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Tuberculosis—a Millennial Disease in the Age of New Technologies
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Tuberculosis—a Millennial Disease in the Age of New Technologies

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Applied Biosciences and Bioengineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2025 | Viewed by 2482

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Beatrice Mahler

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Cardiothoracic Department, Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
2. Pneumology Department, Marius Nasta Institute of Pneumology, 050159 Bucharest, Romania
Interests: respiratory diseases; tuberculosis; air pollution
Dr. Ioana Munteanu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Pneumology Department, Marius Nasta Institute of Pneumology, 050159 Bucharest, Romania
2. Phisiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Titu Maiorescu University, 0400511 Bucharest, Romania
Interests: tuberculosis; sleep apnea; respiratory disease
Dr. José Antonio Canas

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Fundación Jiménez Díaz (IIS-FJD), 28040 Madrid, Spain
Interests: asthma; food allergy; microRNAs; exosomes
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

New technologies significantly change the approach to airborne diseases, which over time have posed real macro-management challenges. Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the diseases responsible for the largest number of deaths caused by communicable diseases globally, requiring special attention from us, those who care for patients with tuberculosis.

This Special Issue aims to explore the role of new technologies in epidemiological surveillance, in the diagnosis of TB, and also in increasing patient adherence to treatment. We invite original research articles, reviews, and meta-analyses that analyze the prevalence as well as incidence rates of TB, identify environmental and behavioral risk factors, and examine the impact of technology on the medical surveillance of patients with TB. Studies on the effectiveness of public health interventions, disease management programs, and health policy implications are also welcome.

Understanding the epidemiology and associated factors of TB is crucial for the development of prevention strategies aimed especially at vulnerable groups, the improvement of early diagnosis, and the optimization of treatment protocols. This Special Issue aims to gather comprehensive evidence to inform clinical practice and public health policies, ultimately aiming to reduce the burden of TB and improve quality of life by reducing the stigma of those affected.

Dr. Beatrice Mahler
Dr. Ioana Munteanu
Dr. José Antonio Canas
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • tuberculosis
  • public health intervention
  • technology
  • AI
  • diagnosis
  • treatment

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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21 pages, 272 KiB  
Article
The Role of Psychosocial Interventions in Increasing Adherence to Tuberculosis Treatment in People Belonging to Socially Vulnerable Categories
by Ioana Munteanu, Fidelie Kalambayi, Alexandru Toth, Dragos Dendrino, Beatrice Burdusel, Silviu-Gabriel Vlasceanu, Oana Parliteanu, Antonela Dragomir, Roxana Maria Nemes and Beatrice Mahler
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(15), 8173; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158173 - 23 Jul 2025
Viewed by 262
Abstract
The article analyzes the effects of psychosocial interventions on adherence to tuberculosis (TB) treatment among vulnerable populations in Romania. The study includes 4104 patients from disadvantaged groups (rural, injecting drug users, homeless), beneficiaries of a national multidisciplinary support program. Multivariate analyses conducted on [...] Read more.
The article analyzes the effects of psychosocial interventions on adherence to tuberculosis (TB) treatment among vulnerable populations in Romania. The study includes 4104 patients from disadvantaged groups (rural, injecting drug users, homeless), beneficiaries of a national multidisciplinary support program. Multivariate analyses conducted on drug-susceptible TB (DS-TB) patients within this cohort identified some predictors of therapeutic success, such as extrapulmonary diagnosis, peer-to-peer educational support, and a higher level of education. At the same time, men, occupationally inactive people and those in the initial phase of treatment at project entry showed lower adherence. The results support the integration of psychosocial interventions in TB management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tuberculosis—a Millennial Disease in the Age of New Technologies)
11 pages, 256 KiB  
Article
Epidemiological Insights and Diagnostic Strategies of Extrarespiratory Tuberculosis: A Five-Year Retrospective Study in Clinic of Pneumology, Târgu Mureș
by Gabriela Jimborean, Edith-Simona Ianoși, Dragoș Huțanu, Hédi-Katalin Sárközi, Mara Andreea Vultur, Maria Beatrice Ianosi and Alpár Csipor-Fodor
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(23), 11259; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142311259 - 3 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1068
Abstract
Background: Tuberculosis remains one of the biggest global public health problems today. The objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic methods, clinical outcomes, patient compliance, and mortality rates in patients diagnosed with extrarespiratory tuberculosis. Methods: 105 cases of extrarespiratory tuberculosis were [...] Read more.
Background: Tuberculosis remains one of the biggest global public health problems today. The objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic methods, clinical outcomes, patient compliance, and mortality rates in patients diagnosed with extrarespiratory tuberculosis. Methods: 105 cases of extrarespiratory tuberculosis were analyzed over a five-year period (2018–2023). Data from medical records were reviewed and processed. Diagnostic methods included Ziehl–Nielsen staining, Löwenstein–Jensen cultures, GeneXpert, and histopathological analysis. Diagnosis was supplemented by a specialist organ examination and, in cases with concurrent pulmonary involvement, by a chest X-ray and sputum examination. For negative cases, a probabilistic diagnosis was made. Results: Most patients presented pleural TB (38%), osteo-articular TB (26.67%), and ganglionary TB (19%). Patients were mostly men (56.19%), in the 18–40 years-old category (40%), and lived in rural areas (61%). In total, 94.29% were newly diagnosed and most observed comorbidites were chronic smoking (11.37%), chronic lung diseases (10.20%), and malnutrition (9.02%). Moreover, 68% had a negative microscopic examination, while 55% had negative cultures on Löwenstein–Jensen. Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of a multi-modal approach to diagnosing extrarespiratory tuberculosis, especially in negative bacteriological and histopathological results. Imaging, combined with clinical and epidemiological data, is critical for a probabilistic diagnosis. GeneXpert proved useful in difficult cases. This study emphasizes the need for a comprehensive diagnostic strategy to effectively manage extrarespiratory tuberculosis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tuberculosis—a Millennial Disease in the Age of New Technologies)

Review

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26 pages, 1426 KiB  
Review
Mycobacteriophages in the Treatment of Mycobacterial Infections: From Compassionate Use to Targeted Therapy
by Magdalena Druszczynska, Beata Sadowska, Agnieszka Zablotni, Lesia Zhuravska, Jakub Kulesza and Marek Fol
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(15), 8543; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158543 - 31 Jul 2025
Viewed by 570
Abstract
This review addresses the urgent need for alternative strategies to combat drug-resistant mycobacterial infections, including multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) tuberculosis, as well as non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) diseases. Traditional antibiotics are increasingly limited by resistance, toxicity, and poor efficacy, particularly in immunocompromised [...] Read more.
This review addresses the urgent need for alternative strategies to combat drug-resistant mycobacterial infections, including multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) tuberculosis, as well as non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) diseases. Traditional antibiotics are increasingly limited by resistance, toxicity, and poor efficacy, particularly in immunocompromised patients. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, covering publications primarily from 2000 to 2025. Only articles published in English were included to ensure consistency in data interpretation. Search terms included “mycobacteriophages,” “phage therapy,” “drug-resistant mycobacteria, “diagnostic phages,” and “phage engineering.” The review examines the therapeutic and diagnostic potential of mycobacteriophages—viruses that specifically infect mycobacteria—focusing on their molecular biology, engineering advances, delivery systems, and clinical applications. Evidence suggests that mycobacteriophages offer high specificity, potent bactericidal activity, and adaptability, positioning them as promising candidates for targeted therapy. Although significant obstacles remain—including immune interactions, limited host range, and regulatory challenges—rapid progress in synthetic biology and delivery platforms continues to expand their clinical potential. As research advances and clinical frameworks evolve, mycobacteriophages are poised to become a valuable asset in the fight against drug-resistant mycobacterial diseases, offering new precision-based solutions where conventional therapies fail. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tuberculosis—a Millennial Disease in the Age of New Technologies)
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