PWH). HIV increases the risk of many comorbidities to a greater degree in women than in men. Few studies have evaluated whether sex modifies the HIV-associated risk of OLD.

DESIGN AND METHODS

To evaluate the associations between sex and HIV with abnormal lung function, women and men with and without HIV underwent spirometric testing after completing therapy for pneumonia, including tuberculosis (TB), in Kampala, Uganda. OLD was defined as a postbronchodilator forced expiratory volume in the first second to forced vital capacity (FEV 1 /FVC) ratio less than 0.70. Associations between sex, HIV, and lung function were evaluated using multivariable regression models including sex-by-HIV interaction terms after adjusting for age, BMI, smoking status, and TB status.

RESULTS

Among 348 participants, 147 (42%) were women and 135 (39%) were HIV-positive. Sixteen (11%) women and 23 men (11%) had OLD. The HIV-sex interaction was significant for obstructive lung disease ( P  = 0.04). In the adjusted stratified analysis, women with HIV had 3.44 (95% CI 1.11-12.0; P  = 0.04) increased odds of having OLD compared with men with HIV. Women without HIV did not have increased odds of having OLD compared with men without HIV.

CONCLUSION

HIV appears to increase the risk of OLD to a greater degree in women than in men in an urban Ugandan setting. The mechanistic explanation for this interaction by sex remains unclear and warrants further study.

[Update: Diagnostics and treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis]

Molecular diagnostic tools have changed the approach to the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and associated drug-resistance substantially. PCR-based technologies allow a more rapid detection with higher diagnostic sensitivity in pulmonary and extrapulmonary specimens. However, a real point of care test, which needs minimal technical resources remains missing. Genome sequencing technologies are currently changing tuberculosis drug resistance testing, and for some questions are replacing phenotypic drug resistance testing, based on culture.New evidence on treatment for drug-sensitive tuberculosis allows shortening of treatment to 4 months, or in selected cases even to 2 months based on the use of fluoroquinolones, high dose rifamycins and newly developed TB medicines.Such developments will very likely simplify the management of tuberculosis, although prevention remains the most important pillar of any tuberculosis related public health strategy.

Post-tuberculosis lung disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

ABSTRACT

The burden of chronic airway diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), continues to increase, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Post-tuberculosis lung disease (PTLD) is characterized by chronic lung changes after the "cure" of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB), which may be associated with the pathogenesis of COPD. However, data on its prevalence, clinical manifestations, computed tomography features, patterns of lung function impairment, and influencing factors are limited. The pathogenic mechanisms underlying PTLD remain to be elucidated. This review summarizes the recent advances in PTLD and TB-associated COPD. Research is urgently needed both for the prevention and management of PTLD.

A Multiplex PCR Melting-Curve-Analysis-Based Detection Method for the Discrimination of Five Aspergillus Species

Aspergillus mold is a ubiquitously found, airborne pathogen that can cause a variety of diseases from mild to life-threatening in severity. Limitations in diagnostic methods combined with anti-fungal resistance render Aspergillus a global emerging pathogen. In industry, Aspergilli produce toxins, such as aflatoxins, which can cause food spoilage and pose public health risk issues. Here, we report a multiplex qPCR method for the detection and identification of the five most common pathogenic Aspergillus species, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus terreus, and Aspergillus nidulans. Our approach exploits species-specific nucleotide polymorphisms within their ITS genomic regions. This novel assay combines multiplex single-color real time qPCR and melting curve analysis and provides a straight-forward, rapid, and cost-effective detection method that can identify five Aspergillus species simultaneously in a single reaction using only six unlabeled primers. Due to their unique fragment lengths, the resulting amplicons are directly linked to certain Aspergillus species like fingerprints, following either electrophoresis or melting curve analysis. Our method is characterized by high analytical sensitivity and specificity, so it may serve as a useful and inexpensive tool for Aspergillus diagnostic applications both in health care and the food industry.

The association of SARS-CoV-2 infection and tuberculosis disease with unfavorable treatment outcomes: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Whether SARS-CoV-2 infection and its management influence tuberculosis (TB) treatment outcomes is uncertain. We synthesized evidence on the association of SARS-CoV-2 coinfection (Coinfection Review) and its management (Clinical Management Review) on treatment outcomes among people with tuberculosis (TB) disease.

METHODS

We systematically searched the literature from 1 January 2020 to 6 February 2022. Primary outcomes included: unfavorable (death, treatment failure, loss-to-follow-up) TB treatment outcomes (Coinfection and Clinical Management Review) and/or severe or critical COVID-19 or death (Clinical Management Review). Study quality was assessed with an adapted Newcastle Ottawa Scale. Data were heterogeneous and a narrative review was performed. An updated search was performed on April 3, 2023.

FINDINGS

From 9,529 records, we included 11 studies and 7305 unique participants. No study reported data relevant to our review in their primary publication and data had to be contributed by study authors after contact. Evidence from all studies was low quality. Eight studies of 5749 persons treated for TB (286 [5%] with SARS-CoV-2) were included in the Coinfection Review. Across five studies reporting our primary outcome, there was no significant association between SARS-CoV-2 coinfection and unfavorable TB treatment outcomes. Four studies of 1572 TB patients-of whom 291 (19%) received corticosteroids or other immunomodulating treatment-were included in the Clinical Management Review, and two addressed a primary outcome. Studies were likely confounded by indication and discordant findings existed among studies. When updating our search, we still did not identify any study reporting data relevant to this review in their primary publication.

INTERPRETATION

No study was designed to answer our research questions of interest. It remains unclear whether TB/SARS-CoV-2 and its therapeutic management are associated with unfavorable outcomes. Research is needed to improve our understanding of risk and optimal management of persons with TB and SARS-CoV-2 infection.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Registration: PROSPERO (CRD42022309818).

Usefulness and performance evaluation of serum KL-6 and SP-A assays in healthy individuals and patients with interstitial lung disease

BACKGROUND

Interstitial lung abnormalities (ILAs) are associated with the risk of progression to interstitial lung diseases (ILDs). Krebs von den Lungen 6 (KL-6) and surfactant protein (SP)-A have been used as biomarkers of ILDs. In this study, we evaluated the levels of these biomarkers and identified their clinical correlations in healthy individuals to assess their usefulness in the diagnosis of ILAs.

METHODS

The patient samples were categorized into three groups: healthy, disease, and ILD groups. We used the automated immunoassay HISCL KL-6 and SP-A assay kits. The analytical performance evaluation involved precision, linearity, comparison, establishment of reference intervals, and determination of the cutoff points. We also analyzed the correlations between presence of abnormalities on chest radiography and computed tomography (CT) or pulmonary function test (PFT) and serum levels in the healthy group.

RESULTS

KL-6 and SP-A assays showed good analytical performance. The KL-6 and SP-A cutoff values were 304 U/mL and 43.5 ng/mL between the ILD and healthy groups, respectively, which were lower than the values recommended by the manufacturer. In the clinical correlations with radiological findings, SP-A values in subjects with lung abnormalities on CT scans were significantly higher than those in normal scans. There was no significant difference in KL-6 and SP-A levels among PFT patterns; however, both serum levels in the mixed pattern showed higher values than those in the other patterns.

CONCLUSIONS

The results revealed a positive association between increased serum levels of SP-A and KL-6 and clinical characteristics as incidental findings on chest imaging and reduced lung function.

Managing Comorbidities, Determinants and Disability at Start and End of TB Treatment under Routine Program Conditions in China

Many patients with tuberculosis (TB) have comorbidities, risk determinants and disability that co-exist at diagnosis, during and after TB treatment. We conducted an observational cohort study in 11 health facilities in China to assess under routine program conditions (i) the burden of these problems at the start and end of TB treatment and (ii) whether referral mechanisms for further care were functional. There were 603 patients registered with drug-susceptible TB who started TB treatment: 84% were symptomatic, 14% had diabetes, 14% had high blood pressure, 19% smoked cigarettes, 10% drank excess alcohol and in 45% the 6 min walking test (6MWT) was abnormal. Five patients were identified with mental health disorders. There were 586 (97%) patients who successfully completed TB treatment six months later. Of these, 18% were still symptomatic, 12% had diabetes (the remainder with diabetes failed to complete treatment), 5% had high blood pressure, 5% smoked cigarettes, 1% drank excess alcohol and 25% had an abnormal 6MWT. Referral mechanisms for the care of comorbidities and determinants worked well except for mental health and pulmonary rehabilitation for disability. There is need for more programmatic-related studies in other countries to build the evidence base for care of TB-related conditions and disability.

Disease burden of tuberculosis and post-tuberculosis in Inner Mongolia, China, 2016-2018 - based on the disease burden of post-TB caused by COPD

BACKGROUND

Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the most serious infectious diseases worldwide. China has the second highest TB burden globally, but existing studies have mostly neglected the post-tuberculosis (post-TB) disease burden. This study estimated the disease burden of TB and post-TB in Inner Mongolia, China, from 2016 to 2018.

METHODS

Population data were collected from TB Information Management System. Post-TB disease burden was defined as the burden caused by Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) occurring after patients with TB were cured. To estimate the incidence rate of TB, standardized mortality rate, life expectancy, and cause eliminated life expectancy, using descriptive epidemiological, abridged life table and cause eliminated life table. On this basis, the Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALY), Years Lived with Disability (YLD) and Years of Life Lost (YLL) due to TB were further be estimated. The data were analyzed using Excel 2016 and SPSS 26.0. Joinpoint regression models were used to estimate the time and age trends of the disease burden of TB and post-TB.

RESULTS

The TB incidence in 2016, 2017, and 2018 was 41.65, 44.30, and 55.63/100,000, respectively. The standardized mortality in the same period was 0.58, 0.65, and 1.08/100,000, respectively. From 2016 to 2018, the total DALYs of TB and post-TB were 5923.33, 6258.03, and 8194.38 person-years, and the DALYs of post-TB from 2016 to 2018 were 1555.89, 1663.33, and 2042.43 person-years. Joinpoint regression showed that the DALYs rate increased yearly from 2016 to 2018, and the rate of males was higher than that of females. TB and post-TB DALYs rates showed a rising tendency with increasing age (AAPC values were 149.6% and 157.0%, respectively, P < 0.05), which was higher in the working-age population and elderly.

CONCLUSION

The disease burden of TB and post-TB was heavy and increased year by year in Inner Mongolia from 2016 to 2018. Compared with the youngster and females, working-age population and the elderly and males had a higher disease burden. Policymakers should be paid more attention to the patients' sustained lung injury after TB cured. There is a pressing need to identify more effective measures for reducing the burden of TB and post-TB of people, to improve their health and well-being.

Previous tuberculosis infection associated with increased frequency of asthma and respiratory symptoms in a Nordic-Baltic multicentre population study

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) infection induces profound local and systemic, immunological and inflammatory changes that could influence the development of other respiratory diseases; however, the association between TB and asthma is only partly understood. Our objective was to study the association of TB with asthma and respiratory symptoms in a Nordic-Baltic population-based study.

Methods

We included data from the Respiratory Health in Northern Europe (RHINE) study, in which information on general characteristics, TB infection, asthma and asthma-like symptoms were collected using standardised postal questionnaires. Asthma was defined based on asthma medication usage and/or asthma attacks 12 months prior to the study, and/or by a report of ≥three out of five respiratory symptoms in the last 12 months. Allergic/nonallergic asthma were defined as asthma with/without nasal allergy. The associations of TB with asthma outcomes were analysed using logistic regressions with adjustments for age, sex, smoking, body mass index and parental education.

Results

We included 8379 study participants aged 50-75 years, 61 of whom reported having had TB. In adjusted analyses, participants with a history of TB had higher odds of asthma (OR 1.99, 95% CI 1.13-3.47). The associations were consistent for nonallergic asthma (OR 2.17, 95% CI 1.16-4.07), but not for allergic asthma (OR 1.20, 95% CI 0.53-2.71).

Conclusion

We found that in a large Northern European population-based cohort, persons with a history of TB infection more frequently had asthma and asthma symptoms. We speculate that this may reflect long-term effects of TB, including direct damage to the airways and lungs, as well as inflammatory responses.

Impaired pulmonary function and associated factors in the elderly with tuberculosis on admission: a preliminary report

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) can impair pulmonary function (PF), especially in the elderly. The risk factors associated with the severity of PF impairment in the elderly with pulmonary TB remain unclear. Hence, this retrospective study aimed to address this issue to help improve the management of TB in the elderly population.

METHODS

From January 2019 to February 2022, the elderly who were admitted to our hospital for pulmonary TB and underwent PF testing were included in this analysis. The forced expiratory volume in one second percent of predicted (FEV1% predicted) and clinical characteristics were collected and analyzed retrospectively. The extent of impaired PF was then categorized based on the FEV1% predicted and classified as grade 1-5. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the risk factors for impaired PF.

RESULTS

A total of 249 patients who met the enrollment criteria were included in this analysis. According to the results of FEV1% predicted, all patients were classified as grade 1 (n = 37), grade 2 (n = 46), grade 3 (n = 55), grade 4 (n = 56), or grade 5 (n = 55). Statistical analysis showed that albumin (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.928, P = 0.013), body mass index (BMI) < 18.5 kg/m² (aOR = 4.968, P = 0.046), lesion number ≥ 3 (aOR = 4.229, P < 0.001), male (aOR = 2.252, P = 0.009), respiratory disease (aOR = 1.669, P = 0.046), and cardiovascular disease (aOR = 2.489, P = 0.027) were related to the impairment of PF.

CONCLUSIONS

PF impairment is common in the elderly with pulmonary TB. The male sex, BMI < 18.5 kg/m², lesion number ≥ 3, hypoproteinemia, and respiratory and cardiovascular comorbidities were identified as risk factors for significant PF impairment. Our findings highlight the risk factors associated with PF impairment, which may be helpful to improve the current management of pulmonary TB in the elderly to save their lung function.

Post-tuberculosis sequelae in children and adolescents: a systematic review

In 2020, an estimated total of 155 million people had survived tuberculosis. Among this number, a sizable proportion have considerable post-tuberculosis morbidity, as shown for the adult population. This systematic review aims to identify the spectrum and prevalence of post-tuberculosis sequelae in children and adolescents. Four databases were systematically searched from database inception to Feb 7, 2022, for literature on post-treatment outcomes of tuberculosis acquired during childhood. Of the 4613 identified publications, 71 studies were included in this systematic review. Studies on cohorts with comparably rare (most of which were extrapulmonary) tuberculosis presentations, such as spinal tuberculosis and tuberculous meningitis were over-represented; however, no study assessed long-term sequelae in a cohort with an average childhood tuberculosis spectrum. The descriptive analysis includes long-term outcomes of 3529 paediatric patients 1 month to 36 years after confirmed (47%) or clinical (53%) tuberculosis. In a considerable proportion of children, a broad spectrum of post-tuberculosis sequelae were identified, ranging from radiological residua after pulmonary tuberculosis, to disabling deformities after musculoskeletal and cutaneous tuberculosis, to somatic and psychosocial impairment after tuberculous meningitis. A better understanding and comprehensive assessment of post-tuberculosis sequelae in children are needed to improve tuberculosis care beyond antituberculous treatment.

Pathogenesis, clinical features, and phenotypes of pulmonary hypertension associated with interstitial lung disease: A consensus statement from the Pulmonary Vascular Research Institute's Innovative Drug Development Initiative - Group 3 Pulmonary Hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a frequent complication of interstitial lung disease (ILD). Although PH has mostly been described in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, it can manifest in association with many other forms of ILD. Associated pathogenetic mechanisms are complex and incompletely understood but there is evidence of disruption of molecular and genetic pathways, with panvascular histopathologic changes, multiple pathophysiologic sequelae, and profound clinical ramifications. While there are some recognized clinical phenotypes such as combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema and some possible phenotypes such as connective tissue disease associated with ILD and PH, the identification of further phenotypes of PH in ILD has thus far proven elusive. This statement reviews the current evidence on the pathogenesis, recognized patterns, and useful diagnostic tools to detect phenotypes of PH in ILD. Distinct phenotypes warrant recognition if they are characterized through either a distinct presentation, clinical course, or treatment response. Furthermore, we propose a set of recommendations for future studies that might enable the recognition of new phenotypes.

Destroyed Lung Syndrome in a Young Indian Male: A Case Report

A destroyed lung pertains to the complete destruction of the lung. This is an irreversible condition and is an outcome of chronic or recurrent lung infections. Tuberculosis is widely reported to be a cause of destroyed lungs, and post-tubercular destroyed lung syndrome is a major issue, especially in countries with a high burden of tuberculosis. Herein, a case of destroyed lung syndrome in a 22-year-old Indian male is presented. He had a history of irregular treatment for tuberculosis and reported complaints of dry cough, fever, and dyspnea. A detailed clinical, radiological, and lab workup established the diagnosis of destroyed lung syndrome, and he was reinitiated on anti-tubercular treatment.