Mycobacterium Tuberculosis (Mtb) community active case findings using point of care tools and centralized laboratory testing to increase active case Tuberculosis Detection.
- Author
- Nherera, Kudakwashe
- Title
- Mycobacterium Tuberculosis (Mtb) community active case findings using point of care tools and centralized laboratory testing to increase active case Tuberculosis Detection.
- Abstract
-
In order to improve TB case detection and treatment initiation among high-risk groups and the general population in Epworth, the study sought to implement and assess the efficacy of a community-based active case-finding strategy between July 2022 and July 2023. The objective is to decrease the transmission and burden of tuberculosis (TB) in the community by detecting and mitigating treatment coverage gaps, improving diagnostic skills, and solving access hurdles. In order to accomplish the primary aim of the study, the following goals guided the research: evaluating the potential impact of active case-finding interventions on the TB epidemiology in Epworth; ascertaining the infection status of TB patients who were screened and enrolled in a TB testing study; and estimating the national prevalence of TB. The research projected a 500-person sample size. 5 true positives, 2 false positives, 31 true negatives, 3 false negatives, and 4 contaminated samples were discovered during the study. Both the centralized laboratory and the point-of-care facility saw comparable results for TB-positive cases. Results were obtained from the Point-of-Care Facility much faster than from the centralized laboratory. Results from the centralized laboratory were returned much more slowly, which caused delays in diagnosis and treatment. Point-of-care facilities have the benefit of producing outcomes quickly. Point-of-care facilities' speedier turnaround times allow for more timely treatment decisions, which are essential for both improving patient outcomes and lowering the risk of tuberculosis transmission. Easy accessibility is an additional benefit. Point-of-care facilities facilitate prompt diagnosis for patients by being more accessible, particularly in underserved or remote areas. Results from centralized laboratories are sometimes delayed. Centralized laboratories' longer turnaround times can impede prompt treatment, which could worsen patient outcomes and increase the risk of transmission. Transportation delays present another difficulty. Sample transportation to central labs may cause delays and raise the possibility of sample contamination, which may affect the precision and dependability of the findings. According to the study, methods for improving follow-up and return rates, especially for centralized lab testing, should be implemented, as well as tactics for improving recruitment to reach the desired sample size.
- Date
- JUNE 2024
- Publisher
- BUSE
- Keywords
- Mycobacterium Tuberculosis, Tuberculosis Detection.
- Supervisor
- Dr Jinga
- Item sets
- Department of Biological Sciences
