Fwd: [tb-update] Week of September 18 to September 24, 2011
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Subject: [tb-update] Week of September 18 to September 24, 2011
TB-Related News and Journal Items Weekly Update Week of September 18 to
September 24, 2011
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CDC provides the TB-Related News and Journal Items Weekly Update as a
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published for the benefit and information of people interested in TB, and we
do not confirm the accuracy of the data in the articles that are abstracted.
Providing synopses of key scientific articles and lay media reports on TB
does not constitute CDC endorsement. This update may also include
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Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) articles, fact sheets, press
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section of the TB weekly update, the CDC HIV/Hepatitis/STD/TB Prevention
News Update should be cited. For any other items in the TB weekly update,
you may cite the CDC TB-Related News and Journal Items Weekly Update.
This Week's Contents
TB-Related Announcements <#13297251aca90c56_H1>
News Item(s) From the CDC HIV/Hepatitis/STD/TB Prevention News
Update<#13297251aca90c56_H2>
Headlines <#13297251aca90c56_H3>
Journal Articles <#13297251aca90c56_H4>
Job Announcements <#13297251aca90c56_H5>
Upcoming Conferences, Trainings, and Other Events <#13297251aca90c56_H6>
TB-Related Announcements
*1. Round 11 Global Fund Launch: Let's Make It a TB Round! *
Stop TB Partnership, August 15, 2011
*Proposal submission deadline: December 15, 2011*
August 15, 2011, was a very important day for all people committed to making
TB care available to all who need it. It marked the launch of Round 11 of
the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. The year in which
the Stop TB Partnership has committed to meet the MDGs and the targets of
the Global Plan to Stop TB is 2015. Round 11 provides a unique and timely
opportunity to move forward. The Stop TB Partnership wants to make it as
easy as possible for eligible countries to write high-quality proposals that
are specifically tailored to each country's context and are inclusive,
sharp, and linked to clear gap analysis and budgets.
To this end, a user-friendly web
page<http://www.stoptb.org/global/tbfriends/>has been established that
includes guidance and tools to help you prepare
the best possible proposal and links you to other partners' resources. The
Stop TB Partnership encourages you to visit the page often, as new and
helpful materials will continually be added to the page.
On August 15, the Stop TB Partnership launched an e-mail-based Round 11
hotline – . The staff in the Stop TB Partnership
Secretariat and colleagues from the WHO Stop TB Department will be on a
continuous duty roster, ready to answer questions that come up as you write
your proposal. The hotline will remain live until December 15, the deadline
for proposal submission.
The Stop TB Partnership urges you to include in your TB proposals strong
components on civil society strengthening and to make sure that community
representatives are included in all stages of planning and preparation of
your Global Fund proposals.
You are welcome to write directly to Dr. Lucica Ditiu, Executive Secretary,
Stop TB Partnership, for advice or to share your thoughts or challenges,
using the hotline address .
For more information, visit
http://www.stoptb.org/news/stories/2011/ns11_056.asp.
* *
*2. Call for Papers *
Tuberculosis Research and Treatment Journal
*Manuscript Due: November 18, 2011 *
Tuberculosis Research and Treatment invites investigators to contribute
original research articles and review articles that describe public health
theory or efforts that demonstrate the critical importance of adopting and
implementing innovative techniques and methods for detection, prevention,
control, and treatment of TB. Furthermore, space will be allocated for those
that highlight the process of translation, policy implementation, and
impact. Legal and regulatory reforms are important parts of the policy
process. Potential topics include, but are not limited to:
- Surveillance, including establishing new systems components,
innovation, and enhancements, and their relationship to public health policy
and practice
- Testing and implementation of new diagnostics into existing practice
and algorithms
- Innovative methods for detection and control of transmission
- Development of new drugs and drug regimens for treatment of disease
and latent TB infection
- Translating innovation into public health practice
- Importance and impact of policy, including legal and reform, for
implementation of innovative methods and techniques for control of
tuberculosis
Before submission, authors should carefully read the journal's Author
Guidelines, which are located at
http://www.hindawi.com/journals/trt/guidelines/. Prospective authors should
submit an electronic copy of their complete manuscript through the journal
Manuscript Tracking System at http://mts.hindawi.com/ according to the
following timetable:
Manuscript Due: November 18, 2011
First Round of Reviews: February 17, 2012
Publication Date: May 18, 2012
For more information, visit http://www.hindawi.com/journals/trt/si/pait/.
News Item(s) From the CDC HIV/Hepatitis/ STD/TB Prevention News Update
*1. TB Case at Westwood High Not a Threat *
Commercial Appeal (Memphis), September 16, 2011, by Jane Roberts
A person with TB at a high school in Memphis, Tennessee, is not infectious,
is not a threat to anyone in the school community, and has undergone
treatment, the Memphis and Shelby County Health Department said in a
statement Thursday. “Thankfully, the person involved has been treated and
has been medically cleared to return to school,” said Quintin Taylor, a
district spokesperson. The department is working with Memphis City Schools
to ensure that those who need testing are seen quickly by medical personnel.
The county has logged 37 active TB cases so far this year, compared to 48 in
2010. Parents with questions are encouraged to telephone 901-508-1203 or
901-508-6309.
Headlines
*1. Panel Urges Tough Global Fund Financial Safeguards (Switzerland)*
Seattle Post Intelligencer, www.seattlepi.com, September 19, 2011, by John
Heilprin, Associated Press
An independent panel recommended that the Global Fund should adopt stricter
safeguards to prevent fraud. After a six-month review, the panel found that
some health ministers and senior government officials view grants from the
Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria as someone else’s responsibility
and that the fund’s secretariat had bred a culture of passivity in grant
management. The panel was created by the Global Fund to address concerns
among donors after reports about the loss of tens of millions of dollars in
grant money due to mismanagement and alleged fraud. Germany, the European
Commission, and Denmark proceeded to withhold funding after the report of
mismanagement pending reviews of the fund’s internal controls, but Germany
has since restored half of its donation. The panel credited the fund with
saving millions of lives, cutting the death rate from TB in many countries,
distributing millions of bed nets to prevent malaria, and training hundreds
of thousands of health workers around the world. The panel has provided six
sets of general recommendations.
*2. Medical Colleges Urged to Take up Research for Early Detection of TB
(India)*
Daily Pioneer, www.dailypioneer.com, September 20, 2011
The North Zone Medical College Task Force Workshop took place recently at
Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC), New Delhi, India. It was jointly
conducted by the MAMC and Revised National TB Control Program-Delhi. About
200 delegates from 49 medical colleges and TB institutes in the northern
states attended and 30 TB researchers from junior faculty of all six medical
colleges in Delhi presented their research findings in areas of TB
diagnostics, treatment, and control. Dr. V. M. Katoch, Union Secretary,
Health Research, and Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research,
expressed concern over multidrug-resistant TB and urged medical colleges to
research new diagnostic techniques for early detection of TB. Dr. Ashok
Kumar, Deputy Director General-TB, Government of India, expressed
appreciation for the efforts made by MAMC in showcasing TB research from
junior faculty of Delhi’s medical colleges and emphasized the importance of
young medical professionals supporting the national strategies to fight TB.
*3. Turkmen Tuberculosis Specialists Trained on WHO Modules (Azerbaijan)*
Trend, http://en.trend.azw, September 16, 2011, by V. Zhavoronkova
Fifteen TB specialists from Turkmenistan recently participated in a five-day
training program at the Center for TB Treatment and Prophylaxis, Azerbaijan.
The training was based on World Health Organization materials. Modules such
as “Managing Tuberculosis at the District Level” and the “National Guide for
Monitoring and Evaluation of the TB Program” were used to cover major issues
related to monitoring and evaluation such as identifying TB suspects,
monitoring treatment administration and outcome assessment, case
registration, completing quarterly reports, drug management, and patient
education. The training was organized by the United Nations Development
Program as part of the Purposeful Strengthening and Expanding Qualified
Services on TB Diagnostics and Treatment in Turkmenistan Project, financed
by the Global Fund and implemented jointly with the Ministry of Health and
Medical Industry of Turkmenistan. Similar training will take place in
November for persons employed in the Turkmenistan penitentiaries.
*4. Ennis High School Facing Tuberculosis Scare (United States)*
WFAA.com, www.wfaa.com, September 19, 2011, by Jonathan Betz and Jason
Whitely,
Administrators at a north Texas high school provided TB testing for 200
students after a teacher was diagnosed with TB disease. Eighty students
tested positive for TB exposure. One 16-year-old who complained of pain in
the left side of her chest also had a chest X-ray. The Texas Department of
State Health Services (DSHS) has been called in and is covering the costs of
chest X-rays and medication for those who tested positive and has downplayed
parents’ fears. Chris Van Deusen, spokesperson for DSHS, stated that there
is no indication that the students are infectious. Van Deusen said that the
exposed students have latent TB infection, which poses little risk to the
community or their families. The school district is encouraging the students
to attend classes if they have no symptoms of active TB. The state hopes
the chest X-rays will show whether any of the students have developed active
disease. According to Dr. Brian Smith, a Regional Director for the Texas
Health Department, there is a 10 percent risk that exposed, infected
students will develop active TB. He has recommended a regimen of
antituberculosis medication every day for nine months to prevent those who
have latent TB infection from developing active disease. In 2010, there were
1,385 cases of active TB in Texas.
*5. Tuberculosis Increases Sharply among Migrants (United Arab Emirates)*
The National, www.thenational.ae, September 18, 2011, by Bana Qabbani,
Health authorities in the United Arab Emirates have noted an increase in the
number of prospective migrants with TB. Studies by the Health Authority-Abu
Dhabi (HAAD) suggested that these results were compatible with the World
Health Organization’s findings of an increase in the number of patients with
drug resistance in Asia and the increase in new drug-resistant strains.
Statistics from Dubai Health Authority also supported HAAD’s findings. The
findings reported a sharp increase in the prevalence of TB among persons
applying for work and residency visas. In 2008, Dubai detected 122 cases of
TB, in 2009 there were 159, and in 2010, there were 722. Dr. Farida Ismail
Al Hosani, Manager of the Communicable Disease Department at HAAD, stated
that reducing the number of people with communicable diseases entering the
country would help control the spread of these diseases. TB was the first
priority and the department’s aim was to reduce the number of persons
diagnosed with TB and exposure of the community to persons with TB.
According to Dr. Al Hosani, HAAD was working closely with the Ministry of
Health, the Dubai Health Authority, and other concerned parties on the
matter.
*6. King Officially Opens E15 Million TB Lab (Swaziland)*
The Swazi Observer, www.observer.org.sz, September 221, 2011, by Kwanele
Dhladhla
King Mswati III of Swaziland recently opened a new TB laboratory worth €15
million at the Nhlangano Health Center. The laboratory was funded by
Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors without Borders) and can diagnose TB in
two hours, thus facilitating early treatment of TB patients. The king
praised the organization for their investment. He expressed gratitude for
their help in enabling early treatment, which would prevent TB transmission,
and for listening to the people of the country and providing the desired
assistance. The health center TB wing has 30 single patient rooms and is
divided into three wings with 10 beds each: one for smear positive patients,
one for smear negative, and one for critical patients. Dr. Amiy Tamrat, MSF
President, who traveled from Geneva, Switzerland, for the ceremony,
reiterated the association’s commitment to partner with the Swazi people in
fighting HIV/TB, and promised to continue to bring the best possible
expertise to the country, including the best possible available technology
such as the Genexpert molecular analyzer in Shiselweni.
*7. New York Records Significant Decline in AIDS, TB Cases: Report (United
States)*
IBTimes.com, wwwibtimes.com, September 18, 2011
According to data from the Mayor’s Management Report, an annual review of
New York City agencies’ operations show that new TB cases dropped from 895
in fiscal year (FY) 2009 to 760 in FY 2010. It is believed the decline in
cases is the result of improved medical care and better treatment. The
number of HIV/AIDS and STD cases has also declined significantly. The number
of adults newly diagnosed with HIV has dropped to 2,225 in FY 2011 from
2,969 in FY2010, and the number of New Yorkers who died from AIDS also
dropped from 1,073 in FY 2008 to 933 in FY2010.
Journal Articles
*1.* The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. 2011 Aug; Volume
85, Number 2: 285-90. *Effect of Sex, Age, and Race on the Clinical
Presentation of Tuberculosis: A 15-Year Population-Based Study;* Zhang, X.,
Andersen, A.B., Lillebaek, T., Kamper-Jørgensen, Z., et al.
Click here for PubMed abstract:
PubMed<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21813849>
Extrapulmonary TB (EPTB) is an important health problem that may cause
serious morbidity and diagnostic challenges. The researchers conducted a
case-control study involving 5,684, approximately 99% of bacteriologically
confirmed TB patients (including 1,925 EPTB cases) diagnosed in Denmark and
Greenland during 1992-2007 to gain insight to the role of host factors in
EPTB pathogenesis. Among patients from Somalia and Asia, persons 25-44 and
45-64 years of age were more likely to have EPTB than persons 15-24 years of
age. In contrast, among persons from Greenland, the two oldest age groups
were significantly less likely to have EPTB than the youngest age group. For
all the age groups, the odds for having EPTB was significantly higher among
patients from Somalia and Asia and significantly lower among the patients
from Greenland than among patients from Denmark. Furthermore, the occurrence
of specific types of EPTB significantly varied among different age groups or
origins.
*2.* Annals of Saudi Medicine. 2011 Jul-Aug; Volume 31, Number 4:
398-401. *Tuberculous
Arthritis Revisited as a Forgotten Cause of Monoarticular Arthritis;
*Al-Sayyad,
M.J., Abumunaser, L.A.
Click here for PubMed abstract:
PubMed<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21808118>
TB continues to be a major concern for health care workers. The number of
reported cases of extrapulmonary TB, particularly osteoarticular TB, is
increasing. This fact is attributed to different factors such as
underestimating the disease and difficulty in diagnosis, which requires
tissue sampling and can lead to a delay in the diagnosis, and can result in
significant morbidity and mortality. This study highlighted the difficulties
and delay in diagnosis of articular TB, raising the need to create awareness
about the importance of early diagnosis to avoid major complications of
joint destruction. Retrospective review was conducted for patients
presenting to a tertiary care center between 2003 and 2009. The researchers
reviewed cases of patients who presented with monoarticular joint pain and
swelling that failed to respond to treatment elsewhere and were eventually
diagnosed as having articular TB. They collected the demographic data,
history, data on clinical examination and the relevant laboratory
investigations, in addition to the data on radiological studies. All
patients were treated medically with antituberculosis chemotherapy and
surgically according to the severity of joint destruction. Thirteen patients
had a mean age of 40 years (range, 17-70 years). The average delay in
diagnosis was 2 years. Only one patient had pulmonary TB. The hip, knee, and
elbow were the most common joints involved. Bacteriology was positive in 69%
of the cases; and histopathology, in 92%. Fifteen percent of the patients
had arthrodesis. None showed recurrence after follow-up of 4 years. A high
level of clinical suspicion is essential for early diagnosis and treatment
of osteoarticular TB to reduce its significant morbidity.
* *
*3.* The International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. 2011 Aug;
Volume 15, Number 8: 1056-61. *Predictors of Discordant Tuberculin Skin Test
and QuantiFERON®-TB Gold In-Tube Results in Various High-Risk
Groups;*Weinfurter, P., Blumberg, H.M., Goldbaum, G., Royce, R., et
al.
Click here for PubMed abstract:
PubMed<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21740668>
This study compared the performance of an interferon-gamma release assay
(QuantiFERON®-TB Gold In-Tube [QFT-GIT]) with that of the tuberculin skin
test (TST) among foreign-born, homeless, HIV- infected persons and substance
abusers tested for LTBI, in whom targeted testing for latent TB infection
(LTBI) is recommended in Seattle, Washington; Atlanta, Georgia; and central
North Carolina, United States. A cross-sectional study was used requiring
participants to have a blood test, a TST and data collected. Of 1,653
persons, 19.5% were TST-positive and 14.0% were QFT-GIT-positive. Overall
concordance was moderate (kappa 0.53; 95%CI 0.47-0.58). Compared to
concordant positive results, TST+/QFT-GIT- discordance was associated with
HIV infection and sex, while TST-/QFT-GIT+ discordance was associated with
HIV and inversely associated with foreign birth. Compared to concordant
negative results, TST-/QFT-GIT+ discordance was associated with foreign
birth and age ≥50 years, while TST+/QFT-GIT-discordance was associated with
foreign birth, age 30-49 years, being Black and inversely associated with
HIV. HIV infection was significantly associated with indeterminate QFT-GIT
results. QFT-GIT may be an improvement over the TST for diagnosing LTBI in
foreign-born and older persons, and may be as useful as the TST in
HIV-infected persons. The sensitivity of both tests may be low in
HIV-infected persons.
*4.* The International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. 2011 Aug;
Volume 15, Number 8: 1050-5. *Housekeeping Health Care Workers Have the
Highest Risk for Tuberculin Skin Test Conversion;* Sherman, H.A., Karakis,
I., Heimer, D., Arzt, M., et al.
Click here for PubMed abstract:
PubMed<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21740667>
Not all health care workers (HCWs) are at the same risk for tuberculin skin
test (TST) conversion, indicating latent TB infection. This study identified
risk factors for TST conversion among HCWs. A retrospective cohort study
conducted at a tertiary university medical center included every HCW who had
had a negative two-step TST at work entry and at least one consecutive TST
in the period 2005-2009 (mean follow-up period 55 months). Binomic logistic
regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for TST conversion.
Potential risk factors such as age, health care profession, patient exposure
profile, workplace division, and history of bacille Calmette-Guérin
vaccination were entered in the model. A total of 450 subjects met the
inclusion criteria, of whom 93 had TST conversion. The highest annual rates
of TST conversion occurred in workers who worked as housekeeping staff
(6.9%). Older age, a work environment with high patient turnover, and
employment in maintenance departments were significant risk factors
(adjusted odds ratios 2.05, 5.2 and 8.4 respectively). It is concluded that
housekeeping staff, older age workers, and health care professionals working
in an environment of high patient turnover are at increased risk for latent
TB infection.
*5.* The International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. 2011 Aug;
Volume 15, Number 8: 1044-9. *Missed Opportunities to Prevent Tuberculosis
in Foreign-Born Persons, Connecticut, 2005-2008; *Guh, A., Sosa, L., Hadler,
J.L., Lobato, M.N.
Click here for PubMed abstract:
PubMed<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21740666>
Factors that influence testing for latent TB infection (LTBI) among
foreign-born persons in Connecticut are not well understood. This study
identified predictors for LTBI testing and challenges related to accessing
health care among the foreign-born population in Connecticut. Foreign-born
Connecticut residents with confirmed or suspected TB disease during June
2005-December 2008 were interviewed regarding health care access and
immigration status. Predictors for self-reported testing for LTBI after US
entry were determined. Of 161 foreign-born persons interviewed, 48%
experienced TB disease within 5 years after arrival. One third (51/156)
reported having undergone post-arrival testing for LTBI. Although those with
established health care providers were more likely to have reported testing
(aOR 4.49, 95%CI 1.48-13.62), only 43% of such persons were tested.
Undocumented persons, the majority of whom lacked a provider (53%), were
less likely than documented persons to have reported testing (aOR 0.20,
95%CI 0.06-0.67). Hispanic permanent residents (immigrants and refugees) and
visitors (persons admitted temporarily) were more likely than non-Hispanics
in the respective groups to have reported testing (OR 5.25, 95%CI 1.51-18.31
and OR 7.08, 95%CI 1.30-38.44, respectively). The self-reported rate of
testing for LTBI among foreign-born persons in Connecticut with confirmed or
suspected TB was low and differed significantly by ethnicity and immigration
status. Strategies are needed to improve health care access for foreign-born
persons and expand testing for LTBI, especially among non-Hispanic and
undocumented populations.
*6.* The International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. 2011 Aug;
Volume 15, Number 8: 1038-43. *Capture-Recapture to Estimate Completeness of
Tuberculosis Surveillance in Two Communities in South Africa;* Dunbar, R.,
van Hest, R., Lawrence, K., Verver, S., et al.
Click here for PubMed abstract:
PubMed<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21740665>
Reliable surveillance is essential for any TB control program; however,
under-registration of TB cases due to under-notification of patients on
treatment or failure to initiate treatment has been well-documented
internationally. This study determined the contribution of capture-recapture
methods in estimating the completeness of bacteriologically confirmed
pulmonary TB registration in two high-incident communities in South Africa.
Record linkage was conducted between the TB treatment register and two
laboratory sputum TB result registers and three-source log-linear
capture-recapture analysis. The number of bacteriologically confirmed
pulmonary TB cases in the TB treatment register was 243, with an additional
63 cases identified in the two laboratory databases, resulting in 306 TB
cases. The observed completeness of the TB treatment register was 79%. The
log-linear model estimated 326 (95%CI 314-355) TB cases, resulting in an
estimated completeness of registration of 75% (95%CI 68-77).
Capture-recapture can be useful in evaluating the completeness of TB control
surveillance and registration, including in resource-limited settings;
however, methodology and results should be carefully assessed. Interventions
are needed to increase the completeness of registration and to reduce the
number of initial defaulters.
*7.* MEDICC Review. 2011 Jul; Volume 13, Number 3: 29-34. *Cuba**'s Strategy
for Childhood Tuberculosis Control, 1995-2005;* Abreu, G., González, J.A.,
González, E., Bouza, I., et al.
Click here for PubMed abstract:
PubMed<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21778956>
Following a tripling of TB incidence in Cuba between 1991 and 1994 (from 4.7
to 14.7 per 100,000), the National TB Control Program was revamped in 1995
and the National Reference Center for Childhood TB and Provincial Childhood
TB Commissions were created as a strategy for addressing this emerging
health problem. This study assessed the impact of Cuba's new strategy for TB
control in children aged <15 years during the period 1995-2005. A
descriptive review of health services and systems was conducted in Cuba,
examining 157 cases of TB diagnosed in children aged <15 years during the
period 1995-2005 and comparing impact and process indicators for selected
years (1995, 2000, and 2005). Impact indicators included reduction in: (a)
incidence; (b) serious forms (peritoneal, meningeal, miliary, combined); (c)
mortality; and (d) case outcomes (cure, death, treatment drop-out, treatment
failure). Process indicators were proportion of cases with: (a)
microbiological tests; (b) knowledge of infection source; (c) diagnoses
obtained through adult case contact tracing; (d) time to diagnosis <60 days;
and (e) post-mortem diagnoses. During the period 1995-2005, TB rates in
children aged <15 years fell by 50% (from 1.0 to 0.5 per 100,000), more
evident in children <10 years. The Havana rate was three times the national
rate. Diagnosis was post-mortem in three serious cases (1.9%); there were
four deaths (2.5%), none after 2000. Only seven children (4.5%) had serious
forms, none after 2002. Except for cases diagnosed post-mortem, all children
received treatment directly supervised by health personnel. Cure rate was
99.4%; there were no treatment drop-outs or chronic cases; one relapse was
reported (0.6%). Knowledge of infection source increased to 90% over the
selected years. Microbiological tests were conducted in 90% of cases, with
isolation in 30.9%. No isolate was drug‑resistant, nor were there reports of
infectious contacts with resistance. The researchers found no HIV
coinfection. At the end of the study, time to diagnosis of ≥60 days
persisted in 40% of cases. Creation of a National Reference Center for
Childhood TB and Provincial Childhood TB Commissions has contributed to
improved TB diagnosis and control in children aged <15 years, achieving
incidence similar to that during the period prior to TB re-emergence and to
those of some developed countries. Improvements are needed in the work and
systematic training of health personnel, especially at the primary health
care level, in order to eliminate TB as a national health problem by 2015.
*8.* Patient Preference and Adherence. 2011; Volume 5:267-77. Epub 2011 Jun
9. *Listening to Those on the Frontline: Service Users' Experiences of
London Tuberculosis Services;* Boudioni, M., McLaren, S., Belling, R.,
Woods, L.
Click here for PubMed abstract:
PubMed<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21792299>
This study explored TB service users' experiences and satisfaction with care
provision. Thirty-nine percent of all new UK TB cases occur in London.
Prevalence varies considerably between and within boroughs. Overall,
research suggests inadequate control of London's TB transmission; TB has
become a health care priority for all London Primary Care Trusts. Service
users' experiences and satisfaction with care provision have not been
explored adequately previously. A qualitative research design, using
semi-structured face-to-face interviews was used. Ten service users,
purposively selected in key risk groups across London, were interviewed. All
interviews were digitally recorded with users' permission, transcribed
verbatim, and analyzed thematically. Participants were treated in local
hospitals for 6-12 months. Treatment was administered by TB nurses to
inpatients and outpatients receiving DOT in consultation with medical staff
and home visits for complex cases. Two participants did not realize the
importance of compliance. Overall, they were satisfied with many TB
services' aspects, communication, and service organization. Early access,
low suspicion index amongst some GPs, and restricted referral routes were
identified as service barriers. Other improvement areas were information
provision on drug side effects, diet, nutritional status, and a few health
professionals' attitudes. The effects on people varied enormously from
minimal impact to psychological shock; TB also affected social and personal
aspects of their life. With regard to further support facilities, some
positive views on managed accommodation by TB-aware professionals for those
with accommodation problems were identified. This first in-depth study of
TB service users' experiences across London offered valuable insights into
service users' experiences, providing information and recommendations for a
strategic framework for TB service organization and delivery. Overall,
further research is needed; TB services - local, national, and international
- need to be more closely aligned with service users' complex needs.
*9.* The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal. 2011 May; Volume 30, Number
5: 426-8. *Optimizing Interpretation of the Tuberculin Test Using an
Interferon-Gamma Release Assay as a Reference Standard;* Méndez-Echevarría,
A., González-Muñoz, M., Mellado, M.J., Baquero-Artigao, F., et al.
Click here for PubMed abstract:
PubMed<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21490491>
The interferon-gamma release assays have greater specificity than the
tuberculin skin test (TST), and at least equal sensitivity. The researchers
analyzed the sensitivity and specificity of the TST in immunocompetent
children considering QuantiFERON as the referent standard. A TST cut-off
point of ≥ 5 mm indicates excellent sensitivity (100%) and specificity (93%)
in children without Bacille Calmette-Guérin. In Bacille
Calmette-Guérin-vaccinated children, the TST cut-off point of ≥ 10 mm had
poorer specificity (86%), and a cut-off point of ≥ 15 mm resulted in reduced
sensitivity (60%).
*10.* Pediatric Reports. 2011 Jun 16; Volume 3, Number 2: e16.
*Antituberculosis
Drug-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Children;* Donald, P.R..
Click here for PubMed abstract:
PubMed<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21772953>
Recent increases in the dosages of the essential antituberculosis agents
isoniazid (INH), rifampicin (RMP), pyrazinamide (PZA) for use in children
recommended by World Health Organization (WHO) have raised concerns
regarding the risk of hepatotoxicity. Published data relating to the
incidence and pathogenesis of antituberculosis drug-induced hepatotoxicity
(ADIH), particularly in children, is reviewed. Amongst 12,708 children
receiving chemoprophylaxis, mainly with INH, but also other combinations of
INH, RMP, and PZA only 1 case (0.06%) of jaundice was recorded and abnormal
liver functions documented in 110 (8%) of the 1,225 children studied.
Excluding tuberculous meningitis (TBM) 8,984 were children treated for TB
disease and jaundice documented in 75 (0.83%) and abnormal liver function
tests (LFT) in 380 (9.9%) of the 3,855 children evaluated. Amongst 717
children treated for TBM, however, jaundice occurred in 72 (10.8%) and
abnormal LFT were recorded in 174 (52.9%) of those studied. Case reports
documented the occurrence of ADIH in at least 63 children. Signs and
symptoms of ADIH were frequently ignored in the recorded cases. ADIH can
occur in children at any age or at any dosage of INH, RMP or PZA, but the
incidence of ADIH is considerably lower in children than in adults. Children
with disseminated forms of disease are at greater risk of ADIH. The use of
the higher dosages of INH, RMP, and PZA recently recommended by WHO is
unlikely to result in a greater risk of ADIH in children.
*11.* Pharmacognosy Research. 2011 Apr; Volume 3, Number 2: 95-9. *Methanolic
Extracts of Aloe secundiflora Engl. Inhibits in Vitro Growth of Tuberculosis
and Diarrhea-Causing Bacteria;* Mariita, R.M., Orodho, J.A., Okemo, P.O.,
Kirimuhuzya, C., et al.
Click here for PubMed abstract:
PubMed<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21772752>
The emergence of resistance to antimicrobials by pathogens has reached
crisis levels, calling for identification of alternative means to combat
diseases. This study determined antimicrobial activity of crude methanolic
extract of *Aloe secundiflora *Engl. from Lake Victoria region of Kenya.
Extract was tested against four strains of mycobacteria (*Mycobacterium
tuberculosis, M. kansasii, M. fortuitum* and *M. smegmatis*), *Salmonella
typhi, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli,
Klebsiella pneumonia,* and a fungus *Candida albicans*. Activity of the
extract was determined using BACTEC(™) MGIT(™) 960 system. General
antibacterial and antifungal activity was determined using standard
procedures: zones of inhibition, Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs)
and Minimum Bactericidal/Fungicidal Concentrations (MBCs/MFCs). The extract
was potent against *M. fortuitum, M. smegmatis* and *M. kansasii* where it
completely inhibited growth (Zero growth units [Gus]) in all the extract
concentrations used. It gave strong antimycobacterial activity (157 GUs)
against *M. tuberculosis*. It showed strong antimicrobial activity (P≤0.05),
giving inhibition zones ≥9.00 mm against most microorganisms, such as *P.
aeruginosa* (MIC 9.375 mg mL(-1) and MBC of 18.75 mg mL(-1)), *E.
coli*(both MIC and MBC of 18.75 mg mL(-1)),
*S. aureus* and *S. typhi* (both with MIC and MBC of 37.5 mg mL(-1)).
Preliminary phytochemistry revealed presence of terpenoids, flavonoids, and
tannins. The data suggest that *Aloe secundiflora* could be a rich source of
antimicrobial agents. The results give scientific backing to its use by the
local people of Lake Victoria region of Kenya, in the management of
conditions associated with the tested microorganisms.
*12.* PLoS One. 2011; Volume 6, Number 7: e22276. Epub 2011 Jul 18. *Potential
Economic Viability of Two Proposed Rifapentine-Based Regimens for Treatment
of Latent Tuberculosis Infection;* Holland, D.P., Sanders, G.D., Hamilton,
C.D., Stout, J.E.
Click here for PubMed abstract:
PubMed<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21789248>
Rifapentine-based regimens for treating latent TB infection (LTBI) are being
considered for future clinical trials, but even if they prove effective,
high drug costs may limit their economic viability. This study informed
clinical trial design by estimating the potential costs and effectiveness of
rifapentine-based regimens for treatment of LTBI. The researchers used a
Markov model to estimate cost and societal benefits for three regimens for
treating LTBI: Isoniazid/rifapentine daily for one month,
isoniazid/rifapentine weekly for three months (self-administered and
directly-observed), and isoniazid daily for nine months; a strategy of "no
treatment" used for comparison. Costs, quality-adjusted life-years gained,
and instances of active TB averted were calculated for all arms. Both daily
isoniazid/rifapentine for one month and weekly isoniazid/rifapentine for
three months were less expensive and more effective than other strategies
under a wide variety of clinically plausibly parameter estimates. Daily
isoniazid/rifapentine for one month was the least expensive and most
effective regimen. Daily isoniazid/rifapentine for one month and weekly
isoniazid/rifapentine for three months should be studied in a large-scale
clinical trial for efficacy. Because both regimens performed well even if
their efficacy was somewhat reduced, study designers should consider
relaxing non-inferiority boundaries.
*13.* PLoS One. 2011; Volume 6, Number 7: e21906. Epub 2011 Jul 11. *Genotypic
Diversity and Drug Susceptibility Patterns among M. tuberculosis Complex
Isolates from South-Western Ghana;* Yeboah-Manu, D., Asante-Poku, A.,
Bodmer, T., Stucki, D., et al.
Click here for PubMed abstract:
PubMed<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21779354>
This study used spoligotyping and large sequence polymorphism (LSP) to
investigate the population structure of *M. tuberculosis* complex (MTBC)
isolates. MTBC isolates were identified using standard biochemical
procedures, IS6110 PCR, and large sequence polymorphisms. Isolates were
further typed using spoligotyping, and the phenotypic drug susceptibility
patterns were determined by the proportion method. One hundred and sixty-two
isolates were characterized by LSP typing. Of these, 130 (80.25%) were
identified as *Mycobacterium tuberculosis* sensu stricto (MTBss), with the
Cameroon sub-lineage being dominant (N = 59/130, 45.38%). Thirty-two
(19.75%) isolates were classified as *Mycobacterium africanum* type 1, and
of these 26 (81.25%) were identified as West-Africa I, and 6 (18.75%) as
West-Africa II. Spoligotyping sub-lineages identified among the MTBss
included Haarlem (N = 15, 11.53%), Ghana (N = 22, 16.92%), Beijing (4,
3.08%), EAI (4, 3.08%), Uganda I (4, 3.08%), LAM (2, 1.54%), X (N = 1,
0.77%) and S (2, 1.54%). Nine isolates had SIT numbers with no identified
sub-lineages while 17 had no SIT numbers. MTBss isolates were more likely to
be resistant to streptomycin (p<0.008) and to any drug resistance (p<0.03)
when compared to *M. africanum*. This study demonstrated that overall 36.4%
of TB in South-Western Ghana is caused by the Cameroon sub-lineage of MTBC
and 20% by *M. africanum* type 1, including both the West-Africa 1 and
West-Africa 2 lineages. The diversity of MTBC in Ghana should be considered
when evaluating new TB vaccines.
*14.* South African Medical Journal. 2011 Apr; Volume 101, Number 4: 258-62.
*Provider-Initiated HIV Testing Increases Access of Patients with
HIV-Associated Tuberculosis to Antiretroviral Treatment;* Lawn, S.D.,
Fraenzel, A., Kranzer, K., Caldwell, J., et al.
Click here for PubMed abstract:
PubMed<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21786731>
Timely initiation of antiretroviral treatment (ART) is a critical component
of the case management of patients with HIV-associated TB and advanced
immunodeficiency. The researchers determined the impact of the introduction
of provider-initiated HIV-testing in TB clinics in 2005 on subsequent
referrals of patients with HIV-associated TB at a community-based ART
service in Cape Town. Retrospective analysis was conducted of an ART cohort
database (2002 - 2008) stratified by calendar periods. Between 2002 and
2008, 3,770 ART-naive adults enrolled in the ART service. Overall, 27.4% of
these patients had been referred from TB clinics with a diagnosis of
HIV-associated TB. This proportion increased from 16.0% of referrals in the
period 2002 - 2005 prior to the introduction of provider-initiated HIV
testing, to 34.7% in 2007 - 2008 (p<0.001). The median duration of TB
treatment completed prior to referral decreased from 3 months to 1 month
(p<0.001) and patients enrolled with higher median CD4 cell counts (71
cells/microl v. 95 cells/microl; p<0.001). Moreover, the proportion with
recurrent TB episodes decreased from 8.6% to 3.2% (p<0.001). Introduction of
provider-initiated HIV testing by the TB control program was temporally
associated with a major increase in referrals of patients with
HIV-associated TB to this ART service, a progressive decline in referral
delay, improvements in baseline CD4 cell counts, and fewer recurrent TB
episodes. Such trends are likely to be associated with improved survival,
and these data strongly support this HIV-testing strategy.
*15.* Vaccine. 2011 Jul 22; Volume 29, Suppl 2: B38-41. *The 1918 Influenza
Pandemic Hastened the Decline of Tuberculosis in the United States: An Age,
Period, Cohort Analysis;* Noymer, A.
Click here for PubMed abstract:
PubMed<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21757102>
The effect of the 1918 influenza pandemic on other diseases is a neglected
topic in historical epidemiology. This paper hypothesizes that the influenza
pandemic affected the long-term decline of TB through selective mortality,
such that many people with TB were killed in 1918, depressing subsequent TB
mortality and transmission. Regularly collected vital statistics data on
mortality of influenza and TB in the US are presented and analyzed
demographically. The available population-level data fail to contradict the
selection hypothesis. More work is needed to understand fully the role of
multiple morbidities in the 1918 influenza pandemic.
Job Announcements
*All job announcements will be posted for two months. Please notify us if a
job is filled before the end of the two-month posting period, and we will
remove the job announcement. Thank you. *
*1. Medical Officer (GS-602-15)*
*Sponsor: The Field Services and Evaluation Branch (FSEB), Division of
Tuberculosis Elimination (DTBE), CDC*
Location: New York City, New York
The Field Services and Evaluation Branch (FSEB), Division of Tuberculosis
Elimination (DTBE), CDC, announces the availability of a position for a
Medical Officer based in New York City.
Duties:
Incumbent serves as Director, Bureau of Tuberculosis Control, for the City
of New York (the largest TB control program and the most complex in the
world based upon the number of cases reported annually, disease incidence
rate, structure, budget, staffing, population, and public health
infrastructure). Relied upon for authoritative advice on all aspects of the
TB control and elimination program plans, goals, objectives, initiatives and
requirements. Manages the activities of the Bureau of Tuberculosis Control
and its multifaceted TB programs, operations and issues as they pertain to
TB elimination. Actively participates and influences outcomes with the
Commissioner of Health and Associate Commissioner for Disease Intervention
Services in the formulation of policies and programs concerning TB for the
Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. As the primary advisor to the
Commissioner of Health and all deputy and associate commissioners regarding
TB matters, provides substantive advice on a myriad of topics that include
but are not limited to TB treatment and case management, contact
investigation, targeted testing for latent TB infection, legislation,
research efforts, implementing new diagnostic tests, staffing, and
application of the New York City Health Code to TB situations, conditions,
etc. Assists them in resolution of conflicts that arise between city and CDC
priorities, avoiding interferences with program operations.
INTERNAL Applicants may apply under announcement # HHS-CDC-MP-11-535453:
http://jobview.usajobs.gov/GetJob.aspx?JobID=102433557&JobTitle=Medical+Offic...
EXTERNAL Applicants may apply under announcement # HHS-CDC-DE-11-532622:
http://jobview.usajobs.gov/GetJob.aspx?JobID=102383441&JobTitle=Medical+Offic...
* *
*2. Tuberculosis Program Advisor *
*Sponsor: University Research Co., LLC (URC)*
Location: Bethesda, Maryland, USA
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, University Research Co, LLC (URC) (
http://www.urc-chs.com/) along with its non-profit affiliate Center for
Human Services (CHS), is a leader in public health consulting. Established
in 1965, their work spans over 30 countries around the globe. Their mission
is to provide innovative, evidence-based solutions to health and social
challenges worldwide.
URC has expertise in helping create environments where communities, health
providers, educators, managers, and stakeholders can make lasting and
positive changes in people’s lives. Current key clients include the US
Agency for International Development (USAID), the Global Fund, the Gates
Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, the US Department of
Education (ED), the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and the
US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Roles and Responsibilities:
This cross-cutting position provides a wide range of technical support to
the USAID TB CARE II project, which aims to complement existing and planned
projects in the Bureau for Global Health to provide global leadership and
support to National TB Programs (NTP) and other in-country partners. The
project seeks to assist NTPs and other stakeholders to accelerate the
implementation of TB DOTS, TB/HIV, and Programmatic Management of Drug
Resistant TB (PMDT) programs. The USAID TB CARE II Project works with
country programs to scale up evidence-based interventions and improve
outcomes in TB prevention and control in the USAID TB Priority countries.
Reporting to the program Corporate Monitor, the position combines technical
assistance and development of methods and tools to country and
core-supported activities. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to,
the following:
Providing technical support to programs:
• Collaborate with TB CARE II country teams and provide ongoing and tailored
technical support in the area of TB, TB/HIV, PMDT, and infection control to
country programs
• Develop a collaborative working relationship with USAID TB partners at the
headquarters and in countries of interest to TB CARE II
• Assist in the design and development of TB CARE II regional and global
initiatives, including development of innovative materials, methods for
advancing new tools and equipment (i.e., new diagnostics), and activities
for measuring and scale up of successful interventions
• Document lessons learned and best practices emerging from TB CARE II
• Collect, analyze, summarize and share information on approaches to TB
control and results achieved in TB CARE II country and core programs
• Work with the TB CARE II team at the headquarters and country levels to
ensure that reports and deliverables are developed and submitted in a timely
and high quality manner
• Assist in identifying opportunities to share results and lessons learned
with other TB partners, with an emphasis on assisting in the implementation
and scale up of successful practices
• Contribute to research and writing best practices and lessons learned from
TB country and core programs
For more information, contact Beth Wells, Recruitment Consultant, University
Research Co., LLC, Bethesda, MD 20814. E-mail .
*3. Bangladesh Team leader, TB CARE II Project *
*Sponsor: University Research Co., LLC (URC)*
Position ID: FY2011.106.PD
Location: Dhaka, Bangladesh
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, University Research Co, LLC (URC) (
http://www.urc-chs.com/), along with its non-profit affiliate Center for
Human Services (CHS), is a leader in public health consulting. Established
in 1965, their work spans over 30 countries around the globe. Their mission
is to provide innovative, evidence-based solutions to health and social
challenges worldwide.
URC has expertise in helping create environments where communities, health
providers, educators, managers, and stakeholders can make lasting and
positive changes in people’s lives. Current key clients include the US
Agency for International Development (USAID), the Global Fund, the Gates
Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, the US Department of
Education (ED), the US Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), the
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and the
US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Roles and Responsibilities:
This project is funded by USAID/Bangladesh through a field support mechanism
under the Global TB CARE II Project that has been awarded to URC. This is a
5-year project that will assist the Bangladesh National Tuberculosis Control
Programme (NTP) and implementing partner NGOs to strengthen DOTS,
Programmatic Management of MDR-TB, TB/HIV, and Health Systems Strengthening.
For more information, please see www.urc.tbcare.net.
Responsibilities of the Team Leader include:
• Supervise a team of technical staff and will plan, manage and coordinate
the implementation of TB CARE II Bangladesh project activities.
• Liaise with USAID/Bangladesh, NTP, Global Fund, and sub-recipients, to
plan and coordinate implementation of the project activities.
• Provide professional guidance and technical input in the development of
work plans in consistent with national program needs and project objectives,
and project implementation.
• Coordinate approval of work plan and budget, the performance monitoring
plan, and sub-agreements.
• Monitor implementation of project performance; develop periodic reports,
and tracking budgets and expenditures.
For more information, contact Beth Wells, Recruitment Consultant, University
Research Co., LLC, Bethesda, MD 20814. E-mail .
Upcoming Conferences, Trainings, and Other Events Find up-to-date
information on TB-related conferences, US training opportunities, and other
events at the DTBE Monthly Calendar<http://www.cdc.gov/tb/events/default.htm>
.
* *
*1. TB Challenges: When Your Patient Has Other Complicated Medical
Conditions NEW*
Sponsor: New Jersey Medical School Global Tuberculosis Institute
Date: October 18, 2011
Location: Shrewsbury, Massachusetts
The purpose of this training is to increase provider knowledge and awareness
of TB, including TB & TNF-alpha antagonists, TB & viral hepatitis, TB &
pregnancy, TB & diabetes, TB & mental health, and medications for TB. This
training utilizes lectures, discussions, and small interactive breakout
sessions.
Register online by October 4th at: http://ma2011.eventbrite.com/ . Free of
charge. Continuing education credits are available.
For more information contact Nickolette Gaglia, E-mail: ;
Phone: (617) 279-2240 x262; or access the Web site:
http://www.umdnj.edu/globaltb/courses/brochures/2011/tbchallenges.html .
2. Targeted Testing and Treatment of Latent TB Infection: An Online
Presentation (60 minutes)
Sponsor: The Francis J. Curry National Tuberculosis Center
This slide presentation is presented by L. Masae Kawamura, M.D., TB
Controller of the San Francisco Department of Public Health and co-principal
investigator of the Francis J. Curry National TB Center/UCSF. Dr. Kawamura
explores the diagnosis and treatment of LTBI, including the rationale for TB
screening and what is meant by "targeted testing," risk factors for TB, the
tuberculin skin test and new interferon gamma release assays (IGRAs),
current LTBI treatment guidelines, and how to counsel and motivate patients.
This slide presentation with streaming audio provides information on how to
effectively target test for TB as well as how to treat latent TB infection
(LTBI). A question and answer guide, a printable PowerPoint slide file, and
other useful resources are also included as supplemental materials.
For more information, visit
http://www.nationaltbcenter.ucsf.edu/testing_ltbi/ .
*3. Practical Solutions for TB Infection Control: Infectiousness and
Isolation *
Sponsor: Francis J. Curry National Tuberculosis Center
Location: Online Course
Length: 60 minutes
This 60-minute Flash presentation with streaming audio provides information
on how to determine whether a TB patient is infectious and demonstrates
practical ways to prevent TB transmission in the clinic, in transit, and in
the patient's home. Throughout the training, interactive questions allow
participants to test and apply what has been learned. At the end of the
presentation, there is a list of additional resources that includes links to
further written information as well as links to the Regional Training and
Medical Consultation Centers (RTMCCs).
For further assistance, contact Francis J. Curry National Tuberculosis
Center. E-mail ; telephone (415) 502-4600;
or fax (415) 502-4620.
For a course description, visit
http://www.nationaltbcenter.ucsf.edu/tbicweb/ .
*4. Legal Interventions in TB Control: A Web-Based Seminar *
Sponsor: New Jersey Medical School Global Tuberculosis Institute
Location: Web-Based Seminar
This web-based seminar, presented by the Global TB Institute, was originally
held on September 11, 2007 and explored successful and innovative approaches
to implementing legal interventions in TB control programs in the US.
Experts shared legal and ethical considerations, as well as hands-on
experiences, practical steps, and legal tools that can be used to improve
outcomes of case management, treatment outcomes, and contact investigations.
Points were illustrated using lectures and case presentations
Please follow the link below to view this web-based seminar:
http://www.umdnj.edu/globaltb/audioarchives/legal.htm .
*5. Webinar: Managing TB in the Dialysis Patient *
Sponsor: Heartland National TB Center
Dates: September 28, 2011
Location: Webinar, Online Training
This course is intended for physicians, nurses, health care professionals,
and support staff that are involved in the treatment or management of TB
patients who are on renal dialysis. Additionally, it targets the renal
dialysis nurse who would like a better understanding of how to manage renal
patients that also have TB. Upon completion of this training, participants
will be able to describe the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment
of a TB patient on dialysis; and participants will be able to discuss the
unique challenges of managing a TB patient on dialysis.
For more information, contact Lead Educator Mary Long. E-mail
; phone (800) 839-5864; or access the web site at
http://www.heartlandntbc.org/training/brochure_webinar_sept_28_2011.pdf.
The webinar is free of charge, but pre-registration is mandatory. Enrollment
is limited (100 lines with priority given to participants in the Heartland
region). Register at http://www.heartlandntbc.org/training.asp#webinar.
*6. 2011 Four Corners TB/HIV Conference*
Sponsor: American Lung Association
Dates: October 4 – 5, 2011
Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico
The agenda for the 17th annual Four Corners TB/HIV conference includes the
following topics: What's New in LTBI Treatment; TB & Diabetes: New Practice
Standards for Pacific Islands; HIV 101; HIV Resistance; TB and Drug/Drug
Interactions; Approaches and Treatment of HIV/TB Patients; Medical
Interventions for HIV Prevention, Navajo Perspective; Evaluating the HIV
Infected Patient for Mycobacterial Disease; Navajo Nation: CDC TB-Epi-Aid
Report; Navajo Syphilis Outbreak; Tuberculosis and the Everyday Geography of
the Homeless Utilizing Social Networking in TB Contact Investigations; and
Using Law to Prevent and Control Tuberculosis.
Registration fee: $75.00.
For more information, visit http://www.mrsnv.com/evt/home.jsp?id=3228 .
*7. Contact Investigation *
Sponsor: Heartland National TB Center
Dates: October 11 – 12, 2011
Location: Columbia, Missouri
This course is intended for the health care worker involved with TB contact
investigation as a means of prevention and control. The goal of the training
is to provide information and education about contact investigation as a TB
elimination strategy. It will emphasize the importance of contact
investigation as a primary means of TB control. Identification of active TB
disease by case finding, testing, and treatment of contacts, and screening
and treating high-risk contacts for latent TB infection (LTBI) will be
discussed.
The conference is free of charge, but pre-registration is mandatory, and
space is limited. Continuing education credits are available.
For more information, including registration, contact Jessica Waguespack.
E-mail ; phone (210) 531-4509; or access the
Website at http://www.heartlandntbc.org/training.asp.
*8. Northeast TB Controllers Conference *
Sponsors: Ohio Department of Health. American Lung Association of Ohio.
MetroHealth Hospital.
Dates: October 12 – 13, 2011
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
The Northeast TB Controllers Conference is the region’s most comprehensive
meeting dedicated to advancing TB control and elimination activities. This
conference offers TB program staff, public health workers and health care
providers from across the region an opportunity to learn and network with
colleagues. Conference activities will include plenary sessions on
Wednesday, October 12th and educational sessions on Thursday, October 13th.
Registration fee: $50 per day includes continuing education credit. In
conjunction with the Northeast TB Controllers Conference, the NJMS Global TB
Institute will sponsor 2 separate educational sessions.
For more information, contact Maureen Murphy. Email
; phone (614) 387-0652; or access the Web site at
http://www.mrsnv.com/evt/home.jsp?id=3223.
*9. The Denver TB Course *
Sponsor: National Jewish Health
Dates: October 12 – 15, 2011
Location: Denver, Colorado
The purpose of this course is to present knowledge about the management of
TB to general internists, public health workers, infectious diseases and
chest specialists, registered nurses, and other health care providers who
will be responsible for the management and care of patients with TB. This
event includes the following course highlights: Transmission and
pathogenesis of adult and pediatric TB; MDR TB and XDR TB; Screening for and
treatment of latent TB infection; Factors influencing TB infections;
Planning TB control programs with particular emphasis on organization of
outpatient chemotherapy; TB and HIV coinfection; and Mycobacteriology
Laboratory Tour.
Continuing education credits are available.
For more information, contact Nicole Austin Ross, National Jewish Health.
E-mail ; phone (303) 398-1110; fax (303) 270-2239; or
access the website at http://www.njhealth.org/TBCourse.
*10. Managing Tuberculosis: Emerging and Complex Topics for Physicians*
Sponsor: New Jersey Medical School Global Tuberculosis Institute
Date: October 13, 2011
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
This training is intended for physicians and is being held as part of the
Northeast TB Controllers Conference. Topics for discussion include new
findings on short-course treatment for latent TB infection, managing complex
TB cases, management of side effects, management of LTBI, and new findings
on TST and IGRAs.
Registration fee: $50 per day.
For questions about the course, contact Nickolette Patrick, E-mail:
; Phone: (617) 279-2240, ext. 262; for conference related
questions, contact Maureen Murphy, E-mail: ;
Phone: (614) 387-0652; or access the Website:
http://www.umdnj.edu/globaltb/courses/brochures/2011/managingtb.html.
*11. Working Better by Working Together: Challenges and Opportunities for
Nurses in TB*
Sponsor: New Jersey Medical School Global Tuberculosis Institute
Date: October 13, 2011
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
This training is intended for nurses and is being held as part of the
Northeast TB Controllers Conference. Topics include: TB nurse case
management competencies, contact investigations, forging partnerships, a
case study of a multi-state outbreak among the homeless, and region-based
educational opportunities for nurses.
The registration process is combined for the Conference and this training.
To register, click https://www.mrsnv.com/evt/e09/reg/form.jsp?id=3223 .
For more information about the course, contact Nickolette Patrick. E-mail
, or phone (617) 279-2240 ext. 262. For information about
conference-related questions, contact Maureen Murphy by e-mailing
; phoning (614) 387-0652; or accessing the
Website at
http://www.umdnj.edu/globaltb/courses/brochures/2011/workingbetter.html .
*12. New TB Vaccines for the Future *
Sponsor: TuBerculosis Vaccine Initiative (TBVI)
Dates: October 17 – 18, 2011
Location: Madrid, Spain
TBVI, together with the University of Zaragoza and Fundacion Ramon Areces,
will organize an international symposium on 17-18 October in Madrid. This
symposium will provide a stage to world leaders in the field of
investigation of host-pathogen interactions and new vaccines against TB, to
present their efforts and the results of the latest research in vaccines
against TB to the scientific community.
Registration is free of charge. If you have any trouble with registration
because the registration form is in Spanish, please go to the home page of
Rundacion Ramon Areces: http://www.fundacionareces.es/fundacionareces/ ,
click on English, click on upcoming events, select this symposium.
For more information, contact Erna Balk, Director Communications & Advocacy
Relations. Email ; phone +31 320 277 552; or access the Web
site at
http://www.tbvi.eu/news-agenda/events/event/symposium-new-tb-vaccines-for-the....
*13. TB Case Management and Contact Investigation Intensive *
Sponsor: Curry International Tuberculosis Center
Dates: October 18 – 21, 2011
Location: San Francisco, California
This course is intended for physicians, nurses, and other licensed medical
care providers who manage patients with TB or who are at risk for TB. Topics
covered include: Epidemiology of TB; Fundamentals of TB case management;
Completion of care; TB contact investigation; The role of the laboratory;
Medical management of TB; Quality assurance in TB control programs; Targeted
testing for TB; Treatment of latent TB infection (LTBI); Culture, community,
and TB care; Working with special populations; and Interviewing skills.
There is no fee for this course. Enrollment is limited, and pre-registration
is required.
For more information, contact Jennifer Kanouse, Program Manager. E-mail
; phone (415) 502-2712; or access the
website at http://www.nationaltbcenter.edu/training/tbcmcioct11.cfm .
*14. TB Management in the HIV Patient: Current Strategies and Exciting New
Possibilities Webinar *
Sponsor: The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Clinical
Pharmacology
Date: October 19, 2011
Location: Nationwide, USA
This webinar is one of the Special Webinar Series on HIV Management. Dr.
Kelly E. Dooley, Assistant Professor of the Johns Hopkins University School
of Medicine, Clinical Pharmacology, will be the webinar speaker. Funding for
this series is provided by the Gilead Foundation and private donations to
CCGHE.
No registration is required; however, access is limited to the first 200
live viewers. All sessions will be recorded and available for on-demand
viewing from the JHU CCGHE website at http://ccghe.jhmi.edu/ccg/index.asp .
For questions related to the course procedures or website, E-mail
.
*15. 42nd Union World Conference on Lung Health *
Sponsor: International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The
Union)
Dates: October 26 - 30, 2011
Location: Lille, France
The Union announces that the 42nd Union World Conference on Lung Health,
organized by the International Union Against TB and Lung Disease, will be
hosted in Lille, France, from October 26 to 30, 2011.
The conference theme this year is "Partnerships for Scaling-up and Care,"
which will highlight the vital importance of collaboration in the common
efforts to address the conditions affecting lung health.
Together participants will not only learn about the latest developments in
the fields of TB, tobacco control, HIV, and lung health, but also connect
with all levels of caregivers from physicians and academicians, to civil
society and the private sector.
For five days, participants will be able to discuss, debate, and network
with colleagues from more than 120 countries, strengthening anew the
commitment to global efforts to find and implement health solutions for the
poor and underserved.
The official languages for this conference are English and French.
Online registration available at
http://registration.theunion.org/useraccount/index.php?currserv=WConf.
For more information, contact the Conference Secretariat, The Union, 68,
boulevard Saint-Michel, 75006 Paris, France. E-mail ;
telephone (+33) 1 44 32 03 60; fax (+33) 1 53 10 85 54 / (+33) 1 43 29 90 87;
or visit http://www.worldlunghealth.org.
*16. Late-Breaker Session on Tuberculosis at the 42nd World Conference on
Lung Health *
Sponsors: International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The
Union). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Location: Lille, France
The 42nd Union World Conference on Lung Health and the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention are pleased to announce co-sponsorship of a
late-breaker session related to TB.
All aspects of TB control, elimination, and research (including basic and
clinical science, epidemiology, social, behavioral, psychosocial,
educational aspects, health care delivery and public health) are welcomed
for presentation during the late-breaker session. In keeping with the spirit
of a late-breaker session we ask that only new, innovative, and significant
findings that have occurred as of April 1, 2011, or for which information
has just become available, be submitted for late-breaker presentations in
the form of a 1-page electronic file.
The late-breaker session will consist of 8 oral presentations of 10 minutes
each, followed by 5 minutes of questions. The presentations will be
selected from abstracts submitted to the late-breaker co-chairs by July 30,
2011. Persons submitting abstracts will be notified of acceptance or
rejection of their abstract by August 31, 2011.
A small number of travel grants are available for presenters of accepted
abstracts who require funding to attend the conference. If you intend to
request support, an indication of your desire and rationale for
consideration for a travel grant must be submitted with the abstract. The
reviewing committee will be blinded to the request for travel funds.
Submissions should include a cover letter with (i) a statement that the work
has not been previously submitted for consideration to the general portion
of The Union meeting, (ii) the date by which the work/analysis was mostly
complete, (iii) a request and rationale for travel support if so desired,
and (iv) the address, phone and Fax number, and e-mail address where the
submitter may be contacted the week of August 22, 2011.
For more information, contact Chinnambedu N Paramasivan (The Union), Phil
LoBue (CDC), or Elsa Villarino (CDC); TB Late-Breaker Session, Division of
TB Elimination, CDC, 1600 Clifton Rd, NE, MS E-10, Atlanta, Georgia 30333
USA. E-mail <>; telephone (404)
639-8123; fax (404) 639-8961; or visit the website at
http://www.worldlunghealth.org/confLille/index.php/Abstracts/the-unioncdc-lat....
*17. TB Nurse Case Management *
Sponsor: Heartland National TB Center
Dates: November 2 – 4, 2011
Location: San Antonio, Texas
This course is intended for nurses and public health staff who are actively
engaged in the identification, case management, and treatment of patients
with tuberculosis infection or disease.
For more information, contact Lead Educator Jessica Quintero. E-mail
; phone 210-531-4568; or access the web site at
http://www.heartlandntbc.org/training/brochure_sat_tx_02_nov_2011.pdf. To
register, visit http://www.heartlandntbc.org/training.asp. Pre-registration
is required, and priority enrollment will be given to participants from the
Heartland region (AZ, IL, IA, KS, MN, MO, NE, NM, ND, OK, SD, TX, WI). There
is no fee for this course. Nursing continuing education hours will be
available for those who successfully complete the requirements.
*18. Human Resources Management *
Sponsor: International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The
Union)
Dates: November 28 – December 3, 2011
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Application deadline: October 25, 2011
Focusing on improving human resources capabilities among health
organizations, this course trains participants to align staff output with
health program strategy. Participants will also learn about how to recruit
and retain the best qualified candidates for health projects. Key topics the
course addresses: (1) Determine an organization’s human resources needs; (2)
Align management of human resources with HR and organizational strategy; (3)
Practice and incorporate HR performance management systems tools and
techniques including appraisals, training, retention, and other staffing
mechanisms; and (4) Discover how to carry out a comprehensive organizational
HR audit.
To register or receive more information, e-mail , or visit
http://www.union-imdp.org.
For more information, e-mail , or visit the website at
http://www.union-imdp.org/courses/human-resources-management.
* *
*19. 3rd Global Symposium on IGRAs 2012 *
Sponsor: UC San Diego School of Medicine
Dates: January 12 - 15, 2012
Locations: Waikoloa, Hawaii
Students of TB have been interested in the immune response to *M.
tuberculosis* since the modern understanding of the clinical disease. For
decades, the skin test response to tuberculin (TST) was the primary tool
clinicians have had for study. With the development of Interferon Gamma
Release Assays (IGRA) the recurrent question has been -- which is better,
the TST or an IGRA? Many papers have been written on this topic, and
numerous guidelines have been issued. The conference will provide a solid
framework for assessing this rapidly moving field, and will provide a basis
for making clinical decisions.
The meeting will present basic and developing information that will be of
interest to academic physicians and practicing physicians, such as those who
practice infectious disease, pulmonary medicine, and pediatrics. It will
also be of interest to public health physicians, dermatologists,
rheumatologists, gastroenterologists, and epidemiologists.
For registration and more information, visit http://cme.ucsd.edu/igras/.
*20. The Union North America Region Meeting: 16th Annual Conference *
Sponsor: The Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union)
Dates: February 23 – 25, 2012
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Abstract submission deadline: October 7, 2011
The 16th Annual Conference of the International Union Against Tuberculosis
and Lung Disease will be held February 23-25, 2012, in San Antonio, Texas,
USA. The secretariat welcomes the submission of abstracts for poster and
oral presentations of research
on all aspects of TB control, including epidemiologic, clinical, basic
science, nursing, social, behavioral, psychosocial, and educational studies,
or outcomes of
program initiatives.
For more information, visit
http://www.bc.lung.ca/association_and_services/union.html .
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