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Biomedical subjects

M E Kimerling

Publications and source records attributed to M E Kimerling.

17 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2007

Hospital DOTS linkage in Indonesia: a model for DOTS expansion into government and private hospitals.

BACKGROUND: To accelerate DOTS expansion, the hospital sector and specialized chest clinics must be engaged. OBJECTIVE: To develop a model for public-private partnership through DOTS expansion into public and private hospitals in Indonesia. DESIGN: Model development included gaining commitment from stakeholders, stepwise training of hospital staff, and developing unified networks for case management, patient referral, laboratory quality assurance, supervision and evaluation. RESULTS: The number of notified tuberculosis (TB) cases (all forms and new smear-positive) increased dramatically from baseline. Together, hospitals and chest clinics accounted for a significant proportion of the total cases notified by the province (51% of total TB cases and 56% of new smear-positive cases in 2004). Compared to health centers and chest clinics, hospitals reported lower cure and success rates. Despite the option for referral to health centers, the majority of patients diagnosed in hospitals and chest clinics in 2002-2004 opted to be fully managed by the diagnosing facility. CONCLUSION: The roles and strengths of hospitals differ with regard to health centers, providing a rational basis for linkage of these health service components. In Yogyakarta, linkage became effective only after establishing a stakeholder-based provincial coordinating (DOTS) committee as the recognized interface between the National Tuberculosis Programme and various providers.

Antitubercular Agents↗
PubMed2006

Evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of tuberculosis educational activities for prisoners in Honduras.

SETTING: Prisons throughout Honduras. OBJECTIVE: To assess the strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities to improve non-standardized tuberculosis (TB) educational campaign materials utilized in prisons. DESIGN: A qualitative assessment was conducted. Prison staff completed a survey describing development and implementation of educational activities at each prison (n=25). Completed surveys with photographs or copies of educational materials were collected and cataloged. The content, literacy demand, illustrations, learning stimulation, and cultural appropriateness of cataloged items were assessed using an adapted version of the Suitability Assessment of Materials Instrument. Results from this assessment were examined in conjunction with information collected through focus groups conducted with prisoners and interviews with prison staff. RESULTS: Campaign strengths included the development and dissemination of print materials appropriate for individuals with low literacy levels. By actively engaging prisoners in the campaigns, materials often incorporated the language, values, and experiences encountered within prison culture. Content of print materials and presentations focused on correcting misperceptions and facilitating acceptance of TB control activities. Campaign weaknesses included the creation of illustrations that could perpetuate the stigma associated with TB and use of some materials in which the purpose was not apparent. CONCLUSIONS: The campaigns were generally suitable, and the evaluation allowed for their improvement.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

The risk of MDR-TB and polyresistant tuberculosis among the civilian population of Tomsk city, Siberia, 1999.

SETTING: Tomsk, Siberia, Russian Federation. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between TB susceptibility patterns and risk factors among a civilian cohort of new cases in Tomsk city in 1999. DESIGN: Population-based study. The association between MDR-TB or PROMDR-TB, defined as resistance to isoniazid and rifampicin (MDR) or to isoniazid, ethambutol, and streptomycin (rifampicin mono-sensitive), and hypothesized risk factors was determined. Univariable analysis with and without stratification for history of incarceration and stepwise logistic regression modeling were used. RESULTS: Overall, 49.6% of participants were infected with a Mycobacterium tuberculosis strain resistant to at least one prescribed anti-tuberculosis medication. PROMDR-TB and MDR-TB were prevalent in 17.2% and 13.1% of participants, respectively. Logistic regression modeling indicated that good residence (OR 3.1, 95%CI 1.4-6.9), treatment default (OR 4.4, 95%CI 2.1-9.3) and psychological disorder (OR 3.3, 95%CI 1.0-10.9) were associated with PROMDR-TB. Both good residence (OR 2.6, 95%CI 1.1-6.0) and treatment default (OR 5.3, 95%CI 2.4-11.6) were associated with MDR-TB. History of incarceration was not found to be significant. CONCLUSION: Our findings support the hypothesis that drug-resistant disease among the Tomsk city population is not directly linked to history of incarceration, nor is it an extension of drug resistance in prisons. Rather, drug resistance in the civil sector reflects problems specific to the sector itself.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Standardizing contact investigation protocols.

SETTING: The State of Alabama Department of Public Health Division of Tuberculosis Control. OBJECTIVE: To standardize contact investigation protocols and implement an intervention to increase TB field worker adherence to the protocols with the goal of promoting efficiency and effectiveness in contact investigations. DESIGN: A process evaluation of existing data collection and management systems and protocols was performed. Standardized protocols and an intervention to increase TB field worker adherence to the protocols were created and pilot tested. These were then implemented and formative evaluation data were collected. RESULTS: The process evaluation revealed considerable variance among field workers with regard to protocols and definitions of variables related to contact investigations. Protocols were standardized and an intervention targeted at TB field workers was developed. The intervention consisted of a training workshop and the development of a computer-based contact investigation module. This was successfully implemented throughout the state. CONCLUSIONS: To perform effective contact investigations and conduct studies to improve the effectiveness of these investigations, TB control programs must pay careful attention to precisely defining variables and concepts related to the contact investigation. Furthermore, protocols must be standardized and resources devoted to training of TB field workers to ensure adherence to protocols.

Alabama↗
PubMed2002

Prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis among HIV-infected persons in a home care program in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

SETTING: Phnom Penh, Cambodia. OBJECTIVE: To determine the burden of active pulmonary tuberculosis among an HIV-infected cohort and the proportion of drug-resistant strains, using active case-finding adapted to a home care setting. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. Measures include the prevalence of culture-confirmed Mycobacterium tuberculosis, utilizing a single spot sputum specimen; the proportion of pulmonary TB, detected and undetected; proportion of cases resistant to isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol, streptomycin; and the diagnostic value of symptoms. RESULTS: Of 441 persons surveyed, 41 (9%) had active pulmonary TB by culture; 29 were smear-positive (71%), and only one case was on treatment. The total burden of pulmonary TB was 12% (54/441), with a ratio of undetected to detected cases of 3:1. Primary isoniazid resistance was detected in six new cases (15%); no MDR-TB was identified. Symptoms were not predictive of active pulmonary disease. Mortality was high among those not surveyed (20%) and those found to have TB (49%). CONCLUSIONS: Tuberculosis is epidemic in this HIV-infected population. Active case-finding yielded three times the number of cases already detected and should be considered where resources allow. However, effective passive case detection and improved coordination of TB and HIV care programs are required to address HIV-associated TB morbidity and mortality.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗
PubMed2001

Identification of a contaminating Mycobacterium tuberculosis strain with a transposition of an IS6110 insertion element resulting in an altered spoligotype.

Molecular fingerprinting with the IS6110 insertion sequence is useful for tracking transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis within a population or confirming specimen contamination in the laboratory or through instrumentation. Secondary typing with other molecular methods yields additional information as to the relatedness of strains with similar IS6110 fingerprints. Isolated, relatively rare, random events within the M. tuberculosis genome alter molecular fingerprinting patterns with any of the methods; therefore, strains which are different by two or more typing methods are usually not considered to be closely related. In this report, we describe two strains of M. tuberculosis, obtained from the same bronchoscope 2 days apart, that demonstrated unique molecular fingerprinting patterns by two different typing methods. They were closely linked through the bronchoscope by a traditional epidemiologic investigation. Genetic analysis of the two strains revealed that a single event, the transposition of an IS6110 insertion sequence in one of the strains, accounted for both the differences in the IS6110 pattern and the apparent deletion of a spacer in the spoligotype. This finding shows that a single event can change the molecular fingerprint of a strain in two different molecular typing systems, and thus, molecular typing cannot be the only means used to track transmission of this organism through a population. Traditional epidemiologic techniques are a necessary complement to molecular fingerprinting so that radical changes within the fingerprint pattern can be identified.

Bacterial Typing Techniques↗
PubMed2000

Preventable childhood tuberculosis in Alabama: implications and opportunity.

UNLABELLED: Childhood tuberculosis (TB) cases indicate recent community transmission and thus reflect the effectiveness of TB control efforts, particularly the contact investigation. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate all preventable childhood TB cases and implications in the context of TB morbidity trends. DESIGN: Statewide morbidity trends are presented from 1983 to 1997. Since 1992, each child TB case is classified as either preventable or not preventable, based on a standard definition. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Case characteristics (preventable and not preventable), TB disease rates over time, and reasons for preventable case classification. SETTING: Alabama TB control program, from January 1, 1983 through December 31, 1997. RESULTS: For the period 1983-1997, nonwhite children had a higher disease rate (rate ratio: 5.7; 95% confidence interval: 4.3,7.6) than white children. Since 1990, the overall child rate has increased significantly despite a decline in the adult rate. Among 120 child cases diagnosed from 1992 to 1997, 25 (21%) were classified as preventable. The causes were contact investigation interview failure (12/25 = 48%), delay to evaluation (16%), source case noncompliance with previously prescribed preventive therapy (16%), and source case diagnosed out of state (16%) with no initial investigation performed in Alabama. All preventable cases identified were black children; the proportion of preventable cases did not vary by age group or sex. During 1996, the case rate for nonwhite children exceeded that of adult whites. CONCLUSIONS: Childhood TB in Alabama for nonwhites is rising despite a national downward trend. TB is clearly a disproportionate disease burden for the state's African American population, and the median case age is falling. Additional research and improved training in contact investigation are required to assess this situation and effectively intervene.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Inadequacy of the current WHO re-treatment regimen in a central Siberian prison: treatment failure and MDR-TB.

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) threatens the progress of global control efforts. Prisons represent a high risk setting for development and transmission of MDR-TB. In a Siberian TB referral prison (Kemerovo region), the treatment failure rate is 35% (June 1996-March 1997), despite implementation of a strict DOTS program and use of the World Health Organization Category 2 re-treatment regimen for all new cases. Among 164 patients (December 1997-March 1998), initial resistance to isoniazid and rifampin is 22.6%. Such a rate is a warning call to reconsider prison control strategies, and importantly, to address the treatment regimens necessary to combat an institutional epidemic of MDR-TB.

Antitubercular Agents↗
PubMed1999

Spot sputum screening: evaluation of an intervention in two homeless shelters.

SETTING: Two homeless shelters in Birmingham, Alabama. OBJECTIVE: To interrupt tuberculosis transmission and evaluate the utility of spot sputum screening. DESIGN: Two shelters participated in the study between May 1996 and February 1997. A spot sputum specimen was collected on a given evening from each overnight client. Information was obtained regarding symptoms and tuberculin skin test (TST) status. There were four screenings during two rounds, with TST in round one only. RESULTS: Of 127 persons involved in the study, 120 (95%) provided specimens, and four tuberculosis cases were identified (4/127, 3.1%). Symptoms were infrequently reported. RFLP analysis (IS6110) confirmed a two-band cluster in three of the four cases; another matching two-band strain was found in a drug rehabilitation client staying in one shelter. Secondary RFLP typing (pTBN12) confirmed the homeless cluster. Costs were $1311 per case identified. Among 92 clients with a prior TST, 40% reported a positive result (37/92). Of 21 PPD tests read, 11 were > or =10 mm (52%). CONCLUSION: Spot sputum screening is effective in identifying unsuspected tuberculosis cases in shelters. It has acceptable costs, is logistically simple and efficient. Symptom screening was not useful in this general homeless population. RFLP analysis showed cloning of the two-band strain. Given the evidence for ongoing transmission, sputum screening should be considered in shelter settings.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Low serum antimycobacterial drug levels in non-HIV-infected tuberculosis patients.

BACKGROUND: Despite the use of directly observed therapy (DOT) by tuberculosis control programs, patient treatment failure, relapse, and acquired drug resistance remain problematic in a small number. We investigated serum drug levels in non-HIV-infected tuberculosis patients who were receiving DOT by the health department and did not respond to treatment as expected. METHODS: The indications for checking levels were as follows: (1) slow clinical response or failure to convert the sputum culture within 12 weeks; (2) treatment failure, early disease relapse < 13 months since being declared cured; (3) relapse, late disease reactivation > or = 13 months since being declared cured; and (4) acquired drug resistance while receiving DOT. Baseline characteristics of control subjects who responded to therapy as expected were compared. Venous blood for analysis was obtained at 2 h after directly observed ingestion and measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients receiving daily or twice-weekly standard therapy with isoniazid (INH, 300 or 900 mg) and rifampin (RMP, 600 mg) were identified; 22 had drug levels evaluated at 2 h. For INH, 15 of 22 patients (68%) had levels less than the reported target range. For RMP, 14 of 22 patients (64%) had low levels. Among the 14 patients receiving INH, 900 mg, and RMP, 600 mg, 4 (29%) had very low levels of both. Use of a combination INH/RMP tablet was associated with lower INH levels (p=0.04); however, RMP levels were higher (p<0.02). Alcohol use was associated with significantly higher RMP (p<0.01) serum concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: Important questions remain concerning the utility and timing of serum drug measurements. However, if a patient is not responding to therapy as expected and one is assured that the Mycobacterium tuberculosis organism is susceptible to the drugs given and that the patient is taking the medication as prescribed, drug level monitoring should be considered.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Restriction fragment length polymorphism screening of Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates: population surveillance for targeting disease transmission in a community.

SETTING: Alabama State Tuberculosis Control Program, USA. OBJECTIVE: To combine molecular screening data with routine information to assess transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and improve control efforts. DESIGN: Since January 1994, samples from tuberculosis cases statewide have been systematically analyzed by IS6110 restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). All cases during 1994-1995 with a predominate RFLP pattern were evaluated and risk factors assessed. pTBN12 was used to evaluate a large cluster in the Birmingham-Jefferson County (BJC) area. RESULTS: Statewide, a common two-band pattern was found, named JH2 (99/566, 17.5%). The most important risk associated with this pattern was homelessness (odds ratio, 8.9; P < 0.001). In the BJC area, the homeless accounted for 29% (51/175) of new cases diagnosed during the study period. For the BJC homeless, there were 13 unique RFLP patterns, and JH2 was predominant (29/33, 88%) among three clusters. Secondary analysis of the homeless JH2 cluster revealed a large group that included 19 of 24 (79%) isolates analyzed. Compared with the BJC non homeless (n = 124), the homeless were younger (P < 0.001), of male gender (P < 0.001), black race (P = 0.002), and were heavy alcohol (P < 0.001) and non-injection drug (P = 0.001) users. CONCLUSIONS: By screening tuberculosis cases statewide, a common two-band RFLP pattern was identified. Its predominance is explained by an ongoing tuberculosis epidemic among Birmingham's homeless population, highlighting RFLP as a tool for population surveillance. The pattern differences observed by pTBN12 typing clearly demonstrate that the isolates might be related but are not clonal.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Evaluation and planning in national tuberculosis control programmes: the usefulness of the standardised patient treatment card.

Through systematic evaluation of information contained in tuberculosis patients treatment cards, we present an example of a rapid operations evaluation method for identifying issues important to a national tuberculosis programme (NTP). Analysis of all 279 treatment cards of patients scheduled to attend one specific clinic day was made ((Kinondoni district in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania). Two hundred and twenty five patients (81%) were diagnosed as having pulmonary tuberculosis. Males accounted for 61% of cases. Ninety two per cent were cases without prior history of treatment. Of all patients, those under 15 years and those aged 25 to 54 years were more likely to be sputum smear-negative compared with other age groups. A chest radiograph was obtained as recommended to support the diagnosis in only 61 (38%) of 160 cases diagnosed as sputum smear-negative pulmonary tuberculosis. Initial drug dosing based on weight (mg/kg) revealed frequent dosing errors of isoniazid (97%) and pyrazinamide (65%), almost exclusively overdosing, in sputum smear-positive patients. Systematic examination of patient treatment cards provided usefull information and raises issues important to NTP planning and operations. Weaknesses in the execution of the national programme in Dar es Salaam were identified: the under-utilisation of chest radiography to diagnose sputum smear-negative tuberculosis and overdosing of certain drugs.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Tracing as part of tuberculosis control in a rural Cambodian district during 1992.

SETTING: The rural Cambodian district of Banteay Meas, population 74,464. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a district based tracing program developed to improve tuberculosis control program treatment results. Specifically, to assess factors affecting patient non-adherence to therapy and return of patients to treatment. DESIGN: All patients started on treatment during 1992 were included. Standardized cohort analysis methods were applied to assess treatment outcome for all tuberculosis cases registered during Trimesters I-III. Absconders for the year were traced and followed as a separate cohort. Those returning to therapy were followed until the end of the study period in October 1993. RESULTS: Activity in 1992 included 171 admissions and 46 absconders. Of the 46, 57% were met at home. Among those met, 81% returned to treatment. Males absconded more than females even though females accounted for a majority of admissions. Socioeconomic factors (68%) were cited most often as the reason for non-adherence. Distance was not a factor. Cohort analysis showed improvement in the treatment completion rate (54.8% vs 69.2% vs 64%) coupled with a drop in the absconding rate (35.5% vs 25% vs 20%). Of the 21 patients returning, 76% have either completed or nearly completed treatment. CONCLUSION: These results support tracing as an effective means to improve patient adherence in rural Cambodia, thereby strengthening tuberculosis control programs at district level.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Childhood tuberculosis in Alabama: epidemiology of disease and indicators of program effectiveness, 1983 to 1993.

An 11-year review of childhood tuberculosis in Alabama was made in order to define indicators of program effectiveness in interrupting community transmission. Minority (nonwhite) children, 96% of whom were black, had the highest risk of disease (odds ratio, 5.5; 95% confidence interval, 3.9, 7.7). Of 171 cases, 71% (n = 122) occurred in blacks and 2% (n = 3) occurred in Asian-Pacific islanders. Age 0 to 4 years (107 of 171) compared with age 5 to 14 years (64 of 171) was an additional risk factor for the development of tuberculosis (odds ratio, 3.4; 95% confidence interval 2.5, 4.7)), whereas gender was not. Males accounted for 49% of cases (83 of 171). During the period 1983 to 1993 there was no trend of increasing or decreasing numbers among child cases (trend test P = 0.94) despite significant changes by year. The purified protein derivative test had a 9% (8 of 89) false negative rate and was significantly more likely to be negative in children younger than 1 year (4 of 12 vs. 4 of 77; P = 0.01). During the 2-year interval 1992 to 1993, 19% of cases were thought to be preventable. We believe that the PPD skin test is useful and an improved contact investigation is essential to preventing childhood tuberculosis. Miniepidemics of transmission of tuberculosis from adults to a large group of children partially explain the observed disease pattern.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Identifying malaria control issues: a district hospital-based evaluation.

Chuk district hospital is centrally located in a rural malarious region in southern Cambodia. It was the site of a hospital-based evaluation (KAP assessment and in vivo i.v. quinine/oral tetracycline drug study) done to identify relevant issues for establishing a rational malaria control strategy. The KAP assessment identified the young, male forest worker as the highest risk group. Of 112 study patients, 73% were male and 82% reported various forest activities. The primary reason found for patient delay (8.9 days) in seeking hospital care was self-treatment at home (N = 102, 91%) with drugs purchased through private sellers (104/105). Using the 7-day WHO field test methodology, resistance rates were calculated (N = 22); S1/R1, 73%; R1, 9%; R2, 0%; R3, 18%. A modified version of the 7-day test was used to calculate its utility in this particular rural setting. It showed a negative predictive value of 93% and a positive predictive value of 71%. The case fatality rate for the study period was 2.7%. Information from this study, which correlates a confirmed malaria diagnosis with prior patient behavior and response to anti-malarial therapy, is intended for realizing the goals set forth by the national malaria control program.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Drug-resistant tuberculosis in adults: implications for the health care worker.

In recent years, several outbreaks of drug-resistant tuberculosis have occurred in U.S. hospitals. In response to this recognized risk of tuberculosis exposure in health care facilities, the Centers for Disease Control and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration have issued guidelines or policy procedures for minimizing risks of tuberculosis transmission within these facilities. Some of the recommendations outlined in these governmental documents have been controversial. In this review the guidelines/policies and the debate surrounding them are discussed as they affect the health care worker who cares for adult patients with tuberculosis.

Adult↗