The WHO recommends shorter TB preventive treatment (TPT) regimens and community-based care to improve outcomes. This study tested the safety of a 3-month rifampicin-isoniazid (3RH) regimen given at home by community health workers (CHWs) in Cameroon and Uganda. Researchers compared this approach to standard facility-based care in a trial involving child contacts of TB patients. … [Read more...] about Safety of 3-month rifampicin-isoniazid TPT in child household contacts in a community-based intervention
Tuberculosis
A Novel Cascaded Approach for Classification of Tuberculosis Using Cough Audio in Real-Time Environment
This study explores using artificial intelligence to diagnose tuberculosis (TB) by analyzing cough sounds. The researchers developed a system that first distinguishes between coughs and background noise, then classifies the cough as either TB-related or not. They collected cough recordings from patients at a hospital in Lahore, Pakistan, and tested the system using various … [Read more...] about A Novel Cascaded Approach for Classification of Tuberculosis Using Cough Audio in Real-Time Environment
Adapting a mobile TB screening unit to provide integrated screening services and linkage to primary care
We piloted a mobile health screening program in underserved communities in Lima, Peru, combining checks for TB, hypertension, diabetes, and depression. To reduce TB stigma, the program was rebranded, and community health workers (CHWs) helped link people to care. Between August and December 2023, 1,000 adults were screened, with 254 referred for evaluation. Of these, 197 … [Read more...] about Adapting a mobile TB screening unit to provide integrated screening services and linkage to primary care
Inequalities in tuberculosis control in Ethiopia: A district-level distributional modelling analysis
In Ethiopia, adding tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis and treatment to community health workers’ tasks improved TB detection and treatment outcomes. However, access to TB services varies greatly across regions. This study mapped disparities in TB services, health center availability, and distance to care. Prioritizing districts with inadequate access for task-shifting could increase … [Read more...] about Inequalities in tuberculosis control in Ethiopia: A district-level distributional modelling analysis
Interventions and implementation considerations for reducing pre-treatment loss to follow-up in adults with pulmonary tuberculosis: A scoping review
Tuberculosis (TB) is a major global health issue, with many cases in low- and middle-income countries. Pre-treatment loss to follow-up (PTLFU) worsens TB outcomes and spread. A review of 17 studies identified eight effective strategies to reduce PTLFU, such as support groups, mobile notifications, same-day testing, community health workers, and integrated TB/HIV services. … [Read more...] about Interventions and implementation considerations for reducing pre-treatment loss to follow-up in adults with pulmonary tuberculosis: A scoping review