Geospatial Overlap of Undernutrition and Tuberculosis in Ethiopia

Abstract

Undernutrition is a key driver of the global tuberculosis (TB) epidemic, yet there is limited understanding regarding the spatial overlap of both diseases. This study aimed to determine the geographical co-distribution and socio-climatic factors of undernutrition and TB in Ethiopia. Data on undernutrition were found from the Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS). Data on TB were obtained from the Ethiopia national TB prevalence survey. We applied a geostatistical model using a Bayesian framework to predict the prevalence of undernutrition and TB. Spatial overlap of undernutrition and TB prevalence was detected in the Afar and Somali regions. Population density was associated with the spatial distribution of TB [β: 0.008; 95% CrI: 0.001, 0.014], wasting [β: −0.017; 95% CrI: −0.032, −0.004], underweight [β: −0.02; 95% CrI: −0.031, −0.011], stunting [β: −0.012; 95% CrI: −0.017, −0.006], and adult undernutrition [β: −0.007; 95% CrI: −0.01, −0.005]. Distance to a health facility was associated with the spatial distribution of stunting [β: 0.269; 95% CrI: 0.08, 0.46] and adult undernutrition [β: 0.176; 95% CrI: 0.044, 0.308]. Healthcare access and demographic factors were associated with the spatial distribution of TB and undernutrition. Therefore, geographically targeted service integration may be more effective than nationwide service integration.

Benzothiadiazinone-1,1-Dioxide Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors Suppress the Growth of Drug-Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis Strains

“…The common symptoms of TB vary depending on where in the body the infection becomes active and typically include a prolonged cough (sometimes with blood), chest pain, fatigue, weight loss, weakness, fever, and night sweats [ 1 , 4 ]. Several conditions, such as diabetes, a weakened immune system (e.g., HIV), malnutrition, and tobacco use, pose risk factors for Tuberculosis [ 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 ]. While the Bacille Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccine can be administered to infants or young children to prevent TB outside the lungs, it does not provide protection within the lungs [ 26 ].…”