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Expert consultation on TB/HIV research priorities,14-15 February 2005, Geneva, Switzerland. Diagnosis of Smear negative pulmonary TB in high HIV settings: RESEARCH PRIORITIES. Haileyesus Getahun, Stop TB, WHO. Smear negative pulmonary TB. At least three negative sputum specimens for AFB AND
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Expert consultation on TB/HIV research priorities,14-15 February 2005, Geneva, Switzerland Diagnosis of Smear negative pulmonary TB in high HIV settings: RESEARCH PRIORITIES Haileyesus Getahun, Stop TB, WHO.
Smear negative pulmonary TB • At least three negative sputum specimens for AFB AND • Radiographic abnormalities consistent with active TB AND • No response to a course of broad spectrum antibiotics AND • Clinician decision to treat with a full course of TB drugs
Differential diagnoses in PLWHA • Bacterial pneumonia • Kaposis sarcoma • Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia • Cryptococossis • Nocardiosis • Penicilliosis • Melioidosis • Histoplasmosis • Etc..
Magnitude of SN- pulmonary TB in PLWHA • Significant increase in incidence in HIV+ • Inferior treatment outcomes than HIV- • In published data SN- in PLWHA ranges from 24-61% ( 28% in 7763 patients) • However, • Institution based (poor health coverage) studies • Biased towards smear positives • In autopsy TB causes 14-54% of PWA deaths
Proportion smear negative of all pulmonary cases with HIV prevalence in selected sub-Sahara African countries, 2003.
SN- pulmonary TB in NTP • Diagnosis of smear negative pulmonary TB in resource constrained settings is difficult. • Less attention by NTP to document treatment outcome of SN- cases. • SN- is an important component of TB that needs more urgent attention by NTP
Diagnostic algorithm • Algorithm adapted from WHO • Key parameters include • AFB sputum smear examinations • Diagnostic antibiotic trial (s) • CXR • Medical officer's judgement • Group discussion of the case (peer review) • Best scenario assumption= 11-34 days • Few studies address delay in diagnosis among PLWHA (Thailand and Zimbabwe) • Other suggested clinical predictors include weight loss and anaemia.
Sputum smear microscopy • If sensitivity improved-it is more valuable tool • Positive threshold • Reported as 1+-3+ when >10 AFB/100 HPF • < 10 AFB/HPF reported in exact numbers • Scanty:" competent authority" to decide (c.f) • Fluorescence microscopy • Increase ZN yield (15% and 18%) • 15X more field scanned in the same period than ZN • Reduce time needed (4 mt vs 10 mts) • Cost effective- $40 (on 2 sputa) vs $57(ZN 3 sputa) • Limitations: Economic, require electricity, naturally fluorescent particles
Bleach method • Most widely studied method • Centrifugation and sedimentation
Bleach method • Most widely studied method • Centrifugation and sedimentation • Used in 3 countries under routine NTP • Additional processing time is the limitation • Sensitivity 38→50% among PLWHA • Most studies in hospital or research settings • Technique is not standardised.
Sputum Culture • 5-10 x more expensive • Selective recommendation (? Underutilised) • Sophisticated facilities and expertise • Contamination (1-4%) • Takes 6-8 weeks • MGIT • 8-20 vs 20-26 days • The same facilities • Expensive • More contamination
Intensified TB case finding • Early detection of cases through intensive case detection • Practical Approach to Lung Health (PAL) improves efficiency of resp services and improves TB case detection • Involvement of community members is very important
Conclusion • Expedite the search for new and rapid tools However, in the meantime • Research should be focused • To immediately inform changes in policy and practice (e.g. rapid and effective diagnostic algorithm) • To hasten the expansion and utility of existing diagnostic methods (e.g. bleach, culture facilities in peripheral settings) • To inform the development of appropriate technologies for resource constrained settings (e.g. culture facility using solar energy)