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Gonzalez S, Lopez Velasco PN, Mena Antonio CA, Palazuelos D. Detecting sexually transmitted infections beyond the syndromic approach: lessons from a rural setting in Chiapas, Mexico. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2024; 6:1441909. [PMID: 39114476 PMCID: PMC11303321 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2024.1441909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are a critical global health concern, with low- and middle-income countries carrying the highest burden. The development of rapid point-of-care STI tests has enabled screening in settings without laboratory access. Yet, high-need settings face unique challenges that may influence the implementation and uptake of STI screening. This piece discusses lessons learned from the implementation of STI screening in a rural, low-resource setting in Chiapas, Mexico. Despite minimal privacy and a low staff-to-patient ratio, a streamlined approach was developed to destigmatize and maximize STI screening. The clinic team developed strategies through practice, including incorporating screening into triage procedures and offering screening to family members. This protocol led to an average screening rate of 37% within three months and acceptance of screening by family units. It was observed that access to treatment was necessary to alleviate patient hesitation to screening due to fears of a positive result. As STI screening increases globally, healthcare systems must develop robust access to treatment to effectively prevent and treat STIs worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Gonzalez
- Pathways MD Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | | | - Daniel Palazuelos
- Department of Medicine, Division of Global Health Equity, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
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Kularatne R, Blondeel K, Kasaro M, Maseko V, Bosomprah S, Silva R, Laverty M, Kurbonov F, Mirandola M, Peeling RW. Clinic-based evaluation of point-of-care dual HIV/syphilis rapid diagnostic tests at primary healthcare antenatal facilities in South Africa and Zambia. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:600. [PMID: 38898466 PMCID: PMC11186134 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09463-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Southern African countries have the largest global burden of HIV and syphilis, with a high prevalence among women of reproductive age. Although antenatal screening is standard of care, syphilis screening has generally lagged behind HIV screening. We aimed to evaluate the performance and operational characteristics of two commercial dual HIV/syphilis point-of-care tests (POCTs) for simultaneous maternal HIV/syphilis screening. METHODS A clinic-based evaluation of dual HIV/syphilis POCTs (SD Bioline and Chembio) was conducted at five primary healthcare centres (PHCs) in South Africa and Zambia. POCT results using capillary fingerprick blood were compared to reference laboratory syphilis and HIV serological assays. RESULTS Three thousand four hundred twelve consenting pregnant women aged ≥ 18 years were enrolled. The prevalence of treponemal antibody seropositivity and HIV infection ranged from 3.7 to 9.9% (n = 253) and 17.8 to 21.3% (n = 643), respectively. Pooled sensitivity for syphilis compared to the reference assay was 66.0% (95%CI 57.7-73.4) with SD Bioline and 67.9% (95%CI 58.2-76.3) with Chembio. Pooled specificity for syphilis was above 98% with both POCTs. The sensitivities of SD Bioline and Chembio assays were 78.0% (95%CI 68.6-85.7) and 81.0% (95%CI 71.9-88.2), respectively compared to an active syphilis case definition of treponemal test positive with a rapid plasma reagin titre of ≥ 8. The negative predictive values (NPVs) based on various prevalence estimates for syphilis with both assays ranged from 97 to 99%. The pooled sensitivity for HIV was 92.1% (95%CI 89.4-94.2) with SD Bioline; and 91.5% (95%CI 88.2-93.9) with Chembio. The pooled specificities for HIV were 97.2% (95%CI 94.8-98.5) with SD Bioline and 96.7% (95%CI 95.1-97.8) with Chembio. The NPV based on various prevalence estimates for HIV with both assays was approximately 98%. Most participating women (91%) preferred dual POCTs over two single POCTs for HIV and syphilis, and healthcare providers gave favourable feedback on the utility of both assays at PHC level. CONCLUSIONS Based on the need to improve antenatal screening coverage for syphilis, dual HIV/syphilis POCTs could be effectively incorporated into antenatal testing algorithms to enhance efforts towards elimination of mother-to-child transmission of these infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranmini Kularatne
- Centre for HIV & STI, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Karel Blondeel
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Margaret Kasaro
- University of North Carolina Global Projects Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA
- Center for Infectious Diseases Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Venessa Maseko
- Centre for HIV & STI, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Samuel Bosomprah
- Center for Infectious Diseases Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | | | | | | | - Massimo Mirandola
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Infectious Diseases Section, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Rosanna W Peeling
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Verona, UK
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Manjate A, Sergon G, Kenga D, Golparian D, Tyulenev Y, Loquilha O, Mausse F, Guschin A, Langa JC, Passanduca A, Sacarlal J, Unemo M. Prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), associations with sociodemographic and behavioural factors, and assessment of the syndromic management of vaginal discharge in women with urogenital complaints in Mozambique. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2024; 6:1323926. [PMID: 38706519 PMCID: PMC11067503 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2024.1323926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
In Mozambique, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are estimated to be prevalent, but diagnosis and treatment of curable STIs rely only on syndromic management. We examined the prevalence of four non-viral STIs and HIV-1/2, based on etiological diagnosis, associations with sociodemographic and behavioural factors, and the STI diagnostic accuracy of the vaginal discharge syndromic management in women with urogenital complaints in Maputo, Mozambique. A cross-sectional study was performed in Maputo, Mozambique, February 2018-January 2019, enrolling 924 women of reproductive age with urogenital complaints. Endocervical/vaginal swabs were sampled and chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis and Mycoplasma genitalium infections were diagnosed using a multiplex real-time PCR (AmpliSens; InterLabServices). Serological testing was performed for HIV-1/2. A structured questionnaire collected metadata. All data were analyzed in STATA/IC 12.1 using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests and logistic regression model. About 40% of the women were less than 24 years old, 50.8% were single, 62.1% had their sexual debut between 12 and 17 years of age, and the main complaint was vaginal discharge syndrome (85%). The prevalence of chlamydia was 15.5%, trichomoniasis 12.1%, gonorrhoea 4.0%, M. genitalium 2.1%, and HIV-1/2 22.3%. The vaginal discharge syndrome flowchart had a sensitivity of 73.0%-82.5% and a specificity of 14%-15% for the detection of any individual non-viral STI in women with urogenital complaints. In total, 19.2% of the symptomatic women with chlamydia, trichomoniasis or gonorrhoea would not be detected and accordingly treated using the vaginal discharge syndromic management (missed treatment) and 70.0% of the women would be treated despite not being infected with any of these three STIs (overtreatment). In conclusion, a high prevalence of especially chlamydia, trichomoniasis, and HIV-1/2 was found in women of childbearing age with urogenital complaints in Maputo, Mozambique. Syndromic management of vaginal discharge revealed low accuracy in the detection of STIs in symptomatic women, especially low specificity, which resulted in under-treatment of STI-positive cases and incorrect or over-treatment of women with urogenital complaints, many of whom were negative for all the non-viral STIs. Etiological diagnosis is imperative for effective management of STIs in symptomatic and asymptomatic women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Manjate
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
- Departament de Microbiologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Gladys Sergon
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Darlenne Kenga
- Departament de Microbiologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Daniel Golparian
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Gonorrhoea and Other Sexually Transmitted Infections, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Yuriy Tyulenev
- Department of Healthcare, Moscow Scientific and Practical Center of Dermatovenereology and Cosmetology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Osvaldo Loquilha
- Departamento de Matemática e Informática, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Fabião Mausse
- Departament de Microbiologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Alexander Guschin
- Department of Healthcare, Moscow Scientific and Practical Center of Dermatovenereology and Cosmetology, Moscow, Russia
| | - José Carlos Langa
- Departament de Microbiologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Alfeu Passanduca
- Departament de Microbiologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Jahit Sacarlal
- Departament de Microbiologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Magnus Unemo
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Gonorrhoea and Other Sexually Transmitted Infections, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
- Institute for Global Health, University College London (UCL), London, United Kingdom
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Moseley P, Bamford A, Eisen S, Lyall H, Kingston M, Thorne C, Piñera C, Rabie H, Prendergast AJ, Kadambari S. Resurgence of congenital syphilis: new strategies against an old foe. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2024; 24:e24-e35. [PMID: 37604180 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(23)00314-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Congenital syphilis is a major global cause of fetal loss, stillbirth, neonatal death, and congenital infection. In 2020, the global rate of congenital syphilis was 425 cases per 100 000 livebirths-substantially higher than WHO's elimination target of 50 cases per 100 000 livebirths. Case rates are rising in many high-income countries, but remain low compared with those in low-income and middle-income settings. This Review aims to summarise the current epidemiology and knowledge on transmission and treatment of syphilis in pregnancy, and proposes measures to reduce the rising incidence seen worldwide. We also describe emerging diagnostic and treatment tools to prevent vertical transmission and improve management of congenital syphilis. Finally, we outline a programme of public health priorities, which include research, clinical, and preventive strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Moseley
- University of Queensland Frazer Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Alasdair Bamford
- Department of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Sarah Eisen
- University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | | | - Claire Thorne
- University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | | | - Helena Rabie
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Tygerberg Academic Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Andrew J Prendergast
- Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe; Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Seilesh Kadambari
- Department of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK.
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Salas-Romero SP, Barrios-Puerta Z, Madero-Zambrano KP, Bello-Trujillo AM. Guidelines on Gestational and Congenital Syphilis: insights of health professionals in Bolívar (Colombia). REVISTA COLOMBIANA DE OBSTETRICIA Y GINECOLOGIA 2023; 74:297-309. [PMID: 38421228 PMCID: PMC10911418 DOI: 10.18597/rcog.4012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Objectives To describe the knowledge, appropriateness and practices regarding the evidence-based “Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) for the comprehensive management of gestational syphilis (GS) and congenital syphilis (CS)”. Material and methods A descriptive, cross-sectional study including general practitioners, specialists and nurses working at 52 healthcare institutions in the Bolivar Department (Colombia) who provided prenatal control or neonatal care in 2020. Convenience sampling was used. A digital questionnaire was administered to collect sociodemographic information, assessed knowledge, appropriateness and practices in terms of the evidenced-based “Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG)" mentioned in the objectives. A descriptive analysis followed. Results A total of 101 workers were included. There are deficiencies associated with the correct use of the inverse algorithm of diagnosis (48 %) and GS followup (77 %), management of the patient with a history of systemic manifestation allergies (31 %) and treatment of GS (61 %) and CS (10 %). The recommendation of not using the penicillin test in patients with no history of systemic allergies is considered of little benefit (60 %). 23 % of the workers do not use rapid tests and 44 % of the specialists administer syphilis treatment to the sexual partner. Conclusions It is important to intensify the training strategies for health personnel with emphasis on nurses and, as a matter of urgency, empower them in syphilis control activities. New and continuous national and regional evaluations of the implementation of these guidelines are needed to assess the indicators associated with the strategy for the elimination of this disease.
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Pulei AN, Lokken EM, Kinuthia J, Richardson BA, Mandaliya K, Jaoko W, McClelland RS. Derivation and Internal Validation of a Risk Score for Predicting Chlamydia trachomatis Infection in Kenyan Women Planning Conception. Sex Transm Dis 2023; 50:625-633. [PMID: 36877639 PMCID: PMC11329225 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Availability of laboratory confirmation of sexually transmitted infections is increasing in low- and middle-income countries, but costs continue to limit their access. Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) is a sexually transmitted infection of significant clinical importance, particularly among women. This study aimed to develop a risk score to identify women with a higher likelihood of CT infection, who could then be prioritized for laboratory testing, in a population of Kenyan women planning pregnancies. METHODS Women with fertility intentions were included in this cross-sectional analysis. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios for the association between demographic, medical, reproductive, and behavioral characteristics and the prevalence of CT infection. A risk score was developed and validated internally based on the regression coefficients in the final multivariable model. RESULTS The prevalence of CT was 7.4% (51 of 691). A risk score for predicting CT infection, with scores 0 to 6, was derived from participants' age, alcohol use, and presence of bacterial vaginosis. The prediction model yielded an area under the receiver operating curve of 0.78 (95% confidene interval [Cl], 0.72-0.84). A cutoff of ≤2 versus >2 identified 31.8% of women as higher risk with moderate sensitivity (70.6%; 95% Cl, 56.2-71.3) and specificity (71.3%; 95% Cl, 67.7-74.5). The bootstrap-corrected area under the receiver operating curve was 0.77 (95% Cl, 0.72-0.83). CONCLUSIONS In similar populations of women planning pregnancies, this type of risk score could be useful for prioritizing women for laboratory testing and would capture most women with CT infections while performing more costly testing in less than half of the population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Erica M Lokken
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | | | | | | | - Walter Jaoko
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
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Pintye J, Kinuthia J, Abuna F, Anderson PL, Dettinger JC, Gomez L, Haberer JE, Marwa MM, Ngumbau N, Omondi P, Odhiambo B, Stern J, Watoyi S, Baeten JM, John-Stewart G. HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis initiation, persistence, and adherence during pregnancy through the postpartum period. AIDS 2023; 37:1725-1737. [PMID: 37289583 PMCID: PMC10527305 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000003617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We evaluated pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) initiation, persistence, and adherence measured via tenofovir-diphosphate (TFV-DP) concentrations in dried blood spots (DBS) among women offered PrEP during pregnancy. METHODS We prospectively analyzed data from participants in the PrIMA Study (NCT03070600) who were offered PrEP during the second trimester and followed through 9 months postpartum. At follow-up visits (monthly in pregnancy; 6 weeks, 6 months, 9 months postpartum), self-reported PrEP use was assessed, and DBS were collected for quantifying TFV-DP concentrations. RESULTS In total, 2949 participants were included in the analysis. At enrollment, median age was 24 years [interquartile range IQR) 21-29], gestational age 24 weeks (IQR 20-28), and 4% had a known partner living with HIV. Overall, 405 (14%) participants initiated PrEP in pregnancy with higher frequency among those with risk factors for HIV acquisition, including >2 lifetime sexual partners, syphilis during pregnancy, forced sex, and intimate partner violence ( P < 0.05). At 9 months postpartum, 58% of PrEP initiators persisted with PrEP use, of which 54% self-reported not missing any PrEP pills in the last 30 days. Among DBS randomly selected from visits where participants persisted with PrEP ( n = 427), 50% had quantifiable TFV-DP. Quantifiable TFV-DP was twice as likely in pregnancy than postpartum [adjusted risk ratio (aRR) = 1.90, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.40-2.57, P < 0.001]. Having a partner known to be living with HIV was the strongest predictor of PrEP initiation, persistence, and quantifiable TFV-DP ( P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS PrEP persistence and adherence waned postpartum, though over half of PrEP initiators persisted through 9-months postpartum. Interventions should prioritize increasing knowledge of partner HIV status and sustaining adherence in the postpartum period.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - John Kinuthia
- University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | | | | | - Laurén Gomez
- University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Joshua Stern
- University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Mugambi ML, Pintye J, Heffron R, Barnabas RV, John-Stewart G. HIV Prevention Tools Across the Pregnancy Continuum: What Works, What Does Not, and What Can We Do Differently? Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2022; 19:293-300. [PMID: 35984551 PMCID: PMC9717592 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-022-00621-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Multiple tools exist to support the primary prevention of HIV in pregnant and postpartum women; however, there are opportunities to enhance their use and impact. This review summarizes the current status of HIV prevention tools and existing gaps and opportunities to improve their use along the pregnancy care continuum. RECENT FINDINGS HIV screening efforts have steadily improved with close to universal screening of pregnant women in several East and Southern African countries. Strategies to implement partner testing through the distribution of HIV self-test kits are promising though linkage to care remains challenging. Syphilis screening rates are increasing though detection of other sexually transmitted infections could benefit from improved diagnostic capacity. Male and female condoms are rarely used and are often not the optimal tool of choice during pregnancy. Oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a promising tool, although barriers such as the need for daily adherence, side effects, and stigma may limit its use. There is a growing pipeline of PrEP agents with alternative delivery platforms that might suit women's preferences better and supports the notion that choice is vital to improving HIV prevention coverage during the pregnancy-postpartum continuum. Clear guidance on which tools to use and how to use them, safety data supporting their use, and surveillance data documenting the scale and effectiveness of the tools will be imperative in establishing a path to more impactful prevention efforts among pregnant and postpartum women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Latigo Mugambi
- Department of Global Health, Hans Rosling Center, University of Washington, 3980 15th Ave NE, Box 351620, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
| | - Jillian Pintye
- Department of Global Health, Hans Rosling Center, University of Washington, 3980 15th Ave NE, Box 351620, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
- School of Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Renee Heffron
- Department of Global Health, Hans Rosling Center, University of Washington, 3980 15th Ave NE, Box 351620, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- University of Alabama Birmingham, Birmingham, AB, USA
| | - Ruanne Vanessa Barnabas
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Grace John-Stewart
- Department of Global Health, Hans Rosling Center, University of Washington, 3980 15th Ave NE, Box 351620, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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New trends in congenital syphilis: epidemiology, testing in pregnancy, and management. Curr Opin Infect Dis 2022; 35:452-460. [PMID: 36066379 DOI: 10.1097/qco.0000000000000875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW In light of alarming increases in the incidence of congenital syphilis in many middle and higher income countries across the globe, this review summarizes recent changes in the epidemiology of syphilis, highlights recommended changes to testing in pregnancy and provides an update for the management of syphilis infection in pregnancy (SIP) and of the infant born to a mother with SIP. RECENT FINDINGS The re-emergence of congenital syphilis is a result of increasing infectious syphilis in women of childbearing age, which is in turn a result of increasing syphilis in the general population particularly in Indigenous and marginalized populations. Potential reasons for the increase include changing sexual practices and increased travel and migration, as well as factors that limit healthcare access, particularly access to antenatal care and limited awareness and education amongst mothers and maternity services. A single antenatal test for syphilis is insufficient; more frequent testing in pregnancy is necessary even for women deemed to be low risk. The management of SIP and of the newborn is complex and guidelines should be readily available with clear recommendations. SUMMARY Congenital syphilis is preventable. The current crisis calls for a global and national multipronged, co-ordinated approach involving public health and hospital systems which includes education of individuals and healthcare workers, availability of updated guidelines for prevention and treatment, prioritization of antenatal testing, assurance of accessible and prompt treatment and appropriate assessment and follow-up of infants.
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Coomes D, Green D, Barnabas R, Sharma M, Barr-DiChiara M, Jamil MS, Baggaley R, Owiredu MN, Macdonald V, Nguyen VTT, Vo SH, Taylor M, Wi T, Johnson C, Drake AL. Cost-effectiveness of implementing HIV and HIV/syphilis dual testing among key populations in Viet Nam: a modelling analysis. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e056887. [PMID: 35953255 PMCID: PMC9379490 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-056887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Key populations, including sex workers, men who have sex with men, and people who inject drugs, have a high risk of HIV and sexually transmitted infections. We assessed the health and economic impacts of different HIV and syphilis testing strategies among three key populations in Viet Nam using a dual HIV/syphilis rapid diagnostic test (RDT). SETTING We used the spectrum AIDS impact model to simulate the HIV epidemic in Viet Nam and evaluated five testing scenarios among key populations. We used a 15-year time horizon and a provider perspective for costs. PARTICIPANTS We simulate the entire population of Viet Nam in the model. INTERVENTIONS We modelled five testing scenarios among key populations: (1) annual testing with an HIV RDT, (2) annual testing with a dual RDT, (3) biannual testing using dual RDT and HIV RDT, (4) biannual testing using HIV RDT and (5) biannual testing using dual RDT. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome is incremental cost-effectiveness ratios. Secondary outcomes include HIV and syphilis cases. RESULTS Annual testing using a dual HIV/syphilis RDT was cost-effective (US$10 per disability-adjusted life year (DALY)) and averted 3206 HIV cases and treated 27 727 syphilis cases compared with baseline over 15 years. Biannual testing using one dual test and one HIV RDT (US$1166 per DALY), or two dual tests (US$5672 per DALY) both averted an additional 875 HIV cases, although only the former scenario was cost-effective. Annual or biannual HIV testing using HIV RDTs and separate syphilis tests were more costly and less effective than using one or two dual RDTs. CONCLUSIONS Annual HIV and syphilis testing using dual RDT among key populations is cost-effective in Vietnam and similar settings to reach global reduction goals for HIV and syphilis.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Coomes
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Dylan Green
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Ruanne Barnabas
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Monisha Sharma
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Magdalena Barr-DiChiara
- Department of Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI Programmes, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Muhammad S Jamil
- Department of Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI Programmes, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - R Baggaley
- Department of Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI Programmes, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Morkor Newman Owiredu
- Department of Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI Programmes, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Virginia Macdonald
- Department of Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI Programmes, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Son Hai Vo
- Viet Nam Authority for HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control, Government of Viet Nam Ministry of Health, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Melanie Taylor
- Department of Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI Programmes, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
- Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Teodora Wi
- Department of Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI Programmes, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Cheryl Johnson
- Department of Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI Programmes, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Alison L Drake
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Martin K, Wenlock R, Roper T, Butler C, Vera JH. Facilitators and barriers to point-of-care testing for sexually transmitted infections in low- and middle-income countries: a scoping review. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:561. [PMID: 35725437 PMCID: PMC9208134 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07534-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are predominantly managed by syndromic management. However, most STIs are asymptomatic. These untreated STIs cause individual morbidity, and lead to high STI prevalences. There is increasing interest in the use of point-of-care tests (POCTs) for STIs in LMICs, which could facilitate same day testing and treatment. To best utilise these tests, we must understand the facilitators and barriers to their implementation. The aim of this review is to explore how point-of-care testing for STIs has been implemented into healthcare systems in LMIC and the facilitators and barriers to doing so. METHODS A scoping review was conducted by searching MEDLINE, Embase, Emcare, CINAHL, Scopus, LILACS, the Cochrane Library, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses for studies published between 1st January 1998 and 5th June 2020. Abstracts and full articles were screened independently by two reviewers. Studies were considered for inclusion if they assessed the acceptability, feasibility, facilitators, or barriers to implementation of point-of-care testing for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis or syphilis in LMICs. Thematic analysis was used to analyse and present the facilitators and barriers to point-of-care STI testing. RESULTS The literature search revealed 82 articles suitable for inclusion; 44 (53.7%) from sub-Saharan Africa; 21 (25.6%) from Latin American and the Caribbean; 10 (12.2%) from East Asia and the Pacific; 6 (7.3%) from South Asia; and one (1.2%) multi-regional study. Thematic analysis revealed seven overarching themes related to the implementation of POCTs in LMICs, namely (i) Ideal test characteristics, (ii) Client factors, (iii) Healthcare provision factors, (iv) Policy, infrastructure and health system factors, (v) Training, audit, and feedback, (vi) Reaching new testing environments, and (vii) Dual testing. CONCLUSION Implementation of POCTs in LMICs is complex, with many of the barriers due to wider health system weakness. In addition to pressing for broader structural change to facilitate basic healthcare delivery, these themes may also be used as a basis on which to develop future interventions. The literature was heavily skewed towards syphilis testing, and so more research needs to be conducted assessing chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and trichomoniasis testing, as well as home or self-testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Martin
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK.
- Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe.
- Department of Global Health and Infection, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK.
| | - Rhys Wenlock
- University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, UK
| | - Tom Roper
- University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, UK
| | - Ceri Butler
- Department of Medical Education, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
| | - Jaime H Vera
- Department of Global Health and Infection, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
- University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, UK
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Martin K, Dziva Chikwari C, Mackworth-Young CRS, Chisenga M, Bandason T, Dauya E, Olaru ID, Francis SC, Mavodza C, Nzombe P, Nyamwanza R, Hove F, Tshuma M, Machiha A, Kranzer K, Ferrand RA. "It was difficult to offer same day results": evaluation of community-based point-of-care testing for sexually transmitted infections among youth using the GeneXpert platform in Zimbabwe. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:171. [PMID: 35144602 PMCID: PMC8830017 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-07557-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Point-of-care testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) may improve diagnosis and treatment of STIs in low- and middle-income counties. We explored the facilitators and barriers to point-of-care testing for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoea (NG) for youth in community-based settings in Zimbabwe. METHODS This study was nested within a cluster randomised trial of community-based delivery of integrated HIV and sexual and reproductive health services for youth aged 16 to 24 years. On-site CT/NG testing on urine samples using the Xpert® CT/NG test was piloted in four intervention clusters, with testing performed by service providers. On-site testing was defined as sample processing on the same day and site as sample collection. Outcomes included proportion of tests processed on-site, time between sample collection and collection of results, and proportion of clients receiving treatment. In-depth interviews were conducted with nine service providers and three staff members providing study co-ordination or laboratory support to explore facilitators and barriers to providing on-site CT/NG testing. RESULTS Of 847 Xpert tests, 296 (35.0%) were performed on-site. Of these, 61 (20.6%) were positive for CT/NG; one (1.6%) received same day aetiological treatment; 33 (54.1%) presented later for treatment; and 5 (8.2%) were treated as a part of syndromic management. There was no difference in the proportion of clients who were treated whether their sample was processed on or off-site (64% (39/61) vs 60% (66/110); p = 0.61). The median (IQR) number of days between sample collection and collection of positive results was 14 (7-35) and 14 (7-52.5) for samples processed on and off-site, respectively, The interviews revealed four themes related to the provision of on-site testing associated with the i) diagnostic device ii) environment, iii) provider, and iv) clients. Some of the specific barriers identified included insufficient testing capacity, inadequate space, as well as reluctance of clients to wait for their results. CONCLUSIONS In addition to research to optimise the implementation of point-of-care tests for STIs in resource-limited settings, the development of new platforms to reduce analytic time will be necessary to scale up STI testing and reduce the attrition between testing and treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION Registered in clinical trials.gov ( NCT03719521 ).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Martin
- Department of Global Health and Infection, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK.
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK.
| | - Chido Dziva Chikwari
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
- Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | | | - Tsitsi Bandason
- Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Ethel Dauya
- Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Ioana D Olaru
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
- Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Suzanna C Francis
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Constancia Mavodza
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Department of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Portia Nzombe
- Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Fadzanai Hove
- Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Maureen Tshuma
- Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Anna Machiha
- AIDS and TB Unit, Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Katharina Kranzer
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
- Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Division of Infectious and Tropical Medicine, Medical Centre of the University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Rashida A Ferrand
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
- Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
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Parkes-Ratanshi R, Mbazira Kimeze J, Nakku-Joloba E, Hamill MM, Namawejje M, Kiragga A, Kayogoza Byamugisha J, Rompalo A, Gaydos C, Manabe YC. Low male partner attendance after syphilis screening in pregnant women leads to worse birth outcomes: the Syphilis Treatment of Partners (STOP) randomised control trial. Sex Health 2021; 17:214-222. [PMID: 32527365 DOI: 10.1071/sh19092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background Maternal syphilis causes poor birth outcomes, including congenital syphilis. Testing and treatment of partners prevents reinfection, but strategies to improve partner attendance are failing. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of three partner notification strategies. METHODS Pregnant women with a positive point-of-care treponemal test at three antenatal clinics (ANCs) in Kampala, Uganda, were randomised 1:1:1 to receive either notification slips (NS; standard of care), NS and a text messages (SMS) or NS and telephone calls. The primary outcome was the proportion of partners who attended the ANC and were treated for syphilis. RESULTS Between 2015 and 2016, 17130 pregnant women were screened; 601 (3.5%) had a positive treponemal result, and 442 were enrolled in the study. Only 81 of 442 partners (18.3%; 23/152 (15.1%), 31/144 (21.5%) and 27/146 (18.5%) in the NS only, NS + SMS and NS + telephone call groups respectively) attended an ANC for follow-up; there were no significant differences between the groups. Twelve per cent of women attended the ANC with their male partner, and this proportion increased over time. Partner non-treatment was independently associated with adverse birth outcomes (odds ratio 2.75; 95% confidence interval 2.36-3.21; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Only 18.3% of partners of pregnant women who tested positive for syphilis received treatment. Female partners of non-attendant men had worse birth outcomes. Encouraging men to accompany women to the ANC and testing both may address the urgent need to treat partners of pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa to reduce poor fetal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalind Parkes-Ratanshi
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, PO Box 22418, Kampala, Uganda; and Institute of Public Health, University of Cambridge, Forvie Site, Cambridge CB2 0SR, UK; and Corresponding author.
| | - Joshua Mbazira Kimeze
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, PO Box 22418, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Edith Nakku-Joloba
- School of Public Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, PO Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Matthew M Hamill
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1830 E. Monument Street, Room 8031, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Mariam Namawejje
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, PO Box 22418, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Agnes Kiragga
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, PO Box 22418, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Anne Rompalo
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1830 E. Monument Street, Room 8031, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Charlotte Gaydos
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1830 E. Monument Street, Room 8031, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Yukari C Manabe
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1830 E. Monument Street, Room 8031, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
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Shah S, Garg S, Heath K, Ofili O, Bansal Y, Seghers F, Storey A, Taylor M. Estimation of benzathine penicillin G demand for congenital syphilis elimination with adoption of dual HIV/syphilis rapid diagnostic tests in eleven high burden countries. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0256400. [PMID: 34411167 PMCID: PMC8376004 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND WHO recommends use of rapid dual HIV/syphilis tests for screening pregnant women (PW) during antenatal care to prevent mother-to-child transmission. Scale-up of testing implies a need to accurately forecast and procure benzathine penicillin (BPG) to treat the additionally identified PW with syphilis. METHODS Country-reported ANC coverage, PW syphilis screening and treatment coverage values in 2019 were scaled linearly to EMTCT targets by 2030 (constant increasing slope from 2019 figures to 95% in 2030) for 11 focus countries. Antenatal syphilis screening coverage was substituted with HIV screening coverage to estimate potential contribution of rapid dual HIV/syphilis tests in identifying additional PW with syphilis. BPG demand was calculated for 2019-2030 accordingly. RESULTS The estimated demand for BPG (in 2.4 million unit vials) using current maternal syphilis prevalence and treatment coverage will increase from a baseline of 414,459 doses in 2019 to 683,067 doses (+65%) in 2021 assuming immediate replacement of single HIV test kits with rapid dual HIV/syphilis tests for these 11 countries. Continued scale up of syphilis screening and treatment coverage to reach elimination coverage of 95% will result in an estimated demand increase of 160%, (663,969 doses) from 2019 baseline for a total demand of 1,078,428 BPG doses by 2030. CONCLUSIONS Demand for BPG will increase following adoption of rapid dual HIV/syphilis test kits due to increases in maternal diagnoses of syphilis. To eliminate congenital syphilis, MNCH clinical programs will need to synergize with disease surveillance programs to accurately forecast BPG demand with scale up of antenatal syphilis screening to ensure adequate treatment is available for pregnant women diagnosed with syphilis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sapan Shah
- Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) India, New Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Surbhi Garg
- Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) India, New Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Katherine Heath
- Department of Global Programmes of HIV, Hepatitis, STI, World Health Organization (WHO), Geneva, Switzerland
- Macfarlane Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Obiageli Ofili
- Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Yashika Bansal
- Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) India, New Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Frederic Seghers
- Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Andrew Storey
- Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Melanie Taylor
- Department of Global Programmes of HIV, Hepatitis, STI, World Health Organization (WHO), Geneva, Switzerland
- United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
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15
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Batura N, Saweri OP, Vallely A, Pomat W, Homer C, Guy R, Luchters S, Mola G, Vallely LM, Morgan C, Kariwiga G, Wand H, Rogerson S, Tabrizi SN, Whiley DM, Low N, Peeling RW, Siba PM, Riddell M, Laman M, Bolnga J, Robinson LJ, Morewaya J, Badman S, Kelly-Hanku A, Toliman PJ, Peter W, Peach E, Garland S, Kaldor J, Wiseman V. Point-of-care testing and treatment of sexually transmitted and genital infections during pregnancy in Papua New Guinea (WANTAIM trial): protocol for an economic evaluation alongside a cluster-randomised trial. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e046308. [PMID: 34385236 PMCID: PMC8362726 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-046308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Left untreated, sexually transmitted and genital infections (henceforth STIs) in pregnancy can lead to serious adverse outcomes for mother and child. Papua New Guinea (PNG) has among the highest prevalence of curable STIs including syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis and bacterial vaginosis, and high neonatal mortality rates. Diagnosis and treatment of these STIs in PNG rely on syndromic management. Advances in STI diagnostics through point-of-care (PoC) testing using GeneXpert technology hold promise for resource-constrained countries such as PNG. This paper describes the planned economic evaluation of a cluster-randomised cross-over trial comparing antenatal PoC testing and immediate treatment of curable STIs with standard antenatal care in two provinces in PNG. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Cost-effectiveness of the PoC intervention compared with standard antenatal care will be assessed prospectively over the trial period (2017-2021) from societal and provider perspectives. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios will be calculated for the primary health outcome, a composite measure of the proportion of either preterm birth and/or low birth weight; for life years saved; for disability-adjusted life years averted; and for non-health benefits (financial risk protection and improved health equity). Scenario analyses will be conducted to identify scale-up options, and budget impact analysis will be undertaken to understand short-term financial impacts of intervention adoption on the national budget. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analysis will be conducted to account for uncertainty in key model inputs. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study has ethical approval from the Institutional Review Board of the PNG Institute of Medical Research; the Medical Research Advisory Committee of the PNG National Department of Health; the Human Research Ethics Committee of the University of New South Wales; and the Research Ethics Committee of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Findings will be disseminated through national stakeholder meetings, conferences, peer-reviewed publications and policy briefs. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ISRCTN37134032.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Batura
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Olga Pm Saweri
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- The Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - Andrew Vallely
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- The Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - William Pomat
- The Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - Caroline Homer
- The Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rebecca Guy
- The Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - Stanley Luchters
- The Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Population Health, Medical College, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Monash, Victoria, Australia
| | - Glen Mola
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
| | - Lisa M Vallely
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- The Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | | | - Grace Kariwiga
- Milne Bay Provincial Health Authority, Alotau, Papua New Guinea
| | - Handan Wand
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Stephen Rogerson
- Department of Medicine, The Doherty Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - David M Whiley
- The University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Nicola Low
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Rosanna W Peeling
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Peter M Siba
- The Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - Michaela Riddell
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Madang, Papua New Guinea
| | - Moses Laman
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Madang, Papua New Guinea
| | - John Bolnga
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Madang, Papua New Guinea
| | - Leanne J Robinson
- The Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Madang, Papua New Guinea
| | - Jacob Morewaya
- Milne Bay Provincial Health Authority, Alotau, Papua New Guinea
| | - Steven Badman
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Angela Kelly-Hanku
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- The Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - Pamela J Toliman
- The Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - Wilfred Peter
- Madang Provincial Health Authority, Madang, Papua New Guinea
| | | | - Suzanne Garland
- Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Department, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - John Kaldor
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Virginia Wiseman
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Saweri OPM, Batura N, Al Adawiyah R, Causer LM, Pomat WS, Vallely AJ, Wiseman V. Economic evaluation of point-of-care testing and treatment for sexually transmitted and genital infections in pregnancy in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0253135. [PMID: 34138932 PMCID: PMC8211269 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0253135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexually transmitted and genital infections in pregnancy are associated with adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes. Point-of-care tests for these infections facilitate testing and treatment in a single antenatal clinic visit and may reduce the risk of adverse outcomes. Successful implementation and scale-up depends on understanding comparative effectiveness of such programmes and their comparative costs and cost effectiveness. This systematic review synthesises and appraises evidence from economic evaluations of point-of-care testing and treatment for sexually transmitted and genital infections among pregnant women in low- and middle-income countries. METHODS Medline, Embase and Web of Science databases were comprehensively searched using pre-determined criteria. Additional literature was identified by searching Google Scholar and the bibliographies of all included studies. Economic evaluations were eligible if they were set in low- and middle-income countries and assessed antenatal point-of-care testing and treatment for syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis, and/or bacterial vaginosis. Studies were analysed using narrative synthesis. Methodological and reporting standards were assessed using two published checklists. RESULTS Sixteen economic evaluations were included in this review; ten based in Africa, three in Latin and South America and three were cross-continent comparisons. Fifteen studies assessed point-of-care testing and treatment for syphilis, while one evaluated chlamydia. Key drivers of cost and cost-effectiveness included disease prevalence; test, treatment, and staff costs; test sensitivity and specificity; and screening and treatment coverage. All studies met 75% or more of the criteria of the Drummond Checklist and 60% of the Consolidated Health Economics Evaluation Reporting Standards. CONCLUSIONS Generally, point-of-care testing and treatment was cost-effective compared to no screening, syndromic management, and laboratory-based testing. Future economic evaluations should consider other common infections, and their lifetime impact on mothers and babies. Complementary affordability and equity analyses would strengthen the case for greater investment in antenatal point-of-care testing and treatment for sexually transmitted and genital infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga P. M. Saweri
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- The Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
- * E-mail:
| | - Neha Batura
- University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Louise M. Causer
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - William S. Pomat
- The Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - Andrew J. Vallely
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- The Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - Virginia Wiseman
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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High Incidence of Congenital Syphilis after Implementation of the Brazilian Ministry of Health Ordinances Related to Maternal Diagnostics. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10050606. [PMID: 34063357 PMCID: PMC8156733 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10050606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing rates of maternal and congenital syphilis (CS) infections are public health concerns and need further investigation in order to provide better assistance in epidemiological surveillance and new strategies for the assistance and prevention of CS. In December 2011, the Brazilian Ministry of Health (BMH) implemented ordinance number 3.242, reinforced in 2012 by ordinance number 77, aiming to improve the quality of the syphilis diagnosis system using rapid tests. Here, we evaluate the incidence, lethality, and possible factors associated with CS in Salvador, Bahia, in the pre-resolution period (2007 to 2011) and post-resolution (2012 to 2016). An observational, ecological time-series study is conducted using secondary data collected from the National Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN). Linear regression analysis to estimate increases or reductions in the mean incidence over time is also performed. A total of 5470 CS cases are analyzed. The incidence ranges from 2.1 cases per 1000 live births in 2007 to 17.1 cases per 1000 live births in 2019, showing a progressive increase in incidence over the years and reduction of lethality in the post-resolution period. The number of CS cases reported prior to the implementation of the ordinances (2007–2011) does not reveal a significant increase in the incidence. However, in the post-ordinances period (2012–2019), there is an average increase of the number of CS cases by three times over the years, with an average increase of 1.8 new cases annually. Our findings highlight the importance of diagnosis and support information in strategies for CS prevention. Furthermore, these data show a positive impact of resolutions on the diagnosis and evolution of the disease.
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Baker C, Limato R, Tumbelaka P, Rewari BB, Nasir S, Ahmed R, Taegtmeyer M. Antenatal testing for anaemia, HIV and syphilis in Indonesia - a health systems analysis of low coverage. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2020; 20:326. [PMID: 32471383 PMCID: PMC7257553 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-020-02993-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adverse pregnancy outcomes can be prevented through the early detection and treatment of anaemia, HIV and syphilis during the antenatal period. Rates of testing for anaemia, HIV and syphilis among women attending antenatal services in Indonesia are low, despite its mandate in national guidelines and international policy. METHODS Midwife-held antenatal care records for 2015 from 8 villages in 2 sub-districts within Cianjur district were reviewed, alongside the available sub-district Puskesmas (Community Health Centre) maternity and laboratory records. We conducted four focus group discussions with kaders (community health workers) (n = 16) and midwives (n = 9), and 13 semi-structured interviews with laboratory and counselling, public sector maternity and HIV management and relevant non-governmental organisation staff. Participants were recruited from village, sub-district, district and national level as relevant to role. RESULTS We were unable to find a single recorded result of antenatal testing for HIV, syphilis or anaemia in the village (566 women) or Puskesmas records (2816 women) for 2015. Laboratory records did not specifically identify antenatal women. Participants described conducting and reporting testing in a largely ad hoc manner; relying on referral to health facilities based on clinical suspicion or separate non-maternity voluntary counselling and testing programs. Participants recognized significant systematic challenges with key differences between the more acceptable (and reportedly more often implemented) haemoglobin testing and the less acceptable (and barely implemented) HIV and syphilis testing. However, a clear need for leadership and accountability emerged as an important factor for prioritizing antenatal testing and addressing these testing gaps. CONCLUSIONS Practical solutions such as revised registers, availability of point-of-care tests and capacity building of field staff will therefore need to be accompanied by both funding and political will to coordinate, prioritize and be accountable for testing in pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Baker
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - R Limato
- Eijkman Institute for Molecular Biology, Jl. Diponegoro No. 69, Jakarta, 10430, Indonesia
| | - P Tumbelaka
- Eijkman Institute for Molecular Biology, Jl. Diponegoro No. 69, Jakarta, 10430, Indonesia
| | - B B Rewari
- Division of Communicable Disease, World Health Organization Regional Office for the Western Pacific, Manila, Philippines
| | - S Nasir
- Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar, Indonesia
| | - R Ahmed
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK.,Eijkman Institute for Molecular Biology, Jl. Diponegoro No. 69, Jakarta, 10430, Indonesia
| | - M Taegtmeyer
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK.
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Saweri OP, Batura N, Adawiyah RA, Causer L, Pomat W, Vallely A, Wiseman V. Cost and cost-effectiveness of point-of-care testing and treatment for sexually transmitted and genital infections in pregnancy in low-income and middle-income countries: a systematic review protocol. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e029945. [PMID: 31727649 PMCID: PMC6887066 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-029945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Revised: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The economic and health burden of sexually transmitted and genital infections (henceforth, STIs) in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) is substantial. Left untreated, STIs during pregnancy may result in several adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes. Timely diagnosis and treatment at point-of-care (POC) can potentially improve these outcomes. Despite the availability and promotion of POC diagnostics for STIs as a key component of antenatal care in LMICs, their widespread use has been limited, owing to the high economic costs faced by individuals and health systems. To date, there have been no systematic reviews which explore the cost or cost-effectiveness of POC testing and treatment of STIs in pregnancy in LMICs. The objective of this protocol is to outline the methods that will compare, synthesise and appraise the existing literature in this domain. METHODS AND ANALYSIS We will conduct literature searches in MEDLINE, Embase and Web of Science. To find additional literature, we will search Google Scholar and hand search reference lists of included papers. Two reviewers will independently search databases, screen titles, abstracts and full texts; when necessary a third reviewer will resolve disputes. Only cost and cost-effectiveness studies of POC testing and treatment of STIs, including syphilis, chlamydia, trichomonas, gonorrhoea and bacterial vaginosis, in pregnancy in LMICs will be included. Published checklists will be used to assess quality of reporting practices and methodological approaches. We will also assess risk of publication bias. Interstudy heterogeneity will be assessed and depending on variation between studies, a meta-analysis or narrative synthesis will be conducted. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval is not required as the review will use published literature. The results will be published in a peer-reviewed open source journal and presented at an international conference. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42018109072.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Pm Saweri
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Population Health and Demography, Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - Neha Batura
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Rabiah Al Adawiyah
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Louise Causer
- Sexual Health Program, Kirby Insitute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Willie Pomat
- Infection and Immunity, PNG Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - Andrew Vallely
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Sexual and Reproductive Health Unit, Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - Virginia Wiseman
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Health Ecoomics, LSHTM, London, UK
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20
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Richards J, Matthias J, Baker C, Wilson C, Peterman TA, Brown CP, Dutton M, Dokurugu Y. Evaluation of Rapid Syphilis Testing Using the Syphilis Health Check in Florida, 2015-2016. FLORIDA PUBLIC HEALTH REVIEW 2019; 16:13. [PMID: 31788675 PMCID: PMC6884084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The Syphilis Health Check (SHC) had low estimated specificity (91.5%) in one Florida county. We investigated use of SHC by a range of Florida publicly-funded programs between 2015 and 2016 to estimate specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), field staff acceptance, and impacts on programmatic outcomes. All reported SHC results were extracted from routinely collected program data. Field staff were surveyed about SHC's utility. Analyses investigated differences between SHC and traditional syphilis testing outcomes. Of 3,630 SHC results reported, 442 were reactive; 92 (20.8%) had prior diagnoses of syphilis; 7 (1.6%) had no further testing. Of the remaining 343; 158 (46.0%) were confirmed cases, 168 (49.0%) were considered false-positive, and 17 (5.0%) were not cases but not clearly false-positive. Estimated specificity of SHC was 95.0%. Overall, 48.5% of positives became confirmed cases (PPV). PPV varied according to prevalence of syphilis in populations tested. Staff (90%) thought SHC helped identify new cases but expressed concern regarding discordance between reactive SHC and lab-based testing. Programmatic outcomes assessment showed shorter time to treatment and increased numbers of partners tested for the SHC group; these enhanced outcomes may better mitigate the spread of syphilis compared to traditional syphilis testing alone, but more research is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Richards
- Florida Agricultural and Mechnical University, Institute of Public Health, Tallahassee, FL
| | - James Matthias
- STD and Viral Hepatitis Section, Florida Department of Health, Tallahassee, FL
| | - Charlotte Baker
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Virginia Polytech Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA
| | - Craig Wilson
- STD and Viral Hepatitis Section, Florida Department of Health, Tallahassee, FL
| | - Thomas A Peterman
- Division of STD Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - C Perry Brown
- Institute of Public Health, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Tallahassee, FL
| | - Matthew Dutton
- Economic, Social, and Administrative Pharmacy, Florida Agricultural and Mechnical University, Tallahassee, FL
| | - Yussif Dokurugu
- Institute of Public Health, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Tallahassee, FL
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21
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Toward Improving Accessibility of Point-of-Care Diagnostic Services for Maternal and Child Health in Low- and Middle-Income Countries. POINT OF CARE 2019; 18:17-25. [PMID: 30886544 PMCID: PMC6407818 DOI: 10.1097/poc.0000000000000180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Point-of-care (POC) testing can improve health care provision in settings with limited access to health care services. Access to POC diagnostic services has shown potential to alleviate some diagnostic challenges and delays associated with laboratory-based methods in low- and middle-income countries. Improving accessibility to POC testing (POCT) services during antenatal and perinatal care is among the global health priorities to improve maternal and child health. This review provides insights on the availability of POC testing designed for diagnosing HIV, syphilis, and malaria in pregnancy to improve maternal and child health. In addition, factors such as accessibility of POC testing, training of health work force, and the efficiency of POC testing services delivery in low- and middle-income countries are discussed. A framework to help increase access to POC diagnostic services and improve maternal and child health outcomes in low- and middle-income countries is proposed.
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22
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Young N, Achieng F, Desai M, Phillips-Howard P, Hill J, Aol G, Bigogo G, Laserson K, Ter Kuile F, Taegtmeyer M. Integrated point-of-care testing (POCT) for HIV, syphilis, malaria and anaemia at antenatal facilities in western Kenya: a qualitative study exploring end-users' perspectives of appropriateness, acceptability and feasibility. BMC Health Serv Res 2019; 19:74. [PMID: 30691447 PMCID: PMC6348645 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-018-3844-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background HIV, syphilis, malaria and anaemia are leading preventable causes of adverse pregnancy outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa yet testing coverage for conditions other than HIV is low. Availing point-of-care tests (POCTs) at rural antenatal health facilities (dispensaries) has the potential to improve access and timely treatment. Fundamental to the adoption of and adherence to new diagnostic approaches are healthcare workers’ and pregnant women’s (end-users) buy-in. A qualitative approach was used to capture end-users’ experiences of using POCTs for HIV, syphilis, malaria and anaemia to assess the appropriateness, acceptability and feasibility of integrated testing for ANC. Methods Seven dispensaries were purposively selected to implement integrated point-of-care testing for eight months in western Kenya. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 healthcare workers (14 nurses, one clinical officer, two HIV testing counsellors, and one laboratory technician) who were trained, had experience doing integrated point-of-care testing, and were still working at the facilities 8–12 months after the intervention began. The interviews explored acceptability and relevance of POCTs to ANC, challenges with testing, training and supervision, and healthcare workers’ perspectives of client experiences. Twelve focus group discussions with 118 pregnant women who had attended a first ANC visit at the study facilities during the intervention were conducted to explore their knowledge of HIV, syphilis, malaria, and anaemia, experience of ANC point-of-care testing services, treatments received, relationships with healthcare workers, and experience of talking to partners about HIV and syphilis results. Results Healthcare workers reported that they enjoyed gaining new skills, were enthusiastic about using POCTs, and found them easy to use and appropriate to their practice. Initial concerns that performing additional testing would increase their workload in an already strained environment were resolved with experience and proficiency with the testing procedures. However, despite having the diagnostic tools, general health system challenges such as high client to healthcare worker volume ratio, stock-outs and poor working conditions challenged the delivery of adequate counselling and management of the four conditions. Pregnant women appreciated POCTs, but reported poor healthcare worker attitudes, drug stock-outs, and fear of HIV disclosure to their partners as shortcomings to their ANC experience in general. Conclusion This study provides insights on the acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of integrating POCTs into ANC services among end-users. While the innovation was desired and perceived as beneficial, future scale-up efforts would need to address health system weaknesses if integrated testing and subsequent effective management of the four conditions are to be achieved. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12913-018-3844-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Young
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK.
| | - Florence Achieng
- Center for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Meghna Desai
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria and Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Jenny Hill
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - George Aol
- Center for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Godfrey Bigogo
- Center for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Kayla Laserson
- Division of Global Health Protection, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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23
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REASSURED diagnostics to inform disease control strategies, strengthen health systems and improve patient outcomes. Nat Microbiol 2018; 4:46-54. [PMID: 30546093 PMCID: PMC7097043 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-018-0295-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 412] [Impact Index Per Article: 68.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Lack of access to quality diagnostics remains a major contributor to health burden in resource-limited settings. It has been more than 10 years since ASSURED (affordable, sensitive, specific, user-friendly, rapid, equipment-free, delivered) was coined to describe the ideal test to meet the needs of the developing world. Since its initial publication, technological innovations have led to the development of diagnostics that address the ASSURED criteria, but challenges remain. From this perspective, we assess factors contributing to the success and failure of ASSURED diagnostics, lessons learnt in the implementation of ASSURED tests over the past decade, and highlight additional conditions that should be considered in addressing point-of-care needs. With rapid advances in digital technology and mobile health (m-health), future diagnostics should incorporate these elements to give us REASSURED diagnostic systems that can inform disease control strategies in real-time, strengthen the efficiency of health care systems and improve patient outcomes.
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24
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Kasaro MP, Bosomprah S, Taylor MM, Sindano N, Phiri C, Tambatamba B, Malumo S, Freeman B, Chibwe B, Laverty M, Owiredu MN, Newman L, Sikazwe I. Field performance evaluation of dual rapid HIV and syphilis tests in three antenatal care clinics in Zambia. Int J STD AIDS 2018; 30:323-328. [PMID: 30472926 DOI: 10.1177/0956462418800872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This cross-sectional study of 3212 pregnant women assessed the field performance, acceptability, and feasibility of two dual HIV/syphilis rapid diagnostic tests, the Chembio DPP HIV-syphilis Assay and the SD Bioline HIV/syphilis Duo in antenatal clinics. Sensitivity and specificity for HIV and syphilis were calculated compared to the rapid Determine HIV-1/2 with Uni-Gold to confirm positive results for HIV and the Treponema pallidum particle agglutination assay for syphilis. RPR titers ≥1:4 were used to define active syphilis detection. Acceptability and feasibility were assessed using self-reported questionnaires. For Chembio, the HIV sensitivity was 90.6% (95%CI = 87.4, 93.0) and specificity was 97.2% (95%CI = 96.2, 97.8); syphilis sensitivity was 68.6% (95%CI = 61.9, 74.6) and specificity was 98.5% (95%CI = 97.8, 98.9). For SD Bioline, HIV sensitivity was 89.4% (95%CI = 86.1, 92.0) and specificity was 96.3% (95%CI = 95.3, 97.1); syphilis sensitivity was 66.2% (95%CI = 59.4, 72.4) and specificity was 97.2% (95%CI = 96.4, 97.9). Using the reference for active syphilis, syphilis sensitivity was 84.7% (95%CI = 76.1, 90.6) for Chembio and 81.6% (95%CI = 72.7, 88.1) for SD Bioline. Both rapid diagnostic tests were assessed as highly acceptable and feasible. In a field setting, the performance of both rapid diagnostic tests was comparable to other published field evaluations and each was rated highly acceptable and feasible. These findings can be used to guide further research and proposed scale up in antenatal clinic settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Samuel Bosomprah
- 1 Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia.,2 Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Melanie M Taylor
- 3 Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland.,4 Division of STD Prevention, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ntazana Sindano
- 1 Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Caroline Phiri
- 5 Ministry of Community Development, Mother and Child Health, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | - Sarai Malumo
- 6 World Health Organization Country Office, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Bethany Freeman
- 1 Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Bertha Chibwe
- 1 Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Maura Laverty
- 3 Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Morkor N Owiredu
- 7 World Health Organization, Intercountry Support Team for East and Southern Africa, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Lori Newman
- 8 Division of Global HIV & TB, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Izukanji Sikazwe
- 1 Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
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25
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Withers K, Bristow C, Nguyen M, Stafylis C, Giang LM, Klausner JD. A field evaluation of a rapid dual immunoassay for human immunodeficiency virus and syphilis antibodies, Hanoi, Vietnam. Int J STD AIDS 2018; 30:173-180. [PMID: 30348065 DOI: 10.1177/0956462418802685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The SD BIOLINE HIV/Syphilis Duo (SD BIOLINE DUO) rapid test is a dual rapid lateral flow immunoassay that detects antibodies to both human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Treponema pallidum (TP) 'syphilis' via fingerprick whole blood. We evaluated the field performance of the SD BIOLINE HIV/Syphilis Duo test among two populations in Hanoi, Vietnam - men who have sex with men (MSM) and pregnant women. We also surveyed factors that influence participants' willingness to test for HIV and syphilis. This test has the potential to increase HIV and syphilis screening in low-resource settings. Patients who received healthcare services at a sexual health clinic for MSM and a district antenatal care center in Hanoi, Vietnam were recruited for the study. Participants with HIV and syphilis were intentionally recruited for adequate test performance evaluation via convenience sampling. At each facility, venipuncture blood specimens were obtained for reference testing for HIV and TP using SD BIOLINE HIV 1/2 3.0 and TP particle agglutination, respectively. SD BIOLINE DUO was compared to the standard reference tests and sensitivity and specificity were calculated. We calculated 95% confidence interval (CI) using the exact binomial method. We used conjoint analysis to identify test attributes that are associated with participant likelihood to seek HIV and syphilis testing. Of 280 participants, 100 (35.7%) were MSM and 180 (64.3%) were pregnant women. Of MSM, 17 (17.0%) were HIV positive and 49 (49.0%) were TP seropositive. All women were negative for both HIV and syphilis antibodies. For HIV antibody testing, sensitivity and specificity were 100.0% (95% CI: 80.5-100.0%) and 100.0% (95% CI: 98.6-100.0%), respectively. For the syphilis antibody testing, sensitivity and specificity were 83.1% (95% CI: 71.0-91.6%) and 100.0% (95% CI: 98.3-100.0%), respectively. Potential for false positives, preference for one blood draw over two, and shorter wait time for testing results were the highest ranked attributes by participants according to their willingness to test. The SD BIOLINE HIV/Syphilis Duo rapid test demonstrated very good performance in this field setting and participants preferred attributes that aligned well with this test.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keenan Withers
- 1 David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Clare Bristow
- 2 Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Minh Nguyen
- 3 Center for Research and Training of AIDS, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Chrysovalantis Stafylis
- 4 Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Le M Giang
- 3 Center for Research and Training of AIDS, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Jeffrey D Klausner
- 1 David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,4 Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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26
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Warr AJ, Pintye J, Kinuthia J, Drake AL, Unger JA, McClelland RS, Matemo D, Osborn L, John-Stewart G. Sexually transmitted infections during pregnancy and subsequent risk of stillbirth and infant mortality in Kenya: a prospective study. Sex Transm Infect 2018; 95:60-66. [PMID: 30228109 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2018-053597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2018] [Revised: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We evaluated the relationship of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and genital infections during pregnancy and subsequent risk for infant mortality and stillbirth. METHODS This was a nested longitudinal analysis using data from a study of peripartum HIV acquisition in Kenya. In the parent study, HIV-uninfected women were enrolled during pregnancy and followed until 9 months postpartum. For this analysis, women who tested positive for HIV at any point, had a non-singleton pregnancy or a spontaneous abortion <20 weeks were excluded. At enrolment, laboratory methods were used to screen for bacterial vaginosis (BV), vaginal yeast, Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV). Syphilis was diagnosed using rapid plasma reagin testing and genital ulcer disease (GUD) identified by clinical examination. Treatment of laboratory-confirmed STIs and syndromic management was provided per Kenyan national guidelines. Predictors of stillbirth and infant mortality were determined using logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS Overall, among 1221 women, 55% had STIs or genital infections detected: vaginal yeast (25%), BV (22%), TV (6%), CT (5%), NG (2%) and syphilis (1%). Among women with STIs/genital infections (n=592), 34% had symptoms. Overall, 19/1221 (2%) women experienced stillbirths. Among 1202 live births, 34 infant deaths occurred (incidence 4.0 deaths per 100 person-years, 95% CI 2.8 to 5.5). After adjustment for maternal age, education and study site, stillbirth was associated with maternal GUD (adjusted OR=9.19, 95% CI1.91 to 44.35, p=0.006). Maternal NG was associated with infant mortality (adjusted HR=3.83, 95% CI1.16 to 12.68, p=0.028); there was some evidence that maternal CT was associated with infant mortality. Stillbirth or infant mortality were not associated with other genital infections. CONCLUSIONS STIs and genital infections were common, frequently asymptomatic and some associated with stillbirth or infant mortality. Expediting diagnosis and treatment of STIs in pregnancy may improve infant outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex J Warr
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Jillian Pintye
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - John Kinuthia
- Department of Research and Programs, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Alison L Drake
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Jennifer A Unger
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - R Scott McClelland
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Daniel Matemo
- Department of Research and Programs, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Lusi Osborn
- Department of Research and Programs, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Grace John-Stewart
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA .,Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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27
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Amaya-Guio J, Grillo-Ardila CF, Angel-Müller E, Torres-Montañez NA, Vasquez-Velez LF. Point of care rapid test for diagnosis of syphilis infection in pregnant women. Hippokratia 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd013037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jairo Amaya-Guio
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional de Colombia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Bogota Colombia
| | - Carlos F Grillo-Ardila
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional de Colombia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Bogota Colombia
| | - Edith Angel-Müller
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional de Colombia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Bogota Colombia
| | - Nicolas A Torres-Montañez
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional de Colombia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Bogota Colombia
| | - Luisa F Vasquez-Velez
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional de Colombia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Bogota Colombia
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Uptake of Home-Based Syphilis and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Testing Among Male Partners of Pregnant Women in Western Kenya. Sex Transm Dis 2018; 44:533-538. [PMID: 28809770 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000000649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few men are tested for syphilis or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) during their partner's pregnancy, a high-risk period for HIV and syphilis transmission. Offering home-based rapid testing of syphilis to couples during pregnancy can support prevention efforts to reduce transmission of sexually transmitted diseases and adverse pregnancy outcomes. METHODS We assessed men's uptake of paired (separate tests, single blood draw) point-of-care syphilis and HIV tests within a randomized controlled trial of pregnant women who received clinic or home partner HIV testing. We evaluated acceptance of paired HIV-syphilis testing during pregnancy or at 6 months postpartum, and evaluated whether addition of syphilis testing affected the uptake of HIV testing among men. RESULTS Of 601 women, we were unable to meet 101 male partners, and 180 tested before syphilis tests were available. Paired syphilis and HIV testing was offered at home to 80 men during pregnancy and to 230 men postpartum. For syphilis, 93% of men agreed to test during pregnancy and 98% agreed postpartum. For paired syphilis and HIV testing, 91% of men tested for both during pregnancy and 96% tested postpartum. Before syphilis test introduction, 96% of men accepted HIV testing, compared with 95% of men who accepted HIV testing when paired testing was offered. CONCLUSIONS Uptake of syphilis and HIV testing was high among male partners offered couple testing at home. Introducing syphilis testing did not adversely affect HIV testing among men. Point-of-care diagnostics outside facilities can increase testing of male partners who rarely accompany women to antenatal clinics.
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29
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Betrán AP, Bergel E, Griffin S, Melo A, Nguyen MH, Carbonell A, Mondlane S, Merialdi M, Temmerman M, Gülmezoglu AM. Provision of medical supply kits to improve quality of antenatal care in Mozambique: a stepped-wedge cluster randomised trial. LANCET GLOBAL HEALTH 2018; 6:e57-e65. [PMID: 29241615 PMCID: PMC5732314 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(17)30421-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Revised: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 10/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Background High levels of maternal and newborn mortality and morbidity remain a daunting reality in many low-income countries. Several interventions delivered during antenatal care have been shown to improve maternal and newborn outcomes, but stockouts of medical supplies at point of care can prevent implementation of these services. We aimed to evaluate whether a supply chain strategy based on the provision of kits could improve quality of care. Methods We did a pragmatic, stepped-wedge, cluster-randomised controlled trial at ten antenatal care clinics in Mozambique. Clinics were eligible if they were not already implementing the proposed antenatal care package; they served at least 200 new pregnant women per year; they had Maternal and Child Health (MCH) nurses; and they were willing to participate. All women attending antenatal care visits at the participating clinics were included in the trial. Participating clinics were randomly assigned to shift from control to intervention on prespecified start dates. The intervention involved four components (kits with medical supplies, a cupboard to store these supplies, a tracking sheet to monitor stocks, and a one-day training session). The primary outcomes were the proportion of women screened for anaemia and proteinuria, and the proportion of women who received mebendazole in the first antenatal care visit. The intervention was delivered under routine care conditions, and analyses were done according to the intention-to-treat principle. This trial is registered with the Pan African Clinical Trial Registry, number PACTR201306000550192. Findings Between March, 2014, and January, 2016, 218 277 antenatal care visits were registered, with 68 598 first and 149 679 follow-up visits. We found significant improvements in all three primary outcomes. In first visits, 5519 (14·6%) of 37 826 women were screened for anaemia in the control period, compared with 30 057 (97·7%) of 30 772 in the intervention period (adjusted odds ratio 832·40; 99% CI 666·81–1039·11; p<0·0001); 3739 (9·9%) of 37 826 women were screened for proteinuria in the control period, compared with 29 874 (97·1%) of 30 772 in the intervention period (1875·18; 1447·56–2429·11; p<0·0001); and 17 926 (51·4%) of 34 842 received mebendazole in the control period, compared with 24 960 (88·2%) of 28 294 in the intervention period (1·88; 1·70–2·09; p<0·0001). The effect was immediate and sustained over time, with negligible heterogeneity between sites. Interpretation A supply chain strategy that resolves stockouts at point of care can result in a vast improvement in quality during antenatal care visits, when compared with the routine national process for procurement and distribution of supplies. Funding Government of Flanders and the UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Pilar Betrán
- UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction, Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Eduardo Bergel
- UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction, Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sally Griffin
- International Center for Reproductive Health, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Armando Melo
- Mozambique Ministry of Health, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - My Huong Nguyen
- UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction, Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Alicia Carbonell
- Mozambique Country Office, World Health Organization, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Santos Mondlane
- Consultório de Estatística e Serviço de Soluções, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Mario Merialdi
- UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction, Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; BD Global Health, Franklin Lakes, NJ, USA
| | - Marleen Temmerman
- UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction, Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; International Center for Reproductive Health Global, Ghent, Belgium; Aga Khan University East Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - A Metin Gülmezoglu
- UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction, Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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Adeyinka DA, Olakunde BO, Ozigbu CE, Agogo EA, Morka M, Atoba T, Obanubi C, Okorie G, Davies A, Oladimeji O. Elimination of mother-to-child transmission of syphilis: Is it a reality in Nigeria by 2020? Scand J Public Health 2017; 46:794-797. [DOI: 10.1177/1403494817744988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background: Congenital syphilis is a global health problem, yet it has received little attention in recent years. Despite cost-effective syphilis screening and treatment, it continues to contribute hugely to perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Aims: To determine the prevalence and treatment coverage trend for syphilis among pregnant women in the national prevention of mother-to-child transmission programme in Nigeria and to evaluate progress towards the elimination of congenital syphilis in the country. Methods: A retrospective analysis of validated national health sector performance data on pregnant women attending antenatal care at prevention of mother-to-child transmission clinics from 2013 to 2016 in Nigeria. Results: The proportion of new antenatal care attendees who annually received serological testing for syphilis increased from 12.2% in 2013 to 16.3% in 2016 (p-trend<0.0001). Although the prevalence of maternal syphilis decreased from 3.2% in 2013 to 1.4% in 2016 (p-trend<0.0001), the syphilis treatment coverage during pregnancy has decreased from 71.3% in 2013 to 54.9% in 2016 (p-trend<0.0001). Conclusions: Maternal syphilis screening and treatment in Nigeria are inadequate to meet the elimination aspirations. A rapid scale-up of antenatal care syphilis screening and treatment are crucial to averting an epidemic in Nigeria by 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A. Adeyinka
- National AIDS & STIs Control Programme, Department of Public Health, Federal Ministry of Health, Nigeria
| | | | - Chamberline E. Ozigbu
- National AIDS & STIs Control Programme, Department of Public Health, Federal Ministry of Health, Nigeria
- University of South Carolina, Columbia, USA
| | - Emmanuel A. Agogo
- National Agency for Control of AIDS, Nigeria
- Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Nigeria
| | - Mercy Morka
- National AIDS & STIs Control Programme, Department of Public Health, Federal Ministry of Health, Nigeria
| | - Temitope Atoba
- Department of Pediatrics, University College Hospital, Nigeria
| | | | | | | | - Olanrewaju Oladimeji
- Department of Public Health Medicine, College of Health Science, University of Kwazulu-natal, South Africa
- Centre for Community Health Care, Research and Development, Nigeria
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Gliddon HD, Peeling RW, Kamb ML, Toskin I, Wi TE, Taylor MM. A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies evaluating the performance and operational characteristics of dual point-of-care tests for HIV and syphilis. Sex Transm Infect 2017; 93:S3-S15. [PMID: 28747410 PMCID: PMC6754342 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2016-053069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2017] [Revised: 04/07/2017] [Accepted: 04/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of syphilis and HIV continue to be important yet preventable causes of perinatal and infant morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVES To systematically review, critically appraise and perform a meta-analysis to evaluate the operational characteristics of dual rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for HIV/syphilis and evaluate whether they are cost effective, acceptable and easy to use. DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES We searched seven electronic bibliographic databases from 2012 to December 2016 with no language restrictions. Search keywords included HIV, syphilis and diagnosis. REVIEW METHODS We included studies that evaluated the operational characteristics of dual HIV/syphilis RDTs. Outcomes included diagnostic test accuracy, cost effectiveness, ease of use and interpretation and acceptability. All studies were assessed against quality criteria and assessed for risk of bias. RESULTS Of 1914 identified papers, 18 were included for the meta-analysis of diagnostic accuracy for HIV and syphilis. All diagnostic accuracy evaluation studies showed a very high sensitivity and specificity for HIV and a lower, yet adequate, sensitivity and specificity for syphilis, with some variation among types of test. Dual screening for HIV and syphilis was more cost effective than single rapid tests for HIV and syphilis and prevented more adverse pregnancy outcomes. Qualitative data suggested dual RDTs were highly acceptable to clients, who cited time to result, cost and the requirement of a single finger prick as important characteristics of dual RDTs. CONCLUSION The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis can be used by policy-makers and national programme managers who are considering implementing dual RDTs for HIV and syphilis. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER PROSPERO 2016:CRD42016049168.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harriet D Gliddon
- London Centre for Nanotechnology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Rosanna W Peeling
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Mary L Kamb
- Division of STD Prevention, Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Igor Toskin
- Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Teodora E Wi
- Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Melanie M Taylor
- Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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Kuupiel D, Bawontuo V, Mashamba-Thompson TP. Improving the Accessibility and Efficiency of Point-of-Care Diagnostics Services in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Lean and Agile Supply Chain Management. Diagnostics (Basel) 2017; 7:E58. [PMID: 29186013 PMCID: PMC5745394 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics7040058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2017] [Revised: 11/11/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Access to point-of-care (POC) diagnostics services is essential for ensuring rapid disease diagnosis, management, control, and surveillance. POC testing services can improve access to healthcare especially where healthcare infrastructure is weak and access to quality and timely medical care is a challenge. Improving the accessibility and efficiency of POC diagnostics services, particularly in resource-limited settings, may be a promising route to improving healthcare outcomes. In this review, the accessibility of POC testing is defined as the distance/proximity to the nearest healthcare facility for POC diagnostics service. This review provides an overview of the impact of POC diagnostics on healthcare outcomes in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and factors contributing to the accessibility of POC testing services in LMICs, focusing on characteristics of the supply chain management and quality systems management, characteristics of the geographical location, health infrastructure, and an enabling policy framework for POC diagnostics services. Barriers and challenges related to the accessibility of POC diagnostics in LMICs were also discussed. Bearing in mind the reported barriers and challenges as well as the disease epidemiology in LMICs, we propose a lean and agile supply chain management framework for improving the accessibility and efficiency of POC diagnostics services in these settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desmond Kuupiel
- Department of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, 4001 Durban, South Africa.
| | - Vitalis Bawontuo
- Faculty of Health and Allied Sciences, Catholic University College of Ghana, Fiapre, Sunyani, Ghana.
| | - Tivani P Mashamba-Thompson
- Department of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, 4001 Durban, South Africa.
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Abstract
Treponema pallidum subspecies pallidum (T. pallidum) causes syphilis via sexual exposure or via vertical transmission during pregnancy. T. pallidum is renowned for its invasiveness and immune-evasiveness; its clinical manifestations result from local inflammatory responses to replicating spirochaetes and often imitate those of other diseases. The spirochaete has a long latent period during which individuals have no signs or symptoms but can remain infectious. Despite the availability of simple diagnostic tests and the effectiveness of treatment with a single dose of long-acting penicillin, syphilis is re-emerging as a global public health problem, particularly among men who have sex with men (MSM) in high-income and middle-income countries. Syphilis also causes several hundred thousand stillbirths and neonatal deaths every year in developing nations. Although several low-income countries have achieved WHO targets for the elimination of congenital syphilis, an alarming increase in the prevalence of syphilis in HIV-infected MSM serves as a strong reminder of the tenacity of T. pallidum as a pathogen. Strong advocacy and community involvement are needed to ensure that syphilis is given a high priority on the global health agenda. More investment is needed in research on the interaction between HIV and syphilis in MSM as well as into improved diagnostics, a better test of cure, intensified public health measures and, ultimately, a vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosanna W Peeling
- London School of Hygiene &Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - David Mabey
- London School of Hygiene &Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Mary L Kamb
- Division of STD Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Xiang-Sheng Chen
- National Center for STD Control, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College Institute of Dermatology, Nanjing, China
| | - Justin D Radolf
- Department of Medicine, UConn Health, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
| | - Adele S Benzaken
- Department of Surveillance, Prevention and Control of STI, HIV/AIDS and Viral Hepatitis, Ministry of Health, Brasília, Brazil
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Rodrigues DC, Domingues RMSM. Management of syphilis in pregnancy: Knowledge and practices of health care providers and barriers to the control of disease in Teresina, Brazil. Int J Health Plann Manage 2017; 33:329-344. [PMID: 28983958 DOI: 10.1002/hpm.2463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS The aim of the study is to verify the knowledge and practices of health professionals working in prenatal care (PNC) related with syphilis during pregnancy and to identify the main barriers to the implementation of protocols for the control of this disease. METHODS A cross-sectional study in Teresina, Brazil, from January to May 2015, was conducted with 366 physicians and nurses working in PNC, corresponding to 70% of eligible professionals. We evaluated 20 knowledge and practice criteria related to the diagnosis and treatment of syphilis during pregnancy with a 95% compliance standard. We performed descriptive analysis of the data and used χ2 statistical test to verify differences according to professional category. RESULTS Only 2 criteria, "knowledge about mother to child transmission according to gestational age" and "counselling on infection," reached 95% compliance. Knowledge of the epidemiological profile of congenital syphilis and the goal of elimination of congenital syphilis and knowledge about serological tests had scores below 50%, while practices related with posttest counselling, cure control, and treatment of partners reached 60%. We identified organisational barriers related to the late initiation of PNC, to the delayed return of syphilis test results, to the application of benzathine penicillin in primary care units and to the treatment of partners. CONCLUSIONS Strategies for early initiation of PNC, implementation of rapid tests for syphilis, ensuring treatment of pregnant women with penicillin, adequate partner treatment, and continued education of health professionals on clinical management and counselling in sexually transmitted diseases are necessary to eliminate congenital syphilis.
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Unemo M, Bradshaw CS, Hocking JS, de Vries HJC, Francis SC, Mabey D, Marrazzo JM, Sonder GJB, Schwebke JR, Hoornenborg E, Peeling RW, Philip SS, Low N, Fairley CK. Sexually transmitted infections: challenges ahead. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2017; 17:e235-e279. [PMID: 28701272 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(17)30310-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 447] [Impact Index Per Article: 63.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2016] [Revised: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
WHO estimated that nearly 1 million people become infected every day with any of four curable sexually transmitted infections (STIs): chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis. Despite their high global incidence, STIs remain a neglected area of research. In this Commission, we have prioritised five areas that represent particular challenges in STI treatment and control. Chlamydia remains the most commonly diagnosed bacterial STI in high-income countries despite widespread testing recommendations, sensitive and specific non-invasive testing techniques, and cheap effective therapy. We discuss the challenges for chlamydia control and evidence to support a shift from the current focus on infection-based screening to improved management of diagnosed cases and of chlamydial morbidity, such as pelvic inflammatory disease. The emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae is globally recognised. We review current and potential future control and treatment strategies, with a focus on novel antimicrobials. Bacterial vaginosis is the most common vaginal disorder in women, but current treatments are associated with frequent recurrence. Recurrence after treatment might relate to evidence that suggests sexual transmission is integral to the pathogenesis of bacterial vaginosis, which has substantial implications for the development of effective management approaches. STIs disproportionately affect low-income and middle-income countries. We review strategies for case management, focusing on point-of-care tests that hold considerable potential for improving STI control. Lastly, STIs in men who have sex with men have increased since the late 1990s. We discuss the contribution of new biomedical HIV prevention strategies and risk compensation. Overall, this Commission aims to enhance the understanding of some of the key challenges facing the field of STIs, and outlines new approaches to improve the clinical management of STIs and public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magnus Unemo
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Gonorrhoea and Other Sexually Transmitted Infections, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Catriona S Bradshaw
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jane S Hocking
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Henry J C de Vries
- STI Outpatient Clinic, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Department of Dermatology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Suzanna C Francis
- MRC Tropical Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - David Mabey
- Clinical Research Unit, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Jeanne M Marrazzo
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Gerard J B Sonder
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jane R Schwebke
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Elske Hoornenborg
- STI Outpatient Clinic, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Rosanna W Peeling
- Clinical Research Unit, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Susan S Philip
- Disease Prevention and Control Population Health Division, San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Nicola Low
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Christopher K Fairley
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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Hepatitis B, HIV, and Syphilis Seroprevalence in Pregnant Women and Blood Donors in Cameroon. Infect Dis Obstet Gynecol 2016; 2016:4359401. [PMID: 27578957 PMCID: PMC4992796 DOI: 10.1155/2016/4359401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2016] [Accepted: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives. We estimated seroprevalence and correlates of selected infections in pregnant women and blood donors in a resource-limited setting. Methods. We performed a cross-sectional analysis of laboratory seroprevalence data from pregnant women and voluntary blood donors from facilities in Cameroon in 2014. Rapid tests were performed to detect hepatitis B surface antigen, syphilis treponemal antibodies, and HIV-1/2 antibodies. Blood donations were also tested for hepatitis C and malaria. Results. The seroprevalence rates and ranges among 7069 pregnant women were hepatitis B 4.4% (1.1–9.6%), HIV 6% (3.0–10.2%), and syphilis 1.7% (1.3–3.8%) with significant variability among the sites. Correlates of infection in pregnancy in adjusted regression models included urban residence for hepatitis B (aOR 2.9, CI 1.6–5.4) and HIV (aOR 3.5, CI 1.9–6.7). Blood donor seroprevalence rates and ranges were hepatitis B 6.8% (5.0–8.8%), HIV 2.2% (1.4–2.8%), syphilis 4% (3.3–4.5%), malaria 1.9%, and hepatitis C 1.7% (0.5–2.5%). Conclusions. Hepatitis B, HIV, and syphilis infections are common among pregnant women and blood donors in Cameroon with higher rates in urban areas. Future interventions to reduce vertical transmission should include universal screening for these infections early in pregnancy and provision of effective prevention tools including the birth dose of univalent hepatitis B vaccine.
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Feasibility of a simple microsieve-based immunoassay platform. J Immunol Methods 2016; 437:21-7. [PMID: 27448458 DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2016.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2016] [Revised: 07/18/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The intrinsic properties of silicon microsieves, such as an optically flat surface, high overall porosity, and low flow resistance have led to an increasing number of biotechnology applications. In this report, the feasibility of creating a microsieve-based immunoassay platform was explored. Microsieves containing 5μm pores were coupled with poly-acrylic acid chains, and then mounted into a plastic holder to enable rapid reagent exchanges via a wicking mechanism. The mounted microsieves were coated with infectious disease-related antigens at [2.5 and 25μg/mL], [20 and 50μg/mL], and [20 and 100μg/mL] to facilitate detection of serum-derived human antibodies against Rubella (3-day measles), B. burgdorferi (Lyme disease), or T. pallidum (syphilis), respectively. The prototype microsieve-based immunoassay platform was able to distinguish positive control sera containing antibodies against Rubella, T. pallidum, and B. burgdorferi from negative control sera with similar qualitative results as FDA-approved ELISA tests. Testing of a WHO IgG syphilitic standard at 0.3, 0.15, 0.075, 0.0375, and 0.01875IU/mL demonstrated that the T. pallidum microsieve assay is able to distinguish disease-specific IgG signal from background signal at similar, and possibly lower, levels than the corresponding ELISA. The T. pallidum microsieve assay prototype also differentiated positive clinical serum samples from negative donor samples, and the results were in good agreement with ELISA (R(2)=0.9046). These feasibility studies demonstrate the potential for utilizing microsieves, along with a reagent wicking device, as a simple diagnostic immunoassay platform.
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Bristow CC, Severe L, Pape JW, Javanbakht M, Lee SJ, Comulada WS, Klausner JD. Dual rapid lateral flow immunoassay fingerstick wholeblood testing for syphilis and HIV infections is acceptable and accurate, Port-au-Prince, Haiti. BMC Infect Dis 2016; 16:302. [PMID: 27316352 PMCID: PMC4912739 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-016-1574-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2015] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dual rapid tests for HIV and syphilis infections allow for detection of HIV infection and syphilis at the point-of-care. Those tests have been evaluated in laboratory settings and show excellent performance but have not been evaluated in the field. We evaluated the field performance of the SD BIOLINE HIV/Syphilis Duo test in Port-au-Prince, Haiti using whole blood fingerprick specimens. METHODS GHESKIO (Haitian Study Group for Kaposi's Sarcoma and Opportunistic Infections) clinic attendees 18 years of age or older were invited to participate. Venipuncture blood specimens were used for reference testing with standard commercially available tests for HIV and syphilis in Haiti. The sensitivity and specificity of the Duo test compared to the reference standard were calculated. The exact binomial method was used to determine 95 % confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS Of 298 study participants, 237 (79.5 %) were female, of which 49 (20.7 %) were pregnant. For the HIV test component, the sensitivity and specificity were 99.2 % (95 % CI: 95.8 %, 100 %) and 97.0 % (95 % CI: 93.2 %, 99.0 %), respectively; and for the syphilis component were 96.5 % (95 % CI: 91.2 %, 99.0 %) and 90.8 % (95 % CI: 85.7 %, 94.6 %), respectively. In pregnant women, the sensitivity and specificity of the HIV test component were 93.3 % (95 % CI: 68.0 %, 99.8 %) and 94.1 % (95 % CI: 80.3 %, 99.3 %), respectively; and for the syphilis component were 100 % (95 % CI:81.5 %, 100 %) and 96.8 % (95 % CI:83.3 %, 99.9 %), respectively. CONCLUSION The Standard Diagnostics BIOLINE HIV/Syphilis Duo dual test performed well in a field setting in Haiti and should be considered for wider use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire C Bristow
- Division of Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA. .,Division of Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive 0507, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0507, USA.
| | | | - Jean William Pape
- Les Centres GHESKIO, Port-au-Prince, Haiti.,Center for Global Health, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Marjan Javanbakht
- Department of Epidemiology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sung-Jae Lee
- Department of Epidemiology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Warren Scott Comulada
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jeffrey D Klausner
- Department of Epidemiology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA. .,Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA. .,UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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Kiarie J, Mishra CK, Temmerman M, Newman L. Accelerating the dual elimination of mother-to-child transmission of syphilis and HIV: Why now? Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2016; 130 Suppl 1:S1-3. [PMID: 26096725 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2015.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Chandra K Mishra
- National Rural Health Mission, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Delhi, India
| | | | - Lori Newman
- Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, 20 Avenue Appia, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland.
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Lago EG. Current Perspectives on Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of Syphilis. Cureus 2016; 8:e525. [PMID: 27081586 PMCID: PMC4829408 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2015] [Accepted: 03/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
This article aims to provide an update on the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of syphilis by drawing upon some important basic concepts and reviewing the most recent literature on the diagnosis and treatment of syphilis in pregnancy. New technologies, such as automated and point-of-care immunologic tests, are shifting some paradigms, which will certainly be further investigated in the forthcoming years. This is the time to carefully evaluate traditional as well as new strategies to prevent congenital syphilis. Adverse outcomes of mother-to-child transmission of syphilis can be prevented with antenatal screening and penicillin therapy, which proved to have an excellent cost-benefit ratio even in populations with a low prevalence of syphilis. However, syphilis epidemiology is influenced by socioeconomic and cultural factors, and major challenges are faced by poor and developing countries in which the severity of the problem is extremely alarming. On the other hand, the emergence of new technologies has raised doubts about the best algorithm to be used when proper laboratory resources are available. Conditions are quite heterogeneous across populations, and some procedures should not be generalized while there is no evidence that supports some changes and while in-depth studies about local conditions are not conducted. Official organizations need to be alert in order to avoid isolated decisions and ensure that evidence-based guidelines be used in the management of syphilis in pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonor G Lago
- School of Medicine, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul - PUCRS ; Edipucrs University Publisher, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul - PUCRS
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