Journal Article

DKFZ-2026-00752

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png High two-month mortality in Gabonese adults with and without tuberculosis: A prospective cohort study of patients with presumed pulmonary tuberculosis.

Weber, S. F. ; Glaser, A. ; Adegbite, B. R. ; Agbo Achimi Abdul, J. B. P. ; Ibinda, G. A. R. M. ; Ndanga, M. E. D. ; Gouleu, C. S. ; Nzambe, J. M. ; Tobian, F. ; Muchie, K. F. ; Gaeddert, M. ; Mbaïdiguim, F. ; Chetcuti, K. ; Lanzer, M. ; Denkinger, C. M. ; Grobusch, M. P. ; Adegnika, A. A. ; Bélard, S. ; group, N. s. (Collaboration Author) ; Ndong, A. R. O. O. (Contributor) ; Edoa, J. R. (Contributor) ; Moure, P. A. N. (Contributor) ; Mouloungui-Mavoungou, J. (Contributor) ; Backanot, C. (Contributor) ; Rickerts, V. (Contributor) ; McCormick, I. (Contributor) ; Nurjadi, D. (Contributor) ; Boutin, S. (Contributor) ; Jung, H. (Contributor)DKFZ* ; Büchler, C. (Contributor) ; Del Mar Castro, M. (Contributor) ; Sorgho-Mitreska, E. (Contributor) ; Jeske, R. (Contributor) ; Waterboer, T. (Contributor)DKFZ* ; Mamani-Mategula, E. (Contributor)

2026
Elsevier [Amsterdam]

Abstract: Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) remains a leading cause of mortality in sub-Saharan Africa but often remains unconfirmed. Patient outcomes in unconfirmed TB or non-TB cases are rarely studied. We assessed 2-month outcomes and associated factors in presumed TB cases independent of TB status.Hospitalized adults with presumed PTB in Lambaréné, Gabon, were prospectively enrolled (September 2024-January 2025). Demographic data, including a socioeconomic status (SES) score, were collected. Laboratory analyses included HIV-test, GeneXpert and mycobacterial culture. Chest X-rays (CXR) were assessed for signs of TB and non-TB conditions. Diagnoses were categorized as confirmed PTB, clinically diagnosed PTB, or non-TB. Two-month follow-up assessed outcomes.Of 103 participants, 30 of 102 (29%) were HIV positive. Median age was 44 years (interquartile range 28-57). PTB was confirmed in 34 of 103 (33%), clinically diagnosed in 5 of 103 (5%), and not diagnosed in 62 of 103 (62%). In the non-TB group, CXR findings were consistent with bacterial pneumonia (24/62, 39%) or malignancy (12/62, 19%). At follow-up, 81 of 100 (81%) reported improvement, whereas 19 of 100 (19%) did not, including 12 of 100 (12%) deaths. HIV infection, smoking, alcohol use, rural residence, and lower SES were associated with death, no difference was seen by TB status.High 2-month mortality, regardless of final TB status, highlights the need for improved access to diagnostics and better treatment algorithms in severe respiratory illness.German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00034074).

Keyword(s): Diagnosis ; HIV ; Mortality ; Respiratory infections ; Sub-Saharan Africa ; Tuberculosis

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Infektionen und Krebsepidemiologie (C230)

Research Program(s):

1. 313 - Krebsrisikofaktoren und Prävention (POF4-313) (POF4-313)

Appears in the scientific report 2026

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Database coverage:
; ; Article Processing Charges ; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; DOAJ Seal ; Emerging Sources Citation Index ; Fees ; SCOPUS ; Web of Science Core Collection

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