Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a preventable and usually curable disease. Yet in 2022, TB was the world’s second leading cause of death from a single infectious agent, after coronavirus disease (COVID-19)1. Aim: By reviving strains isolated at specific years over a 10-year interval and performing next-generation sequencing, we can analyze their strain genotype, epidemiology, drug resistance, and dynamicsTherefore, this study was conducted to examine the historical trends and dynamics of strain genotype, variants, and drug resistance of tuberculosis preserved in the culture bank. Materials and Methods:: Using a retrospective, laboratory-based research approach, 200 strains were randomly selected from over 1,000 diagnostic isolates preserved in the NTRL culture collection from 2010 and 2020. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed using GridION from Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT, Oxford, UK) to analyze these strains. The FastQ file was submitted to the International Mycobacterial Database. Strain genotypes, subtypes, gene mutations of drug resistance, and resistance profiles were identified using TBprofiler, MTBseq, IQ-Tree (version 1.6.12), and EPI2me software. Results: Of the tuberculosis strains selected for the study, 66.5% were from eight out of nine districts of Ulaanbaatar, while 33.5% were sampled from 16 out of 21 provinces. Out of the strains analyzed, 83.9% (95% CI 78.7–89.1) belonged to lineage 2 or the Beijing genotype, while 16.1% (95% CI 10.9–21.3) were lineage-4 or Euro-American genotype. While the proportion of Beijing lineage strains was slightly higher and the Euro-American lineage strains slightly lower in rural populations compared to urban populations, the difference in strain distribution between urban and rural areas was not statistically significant (p=0.485). Among the Beijing lineage strains, only the modern Beijing sublineage (100%) was identified. In contrast, the Euro-American lineage exhibited various sublineages: 4 (0.5%), 4.5 (1%), 4.1.2.1 (Haarlem, 3%), Latin American-Mediterranean (LAM, 7.5%), mainly T (3.5%), and S type (0.5%). Notably, the proportion of Lineage 2 strains increased from 80% in 2010 to 86% in 2020. The overlap of the confidence intervals for 2010 (72.16%–87.84%) and 2020 (79.20%–92.80%) indicates that there has been no significant change in the distribution of Mycobacterium tuberculosis lineages over time. The study revealed that among the selected Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains, resistance rates to first-line anti-tuberculosis drugs were as follows: isoniazid (39%), rifampicin (21%), ethambutol (19%), and streptomycin (34%). Genotypic analysis indicated that the Beijing lineage was predominantly associated with drug-resistant tuberculosis cases, including multidrug-resistant (MDR), poly-drug-resistant, and mono-drug-resistant TB. Notably, the Beijing lineage accounted for 100% of pre-extensively drug-resistant (pre-XDR) TB cases. Within the Haarlem lineage, 33% were MDR-TB. In the Latin American-Mediterranean (LAM) lineage, 13.3% were MDR-TB, 6.6% were poly-drug-resistant, and 13.3% were mono-drug-resistant. Among the mainly T lineage, 42.8% exhibited mono-drug resistance. These findings suggest that the distribution of M. tuberculosis lineages in the Mongolian population has remained relatively stable over time, with no significant temporal changes. Conclusion The distribution of M. tuberculosis genotypes circulating among the population of Mongolia has remained relatively stable over time, with no significant time-dependent changes. Additionally, no mutations associated with resistance to newly introduced anti-TB drugs were detected.

Background: The continuous annual increase in the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) poses significant challenges not only within our nation but also globally in the control and management of tuberculosis. Aim: This study aimed to determine the incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis among individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) residing in six central districts of Ulaanbaatar and to investigate associated factors. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed. Participants aged 18 years and older diagnosed with T2DM and receiving care at endocrinology clinics in six central districts of Ulaanbaatar were selected using systematic random sampling. Presumptive TB cases were identified through a structured questionnaire and chest X-ray. Sputum specimens were collected and subjected to smear microscopy and Xpert MTB/RIF assay for tuberculosis detection. Cases confirmed by laboratory diagnosis, currently undergoing tuberculosis treatment and previously treated cases as per questionnaire data were classified as tuberculosis cases, and prevalence was calculated. Results: A total of 1,644 individuals with T2DM were enrolled in the study, of whom 836 (50.9%) were female, with a mean age of 58 years (range 19–89). The overall prevalence of presumptive TB cases was 10.5% (n=172; 95% CI, 9.0–12.0). Among 112 suspected cases from whom sputum samples were obtained, 10 (8.9%; 95% CI, 4.9–15.7) were laboratory-confirmed for M.tuberculosis. Notably, 7.2% (6 cases; 95% CI, 3.4–14.9) of asymptomatic individuals with abnormal X-ray findings were diagnosed with tuberculosis. According to questionnaire responses, 9 participants (0.5%; 95% CI, 0.3–1.0) were undergoing tuberculosis treatment, and 53 (3.2%; 95% CI, 2.5–4.2) reported a previously treated TB cases. The overall prevalence of tuberculosis among individuals with diabetes was 4.4% (n=72; 95% CI, 3.5–5.5). Stratification by age and sex revealed a significantly higher prevalence among males (5.9%; n=48; 95% CI, 4.5–7.8) compared to females (2.9%; 95% CI, 1.2–4.2) (p=0.002), indicating a twofold increased risk of tuberculosis in males. Although no statistically significant differences in tuberculosis prevalence were observed across age groups (p>0.05), a declining trend in prevalence with older age was noted. Conclusion The prevalence of tuberculosis among individuals with type 2 diabetes was 4.4% (n=72; 95% CI, 3.5–5.5), with a significantly higher rate in males (p=0.002) and a decreasing trend with increasing age. Among asymptomatic individuals exhibiting radiographic abnormalities, 7.2% were confirmed to have tuberculosis via laboratory testing

Background: To prevent and combat the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of Mongolia has implemented measures such as movement and time restrictions, social distancing and isolation, closure of schools, kindergartens and public places, immunization, and others. It has caused adverse consequences for people, social relations, and the economy, causing health, social, economic, and humanitarian crises. Not only does this situation, medical students, as frontline healthcare workers, are more susceptible to virus infection. Vaccines against COVID-19 have been researched quickly due to the pandemic and are being used under emergency use authorization. In our country the approach of mixing vaccine doses from different manufacturers was used (fractional doses). Therefore, there is no study on the exposure of medical students to the COVID-19 infection and the adverse effects after receiving a dose of a heterologous vaccine. Objective: To study the exposure to the COVID-19 infection and vaccination status of medical students. Methods: The survey was conducted from November 2023 to December 2023 using a cross-sectional study design, and 170 students who study at ASUSU and live in the dormitory were included. Results: A total of 170 students participated in the study. 55.9% (n=95) of them were in the first year, 22.4% (n=38) were in the second year, 10% (n=17) were in the third year, 7.6% (n=13) were in the fourth year, 2.4% (n=4) were from the 5th year and 1.8% (n=3) were from the 6th year students. 88.2% (n=150) of students were female and 11.8% (n=20) were male. In this study, 37.1% of the students were infected by COVID-19 infection previously. Among them, 50% of the students were infected from family members, 16.7% from the school environment, and 15.2% did not know about the source of infection. 76.2% of the respondents were diagnosed with COVID-19 in a medical institution, and forty-one students answered that they were treated at the hospital. 83% of the cases were treated at home and were cured within 14 days. In contrast, 93.8% of the hospitalized students were treated within four months to 1 year. The current study demonstrates neurological, respiratory, sensory, cardiovascular, psychiatric, digestive, and dermatological symptoms were in 37.6%, 24.1%, 27.6%, 17.6%, 11.8%, 11.2%, and 10% of the students who participated in the study, respectively. For a year or more, symptoms of all organ systems were present, but neurological symptoms appeared to be the highest. 55.9% (n=115) of the enrolled students received 3 or 4 doses of the vaccine, 3.5% (n=6) did not receive the vaccine. In total, 35% (n=60) of the enrolled students experienced side effects and 65% (n=106) had no side effects. Conclusion In this study, 37.1% of the students were infected by COVID-19 infection previously. According to the current study, symptoms related to the nervous system was the most prevalent and 55.9% (n=115) of the enrolled students received 3 or 4 doses of the vaccine. In total, 35% (n=60) of the enrolled students experienced side effects.

Background: According to the First National Tuberculosis (TB) Prevalence Survey in Mongolia the prevalence of bacteriologically-confirmed pulmonary TB among adults was 559.6 (95% CI: 454.5–664.7) per 100000 population in 2014–2015. This was three times as high as previously estimated. Nationwide anti-tuberculosis (TB) drug resistance survey was conducted in 1999 and 2007 in Mongolia. Share of multidrug resistant TB (MDR-TB) cases among newly notified TB cases increased from 1.0% in 1999 to 1.4% in 2007. Accordingly, we aimed to perform drug susceptibility test on strains isolated from TB Prevalence Survey and to determine the prevalence of drug resistant TB. Material and Methods: All 242 MTB strains isolated from the survey TB cases were tested GenoTypeMTBDRplus test and conventional 1st line DST on solid medium. Result: Conventional DST and GenoTypeMTBDRplus tests done for 93.8% (227/242) of them and 6.2% (15/242) were tested by GenoTypeMTBDRplus only. A 61.6% (95%CI 55.3-67.4) of all cases were susceptible to first line anti-TB drugs, any drug resistance and MDR-TBdetected as 38.4% (95% CI 32.5-44.7)and 9.5% (95% CI 6.4-13.9), respectively. Prevalence of MDR-TB was7.8% (95% CI 4.9-12.4) among new and 17.9% (95% CI 9.0-32.7) among previously treated cases. The 64 strains were identified as a resistant to isoniazid, 32.8% (42/64) and 65.6% (21/64) were katG, and inhAmutation, respectively. One isolate (1.6%) was mutations in both the inhAand katGgenes.The predominant mutations detected in therpoB were S531L (91.3%) among rifampicin resistant isolates and the mutation in inhAwas C–15T (100%) and katG mutation was S315T1 (100%) among isoniazid-resistant isolates. Conclusion Prevalence of cases with DR-TB is high among prevalent TB cases, especially prevalence of MDR-TB among new cases. In comparison to previous studies, DR-TB cases seem to be increased. Rifampicin resistant strains have a mutation of the rpoBand resistance to isoniazid is predominantly associated with the inhA mutation.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) morbidity and mortality has been one of the pressing issues in the health sector of our country. In Mongolia, 2 people out of 1000 people developed tuberculosis annually, which leads to becoming one of the 7 countries with high TB morbidity among 37 countries of the Western Pacifi c Region.OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to have the baseline to understand and measure knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding tuberculosis among non-tuberculosis health care workers including family group practitioners, nurses and specialized doctors at the primary, secondary and tertiary health care level of Mongolia.MATERIALS AND METHOD: Cross-sectional descriptive qualitative study. Self-admitted questionnaire were performed for 572 health care workers. Total of 4 aimags/provinces and 3 districts were randomly selected. Selenge, Darkhan-Uul, and Khentii aimags are regions with high tuberculosis burden, Dornogobi and Orkhon aimags are with low Tuberculosis incidence and prevalence in 2008.Altogether 572 doctors and health professionals from selected health facilities were involved in survey questionnaire and 39.9% (228 people) of respondents were working at the primary level, 31.3% (179 people) in secondary level, and 28.8% (165 people) in the tertiary level health facility, respectively. Altogether 23 focus group discussions were organized, involving 130 people.RESULTS: Around 98.6% of respondents answered that TB is spread when infected person coughs and sneezes. However, one of every three respondents answered TB can be transmitted when sharing cups, dishes and other cooking utensils with the infected person, one in every ten people–shaking hands with the infected person, and one in every four people–through mother to child transmission. Such misconception is common among the health professionals, especially among nurses of the secondary and tertiary level health facilities. Around 47.6% or 272 people answered correctly that TB patients have symptoms such as coughing for 2 weeks and longer, develop sputum with blood traces, fever and sweating during night sleep, and loss of weight. However, there is some misunderstanding among the doctors and nurses such as there are skin rashes. When doctors and nurses where asked which form of TB is the infectious one, 86.9% answered correctly that TB with positive smear test is infectious. On assessing the knowledge, attitude and practice on TB treatment, about 93.4% of the respondents answered that treatment shall be done by anti-TB drugs and this result is equally strong among health professionals at all service delivery levels (p=0.075). However, there are some misconceptions among the nurses that TB patients should buy anti-TB drugs from the pharmacies, try traditional medicines and follow religious rituals. This should be paid further attention and issues covering TB should be included in their curriculum. Every second person knows the treatment continuation period of drug susceptible TB patient, which is relatively low knowledge level. According to survey results, every second person knows what DOTS stand for. In other words, 55.4% of the respondents identifi ed correctly what is DOTS, and 13.8% answered that it is a combination of anti-TB drugs, 3 .3% - as TB treatment method, 5.6% - as combination of TB reduction measures, and 2.2% answered that they don’t know.CONCLUSION: Many misunderstandings were found in the fi eld of transmission, BCG vaccination, treatment and anti-TB drugs. There is a need to provide training for non-TB medical doctors and nurses.

BACKGROUND:Tuberculosis is still an important infectious disease today. The resent World Health Organization TB Fact Sheet statesthat it kills approximately 2 million people each year. WHO estimated that between the years 2002 and 2020 inclusive,approximately 1000 million people will be newly infected. According to the fact sheet over the same period, more than150 million people will become infected, and 36 million will be die due to tuberculosis, if control of the diseases is furthernot strengthened.1In 2009, there were registered 4218 tuberculosis new cases in Mongolia. Among them 1809 cases were smear positivepulmonary cases. Mongolia has the 7th highest tuberculosis case rate country in the WHO.WPR.2GOAL: To review “Reporting Form” of the new registered cases of tuberculosis in Mongolia (2007-2009).OBJECTIVES:1. Evaluation how correct fills out of the “Reporting Form”–s of new registered cases tuberculosis.2. Social and professionals status of tuberculosis cases in Mongolia.MATERIALS AND METHODS:We conducted a retrospective study of 10237 Reporting Form of new case of TB. Which are cases reported from 21aimags and 9 districts of Ulaanbaatar city to the Tuberculosis Department of NCCD, between 2007 and 2009.Retrospective analysis for the “line list of tempore office leave’s” among health care works in National Center forCommunicable DiseasesRESULTS:10237 (79%) out of 12802 new TB cases were correct fill out new cases Reporting Forms in 2007-2009In 2007-2009, there were 43.3 %( 4436) unemployed people, 9.7% (994) students, 8.8 %( 901) pupils, 7.0 %( 712)pensionaries of all registered cases. A total cases 18.5 percentage was students.Also 111 health care workers were developed TB throughout country and it is 1.1% of total cases. A total cases of Healthcare workers; 30.6% (34) nurses, 28 %( 31) doctors, 15.3 %( 17) house keepers, nurses are most affected TB fromhealth care workers. Doctor’s who are working in TB and the judicial department, surgeons, dentists, center to recoverthe alcoholic, soum and family practitioners are most affected compared other doctors.CONCLUSION:1. In 2007-2009, there were 43.3% unemployed people, 9.7% students, 8.8% pupils, 7.0% pensionaries, 1.1%health care workers of all registered cases.2. Excepting students TB rate is 18.5% and this rate increasing year by year. We need to more study and analysisof students TB cases and need to planning further intervention among students3. Among health care workers who are working in tuberculosis hospital more risk of get infected tuberculosis.Urgent needs to improve the infection control intervention in the TB hospital and clinics, branch offices, whichhave high risk of infection.