A systematic review of reported cost for smear and culture tests during multidrug-resistant tuberculosis treatment.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In 2011, World Health Organization revised its recommendation for microbiological monitoring during treatment for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) by increasing the frequency of culture examination from quarterly to monthly after culture conversion. Implementing the recommendation requires substantial additional investment in laboratory infrastructure. The objective of this review is to provide cost evidence that is needed for national TB programs to budget for optimal monitoring strategies.

Methods and findings

WE CONDUCTED THE FIRST SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW ON UNIT COST ESTIMATES OF THREE MONITORING STRATEGIES: 1) smear only; 2) culture only; 3) combined smear and culture. 26 peer-reviewed studies were selected by searching 10 databases in English a

SUBMITTER: Lu C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3574085 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature