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Interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs) have gained attention for the diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) due to their higher specificity compared to the tuberculin skin test (TST). However, the IGRA's performance varies across different populations. This study evaluated the diagnostic performance of three IGRAs (TBF-FIA, TBF-ELISA, and QFT-Plus) in Ghana, comparing them among individuals exposed and unexposed to MTB infection. Conducted in TB clinics across three regions, this prospective and cross-sectional study included healthy individuals with no known TB exposure (unexposed group) and patients with confirmed active TB (exposed group). Blood samples were tested using all three assays as per the manufacturers' guidelines. The TBF-ELISA showed 3.4% higher sensitivity but 4.6% lower specificity compared to QFT-Plus. The TBF-FIA had sensitivity of 78.5–87.3% and specificity of 82.9–90.0%. These findings indicate that while the three IGRAs offer similar diagnostic accuracy, the variations in specificity and limited data on assays like TBF-FIA require further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The lateral flow urine lipoarabinomannan assay, Determine TB LAM (Determine LAM), offers the potential for timely tuberculosis (TB) treatment among people with human immunodeficiency virus (PWH). Methods In this cluster-randomized trial, Determine LAM was made available with staff training with performance feedback at 3 hospitals in Ghana. Newly admitted PWH with a positive World Health Organization four-symptom screening for TB, severe illness, or advanced HIV were enrolled. The primary outcome was days from enrollment to TB treatment initiation. We also reported the proportion of patients with a TB diagnosis, initiating TB treatment, all-cause mortality, and Determine LAM uptake at 8 weeks. Results We enrolled 422 patients including 174 (41.2%) in the intervention group. The median CD4 count was 87 (interquartile range [IQR], 25–205) cells/μL, and 32.7% were on antiretroviral therapy. More patients were diagnosed with TB in the intervention compared with the control group: 59 (34.1%) versus 46 (18.7%) (P <.001). Time to TB treatment remained constant, but patients were more likely to initiate TB treatment (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.19 [95% CI, 1.60–3.00]) during the intervention. Of patients with a Determine LAM test available, 41 (25.3%) tested positive. Of those, 19 (46.3%) initiated TB treatment. Overall, 118 patients had died (28.2%) at 8 weeks of follow-up. Conclusions The Determine LAM intervention in real-world practice increased TB diagnosis and the probability of TB treatment but did not reduce time to treatment initiation. Despite high uptake, only half of the LAM-positive patients initiated TB treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: tuberculosis (TB) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children in low-and middle-income countries. This study described the clinical presentation and identified factors contributing to poor outcome of childhood TB at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), Accra, Ghana. Methods: this was a retrospective cohort study of children aged ≤ 14 years with TB registered for treatment at KBTH from 2015 to 2019. Treatment outcomes were recorded as treatment success and unsuccessful outcomes (died and loss to follow-up). Multivariable logistics regression was conducted to assess factors associated with an unsuccessful outcome. Results: of 407 children with TB registered during the period, 269 (66.1%) patients had pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). Of the 138 patients with extra-pulmonary TB (EPTB), 68 (49.3%) had TB lymphadenitis. The TB/HIV coinfection rate was 42.8%. The overall treatment success rate was 68.3%, whilst 71(17.4%) died, and 58 (14.3%) were lost to follow-up. Factors associated with death were age below 1 year (AOR: 3.46, 95% CI: 1.48-8.10, p=0.004) and having HIV coinfection (AOR: 1.89, 95% CI: 1.04-3.43, p=0.037). Factors associated with loss to follow-up were age below 1 year (AOR: 2.91, 95% CI: 1.12-8.59, p=0.029) and having EPTB (AOR: 2.40, 95% CI: 1.24-4.65, p=0.009). Conclusion: childhood TB treatment success in our population was below the national target of 85%, with high mortality and loss to follow-up rates, especially in younger children and those with HIV coinfection or EPTB. Tailored treatment strategies may be needed for children at risk of unsuccessful treatment outcome, especially among infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

About 70% of Ghanaians depend on Alternative health practice for their primary health care needs. Hence, there is the need to streamline and regulate these practices. Graduates from the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (K.N.U.S.T), Kumasi-Ghana were assessed by the Professional Qualifying Examination Board of the Traditional Medicine Practice Council (TMPC), Ghana, after two years of internship training. A model of assessment took into consideration, the scope of the university training, internship and the primary health care needs of the society.

Anaemia is a widespread public health problem, and in Ghana it is the fourth leading cause of hospital admissions and the second factor contributing to death. Mist Tonica, an herbal haematinic produced by the Centre for Scientific Research into Plant Medicine (CSRPM), Ghana, was assessed for its effectiveness and safety in humans after Ethics Committee approval. Clinically established anaemic-patients aged, 13 years and above, with haemoglobin levels less than 11.5 g/dl and 13.5 g/dl for females and males respectively were treated with Mist Tonica, 8.96 g/40 mls three times daily for two weeks. The mean haemoglobin rise per week caused by Mist Tonica was 1.92 (0.76) g/dl, range (1.66-2.55) g/dl/week and over 88% of the patients on Mist Tonica had their appetite for food improved. Haematological profile, liver and kidney functions were not adversely affected by Mist Tonica. Results of the study suggest that Mist Tonica is an effective and safe herbal haematinic.