DAVID A. DOWDY, MD

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The study looked at how nephrology care providers feel about recommending influenza and COVID-19 vaccines to patients with chronic kidney disease. The results showed that a high percentage of providers, around 87% for influenza, believe the vaccines are effective and necessary; however, about 13% thought recommending them isn't as important as other issues. Barriers like doubt in patients' willingness to get vaccinated were common, but most providers supported strategies like reminders and standing orders to improve vaccination rates. Who this helps: This benefits patients with chronic kidney disease who need better access to vaccinations.

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This study looked at how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the rates of tuberculosis (TB) in California, Florida, New York, and Texas, the states with the highest TB cases. Researchers found that during the first months of the pandemic, immigration and visits to healthcare facilities dropped by 70% to 90%, but these returned to normal by 2021. However, changes in people's movement continued to be lower than usual, which may slow down the decline in TB rates expected after 2024 unless more actions are taken. Who this helps: This helps public health officials and policymakers planning TB prevention and treatment strategies.

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This study examined blood samples from over 11,000 people to identify proteins linked to the risk of developing sepsis, a serious infection complication. Researchers found that 669 blood proteins were connected to sepsis risk, and 175 of these were confirmed in follow-up tests, with 90 also validated in another group. This matters because understanding these proteins could lead to better prevention and treatment strategies for sepsis, which can be life-threatening. Who this helps: Patients at risk of sepsis and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how to effectively reduce tuberculosis (TB) cases and deaths in the Karamoja region of Uganda, which has a TB rate over three times the national average. Researchers found that adding four specific strategies to existing health programs could significantly decrease TB cases from 339 to 161 per 100,000 people and TB deaths from 13 to 5 per 100,000 over 20 years, potentially preventing about 47,450 TB cases and 2,880 deaths. This is important because it shows that targeted interventions can greatly improve health outcomes in areas severely affected by TB. Who this helps: This helps patients living in high TB risk areas, healthcare providers, and public health officials.

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This study examined West Nile virus cases within the Johns Hopkins Health System from 2013 to 2024, finding that out of 86 infected patients, 83% developed severe neurological disease, and 10% died. Most patients with complications were older, struggled with alcohol use, or had weakened immune systems; notably, 95% of immunocompromised patients developed severe disease, and 19% died. These findings highlight the serious health risks associated with West Nile virus, especially for vulnerable populations. Who this helps: This helps patients at risk of severe West Nile virus infections, particularly those with weakened immune systems.

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This study looked at how effective and costly tuberculosis (TB) outbreak investigations are in the United States between 2023 and 2032. It was found that these investigations would help identify over 4,130 new TB cases and 104,000 latent infections, costing about $219 million. In total, the efforts are projected to prevent around 5,560 TB cases, costing about $27,800 for each additional healthy year of life gained. Who this helps: This benefits public health officials and healthcare providers working to control TB.

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This study looked at two methods of testing for tuberculosis (TB) in Mozambique and Tanzania: a decentralized method using the Truenat MTB tests and a standard hub-and-spoke method using GeneXpert. It found that decentralized testing was generally less expensive and, in some cases, more effective at getting patients treated quickly, costing about $690 per patient in Mozambique compared to $853 for the hub-and-spoke method, and $592 versus $596 in Tanzania. This is important because faster diagnosis and treatment can reduce TB's spread and impact on health. Who this helps: Patients with tuberculosis, especially in low-and middle-income countries.

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This study looked at a digital program called 99DOTS designed to help people with tuberculosis (TB) stick to their treatment in Uganda. Researchers found that after improving the program, 87.2% of patients started using 99DOTS, and the overall rate of treatment success remained stable, with 89.8% completing their treatment compared to 87.1% before the changes. This matters because it shows that with the right support, digital tools can be widely adopted without harming treatment results, ensuring more people get the help they need. Who this helps: This benefits patients with tuberculosis and healthcare providers looking to improve treatment adherence.

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This study looked at West Nile virus cases in a healthcare system from 2013 to 2024. Researchers found that the virus caused serious illness and death, especially in people with weakened immune systems, with encephalitis being the most frequent severe complication. Older adults and those with alcohol use issues were also more affected, indicating that these factors increase the risk of severe outcomes. Who this helps: This information helps doctors better understand and treat patients at higher risk for serious complications from West Nile virus.

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This study examined how different tuberculosis (TB) screening methods could impact disease rates and costs in communities, especially in countries like India, Vietnam, and the Philippines. It found that using a low-cost, simple screening test with high sensitivity could reduce TB deaths by 24% to 38% at an annual cost of about $5 per person. Alternatively, a near point-of-care test that is somewhat less sensitive but still effective could lower deaths by 24% to 42% at a cheaper cost of around $3.50 per person, making it a viable option for widespread use. Who this helps: This benefits communities in high TB burden countries and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how to better include social vulnerability—like economic and health inequalities—into models that predict epidemics. Experts from around the world agreed on 27 recommendations to help incorporate these factors into such models, highlighting 92 key indicators of social vulnerability including access to sanitation and healthcare. Including social vulnerability in epidemic modeling makes predictions more accurate and helps focus attention on communities that are at greater risk during outbreaks. Who this helps: This helps patients and public health officials in understanding and addressing the needs of vulnerable populations during epidemics.

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This study looked at the risk factors for severe outcomes from West Nile virus (WNV) infections, specifically focusing on West Nile neuroinvasive disease (WNND) and related deaths in adults from 2013 to 2024. The research found that older age, being male, and having certain health conditions like chronic kidney disease and multiple sclerosis significantly increased the risk of developing WNND and dying from it. For instance, patients with WNND were much older on average (59 years old) compared to those with milder symptoms, and they had a 2.49 times greater risk of dying within 30 days of diagnosis. Who this helps: This information is valuable for healthcare providers and can help target prevention strategies for at-risk patients.

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This study looked at how a digital tool called 99DOTS could help teenagers (ages 10-19) better complete their treatment for tuberculosis (TB) in Uganda. After introducing 99DOTS, 78.4% of adolescents used the technology, and successful treatment rates increased by 18%, while the number of teens who stopped treatment dropped by 7%. This is significant because improving treatment rates can lead to better health outcomes for these young patients. Who this helps: This benefits adolescents with TB and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at two different ways to test for tuberculosis (TB) in Mozambique and Tanzania. It found that using the Molbio Truenat testing method was not only cheaper for patients, costing an average of $8.82 compared to $13.61 for the standard method, but it also led to more people starting treatment quickly, especially among the poorest participants (28 out of the poorest people started treatment within seven days, compared to just 8 from the least poor). This matters because it shows that decentralized testing can improve accessibility and reduce costs for TB diagnosis and treatment in areas with high TB rates. Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly those in low-income groups who are at higher risk for TB.

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This study looked at the risk factors for serious illness (West Nile neuroinvasive disease) and death in people infected with the West Nile virus over a period from 2013 to 2024. It found that older age, male sex, and several health issues like chronic kidney disease and high blood pressure increase the risk of developing severe disease. For instance, people with multiple sclerosis had over twice the risk of developing severe disease compared to others, and those who developed the severe form had a nearly 2.5 times higher chance of dying within 30 days. This information is important because it can help identify and protect the most vulnerable patients. Who this helps: Patients with West Nile virus and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how economic instability and discrimination at work affect tuberculosis (TB) diagnoses in women living with HIV across 11 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Out of over 10,700 participants, 7.5% reported a recent TB diagnosis. The findings showed that in countries without protections against discrimination, women who were denied jobs because of their HIV status were 80% more likely to be diagnosed with TB, whereas those with jobs were healthier. Who this helps: This information is important for women living with HIV who face discrimination, as well as health organizations aiming to improve their health outcomes.

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This study looked at how the prevalence of tuberculosis (TB) changed in an urban community in Kampala, Uganda, after two screening campaigns—one in 2019 and another in 2021—amid the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers found that the percentage of people testing positive for TB dropped from 0.94% in 2019 to 0.52% in 2021, showing a 45% decrease in the disease's prevalence. This is important because it highlights the effectiveness of systematic screening in reducing TB cases, even during a pandemic. Who this helps: This benefits patients with TB and the healthcare providers working to diagnose and treat them.

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This study looked at how a new testing method for tuberculosis (TB) called the Truenat platform affects diagnosis and treatment in primary health clinics in Mozambique and Tanzania. Researchers compared the results of clinics using this rapid testing method with those following standard procedures, aiming for patients to start TB treatment within 7 days. The study included 29 clinics and found that the new approach is likely to speed up diagnosis and treatment, which is crucial for controlling the spread of TB. Who this helps: This helps patients with TB by giving them faster access to treatment.

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This study looked at how certain individuals spread tuberculosis (TB) more than others across different places in the world. Out of nearly 5,000 studies, the researchers focused on 9 that measured TB transmission through genetic analysis. They found that a small number of people (2% to 31%) are responsible for 80% of TB cases, which is important because understanding these "superspreaders" can greatly improve TB prevention efforts. Who this helps: This benefits public health officials and researchers working to control TB outbreaks.

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This study looked at how often patients with tuberculosis (TB) and their family members are home during typical screening hours in Kampala, Uganda. Researchers found that nearly half of these individuals—42% of patients and 52% of their contacts—were often not at home when visits were only scheduled during business hours. By adding evenings and weekends to the visiting schedule, this gap could decrease significantly to just 15% for patients and 18% for contacts, helping to ensure more people get the care they need. Who this helps: This helps patients and their families who may have been missed in TB screenings, as well as healthcare workers conducting these investigations.

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This study looked at how changes in alcohol use influence mental health symptoms, specifically depression and anxiety, in people living with HIV in Vietnam who also had risky drinking habits. Researchers found that reducing alcohol use helped to lower depression symptoms after 12 months, with a notable decrease of about 0.134 points for the combined intervention and 0.141 points for the brief intervention. However, the interventions did not significantly reduce anxiety symptoms. Who this helps: This benefits patients living with HIV who are struggling with both alcohol use and mental health issues.

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This research paper examines the challenges and strategies for reducing tuberculosis (TB) cases in countries with low TB rates. It found that to move closer to eliminating TB over the next ten years, countries must ramp up their efforts significantly. The paper introduces a five-stage framework that helps countries set targets for reducing TB cases based on their current situation, guiding them toward the goal of reaching fewer than 10 cases per million people. Who this helps: This benefits public health officials and policymakers in their efforts to control and eliminate tuberculosis.

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This study looked at two ways to test infants for HIV: point-of-care (POC) testing, which is done quickly where the baby is, and centralized lab testing, which takes longer. The findings showed that POC testing greatly increased the chance of starting treatment quickly—jumping from 19% to 82% within 60 days in one location and from 28% to 81% in another. Overall, POC testing was found to be cost-effective, meaning it provides good health benefits for the price, and sometimes even saves money compared to traditional methods. Who this helps: This helps infants at risk of HIV by ensuring faster access to lifesaving treatment.

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This study looked at how providing preventive treatment for tuberculosis (TB) at home for children living with someone who has TB performs compared to taking them to a clinic. Researchers found that home-based care in Ethiopia and South Africa was more effective at getting children started on TB preventive treatment than clinic visits; specifically, it helped more children under five in South Africa and under 15 in Ethiopia get treated. This matters because improving access to TB prevention can save lives and reduce the number of children who get sick from this disease. Who this helps: This helps children at risk of TB, their families, and healthcare providers.

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The study looked at how to best use quick COVID-19 tests in urban areas of low- and middle-income countries, especially during a potential surge of cases. It found that a flexible testing approach—where the need for confirmatory tests is adjusted based on the percentage of positive preliminary results—could save money while still effectively preventing infections. For example, limiting confirmatory tests when positivity rates are high could avoid using 65% of PCR tests, but it would also increase false-positive results from 0.07% to 1.1%. Who this helps: This benefits public health officials and healthcare systems by optimizing testing strategies during COVID-19 outbreaks.

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This study examined how two different programs aimed at reducing alcohol use affect depression and anxiety in people with HIV in Vietnam. The researchers found that at the start, 25.1% of participants had depression and 16.1% had anxiety. After 12 months, all groups saw improvements in their symptoms, but the two new intervention programs did not significantly outperform the standard care provided. This research highlights the need for combined strategies focusing on both alcohol use and mental health to achieve better long-term mental health outcomes for these patients. Who this helps: Patients with HIV and hazardous alcohol use.

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This study looked at how tuberculosis (TB) spreads across different states in the U.S., specifically California, Florida, New York, and Texas, using data from 2012 to 2016. Researchers found that on average, each person with TB infects about 0.29 other people, with significant variations between states – for instance, Texas had the highest average of 0.38. Understanding these differences is important for improving TB control efforts and reducing transmission rates. Who this helps: This helps public health officials and healthcare providers targeting TB prevention strategies in specific areas.

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This study looked at how long it took people in Limpopo, South Africa, to seek healthcare after experiencing symptoms of tuberculosis (TB). Among the 2,160 participants, those diagnosed with active TB waited a median of 30 days (with most waiting between 14 to 60 days) to seek care, and adults took longer than children. The research found that factors like being HIV-positive, having less education, and smoking made people wait longer to get help, which highlights the need for targeted awareness campaigns to encourage faster care-seeking and reduce the spread of TB. Who this helps: This benefits patients with TB, particularly vulnerable groups like those with HIV and lower education levels.

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This study looked at how two alcohol reduction programs helped people with HIV in Vietnam who drank excessively. It found that participants in the programs showed a greater readiness to change their drinking habits, with scores improving by an average of 2.64 points for the brief intervention and 3.50 points for the combined intervention, compared to those receiving standard care. Despite these improvements, many participants still struggled with social pressures to drink and stigma around abstaining from alcohol. Who this helps: This helps people with HIV who are trying to reduce their alcohol consumption and the healthcare providers supporting them.

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The researchers studied the cost-effectiveness of using human-centered design (HCD) to improve health programs, specifically focusing on tuberculosis (TB) investigations in Uganda. They found that the cost-effectiveness of HCD can range significantly, from $8,400 to $306,000 for every year of healthy life gained, depending on how many people the program reaches and the upfront costs involved. This matters because understanding these costs can help health decision-makers choose better ways to deliver effective health interventions. Who this helps: This helps health officials and policymakers in low-resource settings to make informed decisions about implementing health programs.

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This study looked at the costs of using mobile health technology to improve the process of finding and testing people who may have been exposed to tuberculosis (TB) in Kampala, Uganda. Over five years, the program cost about $472,327, which means it cost between $320 and $348 to investigate each household contact and around $8,873 to diagnose each person with active TB. Understanding these costs is important because it reveals how mobile health solutions can be effectively implemented to fight TB, especially in low-income settings. Who this helps: This helps patients at risk of TB and healthcare providers aiming to improve screening and treatment.

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This study looked at different programs aimed at improving tuberculosis (TB) care, particularly on how much they cost versus how effective they are at diagnosing and treating patients. Researchers found that the average cost to diagnose a TB case was $184, while it cost around $332 to initiate treatment after a diagnosis. The findings indicate that simpler case-finding programs are less expensive than those that provide additional support services, suggesting that focusing on efficient case-finding could be a cost-effective approach for managing TB. Who this helps: This helps health organizations and policymakers to allocate resources more effectively in the fight against TB.

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This study looked at two different testing strategies to help control the spread of COVID-19 in a large Indian city. It found that using rapid tests (LFAs) for people showing symptoms could lower COVID-19 cases by 13%, compared to only testing with a more accurate but slower PCR method. However, using LFAs for testing everyone in the community showed less impact, reducing symptomatic cases by only 0.44%. This matters because effective testing can help control outbreaks without overwhelming resources. Who this helps: Patients and public health officials in low- and middle-income countries.

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This research looked at the costs and effectiveness of different tests for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in high-risk groups. It found that using a specific type of test called interferon gamma release assays (IGRAs) is generally cost-effective compared to the more traditional tuberculin skin test (TST), especially in high-income countries, but the effectiveness can vary based on how common LTBI is in different populations. This matters because choosing the right test can help better allocate resources and improve health outcomes for those at risk of TB. Who this helps: This helps patients at high risk for tuberculosis and healthcare providers involved in their care.

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The study looked at how patients report their tuberculosis (TB) symptoms in different areas of Dhaka and how this affects efforts to find and treat the disease. Researchers found that in Dhaka North, targeting interventions based on where patients actually present for care could reduce TB cases by up to 2.45 times more than not targeting areas, depending on how closely reporting patterns matched where people live. These findings show the importance of understanding patient behaviors to effectively control TB outbreaks. Who this helps: This helps public health officials and healthcare providers in managing TB interventions more effectively.

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This study looked at how giving patients the choice between two ways to take their tuberculosis prevention medication affects their confidence and willingness to finish the treatment. Out of 252 people with HIV, 104 were given the option to choose between having their treatment directly observed (DOT) or taking it on their own (SAT). Almost all of those who had a choice preferred the self-administered option, and they reported feeling more confident and likely to complete their treatment compared to those who didn’t have a choice. Who this helps: This helps patients with HIV who need tuberculosis preventive therapy.

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This study looks at the effectiveness of low-dose theophylline in treating Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) caused by smoke from burning biomass, which is a common issue in low-income countries like Uganda. The researchers tested 110 participants, comparing those who took theophylline to those who took a placebo. After one year, they will measure improvements in respiratory symptoms, overall health, and the cost-effectiveness of the treatment. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with COPD in low-income areas who are affected by biomass smoke exposure.

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This study looked at a digital tool called 99DOTS, designed to help people in Uganda stick to their tuberculosis (TB) treatment. Out of nearly 2,000 eligible patients, using this technology did not lead to a significant improvement in overall treatment success rates; the odds were similar for those using 99DOTS compared to standard treatment. However, for patients who were actually enrolled in the program, their odds of completing treatment were much higher (almost three times greater). Who this helps: This research benefits TB patients by exploring affordable treatment options to improve adherence.

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This study looked at how depression and anxiety affect people living with HIV who also have issues with alcohol use in Vietnam. Researchers found that while depression and anxiety did not affect the ability to suppress the virus over time, higher anxiety was linked to worse adherence to HIV treatment—specifically, those experiencing more anxiety were 9% more likely to struggle with sticking to their treatment plan. This is important because it shows the need for better mental health support for these patients to improve their treatment outcomes. Who this helps: This benefits patients living with HIV who have mental health concerns and hazardous alcohol use.

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This study looked at how people living with HIV in Kampala, Uganda, view and complete a preventive therapy for tuberculosis (TB) called 3HP, which involves taking a medication once a week for 12 weeks. The researchers interviewed 25 individuals with HIV and 10 health workers and found that fear of getting TB and trust in healthcare providers made people more likely to start and complete the treatment. However, misunderstandings about the therapy, fear of side effects, and stigma were significant barriers that hindered acceptance. Who this helps: This research benefits patients living with HIV and healthcare providers working to improve TB prevention strategies.

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This study examined a tuberculosis (TB) detection program in Zambia that combined testing in health clinics and local communities using mobile technology and advanced testing methods. Over 18 months, it cost $435 to diagnose and treat one person with TB, and the program identified 407 more cases and prevented 502 TB-related deaths compared to regular detection methods. This approach is cost-effective at about $2,284 for each death averted, which is particularly valuable in areas with high rates of HIV and TB, where people struggle to seek care. Who this helps: This benefits patients at risk of TB, healthcare providers, and public health officials.

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In this study, researchers looked at how the number of tuberculosis (TB) cases reported in different neighborhoods of Dhaka, Bangladesh correlated with certain social and demographic factors, particularly population density. They found that higher population density was significantly linked to more TB cases, with a correlation score of 0.45. This matters because understanding these relationships can help target interventions and resources to areas most affected by TB, especially when detailed data is hard to obtain. Who this helps: This helps public health officials and policymakers in designing effective TB prevention strategies.

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This study looked at a new way to help people with tuberculosis (TB) finish their treatment by using a low-cost digital tool called 99DOTS, instead of the traditional method where a health worker directly observes the patient taking their medicine. The trial will involve about 1,890 adults in Uganda and aims to see if using 99DOTS can improve the number of patients who successfully complete their treatment. The researchers expect that this new method could lead to at least a 10% increase in treatment completion rates compared to the standard approach. Who this helps: This helps TB patients by providing them with a more flexible and supportive way to manage their treatment.