1.Study on the effects and mechanisms of Lycium ruthenicum Murr. in improving sleep
Ming QIAO ; Yao ZHAO ; Yi ZHU ; Yexia CAO ; Limei WEN ; Yuehong GONG ; Xiang LI ; Juanchen WANG ; Tao WANG ; Jianhua YANG ; Junping HU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(1):24-29
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects and mechanisms of Lycium ruthenicum Murr. in improving sleep. METHODS Network pharmacology was employed to identify the active components of L. ruthenicum and their associated disease targets, followed by enrichment analysis. A caffeine‑induced zebrafish model of sleep deprivation was established , and the zebrafish were treated with L. ruthenicum Murr. extract (LRME) at concentrations of 0.1, 0.2 and 0.4 mg/mL, respectively; 24 h later, behavioral changes of zebrafish and pathological alterations in brain neurons were subsequently observed. The levels of inflammatory factors [interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)], oxidative stress markers [superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT)], and neurotransmitters [5- hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamic acid (Glu), dopamine (DA), and norepinephrine (NE)] were measured. The protein expression levels of protein kinase B1 (AKT1), phosphorylated AKT1 (p-AKT1), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), sarcoma proto-oncogene,non-receptor tyrosine kinase (SRC), and heat shock protein 90α family class A member 1 (HSP90AA1) in the zebrafish were also determined. RESULTS A total of 12 active components and 176 intersecting disease targets were identified through network pharmacology analysis. Among these, apigenin, naringenin and others were recognized as core active compounds, while AKT1, EGFR and others served as key targets; EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance signaling pathway was identified as the critical pathway. The sleep improvement rates in zebrafish of LRME low-, medium-, and high-dose groups were 54.60%, 69.03% and 77.97%, 开发。E-mail:hjp_yft@163.com respectively, while the inhibition ratios of locomotor distance were 0.57, 0.83 and 0.95, respectively. Compared with the model group, the number of resting counts, resting time and resting distance were significantly increased/extended in LRME medium- and high-dose groups (P<0.05). Neuronal damage in the brain was alleviated. Additionally, the levels of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, MDA, Glu, DA and NE, as well as the protein expression levels of AKT1, p-AKT1, EGFR, SRC and HSP90AA1, were markedly reduced (P<0.05), while the levels of IL-10, SOD, GSH-Px, CAT, 5-HT and GABA, as well as Bcl-2 protein expression, were significantly elevated (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS L. ruthenicum Murr. demonstrates sleep-improving effects, and its specific mechanism may be related to the regulation of inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, neurotransmitter balance, and the EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance signaling pathway.
2.Epidemiological characteristics and influencing factors of latent tuberculosis infection among detainees in eastern China
Xinru FEI ; Peng LU ; Jingxian NING ; Yuchen PAN ; Limei ZHU ; Qiao LIU ; Hongxi ZHOU
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(4):280-283
ObjectiveTo analyze the epidemiological characteristics of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) among newly detained populations in eastern China, to identify high-risk groups, and to provide a scientific basis for formulating tuberculosis prevention and control strategies in the prison system. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among the newly admitted detainees in two prisons in eastern China in 2022. Data on demographic characteristics, behavioral risk factors and previous disease history of the research subjects were collected through a structured questionnaire survey. The LTBI status of the detainees was determined using the QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube (QFT-GIT) method. Lasso regression was used to screen variables, followed by multivariate logistic regression analysis to investigate the influencing factors of LTBI. ResultsA total of 305 detainees were included in the study. The median age of detainees was 35 (31, 43) years. The study population was predominantly male (67.21%), of Han ethnicity (95.41%), had a junior or senior high school education (59.34%), and was unemployed (31.80%). A history of smoking was reported by 52.79% of participants, while 57.70% reported no alcohol consumption. The majority had no history of hypertension (85.90%), diabetes mellitus (93.77%), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection (97.38%), familial genetic diseases (95.08%), surgery or trauma (73.77%), drug use (92.79%), or hepatitis (93.77%). The LTBI rate was 14.75%. After comparing the demographic characteristics of LTBI and non-infected groups, it was found that smoking history (χ2=7.40, P=0.025), drug use history (χ2=5.49, P=0.019), and HIV infection (χ2=8.12, P=0.004) were statistically correlated with LTBI infection. The results of multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that smoking [adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=4.08, 95%CI: 1.60‒10.42, P=0.003], HIV infection (aOR=11.57, 95%CI: 2.50‒53.51, P=0.002) and drug use (aOR=3.04, 95%CI: 1.02‒9.09, P=0.046) were risk factors for LTBI. ConclusionThe LTBI rate among newly detainees in two prisons in eastern China is slightly lower than that among long-term detainees. Early screening and intervention should be implemented for newly detainees, with particular attention focused on high-risk groups such as those with a history of smoking, HIV infection, or drug use.
3.Rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis prevention and control in Jiangsu Province from 2013 to 2023
Hui DING ; Quanji YU ; Xiaoyan DING ; Yan SHAO ; Peng LU ; Zhongqi LI ; Limei ZHU ; Qiao LIU
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(4):655-661
Objective:To investigate the trends in detection, treatment, and outcomes of rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis (TB) in Jiangsu Province from 2013 to 2023, assess the effectiveness of control policies and measures for drug-resistant TB, and provide evidence for better control of drug-resistant TB.Methods:Data and indicators related to the screening, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of rifampicin-resistant TB in Jiangsu Province from 2013 to 2023 were obtained from the Tuberculosis Management Information System. The Joinpoint regression method was employed to analyze the trends over this period, and annual percent change (APC) and average annual percent change (AAPC) were calculated. A comparative analysis was also conducted to evaluate the changes before and after implementing relevant policies and measures.Results:From 2013 to 2023, the number of registered rifampicin-resistant TB patients in Jiangsu Province showed a consistent upward trend (APC=AAPC=1.45%, P=0.035). The screening rates for drug resistance among new TB patients in high-risk groups and the proportion of molecular biological testing for drug resistance all exhibited increasing trends, with a notable turning point occurring in 2018. The trend of the treatment enrollment rate for rifampicin-resistant TB patients experienced a significant shift in 2020, showing a marked increase from 2013 to 2020 (APC=12.91%, P=0.008). The treatment success rate of rifampicin-resistant TB patients also showed a significant upward trend after a turning point in 2020 (APC=9.94%, P=0.004). Conclusion:From 2013 to 2023, significant progress was seen in preventing and treating rifampicin-resistant TB in Jiangsu Province, with relevant policies and measures proving to be highly effective.
4.Correlation of serum sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ATPase 2a and BAR with cardiac function and prognosis in patients with chronic heart failure
Xiaoyan QIAO ; Limei WANG ; Xiuying ZHOU ; Yupeng CHENG ; Jing ZHENG
International Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;46(16):1953-1958
Objective To investigate the correlation of sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ATPase 2a(SERCA2a)and blood urea nitrogen(BUN)to albumin(ALB)ratio(BAR)with cardiac function and prognosis in patients with chronic heart failure(CHF).Methods A total of 200 CHF patients admitted to this hospital from January 2021 to January 2023 were selected as the CHF group and 100 healthy people un-dergoing physical examination as the control group.CHF patients were divided into class Ⅰ group(38 cases),class Ⅱ group(40 cases),class Ⅲ group(54 cases)and class Ⅳ group(68 cases)according to the New York Heart Association(NYHA)cardiac function classification after admission.According to the prognosis,they were divided into poor prognosis group(60 cases)and good prognosis group(140 cases).Serum SERCA2a BUN,ALB levels were measured and BAR was calculated.Spearman rank correlation coefficient was used to analyze the correlation between serum SERCA2a,BAR and NYHA cardiac function classification in CHF pa-tients.Taking the prognosis of CHF patients as the dependent variable,a multivariate unconditional Logistic regression model was established to determine its influencing factors.Receiver operating characteristic curve was drawn to evaluate the predictive value of serum SERCA2a and BAR for poor prognosis of CHF patients.Results Compared with the control group,the serum SERCA2a level was decreased and BAR was increased in the CHF group(P<0.05).The level of SERCA2a in class Ⅰ group,class Ⅱ group,class Ⅲ group and classⅣ group decreased and BAR increased successively(P<0.05).The NYHA classification was negatively cor-related with serum SERCA2a level(rs=-0.756,P<0.05),and positively correlated with BAR(rs=0.722,P<0.05).After 1-year follow-up,the incidence of poor prognosis in 200 CHF patients was 30.00%(60/200).Increased NYHA class(OR=1.936,95%CI:1.115-3.364),atrial fibrillation(OR=3.269,95%CI:1.078-9.913),N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide(OR=1.002,95%CI:1.001-1.009)and BAR(OR=1.169,95%CI:1.082-1.263)were independent risk factors for poor prognosis in patients with CHF(P<0.05),increased left ventricular ejection fraction(OR=0.810,95%CI:0.716-0.916)and SERCA2a(OR=0.964,95%CI:0.947-0.981)were independent protective factors(P<0.05).The area under the curve of serum SERCA2a combined with BAR to predict the poor prognosis of CHF patients was 0.865(95%CI:0.810-0.910),which was larger than 0.784(95%CI:0.720-0.839)and 0.777(95%CI:0.713-0.833)predicted by serum SERCA2a and BAR levels alone,and the difference was statistically significant(Z=2.944,3.250,P<0.05).Conclusion The decrease of SERCA2a and the increase of BAR are closely re-lated to cardiac function and prognosis in patients with CHF.Serum SERCA2a combined with BAR has a higher value in predicting poor prognosis in patients with CHF.
5.Cross-sectional survey of healthcare-associated infection in 5 736 medical institutions across China in 2024
Cui ZENG ; Wuqiang GAO ; Fu QIAO ; Hui ZHAO ; Xu FANG ; Linping LI ; Xiuwen CHEN ; Jiansen CHEN ; Dan LI ; Yuan ZHOU ; Lingli YU ; Qinglan MENG ; Xia MOU ; Lijuan XIONG ; Weiguang LI ; Ding LIU ; Jiaqing XIAO ; Limei OU ; Baozhen LI ; Jun YIN ; Haojun ZHANG ; Qiang FU ; Qun LU ; Biao WU ; Ya-wei XING ; Shumei SUN ; Shuncai WANG ; Longmin DU ; Jingping ZHANG ; Wen-ying HE ; Gui CHENG ; Nan REN ; Xun HUANG ; Anhua WU
Chinese Journal of Infection Control 2025;24(11):1572-1583
Objective To understand the current situation of healthcare-associated infection(HAI)in China,pro-vide data support and decision-making basis for formulating scientific and effective strategies for HAI prevention and control.Methods A nationwide cross-sectional survey on HAI was conducted among various types and levels of medical institutions in China according to a unified protocol of bedside surveys and case investigations.Results In 2024,a total of 5 736 medical institutions and 2 751 765 patients were surveyed.Among them,34 889 HAI cases were identified,with a prevalence rate of 1.27%.The number of HAI episodes was 38 032,and case prevalence rate was 1.38%.The prevalence rate of HAI in medical institutions in different regions of China ranged from 0.66%to 2.35%.Among medical institutions of different scales,those with a bed capacity of ≥900 had the high-est incidence of HAI,reaching 1.65%.The most common infection site was the lower respiratory tract(44.66%),followed by the urinary tract(12.94%),surgical site(9.32%),upper respiratory tract(7.02%),and bloodstream infection(5.78%).The top 3 departments with the highest HAI rates were the general intensive care unit(10.02%),department of neurosurgery(5.51%),and department(group)of hematology(5.34%).A total of 23 238 strains of HAI pathogens were detected,with 10 714 strains(46.10%)from lower respiratory tract speci-mens.The top 5 detected strains were Klebsiella pneumoniae(14.76%),Pseudomonas aeruginosa(13.33%),Escherichia coli(12.79%),Acinetobacter baumannii(9.23%),and Staphylococcus aureus(7.88%).231 944 pa-tients underwent class Ⅰ incision surgery were monitored,with 1 647 cases experienced surgical site infection,and the prevalence rate of surgical site infection was 0.71%.The number of patients who should undergo pathogen de-tection(patients receiving therapeutic and therapeutic combined prophylactic antimicrobial agents)was 715 179,while the actual number was 480 492,with a pathogen detection rate of 67.18%.425 225 patients received patho-genic detection before treatment,with a detection rate of 59.46%.Conclusion The overall HAI prevalence in Chi-na is lower,showing disparities among medical institutions of different regions and scales.Therefore,precise imple-mentation of measures is necessary for HAI prevention and control,with a focus on high-risk institutions and high-risk departments,key areas,and critical procedures.All levels of medical institutions should continuously reduce the incidence of HAI by strengthening monitoring,standardizing the use of antimicrobial agents,and reinforcing basic HAI prevention and control measures.
6.Rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis prevention and control in Jiangsu Province from 2013 to 2023
Hui DING ; Quanji YU ; Xiaoyan DING ; Yan SHAO ; Peng LU ; Zhongqi LI ; Limei ZHU ; Qiao LIU
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(4):655-661
Objective:To investigate the trends in detection, treatment, and outcomes of rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis (TB) in Jiangsu Province from 2013 to 2023, assess the effectiveness of control policies and measures for drug-resistant TB, and provide evidence for better control of drug-resistant TB.Methods:Data and indicators related to the screening, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of rifampicin-resistant TB in Jiangsu Province from 2013 to 2023 were obtained from the Tuberculosis Management Information System. The Joinpoint regression method was employed to analyze the trends over this period, and annual percent change (APC) and average annual percent change (AAPC) were calculated. A comparative analysis was also conducted to evaluate the changes before and after implementing relevant policies and measures.Results:From 2013 to 2023, the number of registered rifampicin-resistant TB patients in Jiangsu Province showed a consistent upward trend (APC=AAPC=1.45%, P=0.035). The screening rates for drug resistance among new TB patients in high-risk groups and the proportion of molecular biological testing for drug resistance all exhibited increasing trends, with a notable turning point occurring in 2018. The trend of the treatment enrollment rate for rifampicin-resistant TB patients experienced a significant shift in 2020, showing a marked increase from 2013 to 2020 (APC=12.91%, P=0.008). The treatment success rate of rifampicin-resistant TB patients also showed a significant upward trend after a turning point in 2020 (APC=9.94%, P=0.004). Conclusion:From 2013 to 2023, significant progress was seen in preventing and treating rifampicin-resistant TB in Jiangsu Province, with relevant policies and measures proving to be highly effective.
7.Cross-sectional survey of healthcare-associated infection in 5 736 medical institutions across China in 2024
Cui ZENG ; Wuqiang GAO ; Fu QIAO ; Hui ZHAO ; Xu FANG ; Linping LI ; Xiuwen CHEN ; Jiansen CHEN ; Dan LI ; Yuan ZHOU ; Lingli YU ; Qinglan MENG ; Xia MOU ; Lijuan XIONG ; Weiguang LI ; Ding LIU ; Jiaqing XIAO ; Limei OU ; Baozhen LI ; Jun YIN ; Haojun ZHANG ; Qiang FU ; Qun LU ; Biao WU ; Ya-wei XING ; Shumei SUN ; Shuncai WANG ; Longmin DU ; Jingping ZHANG ; Wen-ying HE ; Gui CHENG ; Nan REN ; Xun HUANG ; Anhua WU
Chinese Journal of Infection Control 2025;24(11):1572-1583
Objective To understand the current situation of healthcare-associated infection(HAI)in China,pro-vide data support and decision-making basis for formulating scientific and effective strategies for HAI prevention and control.Methods A nationwide cross-sectional survey on HAI was conducted among various types and levels of medical institutions in China according to a unified protocol of bedside surveys and case investigations.Results In 2024,a total of 5 736 medical institutions and 2 751 765 patients were surveyed.Among them,34 889 HAI cases were identified,with a prevalence rate of 1.27%.The number of HAI episodes was 38 032,and case prevalence rate was 1.38%.The prevalence rate of HAI in medical institutions in different regions of China ranged from 0.66%to 2.35%.Among medical institutions of different scales,those with a bed capacity of ≥900 had the high-est incidence of HAI,reaching 1.65%.The most common infection site was the lower respiratory tract(44.66%),followed by the urinary tract(12.94%),surgical site(9.32%),upper respiratory tract(7.02%),and bloodstream infection(5.78%).The top 3 departments with the highest HAI rates were the general intensive care unit(10.02%),department of neurosurgery(5.51%),and department(group)of hematology(5.34%).A total of 23 238 strains of HAI pathogens were detected,with 10 714 strains(46.10%)from lower respiratory tract speci-mens.The top 5 detected strains were Klebsiella pneumoniae(14.76%),Pseudomonas aeruginosa(13.33%),Escherichia coli(12.79%),Acinetobacter baumannii(9.23%),and Staphylococcus aureus(7.88%).231 944 pa-tients underwent class Ⅰ incision surgery were monitored,with 1 647 cases experienced surgical site infection,and the prevalence rate of surgical site infection was 0.71%.The number of patients who should undergo pathogen de-tection(patients receiving therapeutic and therapeutic combined prophylactic antimicrobial agents)was 715 179,while the actual number was 480 492,with a pathogen detection rate of 67.18%.425 225 patients received patho-genic detection before treatment,with a detection rate of 59.46%.Conclusion The overall HAI prevalence in Chi-na is lower,showing disparities among medical institutions of different regions and scales.Therefore,precise imple-mentation of measures is necessary for HAI prevention and control,with a focus on high-risk institutions and high-risk departments,key areas,and critical procedures.All levels of medical institutions should continuously reduce the incidence of HAI by strengthening monitoring,standardizing the use of antimicrobial agents,and reinforcing basic HAI prevention and control measures.
8.Effect of Icariin Regulating mTOR/Akt/CREB Pathway on High Glucose Induced Autophagy and Apoptosis in Podocytes
Mingxia LI ; Qian YANG ; Haixia QIAO ; Xiaoling WANG ; Liyuan JIA ; Limei HU ; Weidong REN
Herald of Medicine 2024;43(1):19-25
Objective To investigate the effects of icariin on high glucose-induced autophagy and apoptosis of podocytes,and the regulating effects on mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)/serine-threonine kinase(Akt)/cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein(CREB)pathway.Methods The mouse podocytes MPC5 were taken and divided into five groups:normal control group(5.5 mmol·L-1 glucose),high glucose group(30 mmol·L-1 glucose),icariin group(30 mmol·L-1glucose+5 μmol·L-1icariin),GDC-0349 group(30 mmol·L-1glucose+50 μmol·L-1 GDC-0349),icariin+GDC-0349 group(30 mmol·L-1 glucose+5 μmol·L-1 icariin+50 μmol·L-1 GDC-0349).Cultured for 48 hours,the tetramethylazozolium salt method was used to detect the viability of MPC5 cells;acridine orange staining was used to observe the autophagy of MPC5 cells;apoptosis of MPC5 cells was detected by flow cytometry;Western blotting was used to detect the expression of autophagy[microtubule associated protein one light chain 3(LC3)II,LC3Ⅰ,autophagy-related protein(Beclin-1)],apoptosis[Bcl-2 related X protein(Bax),B cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2)]and mTOR/Akt/CREB pathway-related proteins of MPC5 cells.Results Compared with the normal control group,the cell viability,expression levels of Bcl-2,phosphorylated mTOR(p-mTOR)/mTOR,phosphorylated Akt(p-Akt)/Akt,phosphorylated CREB(p-CREB)/CREB protein of MPC5 cells in the high glucose group were significantly decreased(P<0.05),the autophagy ability was enhanced,the autophagosome showed orange fluorescence,and the apoptosis rate,LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ,Beclin-1,Bax protein expression levels were significantly increased(P<0.05).Compared with the high glucose group,the cell viability,LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ,Beclin-1,Bcl-2,p-mTOR/mTOR,p-Akt/Akt,p-CREB/CREB protein expression levels of MPC5 cells in icariin group were significantly increased,the autophagy ability was further enhanced,the number of autophagosomes was increased,the autophagosomes showed brick red fluorescence(P<0.05),the apoptosis rate and Bax protein expression level were significantly decreased(P<0.05),and the cell viability,LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ,Beclin-1,Bcl-2,p-mTOR/mTOR,p-Akt/Akt and p-CREB/CREB proteins expression levels of MPC5 cells in GDC-0349 group were significantly decreased,the autophagy ability was weakened,the number of autophagosomes was reduced,the autophagosomes showed orange fluorescence(P<0.05),and the apoptosis rate and Bax protein expression level were significantly increased(P<0.05);icariin+GDC-0349 could reverse the effect of icariin on high glucose induced MPC5 cells(P<0.05).Conclusion Icariin promotes elevated glucose-induced podocyte autophagy and inhibits apoptosis by activating the mTOR/Akt/CREB pathway.
9.Impact of patient-centered care services on the treatment compliance among patients with multidrug-resistant or rifampicin-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis
Jingjing PAN ; Hui ZHOU ; Linmei QIAN ; Limei ZHU ; Qiao LIU
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2024;36(5):494-501
Objective To examine the effect of patient-centered care services on compliance to treatment among patients with multidrug-resistant (MDR) or rifampicin-resistant (RR) pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB), so as to provide the scientific evidence for promoting the widespread application of the appropriate nursing process of MDR/RR-PTB patients in the hospital. Methods The MDR/RR-PTB patients that were definitely diagnosed at the Sixth People’s Hospital of Nantong City during the period from January 2017 to October 2020 were enrolled. The patients with confirmed diagnosis of MDR/RR-PTB during the period January 2017 to December 2018 served as controls, who were given routine care in the hospital, and those with confirmed diagnosis of MDR/RR-PTB during the period January 2019 to October 2020 served as the care group, who were given patient-centered personalized care services, including one-to-one consultations, periodic group activities, informatization case management, and personal reminder for return visits. The proportion of inclusion into treatment, loss to follow-up, return visits and sputum examinations were compared between the care and control groups. Results A total of 104 MDR/RR-PTB patients were included, including 54 cases in the control group and 50 cases in the care group. There was no significant difference in gender and age distribution between the two groups (χ2 = 3.013, 1.336, P > 0.05). The proportion of inclusion into treatment was higher in the care group (100.00%, 50/50) than in the control group (87.04%, 47/54) (P = 0.013), and the proportion of loss to follow-up was lower in the care group (0, 0/43) than in the control group (19.05%, 8/42) (P = 0.002). In addition, the overall proportion of return visits was higher in the care group (93.09%, 377/405) than in the control group (83.56%, 371/444) (χ2 = 18.345, P < 0.001), and the proportion of sputum examinations was higher in the care group was (83.70%, 339/405) than in the control group (79.28%, 352/444) (χ2 = 2.737, P = 0.098). Conclusion Patient-centered care services facilitate the improvements in the proportion of inclusion into treatment and compliance to treatment and reduction in the proportion of loss to follow-up among MDR/RR-PTB patients, which deserves widespread applications.
10.Effectiveness of recombinant Mycobacterium tuberculosis fusion protein skin test in screening for latent tuberculosis infection among HIV/AIDS patients
WANG Hui ; LI Jincheng ; LU Xing ; WANG Jinfu ; ZHU Limei ; LIU Qiao
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;36(7):639-643
Objective:
To evaluate the effectiveness of recombinant Mycobacterium tuberculosis fusion protein skin test (EC-ST) in screening for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) among HIV/AIDS patients, so as to provide insights into the applicability of EC-ST in LTBI screening among HIV/AIDS patients.
Methods:
From April to June 2023, HIV/AIDS patients under management and treatment in Yangzhou City, Jiangsu Province, were selected as study subjects. Basic information was collected through questionnaire surveys. LTBI was screened by EC-ST and interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA). Taking IGRA results as the diagnostic standard, the positive rate, sensitivity, specificity and consistency rate of EC-ST, and the impact of CD4+T lymphocyte (CD4) counts on the screening effect of EC-ST were analyzed.
Results:
A total of 523 HIV/AIDS patients were screened, including 458 males (87.57%) and 65 females (12.43%). The median age was 48.00 (interquartile range, 21.00) years. The positive rate of EC-ST was 7.27% and the positive rate of IGRA was 7.46%, with no statistically significant difference (P>0.05). The consistency rate of the two methods was 94.84%, and the Kappa value of 0.621 (95%CI: 0.489-0.752, P<0.05). The sensitivity of EC-ST was 64.10% and the specificity was 97.31%. Comparing the groups with CD4 counts <500 and ≥500 cells/μL, the consistency rates of the two methods were 95.32% and 94.44%, and the Kappa values were 0.568 and 0.650, respectively (both P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the positive rates, sensitivity, and specificity of EC-ST (all P>0.05). Comparing the groups with CD4 counts <200 and ≥200 cells/μL, the consistency rates of the two methods were 96.55% and 94.62%, and the Kappa values were 0.648 and 0.619, respectively (both P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the positive rates, sensitivity, and specificity of EC-ST (all P>0.05).
Conclusion
The effectiveness of EC-ST in screening for LTBI among HIV/AIDS patients is consistent with that of IGRA and is not affected by CD4 counts.


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