Implementation of the DOTS strategy for tuberculosis in the Leningrad Region, Russian Federation (1998-1999).

Abstract

SETTING:

The DOTS pilot project for tuberculosis control in the Leningrad Region of the Russian Federation, supported by the Finnish Lung Health Association and the World Health Organization (WHO).

OBJECTIVE:

To assess the efficacy of WHO-recommended standard short-course chemotherapy in newly detected pulmonary tuberculosis cases positive by smear or with extensive lung lesions suggestive of culture positivity, under project conditions.

METHODS:

Analysis of data on case detection, sputum smear conversion and treatment outcome based on standardised (WHO) registers from districts and a central computerised database.

RESULTS:

Of 859 adult pulmonary tuberculosis cases (292 smear-positive) notified in the Leningrad Region in the study period, 312 new cases were included in the project. The sputum conversion rate at the end of the second month was 82.8% and 91.1% at the end of the third month. Of bacteriologically confirmed cases, 71.3% were successfully treated, 4.9% died, 11.7% defaulted and 8.1% failed.

CONCLUSION:

In the first year of the pilot project in the Leningrad Region, the DOTS strategy revealed feasibility and moderate efficacy among new pulmonary tuberculosis cases who were either smear-positive or showed extensive lung lesions on chest X-ray, and who were therefore of high epidemiological and medical priority.

• Authors: R P Ruohonen, T M Goloubeva, L Trnka, M M Fomin, G A Zhemkova, A V Sinitsyn, A A Lichachev, K G Koskela
• Journal: The international journal of tuberculosis and lung disease : the official journal of the International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (Int J Tuberc Lung Dis) Vol. 6 Issue 3 Pg. 192-7 (Mar 2002) ISSN: 1027-3719 [Print] France
• PMID: 11934136 (Publication Type: Evaluation Study, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antitubercular Agents

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Antitubercular Agents (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Directly Observed Therapy
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Patient Compliance
• Pilot Projects
• Program Evaluation
• Russia
• Sputum (microbiology)
• Treatment Outcome
• Tuberculosis, Pulmonary (drug therapy)
• World Health Organization