Preventing multidrug tuberculosis
Article Abstract:
There has been much progress in the fight against drug-resistant tuberculosis, but much remains to be done. A 1996 study found that a cluster of tuberculosis cases in New York City that were resistant to the major anti-tuberculosis drugs were caused by bacterial strains that were closely related. This kind of analysis has been made possible by the development of techniques for sequencing bacterial DNA. The rise of drug-resistant tuberculosis is partly a result of inadequate treatment. In many cases, bacterial isolates are not tested for drug susceptibility. In addition, many infected patients are not started on the appropriate drugs, nor is their drug regimen changed when the drug susceptibility pattern is known. Physicians, diagnostic laboratories and health departments need to work together to prevent the spread of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1996
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Research issues involving HIV-associated tuberculosis in resource-poor countries
Article Abstract:
The experience of New York City indicates that an effective tuberculosis (TB) program can effectively deal with this disease. An estimated 8 million new cases of TB occur each year, most in developing countries. Many cases of TB occur in HIV-infected individuals, where it may be harder to diagnose. The highest priorities in developing countries are to implement directly-observed therapy, improve the diagnostic tests for TB, monitor drug-resistant strains and prevent transmission of TB. New York City's TB program has reduced the number of new cases by 21%, the number of drug-resistant cases by 40% and increased treatment compliance to 90%.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1996
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Sharpen available tools for tuberculosis control, but new tools needed for elimination
Article Abstract:
Eliminating tuberculosis (TB) in the US will require a better vaccine, better drugs for preventing the disease and better diagnostic tools to detect those at risk of active infection. In 1989, the CDC proposed reaching the goal of only 1 TB case per 100,000 people by the year 2010. A 1996 computer simulation showed that TB vaccination, preventive treatment of carriers and treatment of those with active TB would reduce the number of cases by 21% to 48% in the next 10 years. However, a 100-fold reduction would be needed to reach the goals of the CDC.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1996
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