Influence of Ebola on tuberculosis case finding and treatment outcomes in Liberia

To assess TB case finding, associated interventions and treatment before, during and after the ebola outbreak

Abstract

Setting

National Leprosy and Tuberculosis (TB) Control Programme, Liberia.

Objectives

To assess TB case finding, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) associated interventions and treatment outcomes, before (January 2013–March 2014), during (April 2014–June 2015) and after (July–December 2015) the Ebola virus disease outbreak. Design: A cross-sectional study and retrospective cohort analysis of outcomes.

Conclusion

The principal negative effects of Ebola were the significant decreases in diagnoses of smear-positive PTB, the declines in HIV testing and antiretroviral therapy uptake and poor treatment success. Ways to prevent these adverse effects from recurring in the event of another Ebola outbreak need to be found.

This research was supported by the UK Department for International Development’s Operational Research Capacity Building Programme led by the International Union Against TB and Lung Disease (The Union)

Citation

Konwloh PK, Cambell CL, Ade S, Bhat P, Harries AD, Wilkinson E, Cooper CT. Influence of Ebola on tuberculosis case finding and treatment outcomes in Liberia. Public Health Action. 2017;7(1):62–9.

Influence of Ebola on tuberculosis case finding and treatment outcomes in Liberia

Updates to this page

Published 21 June 2017