Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2007. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
United Press International - December 19, 2007
Sanjay Basu and the research team at the Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, Conn., developed a computer model using data from South Africa where XDR TB is prevalent to determine the extent of the spread of the highly contagious disease in that country.
Cases of XDR TB have been diagnosed in every province of South Africa and are particularly concentrated in the area surrounding Tugela Ferry.
The Yale School of Medicine researchers said that the use of masks alone would prevent fewer than 10 percent of cases in the general epidemic but would help many healthcare workers. Reducing time spent in the hospital and shifting to outpatient therapy could prevent nearly one-third of cases. In addition, one-half of XDR TB cases could be prevented by addressing hospital overcrowding, improving ventilation, enhancing access to HIV treatment, and providing faster diagnostic tests, the study said.
The findings are published in The Lancet.
071219
UPI071212
Copyright © 2007 - United Press International. All rights reserved. Reproduced with permission. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through United Press International, Permissions Desk, 1510 H St. N.W. Washington DC 2005. Main Phone Switchboard: 202-898-8000 FAX: 202-898-8057 or 202-898-8147 Email: info@upi.com.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from the Elton John AIDS Foundation, National Library of Medicine, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2007. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2007. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .