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A 3D Human Lung Tissue Model for Functional Studies on Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection
Published on: October 5, 2015
Tuberculosis in the urban poor settlements in the Philippines
T E Tupasi1, S Radhakrishna, M I Quelapio
1Tropical Disease Foundation, Makati Medical Center, Makati City, The Philippines. tdf@mnl.sequel.net
Summary
Tuberculosis is a significant health issue in Philippine urban poor settlements, with prevalence rates substantially higher than in general urban populations. This study highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions in these vulnerable communities.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Tuberculosis (TB) remains a global health challenge, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations.
- Urban poor settlements often face unique socioeconomic and environmental factors that can exacerbate disease transmission.
- Understanding the TB burden in these specific settings is crucial for effective public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the magnitude of the tuberculosis problem in urban poor settlements in the Philippines.
- To compare TB prevalence in these settlements with data from the Nationwide Tuberculosis Prevalence Survey.
- To assess the prevalence of active TB infection and estimate the annual risk of infection (ARI) in the studied population.
Main Methods:
- A multistage cluster survey was conducted in urban poor settlements.
- Data collection included BCG scar assessment, tuberculin skin testing, chest radiography, and sputum examination.
- Prevalence of culture-positive and smear-positive TB, active pulmonary TB, and BCG vaccination rates were determined.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of culture-positive TB was 17.5 per thousand and smear-positive TB was 7.9 per thousand.
- Extrapolated rates for the urban poor were 12.4 (culture-positive) and 5.6 (smear-positive) per thousand population.
- Active pulmonary TB prevalence in those aged 10+ was 66 per 1000, with an overall TB infection prevalence of 66% and an ARI of 6.5%.
Conclusions:
- Tuberculosis poses a substantial problem in Philippine urban poor settlements.
- The TB burden in these areas is significantly greater than in the general urban population.
- Findings underscore the need for intensified TB control efforts and targeted interventions in urban poor communities.
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