TB-Related News and Journal Items Weekly Update
Week of January 23 to January 29, 2011
To subscribe to the list, or to change your subscription options, please visit:
https://www.cdcnpin.org/framework/ui/login.aspx?re=/lyris/ui/subscriptions.aspx , CDC provides
the TB-Related News and Journal Items Weekly Update as a public service only. This update is
a compilation of TB-related articles 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 information from CDC and other
government agencies, such as background on Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR)
articles, fact sheets, press releases, and announcements. Reproduction of this text is
encouraged; however, copies may not be sold. For those items reproduced from the first 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
News Item(s) From the CDC HIV/Hepatitis/STD/TB Prevention News Update
Headlines
Journal Articles
Job Announcements
Upcoming Conferences, Trainings, and Other Events
TB-Related Announcements
1. World TB Day Campaign 2011 Is Now Live
NEW
Stop TB Partnership, January 24, 2011
2011 is the second year of the two-year campaign of the Stop TB Partnership, On
the move against tuberculosis, whose goal is to galvanize innovation in TB care
and research. It is inspired by the ambitious new objectives and targets of the
Global Plan to Stop TB 2011-2015: Transforming the Fight-Towards Elimination
of Tuberculosis, which was launched by the Stop TB Partnership in October
2010. This new plan for the first time identifies all the research gaps that need to
be filled to bring rapid TB tests, faster treatment regimens, and a fully effective
vaccine to market, and, therefore to the people who need them.
"It is with great pleasure that we launch the campaign for World TB Day, which
has special meaning for me this year since I will observe it for the first time in my
new role as Executive Secretary of the Stop TB Partnership," says Dr. Lucica
Ditiu. "My hope is that all preparations will be done keeping in mind those
affected by tuberculosis, the people most in need of our successful actions."
The campaign focuses on recognizing individuals - doctors, nurses, managers,
patients, activists, advocates, and researchers around the world - who have
found new ways to fight and stop TB in different settings, and can serve as an
inspiration to others. The campaign challenges us to look at the fight against TB
in an entirely new way: that every step we take should be a step that counts for
people, and will lead us toward TB elimination.
The campaign site includes downloadable slogans, a helpful guide in all six
official languages of the World Health Organization (Arabic, Chinese, English,
French, Russian, and Spanish) for planning a World TB Day event; and a
template for developing posters with the slogan On the move against
tuberculosis.
The World TB Day 2011 campaign web site is at
http://www.stoptb.org/events/world_tb_day/2011/ .
For more information, contact the Senior Communications Adviser, Judith
Mandelbaum-Schmid. E-mail schmidj@who.int, or call +41 22 791 2967.
2. “Asking the Right Questions: A Visual Guide to Tuberculosis Case
Management for Nurses” now available online
The Francis J. Curry National TB Center announces a new online educational
toolkit: Asking the Right Questions: A Visual Guide to Tuberculosis Case
Management for Nurses (http://www.nationaltbcenter.ucsf.edu/arq/index.cfm).
The primary target audience is nurses in the public and private health sectors,
but the toolkit materials are also useful for TB outreach workers, health care
workers in facilities where TB cases are found, and community-based providers
who may identify TB suspects or help to treat patients with TB.
Learners can use the toolkit to:
Prompt critical thinking about TB case management
Find relevant basic national training materials and guidelines
Get an overview of the full TB case management timeline
The toolkit can be used for self-paced learning or for mixed classroom and selfpaced learning. It has three components:
(1)The Visual Guide (poster) presents a timeline of the full TB case management
process and suggests critical questions to ask throughout the process to ensure
full assessment of TB suspects and completion of safe, effective treatment for
TB disease.
(2) The Reference Guide takes the critical questions another level deeper and
offers short topics that briefly explain relevant concepts, and provides
hyperlinks to training materials from the CDC and Regional Training and Medical
Consultation Centers and to current national guidelines and selected
publications.
(3) The Web Guide offers several features for exploring questions and concepts.
These features include: an interactive exploration of critical questions linking to
Reference Guide topics and hyperlinks, a presentation about the TB case
management timeline that is part of the Visual Guide, an online glossary, and
downloadable learning guides with suggested curricula.
To put these materials to use, two learning guides suggest training curricula for
self-paced learning and for a combination of self-paced and classroom-based
learning, adaptable to the needs of your jurisdiction or agency. The Facilitator’s
Guide offers suggestions for presenting a curriculum that combines self-paced
study with classroom discussion and activities. The Self-Paced Learning Guide
outlines a learning curriculum that can be completed by the learner at his or her
own pace.
3. TB REACH Launches Call for Proposals for Wave 2 Funding
Stop TB Partnership, December 1, 2010
TB REACH is accepting proposals for the second wave of funding for projects
that promote early and increased case detection of TB cases and ensure their
timely treatment, while maintaining high cure rates within national TB programs.
TB REACH encourages the development and application of innovative, groundbreaking, and efficient approaches, interventions, and activities that result in
increased TB case detection, reduced transmission, and prevention of the
emergence of drug-resistant forms of TB. As suggested by its name, TB REACH
focuses on reaching vulnerable people, people from poverty areas, and people
who have limited or no access to TB services.
Eligibility criteria, examples of suitable interventions, technical guidance, the
application form, and instructions for applicants are available on the TB REACH
website.
The deadline for submitting proposals for Wave 2 is February 28, 2011.
Eligible applications will be reviewed by the Proposal Review Committee, an
independent group of experts, during March 2011. All proposals recommended
for funding will be presented for approval to the Stop TB Partnership
Coordinating Board at its next meeting. The final results of the review are likely
to be made available to all applicants by May 2011.
TB REACH was launched officially on January 25, 2010. Thirty projects in 19
eligible countries, which aimed to detect and treat an additional 40,000 new
smear-positive TB cases, received funding under Wave 1. The TB REACH
initiative receives support from the Canadian International Development Agency
(CIDA).
News Item(s) From the CDC HIV/Hepatitis/STD/TB Prevention News Update
1. Tarnished Aid Fund Says Others in Worse Shape
Associated Press, January 24, 2011, by John Heilprin
The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB, and Malaria said January 24 that it is
aggressively pursuing corruption and graft among several recipient nations in
Africa, but the vast majority of funds are being spent appropriately, based on
results showing lives saved. The fund’s new investigative unit is led by Robert
Appleton, a former US prosecutor hired last fall to monitor grant programs.
Appleton already has more than 100 cases, including 63 yet to be assigned due
to lack of staff. “We are vigilantly seeking to protect funds that are earmarked to
save lives,” said Appleton, responding to an Associated Press story about $34
million in losses in several African nations. Up to two thirds of some grants have
been lost to graft, with much of the money accounted for by forged documents
or improper bookkeeping. Fund officials and several outside anti-corruption
experts note that most of the world’s largest aid agencies, such as the UN, do
not even look for irregularities for fear it would turn away donors. “The others
should follow our lead,” said Global Fund Inspector General John Parsons. A
recent report by Berlin-based Transparency International found that
“accountability in development aid has been low” at the UN, the World Bank and
other non-governmental organizations and international bodies. “All aid
agencies need to practice greater transparency,” said Robin Hodess,
Transparency International’s director of policy and research. From 2006 to 2008,
Appleton chaired the UN’s Procurement Task Force; it was dismantled at the end
of 2008. Unlike the UN’s secrecy over its investigations, the Global Fund is
posting corruption investigations on its website, and making efforts to recoup
some of the losses. “The Global Fund should be lauded, not criticized, for
promoting transparency, having a strong inspector general, and publicly
identifying the issues and trying to get the fund’s money back,” said Appleton.
Headlines1. New TB Test to Be Simple, Fast (United States)
The Rocky Mountain Collegian, www.collegian.com, January 20, 2011, by Rachel
Childs
Researchers at Colorado State University (CSU) led by Nick Fisk, Assistant
Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, are
working on engineering a virus that would detect TB in a urine test. The virus
would act as a sensor to detect the proteins associated with active TB disease,
revealing whether a person has TB or not. The virus would be inserted into the
urine, and then a laser on colored glass would be used to illuminate the
fluorescent glow. The researchers believe it will reduce costs and minimize the
use of equipment associated with highly specialized DNA and immunology tests.
According to John Belisle, CSU Professor of Bacteriology, the test would find
bacterial cells, as well as products being produced and released by the bacteria.
The project received a $100,000 grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates
Foundation, as part of the Grand Challenges Explorations Initiative to expand
testing for the world’s most pressing global health problems.
2. Benefactors of Free TB Drug for Discharge (Nigeria)
Nigerian Tribune, http://tribune.com, January 20, 2011, Sade Oguntola
Dr. Osman Eltayeb of the Damien Foundation, Belgium, announced that 10 of 22
patients who were treated at the multidrug-resistant TB (MDR TB) clinic in
Nigeria were ready to return home after completing the intensive phase of their
treatment. The patients will receive the last phase of treatment at home. Dr.
Eltayeb made the announcement at the fourth quarter Oyo State TB/Leprosy
program (TBL) supervisors meeting. He noted that the clinic, which is funded by
the Damien Foundation, is the only center in Nigeria currently treating MDR TB.
A two-day training program will be held for 31 medical officers from Nigeria. The
program will train them in the continuation phase of MDR TB care, and link MDR
TB patients being discharged with medical officers in the respective states of the
country. The doctors will continue caring for the MDR TB patients through the
local TB centers. Dr. Eltayeb commented on problems with TB control in 2010,
including TB drug availability, stigmatization, and HIV. He urged that political
commitment be given by Ondo state, and asked that the state pay its part of the
TB control fund. Dr. Oyewole Lawal, Oyo State TB Program Officer, said that in
the last quarter of 2010, 6,780 individuals were tested for TB, compared to 4,000
in the third quarter of the year. Also 5,340 and 6,018 patients were registered for
treatment in 2009 and 2010 respectively. He attributed the increase to TB
awareness, better referral services, and reduction in stigmatization. Mr. Jide
Faleye, South West Logistic Officer, assured attendees of the availability of TB
drugs in 2011. Between 2006 and 2009, there were 106 reported MDR TB cases in
Nigeria.
3. CDD Announces Extension of Grant to Discover Effective Tuberculosis Drugs
(United States)
iStockAnalyst, www.istockanalyst.com, January 17, 2011
Collaborative Drug Discovery, Inc., (CDD) announced that its grant has been
extended to five years by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The total
amount has been increased to $2,796,000. The grant enables CDD to create a
database that sparks collaborative efforts to discover more effective drugs to
fight TB. In the last two years, the CDD TB database has integrated the work of
academic, non-profit, government, and corporate laboratories worldwide to
accelerate the efforts to discover new treatments for the disease. Barry Bunin,
CEO and President of CDD, said that the CDD projects enable natural yet secure
real-time collaborations among researchers that imitate the way people work in
the pharmaceutical industry.
4. RecipharmCobra Oral TB Vax Produces Good Immune Response (United
Kingdom)
FierceVaccines, www.fiercevaccines.com, January 20, 2011, by Liz Jones Hollis
A study by researchers from RecipharmCobra Biologics in collaboration with the
Royal Holloway College, University of London and the Universita Cattolica del
Sacro Cuore of Rome, Italy, showed that orally delivered ORT-VAC DNA vaccine
produced higher immune responses in mice than the injected DNA vaccine.
RecipharmCobra’s vaccine delivery system, ORT-VAC, uses live salmonella
bacteria to deliver TB vaccine orally. The bacteria are modified to avoid causing
disease. ORT-VAC stabilizes plasmids without the need for antibiotics, so no
antibiotic resistance genes are present on the plasmid, and the potential transfer
risk to pathogens is reduced, so that it does not result in antibiotic-resistant
superbugs. According to Simon Saxby of RecipharmCobra Biologics, the study
illustrates the versatility of the ORT-VAC technology to provide a delivery route
for needle-free administration of a DNA vaccine. Saxby commented that a
vaccine based on ORT-VAC could be inexpensive to produce, simple to
distribute, and easy to administer, which is important in fighting TB in
developing countries.
5. HCM City Hospitals to Set Up TB Units (Viet Nam)
Viet Nam News, http://vietnamnews.vnagency.com.vn, January 21, 2011
According to officials of Pham Ngoc Thach Hospital, which manages Ho Chi
Minh City’s TB prevention program, nine more hospitals in the city will open TB
departments this year to fight the disease. At present, a network of 21 hospitals
have TB departments. TB prevention teams in the city’s 24 districts will begin to
coordinate their activities more and work more closely with hospitals. Phan Ngoc
Thach Hospital has suggested that the city’s department of health create
outpatient clinics to diagnose TB in HIV-infected patients in the five districts that
do not yet have such clinics. The clinics in Districts 6, Binh Thanh, Binh Tan, and
Thu Duc, will begin providing isoniazid preventive therapy to prevent TB in
people with HIV infection. In 2010, 16,145 TB patients were treated in Ho Chi Minh
City.
6. Thomas Memorial Notifies Patients of Potential TB Exposure (United States)
Charleston Gazette, www.wvgazette.com, January 21, 2011, by Veronica Nett
veroni@wvgazette.com
Officials at Thomas Memorial Hospital, Charleston, West Virginia, have notified
certain patients and medical staff of potential exposure to TB, after an individual
who was treated as an outpatient was later diagnosed with active TB disease.
Those who were contacted need to undergo two tests. The first test is conducted
soon after the documented contact with TB, the other about 12 weeks later. Janet
Briscoe, Director of the Division of Epidemiology for the Kanawha-Charleston
Health Department, commented that the exposure was relatively short and the
risk is low, but she recommended that individuals follow up and get tested.
7. TB Vaccine Protects Before and After Exposure (Denmark)
BBC News, www.bbc.co.uk, January 23, 2011
A team of Danish scientists at the Statens Serum Institute, Copenhagen,
Denmark, have developed a new TB vaccine that works before and after infection
has developed. It combines proteins that trigger an immune response to both
active and latent forms of TB. The current BCG TB vaccine works if given prior to
exposure, does not prevent infection, but prevents acute symptoms and disease
from emerging, and has no effect on latent TB infection. It is of no use in
protecting infected adults. The new vaccine has been tested in animals. The
study is reported online in the journal Nature Medicine,
2011doi:10.1038/nm.2285.
Journal Articles
1. Acta Medica Iranica. 2010 Jan-Feb; Volume 48, Number 1: 67-71. Frequency of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection among Iranian Patients with HIV/AIDS by
PPD Test; Jam, S., Sabzvari, D., SeyedAlinaghi, S., Fattahi, F., et al.
Click here for PubMed abstract: PubMed
Persons infected with the HIV are particularly susceptible to TB, either by latent
infection reactivation or by a primary infection with rapid progression to active
disease. This study was done to determine the frequency of tuberculosis
infection among Iranian patients with HIV/AIDS. A total of 262 HIV/AIDS patients
attending all three HIV/AIDS health care centers of Tehran, Iran were enrolled in
this study. A detailed history and physical examination were obtained from all
HIV patients suspected of having pulmonary M. tuberculosis. A positive PPD
skin test was used as a diagnostic parameter for probability of TB infection. Out
of 262 HIV/AIDS patients, a total of 63 (24%) were shown to have the TB infection
based on a positive PPD skin test. Of the patients with positive PPD skin test, 22
(35%) had pulmonary TB, 2 (3.2%) had extrapulmonary TB, and 39 (53%) had no
evidence of M. tuberculosis infection (latent infection). Also 8 (12.7%) had history
of long term residence in a foreign country, 32 (50.8%) were exposed to an index
case, and 9 (14.3%) had past history of pulmonary TB, while only 33.3% had
clinical manifestations of TB (active disease). There was no resistant case of TB.
The study showed that near 24% of Iranian patients with HIV/AIDS were infected
with M. tuberculosis. This finding denotes the need to improve the diagnostic
and preventive measures, and also prompt treatment of this type of infection in
the HIV infected individuals.
2. Acta Medica Iranica. 2010 Jan-Feb; Volume 48, Number 1: 21-6. Evaluation of
Serological Tests Using A60 Antigen for Diagnosis of Tuberculosis; Kochak,
H.E., SeyedAlinaghi, S., Zarghom, O., Hekmat, S., et al.
Click here for PubMed abstract: PubMed
Identification of acid-fast bacilli (AFB) in sputum or tissue samples is among
definite diagnostic methods of TB. However, this method of diagnosis is
restricted by certain limitations. Serologic diagnosis of TB has been used for a
long time. This study determined the sensitivity and, specificity of Antigen 60
(A60) IgG, IgA, IgM test results in TB diagnosis. Mycobacterial A60-based ELISA
was used to measure specific IgA, IgM and IgG antibodies in the sera of 127
adult TB patients (consisted of 74 pulmonary and 53 extra-pulmonary cases),
and 95 controls (46 healthy volunteers and 49 patients with various acute or
chronic diseases other than TB). Data from A60 IgG-based ELISA, chest
radiography, AFB culture and pathologic evaluation for AFB were obtained .The
cutoff value of A60 IgG, IgA and IgM were chosen according to a receiver
operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. The sensitivity, specificity and positive
likelihood ratio were determined. The mean levels of IgG, IgA and IgM were
significantly higher in patients with pulmonary TB when compared with control
groups. Sensitivity of IgG test was 54.3 %, while the specificity was 84.2%. The
IgA test showed a sensitivity of 70.1% with a specificity of 80 %. Combination of
the IgG and IgA tests showed a total sensitivity of 45.7 % and a specificity of
94.7% and the positive likelihood ratio of 8.62. Chosen cutoff values of IgG, IgA,
and IgM sets were 285,265 and 0.9 ELISA units respectively. The study results
showed a good specificity (94.7%) and a reasonable positive likelihood ratio
(8.62) of the test when combined IgA and IgG with new cutoff points were
considered on diagnosis of TB in adult patients. Combined use of both IgG and
IgA tests results allows an increased accuracy in diagnostic of TB.
3. Korean Journal of Radiology. 2010 Nov-Dec; Volume 11, Number 6: 612-7.
Epub 2010 Oct 29. Chest Radiographic Findings in Primary Pulmonary
Tuberculosis: Observations from High School Outbreaks; Koh, W.J., Jeong, Y.J.,
Kwon, O.J., Kim, H.J., et al.
Click here for PubMed abstract: PubMed
This study describes the radiographic findings of primary pulmonary TB in
previously healthy adolescent patients. The Institutional Review Board approved
this retrospective study, with a waiver of informed consent from the patients. TB
outbreaks occurred in 15 senior high schools and chest radiographs from 58
students with identical strains of TB were analyzed by restriction fragment
length polymorphism analysis by two independent observers. Lesions of
nodule(s), consolidation, or cavitation in the upper lung zones were classified as
typical TB. Mediastinal lymph node enlargement; lesions of nodule(s),
consolidation, or cavitation in lower lung zones; or pleural effusion were
classified as atypical TB. Inter-observer agreement for the presence of each
radiographic finding was examined by kappa statistics. Of 58 patients, three (5%)
had normal chest radiographs. Cavitary lesions were present in 25 (45%) of 55
students. Lesions with upper lung zone predominance were observed in 27
(49%) patients, whereas lower lung zone predominance was noted in 18 (33%)
patients. The remaining 10 (18%) patients had lesions in both upper and lower
lung zones. Pleural effusion was not observed in any patient, nor was the
mediastinal lymph node enlargement. Hilar lymph node enlargement was seen in
only one (2%) patient. Overall, 37 (67%) students had the typical form of TB,
whereas 18 (33%) had TB lesions of the atypical form. The most common
radiographic findings in primary pulmonary TB by recent infection in previously
healthy adolescents are upper lung lesions, which were thought to be
radiographic findings of reactivation pulmonary TB by remote infection.
4. The Lancet Infectious Diseases. 2010 Nov; Volume 10, Number 11: 803-12.
Epub 2010 Sep 6. Tuberculous Meningitis: A Uniform Case Definition for Use in
Clinical Research; Marais, S., Thwaites, G., Schoeman, J.F., Török, M.E., et al.
Click here for PubMed abstract: PubMed
Tuberculous meningitis causes substantial mortality and morbidity in children
and adults. More research is urgently needed to better understand the
pathogenesis of disease and to improve its clinical management and outcome. A
major stumbling block is the absence of standardized diagnostic criteria. The
different case definitions used in various studies makes comparison of research
findings difficult, prevents the best use of existing data, and limits the
management of disease. To address this problem, a three-day tuberculous
meningitis workshop was conducted in Cape Town, South Africa, and was
attended by 41 international participants experienced in the research or
management of tuberculous meningitis. During the meeting, diagnostic criteria
were assessed and discussed, after which a writing committee was appointed to
finalize a consensus case definition for tuberculous meningitis for use in future
clinical research. The researchers present the consensus case definition
together with the rationale behind the recommendations. This case definition is
applicable irrespective of the patient's age, HIV infection status, or the resources
available in the research setting. Consistent use of the proposed case definition
will aid comparison of studies, improve scientific communication, and ultimately
improve care.
5. Lung India. 2010 Oct; Volume 27, Number 4:196-201. Adult Thoracic Empyema:
A Comparative Analysis of Tuberculous and Nontuberculous Etiology in 75
Patients; Kundu, S., Mitra, S., Mukherjee, S., Das, S.
Click here for PubMed abstract: PubMed
Thoracic empyema is a disease of significant morbidity and mortality, especially
in the developing world where TB remains a common cause. Clinical outcomes
in tuberculous empyema are complicated by the presence of concomitant
fibrocavitary parenchymal disease and frequent bronchopleural fistulae. The
researchers performed a prospective study over a one-and-a-half-year period
with the objective of comparing the clinical profiles and outcomes of patients
with tuberculous and nontuberculous empyema. A prospective study of adult
cases of nonsurgical thoracic empyema admitted in a tertiary care hospital in
eastern India was performed over a period of 18 months. A comparative analysis
of clinical characteristics, treatment modalities, and outcomes of patients with
tuberculous and nontuberculous empyema was carried out. Seventy-five cases
of empyema were seen during the study period, of which 46 (61.3%) were of
nontuberculous etiology while TB constituted 29 (38.7%) cases. Among the
nontuberculous empyema patients, Staphylococcus aureus (11, 23.93%) was the
most frequent pathogen isolated, followed by Gram-negative bacilli. Tuberculous
empyema was more frequent in younger population compared to
nontuberculous empyema (mean age of 32.7 years vs. 46.5 years). Duration of
illness and mean duration of chest tube drainage were longer (48.7 vs. 23.2 days)
in patients with tuberculous empyema. Also the presence of parenchymal
lesions and bronchopleural fistula often requiring surgical drainage procedures
was more in tuberculous empyema patients. Tuberculous empyema remains a
common cause of empyema thoracis in a country like India. Tuberculous
empyema differs from nontuberculous empyema in the age profile, clinical
presentation, management issues, and has a significantly poorer outcome.
6. Orthopaedic Nursing. 2010 Nov-Dec; Volume 29, Number 6: 400-6.
Osteoarticular Manifestations of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection;
Zychowicz, M.E.
Click here for PubMed abstract: PubMed
Mycobacterium tuberculosis has affected humans for much of our existence. The
incidence of global TB infection continues to rise, especially in concert with HIV
coinfection. Many disease processes, such as diabetes, increase the likelihood
of TB infection. TB bacteria can infect any bone, joint, tendon, or bursa;
however, the most common musculoskeletal site for infection includes the spine
and weight-bearing joints of the hip and knee. Many patients who present with
osteoarticular TB infection will have a gradual onset of pain at the site of
infection. Many patients who develop a musculoskeletal TB infection will have no
evidence of a pulmonary TB infection on X-ray film and many will have very mild
symptoms with the initial infection. Health care providers must remember that
many patients who develop TB infection do not progress to active TB disease;
however, the latent infection may become active with immune compromise.
7. Pharmacognosy Magazine. 2010 Oct; Volume 6, Number 24: 339-44.
Phytoconstituents from Alpinia purpurata and Their in Vitro Inhibitory Activity
against Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Villaflores, O.B., Macabeo, A.P., Gehle, D.,
Krohn, K., et al.
Click here for PubMed abstract: PubMed
Alpinia purpurata or red ginger was studied for its phytochemical constituents
as part of the researchers’ growing interest on Philippine Zingiberaceae plants
that may exhibit antimycobacterial activity. The hexane and dichloromethane
subextracts of the leaves were fractionated and purified using silica gel
chromatography to afford a mixture of C(28)-C(32) fatty alcohols, a 3methoxyflavone and two steroidal glycosides. The two latter metabolites were
spectroscopically identified as kumatakenin (1), sitosteryl-3-O-6-palmitoyl-β-Dglucoside (2) and b-sitosteryl galactoside (3) using ultraviolet (UV), infrared (IR),
electron impact mass spectrometer (EIMS) and nuclear magnetic resonance
(NMR) experiments, and by comparison with literature data. This study
demonstrates for the first time the isolation of these constituents from A.
purpurata. In addition to the purported anti-inflammatory activity, its
phytomedicinal potential to treat TB is also described.
8. PLoS Computational Biology. 2010 Nov 4; Volume 6, Number 11: e1000976.
The Mycobacterium tuberculosis Drugome and Its Polypharmacological
Implications; Kinnings, S.L., Xie, L., Fung, K.H., Jackson, R.M., et al.
Click here for PubMed abstract: PubMed
The researchers report a computational approach that integrates structural
bioinformatics, molecular modeling and systems biology to construct a drugtarget network on a structural proteome-wide scale. The approach has been
applied to the genome of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb), the causative agent
of one of today's most widely spread infectious diseases. The researchers
referred to the resulting drug-target interaction network for all structurally
characterized approved drugs bound to putative M.tb receptors, as the “TBdrugome.” The TB-drugome reveals that approximately one third of the drugs
examined have the potential to be repositioned to treat TB and that many
currently unexploited M.tb receptors may be chemically druggable and could
serve as novel antitubercular targets. Furthermore, a detailed analysis of the TBdrugome has shed new light on the controversial issues surrounding drug-target
networks [1]-[3]. Indeed, the results support the idea that drug-target networks
are inherently modular, and further that any observed randomness is mainly
caused by biased target coverage. The TB-drugome
(http://funsite.sdsc.edu/drugome/TB) has the potential to be a valuable resource
in the development of safe and efficient antitubercular drugs. More generally the
methodology may be applied to other pathogens of interest with results
improving as more of their structural proteomes are determined through the
continued efforts of structural biology/genomics.
9. PLoS One. 2010 Nov 29; Volume 5, Number 11: e15043. Syringe Free
Vaccination with CAF01 Adjuvated Ag85B-ESAT-6 in Bioneedles Provides Strong
and Prolonged Protection Against Tuberculosis; Christensen, D., Lindenstrøm,
T., van de Wijdeven, G., Andersen, P., et al.
Click here for PubMed abstract: PubMed
Bioneedles are small hollow sugar based needles administered with a simple
compressed air device. In this study the researchers investigated how
incorporation of a subunit vaccine based on TB vaccine hybrid Ag85B-ESAT-6
adjuvated with CAF01 into Bioneedles affected its immunogenicity as well as its
ability to protect against TB in a mouse model. The CMI response measured by
IFN-γ and antigen specific CD4+ T-cells was, two weeks after the last
vaccination, significantly lower in the group immunized with Bioneedleincorporated vaccine compared to the conventional vaccine, using syringe and
needle. However, at four, nine and 52 weeks after vaccination the researchers
observed similar high IFN-γ levels in the Bioneedle group and the group
vaccinated using syringe and needle and comparable levels of antigen specific
T-cells. Furthermore, the protective efficacy for the two vaccination methods was
comparable and similar to BCG vaccination both six and 52 weeks after
vaccination. These results therefore advocate the further development of the
Bioneedle devices and applicators for the delivery of human vaccines.
10. PLoS One. 2010 Nov 19; Volume 5, Number 11: e14066. A Longitudinal Study
of BCG Vaccination in Early Childhood: The Development of Innate and Adaptive
Immune Responses; Djuardi, Y., Sartono, E., Wibowo, H., Supali, T., et al.
Click here for PubMed abstract: PubMed
BCG vaccine drives a strong T helper 1 cellular immunity which is essential for
the protection against mycobacteria, however recent studies suggest that BCG
vaccination can have non-specific beneficial effects unrelated to TB. In the
present cohort study the development of cytokine profiles following BCG
vaccination was investigated. Immune responses to PPD were assessed before
vaccination and at ages of 5 months, 1 year, and 2 years, followed by BCG scar
measurement at 4 years of age. BCG was shown to induce both Th1 and Th2
type responses against PPD at about 5 months of age after vaccination, and
while Th1 response was sustained, Th2 responses declined over time. However,
BCG scar size was strongly correlated with Th2 responses to PPD at 5 months of
age. Importantly, the researchers observed no clear effects of BCG vaccination
on innate immune responses in terms of early IL-10 or TNF-α production
whereas some alterations in general adaptive immune responses to PHA were
observed.
11. PLoS One. 2010 Nov 17; Volume 5, Number 11: e14014. Patients' Costs and
Cost-Effectiveness of Tuberculosis Treatment in DOTS and Non-DOTS Facilities
in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Steffen, R., Menzies, D., Oxlade, O., Pinto, M., et al.
Click here for PubMed abstract: PubMed
Costs of TB diagnosis and treatment may represent a significant burden for the
poor and for the health system in resource-poor countries. This study analyzed
patients' costs of TB care and estimated the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio
(ICER) of the DOT per completed treatment in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The
researchers interviewed 218 adult patients with bacteriologically confirmed
pulmonary TB. Information on direct (out-of-pocket expenses) and indirect
(hours lost) costs, loss in income, and costs with extra help were gathered
through a questionnaire. Health care system additional costs due to supervision
of pill-intake were calculated considering staff salaries. Effectiveness was
measured by treatment completion rate. The ICER of DOT compared to selfadministered therapy (SAT) was calculated. DOT increased costs during the
treatment phase, while SAT increased costs in the pre-diagnostic phase, for both
the patient and the health system. Treatment completion rates were 71% in SAT
facilities and 79% in DOT facilities. Costs per completed treatment were US $194
for patients and US $189 for the health system in SAT facilities, compared to US
$336 and US $726 in DOT facilities. The ICER was US $6,616 per completed DOT
treatment compared to SAT. Costs incurred by TB patients are high in Rio de
Janeiro, especially for those under DOT. The DOT strategy doubles patients'
costs and increases by fourfold the health system costs per completed
treatment. The additional costs for DOT may be one of the contributing factors to
the completion rates below the targeted 85% recommended by WHO.
12. Public Health Reports. 2010 Nov-Dec; Volume 125, Number 6: 843-50. RealTime Surveillance for Tuberculosis Using Electronic Health Record Data from an
Ambulatory Practice in Eastern Massachusetts; Calderwood, M.S., Platt, R., Hou,
X., Malenfant, J., et al.
Click here for PubMed abstract: PubMed
Electronic health records (EHRs) have the potential to improve completeness
and timeliness of TB surveillance relative to traditional reporting, particularly for
culture-negative disease. The researchers reported on the development and
validation of a TB detection algorithm for EHR data followed by implementation
in a live surveillance and reporting system. The researchers used structured
electronic data from an ambulatory practice in eastern Massachusetts to develop
a screening algorithm aimed at achieving 100% sensitivity for confirmed active
TB disease with the highest possible positive predictive value (PPV) for
physician-suspected disease. They validated the algorithm in 16 years of
retrospective electronic data and then implemented it in a real-time EHR-based
surveillance system. They assessed PPV and the completeness of case capture
relative to conventional reporting in 18 months of prospective surveillance. The
final algorithm required a prescription for pyrazinamide, an International
Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) code for TB and prescriptions
for two antituberculous medications, or an ICD-9 code for TB and an order for a
TB diagnostic test. During validation, this algorithm had a PPV of 84% (95%
confidence interval 78, 88) for physician-suspected disease. One-third of
confirmed cases were culture-negative. All false-positives were instances of
latent TB. In 18 months of prospective EHR-based surveillance with this
algorithm, seven additional cases of physician-suspected active TB disease were
detected, including two patients with culture-negative disease. A review of state
health department records revealed no cases missed by the algorithm. It is
concluded that live, prospective TB surveillance using EHR data is feasible and
promising.
13. Revista Latino-Americana de Enfermagem. 2010 Sep-Oct; Volume 18, Number
5: 983-9. Tuberculosis Control: Patient Perception Regarding Orientation for the
Community and Community Participation; Curto, M., Scatena, L.M., Andrade,
R.L., Palha, P.F., et al.
Click here for PubMed abstract: PubMed
This study evaluated, from the patient's perspective, actions of orientation for
the community and community participation carried out in TB control in health
services in Ribeirão Preto - SP. This was an evaluative quantitative exploratory
study which used part of the Primary Care Assessment Tool, adapted and
validated for TB care, applied through interview, with 100 patients. Indicators of
the instrument and analysis of variance were used. The realization of social
partnerships for delivery of the sputum pot together with the community, the
delivery of the sputum pot to the community by professionals, and the
participation of the community to discuss the problem of TB were identified, 5%,
6%, and 5%, respectively. The health services with fewer patients in treatment
showed the best indicators. The actions of social partnerships, searching for
respiratory symptomatics in the community and community participation in TB
control are poorly incorporated by health services.
14. The Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health. 2010
Sep; Volume 41, Number 5: 1153-7. Factors Affecting Tuberculosis Retreatment
Defaults in Nanded, India; Bhagat, V.M., Gattani, P.L.
Click here for PubMed abstract: PubMed
This study was carried out to determine factors affecting TB retreatment defaults
in Nanded, India. All patients registered as TB retreatment cases (n = 107
excluding deaths during treatment) were interviewed by home visits. Their
sociodemographic characteristics and treatment history were recorded and later
compared with their treatment outcomes. Among the patients registered for retreatment of TB (n = 112), 24 (21.4%) defaulted on treatment. The rate of default
was 25.8% among those who had previously defaulted on treatment. Those who
were employed, illiterate, and alcoholics were 3.5, 3.5 and 3.4 times more likely to
default, respectively, than others; these differences were significant.
15. Tropical Medicine & International Health. 2010 Dec; Volume 15, Number 12:
1475-80. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-3156.2010.02645.x. Duration of Cough, TB Suspects'
Characteristics and Service Factors Determine the Yield of Smear Microscopy;
Otero, L., Ugaz, R., Dieltiens, G., González, E., et al.
Click here for PubMed abstract: PubMed
To determine the efficiency of routine TB case detection by examining sputum
smear positivity for acid-fast bacilli in relation to duration of cough,
characteristics of TB suspects examined and health service factors. The
researchers combined patient interviews with routine data from laboratory
registers in 6 health care facilities in San Juan de Lurigancho district, Lima,
Peru. A TB case was defined as a TB suspect with at least one positive sputum
smear. The researchers calculated adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence
intervals for the association between smear positivity and health service and
patient's characteristics. Smear positivity was 7.3% (321/4376). Of the 4,376
adults submitting sputa, 55.3% (2,418) reported cough for <14 days. In this
group, smear microscopy yielded 3.2% (78/2418) positive results vs. 12.4%
(243/1958) in patients coughing for 14 or more days. Having cough for >2 weeks,
being referred by health care staff, attending a secondary-level health care
facility, male sex and age between 15 and 44 years were independent
determinants of smear positivity. Routine case detection yields a low proportion
of smear-positive cases because of the inclusion of a high proportion of patients
without cough or coughing for <2 weeks. Adherence to the national TB control
program guidelines on the selection of TB suspects would have a positive
impact on the smear positivity rate, reduce laboratory costs and workload, and
possibly improve the reading quality of smear microscopy.
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. Stop TB Advocacy Officer - Washington (DC)-based
Sponsors: RESULTS Educational Fund; Stop TB Partnership Secretariat
Location: Washington, DC
The Stop TB Partnership (TBP) Coordinating Board endorsed the enhancement
of the TBP’s advocacy influence, including strategy, coordination,
communications, support, and leadership engagement. The Board mandated
TBP to clearly define the responsibilities and the budget implications of a
Washington-based position, and to open discussions with partners regarding the
creation of such a position within their organization.
These discussions have resulted in the proposed grant to RESULTS Educational
Fund (REF) as partial funding for a Stop TB Advocacy Officer—additional to the
staff currently working at REF on TB advocacy—to be hosted at their offices in
Washington, DC. The grant will be for an initial period of 1 year. Subject to
results achieved and availability of funds, a similar arrangement may be
considered subsequently.
For more information, including the objectives of this position, duties,
qualifications, experience, and skills, interested applicants should e-mail
action_jobs@results.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so
early submission is recommended. No phone calls please, qualified candidates
will be contacted.
2. Training and Consultation Specialist
Sponsor: New Jersey Medical School Global Tuberculosis Institute
Job Number: 10NS963549
Location: Newark, New Jersey
The New Jersey Medical School Global TB Institute is currently accepting
applications for a Training and Consultation Specialist.
The primary purpose of the Training and Consultation Specialist position is to
develop, implement, and evaluate educational programs and materials related to
TB to meet the needs of health care professionals and TB patients. These
activities will be consistent with the goals and objectives of the CDC funded
Regional Training and Medical Consultation Centers initiative, or with other
national or international TB control projects. These programs may include
training courses, lectures, symposia, preceptorships, and enduring materials,
including curricula and self study materials. Responsibilities will include
developing and implementing training courses for TB Program staff and
developing patient and provider educational materials for use in domestic and
international settings. Previous experience in international TB training and
education is desired.
More information and an online application are available at:
http://umdnj.hodesiq.com/job_detail.asp?JobID=2194623&user_id=
3. Director, Tuberculosis Programs (Tracking code 4307)
Sponsor: PATH
Location: Hanoi, Vietnam
PATH seeks a dynamic and experienced public health professional to lead and
manage its increasingly large and complex portfolio of TB Control projects;
represent PATH to donors, partners, and government agencies;, and serve as a
member of PATH Vietnam’s senior management team.
With support from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria and the United
States Agency for International Development (USAID) and in partnership with the
National TB Program, PATH is expanding its TB control program in Vietnam with
two major initiatives. The Global Fund project is designed to scale up technical
components and partnerships to increase TB control impact while the USAIDfunded project will reduce diagnostic delays, increase case detection, and
improve adherence to TB treatment through strengthened stakeholder
involvement in TB control activities at the district, provincial, and national levels.
The Global Fund project will implement a public-private partnership model for TB
case detection, and both projects will strengthen capacity for advocacy,
communication, and social mobilization toward the goal of eliminating TB as a
public health threat. Reporting to the Country Program Leader, the incumbent
will oversee a combined budget of nearly nine million USD and 24 staff, including
six direct reports.
Specific responsibilities include:
(1) Project Leadership, Management and Oversight:
- Assume strategic leadership and direct planning, implementation, and
management for Global Fund project and oversight for USAID TB project,
including strategic support for program objectives, key interventions, and
evaluation strategies.
- Liaise with Global TB program staff integrating TB work in Vietnam with overall
PATH strategy for TB Control.
- Oversee rapid start-up of project activities for each initiative: hiring staff and
initiating and building relationships with key stakeholders.
- Develop and coordinate the annual budgeting process for each project; ensure
prudent management of project funds; coordinate each project’s accounting,
monitoring, and reporting systems, including establishing internal control
systems in accordance with PATH’s standard operating procedures.
- Represent PATH to donors, partners, and government agencies, and oversee
coordination activities with the National TB Program.
- Support the Country Program Leader in managing all donor-related compliance
matters, ensuring that project teams achieve project goals and objectives
according to donor expectations and within approved project budgets.
- Work with staff to develop strategy for each project and identify
issues/challenges for effective implementation of work plan activities.
- Oversee preparation of required reports to Headquarters and donors.
- Maintain updated technical knowledge in TB and related public health topics to
be able to provide vision and input to strategy development and technical
assistance to project staff.
(2) PATH Representation:
- On delegation, serve as the PATH representative to donors, collaboration
institutions, other potential clients and partners, and the press.
- Serve as a member of the senior management team contributing to strategic
policy and program directions and decisions.
- Represent PATH on national working groups and task forces as appropriate
and maintain contacts with other organizations engaged in TB control activities.
- Identify and participate in new business opportunities and activities for PATH
including proposal writing.
If interested, forward resume to Sue Wallace. E-mail swallace@path.org, or
apply online at http://www.path.org.
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.
1. TB Cohort Review
NEW
Sponsor: Heartland National TB Center
Date: March 23, 2011
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Registration deadline: March 10, 2011
The goal of this training is to introduce health care workers to the TB Cohort
Review process through CDC guidelines, case examples, and group exercises.
Using interactive lectures as well as case presentations and group exercises,
participants will be able to list elements of a cohort review; identify key
participants and their role, prepare for and conduct a practice cohort review;
demonstrate an actual cohort review, and analyze the data to understand
outcomes and programmatic follow-up. There is no charge to attend this
workshop, but pre-registration is mandatory. Space is limited to 35 participants.
Register at http://www.heartlandntbc.org/training.asp . Continuing education
credits are available.
For more information, contact Jessica Quintero. E-mail
Jessica.quintero@uthct.edu;
call (210) 531-4568; or access the Web site at
http://www.heartlandntbc.org/training/brochure_phoenix_az_23_mar_2011.pdf .
2. Budget Planning and Project Management
NEW
Sponsor: International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The
Union)
Dates: September 19 – October 1, 2011
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Application deadline: August 20, 2011
Developing and managing budgets is an essential quality to a well managed TB
program. Participants in this course will receive advanced training in budget
development and project management, which will increase their confidence in
the creation and management of budgets for national health programs.
Application deadline: August 20, 2011. Late applications accepted on a spaceavailable basis. To register, E-mail imdp@theunion.org.
For more information, E-mail: technical-courses@heunion.org; or visit the Web
site at http://www.union-imdp.org/courses/budget-planning-project-management.
3. 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/ .
4. 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. Email tbcenter@nationaltbcenter.ucsf.edu; telephone (415) 502-4600; or fax (415)
502-4620.
For a course description, visit http://www.nationaltbcenter.ucsf.edu/tbicweb/ .
5. Medical Management of Tuberculosis: An Online Presentation
Sponsor: Francis J. Curry National Tuberculosis Center
Length: 30 minutes
Credit: 0.5 contact hour CME/CNE
This slide presentation with streaming audio will provide information on how to
manage treatment of TB. A question and answer guide, a printable PowerPoint
slide file, and other useful resources are also included as supplemental reading
materials. This 30-minute lecture, conducted by Dr. Karen Smith, covers the
general principles of TB treatment, the drugs used to cure TB, alternative
regimens, monitoring, and potential adverse reactions to therapy. It targets
audiences of clinicians and health care professionals.
For a course description or to receive continuing medical education (CME) or
continuing nursing education (CNE) contact hours, please visit
http://www.nationaltbcenter.edu/med_mgmt/ .
6. 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 .
7. Webinar: Understanding Mycobacterium bovis
Sponsor: Heartland National TB Center
Date: February 2, 2011
Location: Nationwide, US
Registration deadline: January 31, 2011
This webinar will describe the epidemiologic risk factors and transmission of
Mycobacterium bovis, discuss the differences between Mycobacterium bovis
and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and identify case management best practices
during treatment of Mycobacterium bovis.
Participants from the Heartland region will be given priority registration.
Continuing education credits are available.
For more information contact the Heartland National TB Center, Email:
Jessica.quintero@uthct.edu; Phone: (800)839-5864; or download the brochure at:
http://www.heartlandntbc.org/training/webinars/20110202/brochure.pdf.
8. Best Practices in TB Control #3: TB Cohort Review in Action: Putting It All
Together
Sponsor: NJMS Global Tuberculosis Institute
Date: February 10, 2011
Location: Nationwide, USA
This web-based seminar will present the entire picture of a cohort review from
start to finish. The format features a simulated cohort review session including
case presentations, feedback, and comments by a program director and medical
reviewer; analysis and summary of outcomes by an epidemiologist; and plans
for each person to follow up on the findings. Presenters are experienced
practitioners from programs in Columbus OH, Philadelphia PA, Washington DC,
and Washington State.
Please register online at:
https://www323.livemeeting.com/lrs/8001122164/Registration.aspx?pageName=q
hn3cwj8q27qnt1s . There is no limit to the number of participants at one location
viewing from one room and computer. However, each site must identify a contact
person to receive conference information, submit the sign-in sheet, and share
the link to the online conference evaluation after the seminar.
Contact: For more information contact Bill Bower, E-mail: blb3@columbia.edu;
Phone: (646) 448-0945; or access the Web site:
http://www.umdnj.edu/globaltb/courses/brochures/2011/cohortreview3.html .
9. Management, Finance and Logistics
Sponsor: International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The
Union)
Dates: February 14 – 26, 2011
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
This course will cover the basics of managing a national health program.
Participants in this course will build financial comprehension, learn how to
communicate more effectively, practice multi-party negotiation, and develop
fundamental budgeting skills. Key topics of the course address: Learning to
develop and understand budgets, Working with financial concepts in order to
make more confident decisions in health projects, Improving procurement of
drug supplies and logistics management through quality assurance and supplychain management, and Assessing leadership strengths and building managerial
skills. Combining practical exercises, in-class discussions, presentations, and
lectures, participants will gain a greater understanding of proven and effective
management methods and how they can be directly applied to public health.
This course is also offered in French. Continuing education credits are
available.
For more information, Email: technical-courses@theunion.org; or visit the Web
site: http://www.union-imdp.org/courses/management-finance-logistics .
10. Tuberculosis Clinical Intensive
Sponsor: The Francis J. Curry National Tuberculosis Center (CNTC)
Dates: February 15 – 17, 2011
Location: San Francisco, California
This three-day course is designed for physicians and other licensed medical
professionals who diagnose and treat TB. The course will cover: diagnosis,
management, and treatment of active TB and latent TB infection; TB
transmission and pathogenesis; pediatric TB; drug-resistant TB; TB and HIV
coinfection; and more.
Enrollment is limited and pre-registration is required. There is no fee for this
course. Continuing education credits are available.
For a complete course description and application information, visit:
http://www.nationaltbcenter.ucsf.edu/training/tb_clinical_intensive.cfm.
11. TB Cohort Review
Sponsor: Heartland National TB Center
Dates: February 24, 2011
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Registration deadline: February 18, 2011
The goal of this training is to introduce health care workers to the TB Cohort
Review process through CDC guidelines, case examples, and group exercises.
Using interactive lectures as well as case presentations and group exercises,
participants will be able to list elements of a cohort review, identify key
participants and their role, prepare for and conduct a practice cohort review,
demonstrate an actual cohort review, and analyze the data to understand
outcomes and programmatic follow-up.
There is no charge to attend this workshop, but pre-registration is mandatory.
Space is limited to 25 participants. Register at
http://www.heartlandntbc.org/training.asp . Continuing education credits are
available.
For more information, contact Jessica Quintero. E-mail
Jessica.quintero@uthct.edu;
telephone (210) 531-4568; or access the Web site at
http://www.heartlandntbc.org/training/brochure_san_antonio_TX_24_feb_2011.p
df.
12. 15th Annual Conference of the Union - North American Region (IUATLD-NAR)
Sponsor: British Columbia Lung Association; International Union Against TB
and Lung Disease (IUATLD) - North American Region
Dates: February 24 – 26, 2011
Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada
This year's theme, "Engaging Vulnerable Populations: Tools and Strategies to
Halt TB," highlights the crucial importance of developing effective partnerships
with those most impacted by TB. The keynote speakers are both internationally
recognized experts in their fields. Dr. Anthony Harries, the George Comstock
lecturer, and Sharon Venne, Beyond TB lecturer, will open the conference by
addressing two global populations who have been the most impacted by TB.
Plenary sessions will focus on several of the region's most at risk for TB,
including indigenous, migrant and immigrant populations, and those affected by
diabetes.
Registration fee (Canadian $): Physicians/PhDs: $500/Non-member,
$450/Member; Nurses and Allied Health Care professionals: $450/Non-member,
$400/Member; Students/Fellows: $250/Non-Member. Continuing education
credits are available.
For more information, contact Menn Biagtan, MD, MPH, British Columbia Lung
Association. E-mail biagtan@bc.lung.ca; phone (604) 731-5864; fax (604) 7315810; or access the Web site at
http://www.bc.lung.ca/association_and_services/union.html .
13. TB Case Management and Contact Investigation Intensive
Sponsor: Francis J. Curry National Tuberculosis Center
Dates: March 15 – 18, 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
tbcmci@nationaltbcenter.ucsf.edu; phone (415) 502-2712; or access the Web site
at
http://www.nationaltbcenter.ucsf.edu/training/tbcmcimar11.cfm.
14. Mass Media and Communications
Sponsor: International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The
Union)
Dates: March 21 – 25, 2011
Location: Singapore
Application deadline: February 21, 2011
Communication exchange has never been so easily accessible and so critical to
the success of a national health program. Gain a greater understanding of how
effective communications strategies can help promote TB and HIV programs and
further disseminate important health messages to the public. During this course
participants will receive training on how to write a professional press release,
develop useful promotional tools, conduct media outreach, and discover how to
build positive public awareness around an organization’s work. Learning directly
from experts working in mass communications, participants will engage in class
exercises, discussions, and real-life simulations that demonstrate how skillful
use of the media and communications can propel any health program to
excellence.
To register or receive more information, email imdp@theunion.org or visit
http://www.union-imdp.org/courses/mass-media-communications . Late
applications accepted on a space-available basis.
15. TB in Corrections
Sponsor: Heartland National TB Center
Date: March 24, 2011
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Registration deadline: March 10, 2011
This course is designed for the registered nurse and other health care
professionals who are tasked with the management of TB in correctional
facilities at the local, state, and federal level. The goal of this training is to
enhance the knowledge of TB prevention and control measures within the
correctional setting.
There is no charge to attend this workshop, but pre-registration is mandatory.
Space is limited to 35 participants. Register at
http://www.heartlandntbc.org/training.asp . Continuing education credits are
available.
For more information, contact Jessica Quintero. E-mail
Jessica.quintero@uthct.edu;
telephone (210) 531-4568; or access the Web site at
http://www.heartlandntbc.org/training/brochure_phoenix_az_24_mar_2011.pdf.
16. Critical Care and Pulmonary Medicine: An Update and Review
Sponsor: American Medical Seminars, Inc.
Dates: March 28 – April 1, 2011
Location: Sarasota, Florida
Following this course, the participant should be able to assess the common
presentation and patient complaints for the various pulmonary disorders
described; implement a diagnostic work-up appropriate for each presented
disorder, considering a practical and cost-effective approach; employ a costeffective method of treatment, follow-up, and long-term care when indicated.
This activity is expected to result in improved competence in making an
appropriate diagnosis and providing effective treatment and referral or follow-up
care with the overall goal of improving patient outcomes. The emphasis will be
on aligning physician behavior with current guidelines and evidence-based
medicine, as indicated within each topic’s specific objectives, with a focus on
diagnosis, treatment, and when to refer.
To receive regular registration rate, fees must be received or postmarked at least
30 days prior to program start date. Registration fee: Regular - $745/Physician;
$645/Non Physician; Late - $795/Physician; $695/Non Physician. Continuing
education credits are available.
For more information contact the American Medical Seminars, Inc., E-Mail:
mail@ams4cme.com; Phone: (941) 388-1766; Toll Free: (866) ams4cme (866-2674263); Fax: (941) 365-7073; or access the Web site:
http://www.ams4cme.com/www/LiveSeminars/SEMLA-2520110328.aspx .
17. The Denver TB Course
Sponsor: National Jewish Health
Dates: April 13 – 16, 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 healthcare 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 infections of TB; Planning TB control
programs with particular emphasis on organization of outpatient chemotherapy;
TB and HIV co-infection; and Mycobacteriology Laboratory Tour.
Continuing education credits are available.
For more information contact Nicole Austin Ross, National Jewish Health, Email: rossn@njhealth.org;
Phone: (303) 398-1110; Fax: (303) 270-2239; or access the Web site:
http://www.njhealth.org/TBCourse.
18. Influencing, Networking and Collaboration
Sponsor: International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The
Union)
Dates: April 25 – 30, 2011
Location: Singapore
Application deadline: March 25, 2011
Creating partnerships and networks is an important element to the success of a
TB program. Participants in this course will learn how relationship building and
developing strong partnerships can boost health program results. The course
will address the following key topics: Creating empowered teams and moving
away from the command and control structure, facilitating large stakeholders
meeting and managing conflict, negotiating and partnering with stakeholders
within health programs, and building consensus within large groups of distinct
and diverse personalities.
Application deadline: March 25, 2011. Late applications accepted on a spaceavailable basis. To register, email imdp@theunion.org .
For more information, Email: technical-courses@theunion.org; or visit the Web
site: http://www.union-imdp.org/courses/influencing-networking-collaboration .
19. Leading Management Teams
Sponsor: International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The
Union)
Dates: June 27 – July 9, 2011
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Application deadline: May 25, 2011
Bringing measurable changes within a TB program requires a comprehensive
approach to performance management. Participants in this course will learn how
to more effectively guide groups of personnel through advanced management
training by examining their own leadership styles. Key topics the course
addresses include: (1) Creating measurable results in a TB program through
long-term planning; (2) Leading changes in a health organization that build
greater staff commitment, competence, and confidence; (3) Achieving higher
success rates through enhanced team performance; and (4) Developing team
members through coaching and mentoring.
Late applications accepted on a space-available basis. To register, E-mail
imdp@theunion.org.
For more information, E-mail: technical-courses@theunion.org; or visit the Web
site: http://www.union-imdp.org/courses/leading-management-teams.
20. Strategic Planning and Innovation
Dates: August 15 – 20, 2011
Sponsor: International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The
Union)
Location: Singapore
Application deadline: July 10, 2011
Leading teams that work within critical areas of health care is a considerable
challenge for any national TB program manager who is expected to develop and
adhere to strategies for a country’s health projects. Participants in this course
will learn to foresee potential difficulties and confidently meet them by
developing successful health program strategies. This course will help them to
become stronger leaders within their health organizations The course focuses
on creating a learning organization that has the capacity to identify key issues
blocking organizational progress – whether operational, strategic, or policyrelated. Key topics the course addresses: (1) learning how to lead a participative
strategic planning activity within your TB program, (2) developing a focused
approach to strategy implementation, (3) expanding your operations by
creatively using simple tools and techniques, and (4) strengthening health
systems through exploration of innovative and creative practices.
Late applications accepted on a space-available basis. To register, e-mail
imdp@theunion.org.
For more information, e-mail technical-courses@theunion.org; or visit the Web
site at http://www.union-imdp.org/courses/strategic-planning-innovation.
21. 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 healthcare 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 co-infection; and Mycobacteriology Laboratory Tour.
Continuing education credits are available.
For more information contact Nicole Austin Ross, National Jewish Health, Email: rossn@njhealth.org;
Phone: (303) 398-1110; Fax: (303) 270-2239; or access the Web site:
http://www.njhealth.org/TBCourse.