Low body mass index as a predictor of sputum culture conversion and treatment outcomes among patients receiving treatment for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in Lesotho

CONCLUSIONS: Low BMI was common and associated with the frequency of six-month culture conversion and end-of-treatment outcomes. The association with culture conversion was more pronounced among those not living with HIV. Addressing the myriad factors that drive low BMI in this setting could hasten culture conversion and improve end-of-treatment outcomes. This will require a multipronged approach focused on alleviating food insecurity and enabling prompt diagnosis and treatment of HIV and TB.PMID:38305025 | PMC:PMC10840591 | DOI:10.1080/16549716.2024.2305930

Source: Global Health Action - February 2, 2024 Category: International Medicine & Public Health Authors: Lawrence Oyewusi Chengbo Zeng K J Seung Stephanie Mpinda Mikanda Kunda Carole D Mitnick Makelele Kanu Meseret Tamirat Joalane Makaka Mabatloung Mofolo Refiloe Maime Llang Maama Ninza Senyo Bamidele Oguntoyinbo Lwayi Mayombo Molly F Franke Source Type: research