Beijing Genotype Strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Fever Response to Treatment
Author Information
Author(s): Reinout van Crevel, Ron H.H. Nelwan, Wilma de Lenne, Yelilsan Veeraragu, Adri G. van der Zanden, Zulkifli Amin, Jos W.M. van der Meer, Dick van Soolingen
Primary Institution: University Medical Center Nijmegen
Hypothesis
Do Beijing genotype strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis cause a different febrile response in patients compared to other strains?
Conclusion
Beijing genotype strains are associated with a higher incidence of fever early in treatment, suggesting they may have specific pathogenic properties.
Supporting Evidence
- Thirty-two percent of patients developed fever during the first weeks of treatment.
- 48% of patients infected with Beijing strains had a febrile response compared to 21% with other strains.
- Drug resistance was not found to account for the febrile response difference.
Takeaway
Some types of tuberculosis bacteria, called Beijing strains, can make people have a fever when they start treatment, even if they aren't sicker than others.
Methodology
The study involved DNA fingerprinting and clinical assessments of tuberculosis patients in Jakarta, Indonesia, comparing Beijing genotype strains with other strains.
Limitations
The study did not include patients under 16 years of age, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
Patients were from a densely populated area in Jakarta, Indonesia, with a median age of 31 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=0.06
Confidence Interval
95% confidence interval 1.1-4.7
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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