Tuberculosis contact investigation in African Portuguese-speaking countries at End TB Strategy era: a scoping review

Abstract

ObjectivesThe contact investigation of tuberculosis (TB) index case is one of the critical elements pointed by the WHO to reach the end of the TB epidemic. The scoping review aimed to map out the recommended and the adopted processes applied to active contact investigation of TB index case in African Portuguese-speaking countries (PALOP).DesignScoping review.Data sourcesWe searched B-on, Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, WHOLIS, IRIS, OKR, each country’s Ministry of Health websites, WHO, Global Fund, World Bank and bibliographic reference lists from February to May 2020.Eligibility criteriaAll available literature on TB contact investigation in each country part of PALOP (Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique and Sao Tome and Principe) published from 1 January 2010 to 31 January2020.Data extraction and synthesisA data-charting form was developed to extract data on documents' characteristics and variables pertinent to the TB contact investigation process. Before qualitative analysis, we thematically synthesised findings and converted them into appropriate text units.ResultsFifteen documents were included in the scoping review. The recommended processes for TB contact investigation were identified only for Cape Verde and Mozambique. It included clinical evaluation, counselling and testing for HIV, chest radiography, tuberculin skin test, sputum smear microscopy or Xpert MTB/RIF. The adopted processes were detected only in research studies from Angola, Guinea-Bissau and Mozambique. Therefore, they cannot be assumed as adopted within the scope of the national programmes of the respective countries.ConclusionThis review highlights the scarcity of references on TB contact investigation in PALOP at the End TB Strategy era. Furthermore, it is well clear the importance of an information system that provides actual data for assessing the real impact of such interventions in controlling the disease in African Portuguese-speaking countries.

Tuberculosis contact tracing, Angola

“…In reality, however, implementation of contact tracing is inadequate. 8 As in other African countries, the main barriers to implementation are: lack of awareness of contact tracing and preventive treatment; lack and inaccessibility of diagnostic testing; socioeconomic factors; and lack of engagement of the community and public health services. 9 , 10 …”