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Payne P, Hayward SE, Pareek M, Smyth A, Kerr L, Clemente NS, Hargreaves S, Nellums LB. Distribution of tuberculosis in migrant children and young people in Europe: a retrospective database analysis of European data. Public Health 2024; 233:100-107. [PMID: 38865826 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2024.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The burden of tuberculosis (TB) in migrant children and young people (CYP) is commonly overlooked, despite the increasing incidence of TB in migrant populations in the European region. This study aimed to examine the distribution and disease characteristics of TB among migrant and native-born CYP through analysis of data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) surveillance system (TESSy). STUDY DESIGN Retrospective database analysis. METHODS A retrospective database analysis was conducted on all CYP TB cases (0-17 years) reported to TESSy (1995-2017), exploring distribution, site of TB, and presence of MDR-TB using multivariate analysis in R statistical software. RESULTS Of the 73,176 CYP TB cases reported in the EU/EFTA (1995-2017), 24.4% (n = 17,879) occurred in migrant CYP and 75.6% (n = 55,297) occurred in native-born CYP. Migrant CYP were more likely (P < 0.001) to have pulmonary TB (OR: 1.90; 95% CI: 1.74-2.09) and unsuccessful treatment outcomes (OR: 2.05; 95% CI: 1.74-2.40) compared to native-born CYP. The proportion of extrapulmonary TB, compared to pulmonary TB across total CYP cases was higher than the existing evidence base. CONCLUSIONS Overall, there were significant differences in the site of TB and treatment outcomes between migrant and native-born CYP. To improve outcomes, TB screening and detection practices should focus on facilitating care in migrant CYP. However, to better understand the implications of these findings on broader TB control, TB among CYP should be addressed more frequently in reports and research.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Payne
- Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, UK
| | - S E Hayward
- Migrant Health Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's Hospital University of London, UK
| | - M Pareek
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, University of Leicester, UK
| | - A Smyth
- Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, UK
| | - L Kerr
- Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, UK
| | - N S Clemente
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK
| | - S Hargreaves
- Migrant Health Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's Hospital University of London, UK.
| | - L B Nellums
- College of Population Health, Health Sciences Center, University of New Mexico, USA
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Gasser N, Fritschi N, Egger JM, Ritz N, Schoch OD, Zellweger JP. Tuberculosis Case Detection and Guideline Adherence among Child Contacts in Switzerland: A Retrospective Observational Study. Respiration 2023; 102:934-943. [PMID: 37899038 PMCID: PMC10664337 DOI: 10.1159/000534362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children exposed to a tuberculosis (TB) index case are at risk of TB infection and disease. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to describe the proportion of child contacts who developed TB infection or disease after exposure and to assess the diagnostic pathways and adherence to current guidelines. METHODS Retrospective observational study including children ≤16 years of age who had contact to a TB index case between January 2019 and July 2021. Analysis was stratified by age groups 0-4, 5-11, and 12-16 years. RESULTS Of 401 TB-exposed children, data were available for 380 (95%). Of those, 7 (2%) were diagnosed with TB disease and 35 (9%) with TB infection. We identified several deviations in the management compared to recommendations in national Swiss guidelines: In the children aged 0-4 years, only 82% were examined with an immunodiagnostic test or a chest radiography within 2 weeks after last contact. Recommended prophylactic treatment was prescribed in 66% of the children only. In the children aged 5-11 years, 64% were tested with an immunodiagnostic test in a first examination and 75% in a second examination, 2 weeks and 2 months after last contact, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Contact investigations of children exposed to a TB index case identified a significant proportion of children with TB infection and disease in a low TB incidence setting. We observed significant deviations from the guidelines in the contact investigations suggesting the need for improved implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Gasser
- TB Competence Center, Swiss Lung Association, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Nora Fritschi
- Mycobacterial and Migrant Health Research Group, University of Basel Children’s Hospital Basel and Department of Clinical Research, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel Children’s Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Nicole Ritz
- Mycobacterial and Migrant Health Research Group, University of Basel Children’s Hospital Basel and Department of Clinical Research, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel Children’s Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Pediatrics and Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Children’s Hospital Lucerne and Faculty of Health Science and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Otto D. Schoch
- TB Competence Center, Swiss Lung Association, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Pneumology and Sleep Medicine, St. Gallen Hospital, St. Gallen, Switzerland
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Kissling M, Fritschi N, Baumann P, Buettcher M, Bonhoeffer J, Naranbhai V, Ritz N. Monocyte, Lymphocyte and Neutrophil Ratios - Easy-to-Use Biomarkers for the Diagnosis of Pediatric Tuberculosis. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2023; 42:520-527. [PMID: 36977187 DOI: 10.1097/inf.0000000000003901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte-ratio (NLR), neutrophil-to-monocyte-plus-lymphocyte-ratio (NMLR) and monocyte-to-lymphocyte-ratio (MLR) may have diagnostic potential for tuberculosis (TB). METHODS Data of two prospective multicenter studies in Switzerland were used, which included children <18 years with TB exposure, infection or disease or with febrile non-TB lower-respiratory-tract infection (nTB-LRTI). RESULTS Of the 389 children included 25 (6.4%) had TB disease, 12 (3.1%) TB infection, 28 (7.2%) were healthy TB exposed and 324 (83.3%) nTB-LRTI. Median (IQR) NLR was highest with 2.0 (1.2, 2.2) in children with TB disease compared to TB exposed [0.8 (0.6, 1.3); P = 0.002] and nTB-LRTI [0.3 (0.1, 1.0); P < 0.001]. Median (IQR) NMLR was highest with 1.4 (1.2, 1.7) in children with TB disease compared to healthy exposed [0.7 (0.6, 1.1); P = 0.003] and children with nTB-LRTI [0.2 (0.1, 0.6); P < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curves to detect TB disease compared to nTB-LRTI for NLR and NMLR had an area under the curve of 0.82 and 0.86, the sensitivity of 88% and 88%, and specificity of 71% and 76%, respectively. CONCLUSION NLR and NMLR are promising, easy-to-obtain diagnostic biomarkers to differentiate children with TB disease from other lower respiratory tract infections. These results require validation in a larger study and in settings with high and low TB endemicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirjam Kissling
- From the Department of Clinical Research, Mycobacterial and Migrant Health Research Group, University of Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nora Fritschi
- From the Department of Clinical Research, Mycobacterial and Migrant Health Research Group, University of Basel, Switzerland
- University Children's Hospital Basel, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Baumann
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine and Neonatology, University Children's Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Infectious Disease and Vaccinology Unit, University Children's Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Michael Buettcher
- Paediatric Infectious Diseases Unit, Children's Hospital, Lucerne Cantonal Hospital, Lucerne Switzerland
- Paediatric Pharmacology and Pharmacometrics Research Center, University Children's Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Vivek Naranbhai
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Center for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, Durban, South Africa
| | - Nicole Ritz
- From the Department of Clinical Research, Mycobacterial and Migrant Health Research Group, University of Basel, Switzerland
- University Children's Hospital Basel, Switzerland
- Paediatric Infectious Diseases Unit, Children's Hospital, Lucerne Cantonal Hospital, Lucerne Switzerland
- Department of Pediatrics, The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, The University of Melbourne, Australia
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Klas J, Grzywacz A, Kulszo K, Grunwald A, Kluz N, Makaryczew M, Samardakiewicz M. Challenges in the Medical and Psychosocial Care of the Paediatric Refugee-A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:10656. [PMID: 36078371 PMCID: PMC9517743 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191710656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND After the invasion of Ukraine, neighbouring countries were forced to find systemic solutions to provide medical care to those fleeing the war, including children, as soon as possible. In order to do this, it is necessary to know the communication problems with refugee minors and find proposals for their solutions. METHODS A systematic review of the literature from 2016 to 2022 was conducted according to PRISMA criteria. RESULTS Linguistic diversity and lack of professional readiness of teachers are the main constraints hindering the assistance of refugee children in schools. Problems during hospitalization include lack of continuity of medical care and lack of retained medical records. Solutions include the use of the 3C model (Communication, Continuity of care, Confidence) and the concept of a group psychological support program. CONCLUSIONS In order to provide effective assistance to refugee minors, it is necessary to create a multidisciplinary system of care. It is hoped that the lessons learned from previous experiences will provide a resource to help refugee host countries prepare for a situation in which they are forced to provide emergency assistance to children fleeing war.
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Ekezie W, Awwad S, Krauchenberg A, Karara N, Dembiński Ł, Grossman Z, del Torso S, Dornbusch HJ, Neves A, Copley S, Mazur A, Hadjipanayis A, Grechukha Y, Nohynek H, Damnjanović K, Lazić M, Papaevangelou V, Lapii F, Stein-Zamir C, Rath B. Access to Vaccination among Disadvantaged, Isolated and Difficult-to-Reach Communities in the WHO European Region: A Systematic Review. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10071038. [PMID: 35891201 PMCID: PMC9324407 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10071038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaccination has a significant impact on morbidity and mortality. High vaccination coverage rates are required to achieve herd protection against vaccine-preventable diseases. However, limited vaccine access and hesitancy among specific communities represent significant obstacles to this goal. This review provides an overview of critical factors associated with vaccination among disadvantaged groups in World Health Organisation European countries. Initial searches yielded 18,109 publications from four databases, and 104 studies from 19 out of 53 countries reporting 22 vaccine-preventable diseases were included. Nine groups representing the populations of interest were identified, and most of the studies focused on asylum seekers, refugees, migrants and deprived communities. Recall of previous vaccinations received was poor, and serology was conducted in some cases to confirm protection for those who received prior vaccinations. Vaccination coverage was lower among study populations compared to the general population or national average. Factors that influenced uptake, which presented differently at different population levels, included health service accessibility, language and vaccine literacy, including risk perception, disease severity and vaccination benefits. Strategies that could be implemented in vaccination policy and programs were also identified. Overall, interventions specific to target communities are vital to improving uptake. More innovative strategies need to be deployed to improve vaccination coverage among disadvantaged groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winifred Ekezie
- Vienna Vaccine Safety Initiative e.V., 10437 Berlin, Germany; (W.E.); (S.A.)
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG5 1PB, UK
- College of Life Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester LE5 4PW, UK
- ImmuHubs Consortium, Coordinating Entity: Vienna Vaccine Safety Initiative e.V., 10437 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Samy Awwad
- Vienna Vaccine Safety Initiative e.V., 10437 Berlin, Germany; (W.E.); (S.A.)
- ImmuHubs Consortium, Coordinating Entity: Vienna Vaccine Safety Initiative e.V., 10437 Berlin, Germany;
- Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA
| | - Arja Krauchenberg
- ImmuHubs Consortium, Coordinating Entity: Vienna Vaccine Safety Initiative e.V., 10437 Berlin, Germany;
- European Parents Association, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nora Karara
- Young European Academy of Paediatrics, 1000 Brussels, Belgium;
- Evangelical Hospital Queen Elisabeth Herzberge, 10365 Berlin, Germany
| | - Łukasz Dembiński
- European Academy of Paediatrics, 1000 Brussels, Belgium; (Ł.D.); (Z.G.); (S.d.T.); (H.J.D.); (A.N.); (S.C.); (A.M.); (A.H.); (Y.G.); (V.P.); (F.L.)
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Zachi Grossman
- European Academy of Paediatrics, 1000 Brussels, Belgium; (Ł.D.); (Z.G.); (S.d.T.); (H.J.D.); (A.N.); (S.C.); (A.M.); (A.H.); (Y.G.); (V.P.); (F.L.)
- Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel
| | - Stefano del Torso
- European Academy of Paediatrics, 1000 Brussels, Belgium; (Ł.D.); (Z.G.); (S.d.T.); (H.J.D.); (A.N.); (S.C.); (A.M.); (A.H.); (Y.G.); (V.P.); (F.L.)
| | - Hans Juergen Dornbusch
- European Academy of Paediatrics, 1000 Brussels, Belgium; (Ł.D.); (Z.G.); (S.d.T.); (H.J.D.); (A.N.); (S.C.); (A.M.); (A.H.); (Y.G.); (V.P.); (F.L.)
| | - Ana Neves
- European Academy of Paediatrics, 1000 Brussels, Belgium; (Ł.D.); (Z.G.); (S.d.T.); (H.J.D.); (A.N.); (S.C.); (A.M.); (A.H.); (Y.G.); (V.P.); (F.L.)
| | - Sian Copley
- European Academy of Paediatrics, 1000 Brussels, Belgium; (Ł.D.); (Z.G.); (S.d.T.); (H.J.D.); (A.N.); (S.C.); (A.M.); (A.H.); (Y.G.); (V.P.); (F.L.)
| | - Artur Mazur
- European Academy of Paediatrics, 1000 Brussels, Belgium; (Ł.D.); (Z.G.); (S.d.T.); (H.J.D.); (A.N.); (S.C.); (A.M.); (A.H.); (Y.G.); (V.P.); (F.L.)
| | - Adamos Hadjipanayis
- European Academy of Paediatrics, 1000 Brussels, Belgium; (Ł.D.); (Z.G.); (S.d.T.); (H.J.D.); (A.N.); (S.C.); (A.M.); (A.H.); (Y.G.); (V.P.); (F.L.)
| | - Yevgenii Grechukha
- European Academy of Paediatrics, 1000 Brussels, Belgium; (Ł.D.); (Z.G.); (S.d.T.); (H.J.D.); (A.N.); (S.C.); (A.M.); (A.H.); (Y.G.); (V.P.); (F.L.)
| | - Hanna Nohynek
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, FI-00271 Helsinki, Finland;
| | - Kaja Damnjanović
- Faculty of Philosophy, University of Belgrade, 11000 Beograd, Serbia;
| | - Milica Lazić
- Faculty of Philosophy, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia;
| | - Vana Papaevangelou
- European Academy of Paediatrics, 1000 Brussels, Belgium; (Ł.D.); (Z.G.); (S.d.T.); (H.J.D.); (A.N.); (S.C.); (A.M.); (A.H.); (Y.G.); (V.P.); (F.L.)
| | - Fedir Lapii
- European Academy of Paediatrics, 1000 Brussels, Belgium; (Ł.D.); (Z.G.); (S.d.T.); (H.J.D.); (A.N.); (S.C.); (A.M.); (A.H.); (Y.G.); (V.P.); (F.L.)
| | | | - Barbara Rath
- Vienna Vaccine Safety Initiative e.V., 10437 Berlin, Germany; (W.E.); (S.A.)
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG5 1PB, UK
- ImmuHubs Consortium, Coordinating Entity: Vienna Vaccine Safety Initiative e.V., 10437 Berlin, Germany;
- Correspondence:
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Jaeger FN, Berger C, Buettcher M, Depallens S, Heininger U, Heller Y, Kohns Vasconcelos M, Leforestier B, Pellaud N, Relly C, Trück J, von Overbeck Ottino S, Wagner N, Ritz N. Paediatric refugees from Ukraine: guidance for health care providers. Swiss Med Wkly 2022; 152:w30200. [PMID: 35633650 DOI: 10.4414/smw.2022.w30200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Army in February 2022, refugees, the majority of whom are women and children, started fleeing the war to neighbouring countries. Even before the current escalation, the conflict in the eastern part of Ukraine has led to the internal displacement of more than 200,000 children, and many others have experienced attacks, e.g. on schools. This inevitably leads to limitations in health care delivery. During transit, overcrowding, poor shelter and vulnerability may further put refugees at increased risk for infectious diseases. This consensus document aims to provide information and guidance regarding health issues that paediatricians and general practitioners may face when caring for Ukrainian children. METHODS Members of the Migrant Health Reference Group of Paediatrics Switzerland and the Paediatric Infectious Disease Group in Switzerland developed this recommendation between March and April 2022 in a modified Delphi process. RESULTS A total of 50 recommendations were agreed on with a ≥80% consensus. These include the following topics: i) general aspects, including interpreter services, urgent health needs, personal history and general check-ups; ii) mental health, including how to search for signs of psychological distress without going into traumatic details; iii) vaccinations, including recommendations for evaluation and catch-up; iv) screening for tuberculosis, human immunodeficiency virus, and hepatitis B and C; and v) providing age-appropriate preventive and health service information. CONCLUSION This document provides current evidence and guidance when caring for paediatric refugees from Ukraine. The recommendations focus on Switzerland but may well be used in other countries. These are based on current evidence and may need to be adapted to individual situations and once further evidence becomes available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabienne N Jaeger
- Migrant Health Reference Group of Paediatrics Switzerland.,Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Hausarztpraxis Muttenz, Muttenz, Switzerland
| | - Christoph Berger
- Paediatric Infectious Disease Group Switzerland (PIGS).,University Children's Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Michael Buettcher
- Paediatric Infectious Disease Group Switzerland (PIGS).,Department of Paediatrics and Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital, Lucerne Cantonal Hospital, Lucerne, Switzerland.,Department of Paediatric Pharmacology and Pharmacometrics, University of Basel Children's Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Depallens
- Migrant Health Reference Group of Paediatrics Switzerland.,Department of Paediatrics, Children's Hospital, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ulrich Heininger
- Paediatric Infectious Disease Group Switzerland (PIGS).,Paediatric Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, University of Basel Children's Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Yvon Heller
- Migrant Health Reference Group of Paediatrics Switzerland
| | - Malte Kohns Vasconcelos
- Paediatric Infectious Disease Group Switzerland (PIGS).,Paediatric Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, University of Basel Children's Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Bodil Leforestier
- Migrant Health Reference Group of Paediatrics Switzerland.,Kinderarztpraxis Rorschach, Rorschach, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Pellaud
- Migrant Health Reference Group of Paediatrics Switzerland
| | - Christa Relly
- Paediatric Infectious Disease Group Switzerland (PIGS).,University Children's Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Johannes Trück
- Paediatric Infectious Disease Group Switzerland (PIGS).,University Children's Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Noémie Wagner
- Migrant Health Reference Group of Paediatrics Switzerland.,Paediatric Infectious Diseases Unit, Geneva University Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Ritz
- Migrant Health Reference Group of Paediatrics Switzerland.,Paediatric Infectious Disease Group Switzerland (PIGS).,Department of Paediatrics and Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital, Lucerne Cantonal Hospital, Lucerne, Switzerland.,Mycobacterial and Migrant Health Research Group, University of Basel Children's Hospital Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Clinical Research, University of Basel, Switzerland
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Vaezipour N, Fritschi N, Brasier N, Bélard S, Domínguez J, Tebruegge M, Portevin D, Ritz N. Towards Accurate Point-of-Care Tests for Tuberculosis in Children. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11030327. [PMID: 35335651 PMCID: PMC8949489 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11030327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In childhood tuberculosis (TB), with an estimated 69% of missed cases in children under 5 years of age, the case detection gap is larger than in other age groups, mainly due to its paucibacillary nature and children’s difficulties in delivering sputum specimens. Accurate and accessible point-of-care tests (POCTs) are needed to detect TB disease in children and, in turn, reduce TB-related morbidity and mortality in this vulnerable population. In recent years, several POCTs for TB have been developed. These include new tools to improve the detection of TB in respiratory and gastric samples, such as molecular detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis using loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) and portable polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based GeneXpert. In addition, the urine-based detection of lipoarabinomannan (LAM), as well as imaging modalities through point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS), are currently the POCTs in use. Further to this, artificial intelligence-based interpretation of ultrasound imaging and radiography is now integrated into computer-aided detection products. In the future, portable radiography may become more widely available, and robotics-supported ultrasound imaging is currently being trialed. Finally, novel blood-based tests evaluating the immune response using “omic-“techniques are underway. This approach, including transcriptomics, metabolomic, proteomics, lipidomics and genomics, is still distant from being translated into POCT formats, but the digital development may rapidly enhance innovation in this field. Despite these significant advances, TB-POCT development and implementation remains challenged by the lack of standard ways to access non-sputum-based samples, the need to differentiate TB infection from disease and to gain acceptance for novel testing strategies specific to the conditions and settings of use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Vaezipour
- Mycobacterial and Migrant Health Research Group, University Children’s Hospital Basel, Department for Clinical Research, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland; (N.V.); (N.F.)
- Infectious Disease and Vaccinology Unit, University Children’s Hospital Basel, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nora Fritschi
- Mycobacterial and Migrant Health Research Group, University Children’s Hospital Basel, Department for Clinical Research, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland; (N.V.); (N.F.)
| | - Noé Brasier
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Institute for Translational Medicine, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland;
- Department of Digitalization & ICT, University Hospital Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sabine Bélard
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Immunology and Critical Care Medicine, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany;
- Institute of Tropical Medicine and International Health, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - José Domínguez
- Institute for Health Science Research Germans Trias i Pujol. CIBER Enfermedades Respiratorias, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08916 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Marc Tebruegge
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WCN1 1EH, UK;
- Department of Pediatrics, The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Damien Portevin
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, 4123 Allschwil, Switzerland;
- University of Basel, 4001 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Ritz
- Mycobacterial and Migrant Health Research Group, University Children’s Hospital Basel, Department for Clinical Research, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland; (N.V.); (N.F.)
- Department of Pediatrics, The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics and Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Children’s Hospital, Lucerne Cantonal Hospital, 6000 Lucerne, Switzerland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +41-61-704-1212
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Starke JR, Erkens C, Ritz N, Kitai I. Strengthening Tuberculosis Services for Children and Adolescents in Low Endemic Settings. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11020158. [PMID: 35215101 PMCID: PMC8877840 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11020158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
In low tuberculosis-burden countries, children and adolescents with the highest incidence of tuberculosis (TB) infection or disease are usually those who have immigrated from high-burden countries. It is, therefore, essential that low-burden countries provide healthcare services to immigrant and refugee families, to assure that their children can receive proper testing, evaluation, and treatment for TB. Active case-finding through contact tracing is a critical element of TB prevention in children and in finding TB disease at an early, easily treated stage. Passive case-finding by evaluating an ill child is often delayed, as other, more common infections and conditions are suspected initially. While high-quality laboratory services to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis are generally available, they are often underutilized in the diagnosis of childhood TB, further delaying diagnosis in some cases. Performing research on TB disease is difficult because of the low number of cases that are spread over many locales, but critical research on the evaluation and treatment of TB infection has been an important legacy of low-burden countries. The continued education of medical providers and the involvement of educational, professional, and non-governmental organizations is a key element of maintaining awareness of the presence of TB. This article provides the perspective from North America and Western Europe but is relevant to many low-endemic settings. TB in children and adolescents will persist in low-burden countries as long as it persists throughout the rest of the world, and these wealthy countries must increase their financial commitment to end TB everywhere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey R. Starke
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-832-824-4330
| | - Connie Erkens
- KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation, 2516 AB The Hague, The Netherlands;
| | - Nicole Ritz
- Department of Paediatrics and Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Children’s Hospital, Lucerne Cantonal Hospital, 6000 Lucerne, Switzerland;
- Mycobacterial and Migrant Health Research Group, Department of Clinical Research, University of Basel Children’s Hospital, University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ian Kitai
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada;
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Fritschi N, Wind A, Hammer J, Ritz N. Subclinical tuberculosis in children: diagnostic strategies for identification reported in a 6-year national prospective surveillance study. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 74:678-684. [PMID: 34410343 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciab708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Subclinical tuberculosis (TB) is well recognized and defined as a disease state with absent or non-recognized symptoms. The study identifies factors associated with subclinical TB and diagnostic strategies in a low-burden, high-resource country. METHODS Data was collected between December 2013 to November 2019 through the Swiss Pediatric Surveillance Unit (SPSU). Children with culture/molecular confirmed TB, or who were treated with ≥3 anti-mycobacterial drugs, were included. RESULTS A total of 138 (80%) children with TB disease were included in the final analysis, of which 43 (31%) were subclinical. The median age of children with subclinical compared to symptomatic TB was 3.7(IQR 2.2 to 7) and 9.7(IQR 2.7 to 14.3) years, respectively (p=0.003). The cause of investigation for TB was recorded in 31/43 (72.1%) of children with subclinical TB, and included contact exposure in 25 (80.6%). In children with subclinical TB, diagnosis was made by a combination of the following abnormal/confirming results: culture/molecular + immunodiagnostic + chest radiography in 12 (27.9%), immunodiagnostic + chest radiography in 19 (44.2%), culture/molecular + chest radiography in 2 (4.7%), culture + immunodiagnostic in 1 (2.3%), chest radiography only in 8 (18.6%) and immunodiagnostic only in 1 (2.3%) case. CONCLUSION A notable proportion of children with TB had subclinical disease. This highlights the importance of non-symptom-based TB case finding in exposed children and refugees from high-TB-prevalence settings. TB screening in these asymptomatic children should therefore include a combination of immunodiagnostic testing and imaging followed by culture and molecular testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Fritschi
- Mycobacterial and Migrant Health Research Group, University of Basel Children's Hospital Basel and Department of Clinical Research, University of Basel
| | - Ante Wind
- Unity Health Care, Washington DC, USA
| | - Jürg Hammer
- Division of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, University Children's Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Ritz
- Mycobacterial and Migrant Health Research Group, University of Basel Children's Hospital Basel and Department of Clinical Research, University of Basel.,Infectious Disease and Vaccinology Unit, University Children's Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Pediatrics, The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, The University of Melbourne, Australia
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