Strategies to Decrease Tuberculosis in US Homeless Populations: A Computer Simulation Model

Article Abstract:

Vaccinating all homeless people against tuberculosis and improving access to tuberculosis treatment facilities may reduce the impact of this disease on the homeless population. The rate of tuberculosis among the homeless is estimated to be 20 times greater than in the general population.

United States, Prevention, Diseases, Homeless persons

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Evaluation of tuberculosis control policies using computer simulation

Article Abstract:

A combination of more effective treatments, greater coverage and vaccination against tuberculosis (TB) may be needed to achieve the goal of controlling TB in the US. Researchers used a computer simulation to estimate the effectiveness of one or all of these factors in reaching the goal of 3.5 TB cases per 100,000 people by the year 2000. The rate in 1994 was 9.4 per 100,000 people. Only a combination of all factors would achieve this goal, leading to a 47% drop in TB cases and a 50% reduction in deaths from TB.

Care and treatment, Models, Usage, Public health, Computer simulation

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The Need for Global Action Against Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis

Article Abstract:

Global action is needed to eradicate multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDRTB). MDRTB now exists in every country except Kenya. The best treatment is directly observed treatment, short-course (DOTS). This treatment involves giving patients medication and then watching them take it. However, DOTS is expensive and many developing countries cannot afford it. DOTS alone is not effective as seen in countries that use DOTS but whose rate of MDRTB remains the same. However, many hospital and community-based treatment programs have cure rates of 85% or more. It may be more expensive in the long run not to treat MDRTB.

International aspects, Drug resistance in microorganisms, Microbial drug resistance

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