1.Assessment of diagnostic delay and direct costs among hospitalized patients with tuberculosis
Altanchimeg B ; Purevsod L ; Munkhzul B ; Oyungerel R ; Gantugs Yu
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;96(6):116-120
Background:
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health concern worldwide and continues to be a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Delays in diagnosis and care seeking exacerbate disease severity and increase financial burdens on healthcare systems and patients. In Mongolia, comprehensive evidence on diagnostic delays and direct hospitalization costs for TB patients remains limited.
Aim:
To evaluate the duration of diagnostic delay and estimate direct medical costs incurred during hospitalization among TB patients, as well as to identify associated factors.
Materials and Methods:
A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using medical records of 285 newly diagnosed TB patients hospitalized at the National Center for Communicable Diseases (NCCD) in 2024. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 26 and MS Excel. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Result:
The mean age of participants was 42.6±16.0 years, and 56.5% (n=161) were male. Median patient delay was 14 days (IQR: 5–31), median diagnostic delay was 4 days (IQR: 0–14), and mean hospital stay was 21.0±16.0 days. Median direct costs per patient were: diagnostic cost 262.0 thousand MNT (IQR: 187.0–363.0), treatment cost 490.9 thousand MNT (IQR: 234.4–884.1), and total cost 761.7 thousand MNT (IQR: 460.4–1247.6). Multivariate linear regression revealed that patient delay >14 days was significantly associated with higher total costs (=659.333, p=0.004).
Conclusion
1. The median patient delay among patients with tuberculosis was 14 days (IQR, 5–31), while the median diagnostic delay was 4 days (IQR, 0–14). Overall, 61.6% of patients experienced patient delay, and 63.5% experienced diagnostic delay.
2. The median total direct medical cost among hospitalized patients was 761.7 thousand Mongolian Tugriks (MNT). A patient delay of more than 14 days was significantly associated with increased total direct medical costs (β=659.333, P=.004).
2.Factors associated with complications and recurrence of erysipelas
Purevsod L ; Nomin B ; Khorolgarav G ; Davaakhuu B ; Oyungerel R ; Baatarkhuu O ; ; Nyamtsengel V
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;94(4):37-42
Background:
Erysipelas is an acute, recurrent infectious disease caused by Group A β-hemolytic streptococcus. Recurrence occurs in 12–29% of patients, and complications in approximately 31%. International studies indicate that age, sex, and skin conditions are key factors influencing complications and recurrence. In Mongolia, the incidence of erysipelas has not steadily declined, and there is a lack of studies investigating clinical and laboratory predictors of complications and recurrence.
Aim::
This study aimed to investigate clinical and laboratory predictors of complications and recurrence among erysipelas cases registered in Mongolia.
Materials and Methods:
A retrospective cross-sectional study design was employed. A total of 165 patients hospitalized with a diagnosis of erysipelas at the National Center for Communicable Diseases between 2020 and 2024 were randomly selected. Data were collected based on the “Clinical Guidelines for Erysipelas.” Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS-26, and ROC curve analysis along with regression models were used to determine risk and predictive factors. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results:
The mean age of participants was 50.4±14.2 years; 76.5% were female, and 32.1% were herders. Recurrence was observed in 55.1% of patients (42.8% repeated episodes, 57.2% recurrent cases), and complications occurred in 10.3%. Among patients with complications, lesions were most commonly located on the face (41.2%) and predominantly presented as erythematous-bullous forms (70.6%). The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio was 7.1 (AUC: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.79–0.91, p=0.001), and the systemic inflammatory response index was 3.9 (AUC: 0.93, 95% CI: 0.88–0.98, p=0.001), indicating high levels. Multivariable regression analysis showed that risk factors for complications included age >45 years (aOR=1.8, 95% CI: 1.2–2.7, p=0.004), female sex (aOR=2.8, 95% CI: 1.7–4.6, p=0.001), and occupation (herder) (aOR=2.6, 95% CI: 1.3–5.4, p=0.001). Chronic tonsillitis was significantly associated with recurrence (OR=3.8, 95% CI: 2.5–5.7, p=0.001). Cox regression analysis demonstrated that each additional year of age increased the risk of complications by 2% (HR=1.02, 95% CI: 1.01–1.03, p=0.003), while the presence of chronic tonsillitis increased the risk of recurrence by 7.69 times (HR=7.69, 95% CI: 5.15–11.49, p=0.001).
Conclusion
Cellular ratio indicators in erysipelas are useful for assessing inflammatory activity and disease progression. Age, sex, occupation, and the presence of chronic tonsillitis significantly influence the risk of complications and recurrence in erysipelas.
3.Results of viral and bacterial pathogens detected in children hospitalized with pneumonia
Uugantsetseg E ; Miyesuren E ; Orlom D ; Tsevegmid U ; Oyungerel R ; Khosbayar T
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;89(5):133-137
Background:
Respiratory viral and bacterial infections are one of the leading causes of hospitalization and death worldwide,
particularly affecting children, the elderly, and immune compromised individuals. The detection of causative pathogens
is crucial for understanding the epidemiology, prevention, management, and treatment of severe pneumonia. Molecular
diagnostic methods provide high sensitivity and speed, enabling the simultaneous detection of viral and bacterial
co-infections.
Aim:
Detection of single and combined viral and bacterial infections in hospitalized children with pneumonia using
multiplex PCR.
Materials and Methods:
We conducted a cross-sectional study design involving 100 hospitalized participants at the National
Center for Mothers, Newborns, and Women II. The study utilized questionnaires and laboratory analysis methods.
Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from the participants using a sterile swab and transported in a UTM transport medium
(Jiangsu, China). After nucleic acid extraction using the STARMag 96 ProPrepC assay, the samples were analyzed
with the Seeprep 32 automated analyzer (Seegene Inc., Korea). Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis was
performed using the Allplex™ RV Master Assay and Allplex™ PneumoBacter Assay (Seegene Inc., Korea), with the
CFX-96 system (BioRad Inc., USA).
Results:
The prevalence of viral infections in the study population was as follows: influenza type A 3% (n=3), influenza
type B 3% (n=3), total influenza virus 14% (n=14), respiratory syncytial virus 18% (n=18), adenovirus 10% (n=10),
rhinovirus 20% (n=20), and SARS-CoV-2 5% (n=5). No bacterial infections, such as B.parapertussis or L.pneumophila,
were detected. However, bacterial infections identified included B.pertussis in 1% (n=1), C.pneumoniae in 2% (n=2),
H.influenzae in 43% (n=43), M.pneumoniae in 52% (n=52), and S.pneumoniae in 45% (n=45). Of the 100 children in the
study, 6% had influenza or influenza-like illness. Among these, 43% had the virus alone, and 14% had a viral co-infection.
Bacterial infections were detected individually in 40% of cases, with co-infections in 46% of bacterial cases.
Conclusion
Metapneumovirus, B.parapertussis, and Legionella pneumophila were not detected in the study participants
(0%). Among the viral infections, respiratory syncytial virus (18%, n=18) and rhinovirus (20%, n=20) had the highest
prevalence. For bacterial infections, H.influenzae (43%, n=43), M.pneumoniae (52%, n=52), and S.pneumoniae (45%,
n=45) were most commonly detected.
4.Research on natural foci and population based monitoring of tick borne encephalitis in mongolia
Uyanga B ; Oyungerel R ; Undraa B ; Burmaajav B
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2012;161(3):70-77
The number of tick borne diseases is increasing in the world. More than 100000 tick borne encephalitis, tick borne encephalitis cases were registered every year. It occurred in 29 Europien, 4 Asian countries and became public health concern [1]. In our country, virus, tick detection started since 1980 with collaboration Russian scientists. From 1998, collaborative team of Public Health Institute (PHI), National centre for communicable diseases (NCCD), National center for infectious diseases with natural foci (NCIDNF) and Rssian scientists started study of tick prevalence and infection of tick borne encephalitis in Khuvsgul, Khentii, Bulgan, Orkhon, Tuv province. In study of B.Byambaa, M.Dash (1994), 18 species tick were found in Mongolia. Ticks found in 27 soums of 7 provinces. TBE virus infection of tick was 1.2-16.7% in I.persulcatus, 13.7-20% in D.nutalli. Far eastern subtype founded from patient, Siberian subtype founded from tick in Bulgan province of Mongolia. TBEV infection was 1.1-39% among population; highest infection was in Bugan, Khuder soum of Selenge province, Dadаl soum of Khentii provinces. 57.2-59.4% of population was tick bitten and 21-73.7% of them were developed clinical symptoms during surveillance. Symptoms include redness, fever, headache, skin rash, join paint. Most TBE cases were developed fever, headache, vomiting, stiff neck, paralysis. 96% of them typical, 4.4% of them atypical, 60% of them fever, 13.3% meningial, 10% meningoencephalitis among 90 cases in 1998-2004. In review, clinical symptoms of TBE cases that occurred Mongolia similar to cases caused Sibirein subtype.
5.Result of Immuno-Regulating Treatment in Active New Pulmonary TB Patients in Mongolia
Enkhtamir P ; Baatarkhuu O ; Naranbat N ; Yanjindulam P ; Enkhtuya S ; Munkhzul B ; Sarangoo G ; Oyungerel R ; Tsogtsaikhan S ; Altankhuu M
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2009;148(2):21-25
Background: Natural protection against Mycobacterium tuberculosis is based on cell-mediated immunity, which most importantly involves CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell subsets. Therefore, the evaluation of CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell profi les are important to evaluate cell-mediated immunity. Immuno-regulating therapy is important in increase of T cell subsets. Objective: To determine some T-cell subsets in active pulmonary tuberculosis patients following immunoregulating treatment in intensive phase of antituberculosis treatment, so to evaluate the treatment effect. Method: This study was conducted in TB clinic of National Center for Communicable Diseases (NCCD) between Aug 2008 and Mar 2009. CD4+ and CD8+-T cells were evaluated in 50 active pulmonary tuberculosis (infi ltrative form) cases before antituberculosis treatment (25 cases with Salimon-Study group, 25 cases without SalimonControl group) Patients with chronic disease, pregnant and alcohol users are excluded. The T cell subsets count was performed by FACSCount fl ow cytometer at the Immunology Laboratory of the NCCD,Mongolia.The monoclonal antibodies to CD3, CD4 and CD8 (Becton Dickinson) were used for the analysis. Result: CD4 count was 605,1242,7 cells/microL, CD8 count-470,92235,7 cells/microL, CD3 count-1130,7425,6 cells/microL, CD4/CD8 ratio was-1,480,67. CD4, CD8, CD3 cells were signifi cantly lower (P=0.05) in active pulmonary TB patients than in healthy Mongolian. And these subsets were signifi cantly lower in older patients (>50 age).There was no statistical signifi cance in sex and other age groups (p>0, 05). There were statistical signifi cances such as CD4 count, CD4/CD8 ratio (CD4-733,95314,38 cells/micro, CD4/CD8 ratio-1.870,7 in treatment group, CD4-570,54213.07 cells/micro, CD4/CD8 ratio-1.260.45 in control group) between TB and control group at the end of intensive phase of antituberculosis treatment (=0,05, =0,001). However, there were not any signifi cance CD8 count and CD3 count between two groups (CD8-423,68174,28 cells/microL, CD3-1212,27453,98 cells/microL in treatment group, CD8-500,67203,74cells/microL, CD3 -1139,33 386,47 cells/ microL in control group) (=0,05). Conclusion: 1. T cell subsets were signifi cantly lower in active,new,smear positive, pulmonary TB patients than in healthy Mongolians (p=0.05). 2. The statistical signifi cance is observed in 50 years and older TB patients (p=0.05). 3. CD4, CD4/CD8 were signifi cantly higher in patients treated with immuno-regulating treatment than in patients of control group (=0,05, =0,001).

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