Results of field X-ray screening by participant characteristics of participants to the national TB prevalence survey in Pakistan, 2010–2011.

<p>Results of field X-ray screening by participant characteristics of participants to the national TB prevalence survey in Pakistan, 2010–2011.</p

Flow Diagram of National Prevalence Survey of Pakistan, 2010–11.

<p>Flow Diagram of National Prevalence Survey of Pakistan, 2010–11.</p

Results of screening by questionnaire and participant characteristics from the national TB prevalence survey in Pakistan, 2010–2011.

<p>Results of screening by questionnaire and participant characteristics from the national TB prevalence survey in Pakistan, 2010–2011.</p

Estimated prevalence-to-notification ratios, comparing the estimated prevalence of smear-positive TB with the notification of new-smear positive TB for the Pakistan National Tuberculosis Program, by sex, age group and province, 2011.

<p>Estimated prevalence-to-notification ratios, comparing the estimated prevalence of smear-positive TB with the notification of new-smear positive TB for the Pakistan National Tuberculosis Program, by sex, age group and province, 2011.</p

Estimated prevalence of sputum smear-positive and bacteriologically positive TB among adults (≥15 years) in the national Pakistan prevalence survey, 2010–2011.

<p>Estimated prevalence of sputum smear-positive and bacteriologically positive TB among adults (≥15 years) in the national Pakistan prevalence survey, 2010–2011.</p

TB cases according to case definitions.

<p>TB cases according to case definitions.</p

Flow chart to explain the flow of patients in TB Reach project, Pakistan

<p>Flow chart to explain the flow of patients in TB Reach project, Pakistan</p

Management of chronic Hepatitis C at a primary health clinic in the high-burden context of Karachi, Pakistan

<div><p>Background</p><p>The burden of hepatitis C (HCV) infection in Pakistan is among the highest in the world, with a reported national HCV prevalence of 6.7% in 2014. In specific populations, such as in urban communities in Karachi, the prevalence is suspected to be higher. Interferon-free treatment for chronic HCV infection (CHC) could allow scale up, simplification and decentralization of treatment to such communities. We present an interim analysis over the course of February-December 2015 of an interferon-free, decentralised CHC programme in the community clinic in Machar Colony, Karachi, Pakistan.</p><p>Design</p><p>A retrospective analysis of a treatment cohort.</p><p>Results</p><p>There were 1,089 patients included in this analysis. Aspartate to platelet ratio index score was used to prioritize patients in terms of treatment initiation, with 242 patients placed in high priority for treatment and 202 starting treatment as scheduled. 169 patients started HCV treatment with Sofosbuvir-Ribavirin regimen according to HCV genotype over the course of 2015: of these, 35% had Hemoglobin reductions below 11.0 g/dl during the treatment course. Among the 153 patients (85%) with genotype 3 HCV infection, 84% of patients achieved sustained virologic response at 12 weeks following treatment completion (SVR 12).</p><p>Conclusion</p><p>Outcomes of HCV treatment with all oral combination in an integrated, decentralized model of care for CHC in a primary care setting, using simplified diagnostic and treatment algorithms, are comparable to the outcomes achieved in clinical trial settings for Sofosbuvir-based regimens. Our results suggest the feasibility and the pertinence if including interferon-free treatment regimens in the national programme, at both provincial and national levels.</p></div

Sociodemographic and characteristics of chronic Hepatitis C patients enrolled in a primary health care-based program for management of chronic Hepatitis C, Karachi, Pakistan; February to December 2015.

<p>Sociodemographic and characteristics of chronic Hepatitis C patients enrolled in a primary health care-based program for management of chronic Hepatitis C, Karachi, Pakistan; February to December 2015.</p

Screening Yield and Number Needed to Screen among household contacts and Close community contacts of index patients in intervention^* districts^**, Pakistan.

<p>Screening Yield and Number Needed to Screen among household contacts and Close community contacts of index patients in intervention^{<a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0165813#t001fn001" target="_blank">*</a>} districts^{<a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0165813#t001fn002" target="_blank">**</a>}, Pakistan.</p