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Shrestha A, Poudel L, Shrestha S, Jha N, Kuikel BS, Shakya P, Kunwar RS, Pandey LR, Kc MB, Wilson EC, Deuba K. Multilevel determinants of antiretroviral therapy initiation and retention in the test-and-treat era of Nepal: a qualitative study. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:927. [PMID: 39138448 PMCID: PMC11323673 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-11311-6] [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: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The transition to the "test-and-treat" policy in Nepal in 2017, coupled with the rapid initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in 2020, necessitates an in-depth understanding of factors influencing ART initiation and retention. This study investigates these factors from the perspectives of healthcare providers, families/communities, and people living with HIV (PLHIV). METHODS Employing a qualitative design, in-depth interviews were conducted with 24 ART clients and 26 healthcare providers across different provinces of Nepal. A comprehensive interview guide facilitated the exploration of experiences and perceptions. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, and thematic analysis was applied to distill key insights. Guided by a socio-ecological model, interviews were analyzed to identify the barriers and facilitators to ART initiation and continuation at the individual, family/community, and health system levels. RESULTS Facilitators and barriers were identified at three levels. Individual-level facilitators included fear of death, perceived health benefits, knowledge about HIV/ART, confidentiality, and financial support. Barriers encompassed concerns about lifelong medication, side effects, denial of HIV status, fear of disclosure, and financial constraints. At the family/community level, support from family and community health workers facilitated ART adherence, while social stigma and discrimination posed barriers. The health system's role was dual; the provision of free treatment, a client tracking system and a robust drug supply chain were facilitators, whereas logistical challenges and service accessibility during the COVID-19 pandemic were notable barriers. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the various factors that influence ART initiation and retention in Nepal during the test-and-treat era. Tailored interventions should focus on increasing awareness about HIV and ART, strengthening healthcare systems, ensuring availability of medications, and providing accessible treatment during service disruptions. Furthermore, these interventions should encourage supportive environments at the individual, community, and healthcare system levels. Taking this holistic approach is essential for effectively implementing ART and achieving long-term health outcomes in light of changing public health policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Archana Shrestha
- Department of Public Health and Community Programs, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Dhulikhel, Nepal
- Center for Methods in Implementation and Prevention Science, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
- Institute for Implementation Science and Health, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Lisasha Poudel
- Institute for Implementation Science and Health, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Soniya Shrestha
- Department of Public Health and Community Programs, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Dhulikhel, Nepal
| | - Niharika Jha
- Department of Public Health and Community Programs, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Dhulikhel, Nepal
| | - Bihari Sharan Kuikel
- Department of Public Health and Community Programs, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Dhulikhel, Nepal
| | | | | | - Lok Raj Pandey
- National Centre for AIDS & STD Control, Ministry of Health and Population, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Man Bahadur Kc
- National Centre for AIDS & STD Control, Ministry of Health and Population, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Erin C Wilson
- San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Keshab Deuba
- Public Health and Environment Research Centre (PERC), Lalitpur, Nepal.
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Skipper CP, Kirumira P, Dai B, Wele A, Naluyima R, Namuli T, Turya F, Muhumuza P, Kibengo F, Boulware DR, Meya DB, Nalintya E, Rajasingham R. Baseline C-reactive Protein as a Risk Factor for Cryptococcal Meningitis and Death in HIV-associated Cryptococcal Antigenemia With CrAg Titer as an Effect Modifier. Open Forum Infect Dis 2024; 11:ofae392. [PMID: 39086467 PMCID: PMC11288378 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofae392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Persons with HIV and cryptococcal antigenemia are at high risk of progression to cryptococcal meningitis or death. Baseline cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) plasma titer ≥1:160 is a known risk factor for poor outcomes, but other risk factors are unknown. In HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis, baseline serum C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations are positively associated with increased mortality. We hypothesized that CRP might also be associated with meningitis or death in persons with cryptococcal antigenemia. Methods We measured plasma CrAg titers and CRP concentrations on cryopreserved serum from prospectively enrolled persons with HIV and cryptococcal antigenemia. Using time-to-event analyses, we compared 24-week meningitis-free survival in persons with normal CRP (<8 mg/L) and elevated CRP (≥8 mg/L). Logistic regression was used to assess how CRP concentration and CrAg titer might interact as covariates. Results Of the 94 persons with elevated CRP, 19 (20.2%) developed meningitis or death, whereas of the 88 persons with normal CRP, 8 (9.1%) developed meningitis or death (P = .035). Persons with CrAg titer <1:160 and normal CRP had an ∼5% (3/61) event rate, whereas those with CrAg titer <1:160 but elevated CRP had an ∼20% (12/59) event rate. Importantly, we identified a statistically significant interaction effect between CrAg titer and CRP groups, in which elevated CRP increased risk in the low CrAg titer group (odds ratio, 1.54; 95% confidence interval, 1.16-2.04), but this effect was not present in high CrAg titer group (odds ratio, 0.78; 95% confidence interval, .53-1.15). Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that CrAg titer may modify the direction of effect of CRP with meningitis-free survival; future studies should account for this interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caleb P Skipper
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Paul Kirumira
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Biyue Dai
- Division of Biostatistics & Health Data Science, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Abduljewad Wele
- Division of Biostatistics & Health Data Science, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Rose Naluyima
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Teopista Namuli
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Fred Turya
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Patrick Muhumuza
- Masaka Field Station, Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Institute & London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Masaka, Uganda
| | - Freddie Kibengo
- Masaka Field Station, Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Institute & London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Masaka, Uganda
| | - David R Boulware
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - David B Meya
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Elizabeth Nalintya
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Radha Rajasingham
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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Dao A, Kim HY, Garnham K, Kidd S, Sati H, Perfect J, Sorrell TC, Harrison T, Rickerts V, Gigante V, Alastruey-Izquierdo A, Alffenaar JW, Morrissey CO, Chen SCA, Beardsley J. Cryptococcosis-a systematic review to inform the World Health Organization Fungal Priority Pathogens List. Med Mycol 2024; 62:myae043. [PMID: 38935902 PMCID: PMC11210623 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myae043] [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: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcosis causes a high burden of disease worldwide. This systematic review summarizes the literature on Cryptococcus neoformans and C. gattii infections to inform the World Health Organization's first Fungal Priority Pathogen List. PubMed and Web of Science were used to identify studies reporting on annual incidence, mortality, morbidity, antifungal resistance, preventability, and distribution/emergence in the past 10 years. Mortality rates due to C. neoformans were 41%-61%. Complications included acute renal impairment, raised intracranial pressure needing shunts, and blindness. There was moderate evidence of reduced susceptibility (MIC range 16-32 mg/l) of C. neoformans to fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole, and amphotericin B. Cryptococcus gattii infections comprised 11%-33% of all cases of invasive cryptococcosis globally. The mortality rates were 10%-23% for central nervous system (CNS) and pulmonary infections, and ∼43% for bloodstream infections. Complications described included neurological sequelae (17%-27% in C. gattii infections) and immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome. MICs were generally low for amphotericin B (MICs: 0.25-0.5 mg/l), 5-flucytosine (MIC range: 0.5-2 mg/l), itraconazole, posaconazole, and voriconazole (MIC range: 0.06-0.5 mg/l). There is a need for increased surveillance of disease phenotype and outcome, long-term disability, and drug susceptibility to inform robust estimates of disease burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiken Dao
- Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, Sydney, Australia
- Westmead Clinical School, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Hannah Yejin Kim
- Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
- Department of Pharmacy, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, Australia
| | - Katherine Garnham
- Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Birtinya, Qld 4575, Australia
| | - Sarah Kidd
- National Mycology Reference Centre, Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, SA Pathology, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Hatim Sati
- AMR Division, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Tania C Sorrell
- Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, Sydney, Australia
- Westmead Clinical School, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Thomas Harrison
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, St George’s University London, London, UK
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | | | - Valeria Gigante
- AMR Division, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Ana Alastruey-Izquierdo
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jan-Willem Alffenaar
- Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Westmead Clinical School, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia
- Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
| | - C Orla Morrissey
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Australia
- Monash University, Department of Infectious Diseases, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sharon C-A Chen
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research, New South Wales Health Pathology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, Sydney, Australia
| | - Justin Beardsley
- Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, Sydney, Australia
- Westmead Clinical School, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia
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Hoffmann CJ, Shearer K, Kekana B, Kerrigan D, Moloantoa T, Golub JE, Variava E, Martinson NA. Reducing HIV-Associated Post-Hospital Mortality Through Home-Based Care in South Africa: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Clin Infect Dis 2024; 78:1256-1263. [PMID: 38051643 PMCID: PMC11093672 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciad727] [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: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Twenty-three percent of people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV, PWH) die within 6 months of hospital discharge. We tested the hypothesis whether a series of structured home visits could reduce mortality. METHODS We designed a disease neutral home visit package with up to 6 home visits starting 1-week post-hospitalization and every 2 weeks thereafter. The home visit team used a structured assessment algorithm to evaluate and triage social and medical needs of the participant and provide nutritional support. We compared all-cause mortality 6 months following discharge for the intervention compared to usual care in a pilot randomized trial conducted in South Africa. To inform potential scale-up we also included and separately analyzed a group of people without HIV (PWOH). RESULTS We enrolled 125 people with HIV and randomized them 1:1 to the home visit intervention or usual care. Fourteen were late exclusions because of death prior to discharge or delayed discharge leaving 111 for analysis. The median age was 39 years, 31% were men; and 70% had advanced HIV disease. At 6 months among PWH 4 (7.3%) in the home visit arm and 10 (17.9%) in the usual care arm (P = .09) had died. Among the 70 PWOH enrolled overall 6-month mortality was 10.1%. Of those in the home visit arm, 91% received at least one home visit. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated feasibility of delivering post-hospital home visits and demonstrated preliminary efficacy among PWH with a substantial, but not statistically significant, effect size (59% reduction in mortality). Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) related challenges resulted in under-enrollment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Hoffmann
- Center for Tuberculosis Research, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kate Shearer
- Center for Tuberculosis Research, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Boitumelo Kekana
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Deanna Kerrigan
- Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Tumelo Moloantoa
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Jonathan E Golub
- Center for Tuberculosis Research, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ebrahim Variava
- Department of Internal Medicine, Klerksdorp Tshepong Hospital Complex, North West Department of Health, Klerksdorp, South Africa
| | - Neil A Martinson
- Center for Tuberculosis Research, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Miwa T, Okamoto K, Ikeuchi K, Yamamoto S, Okugawa S, Ichida A, Akamatsu N, Hasegawa K, Tsutsumi T. The Role of Frequent Screening or Diagnostic Testing of Serum Cryptococcal Antigen in Liver Transplant Recipients: A Descriptive Epidemiology. Open Forum Infect Dis 2024; 11:ofae255. [PMID: 38774792 PMCID: PMC11108085 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofae255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Cryptococcosis is a notable infectious complication of liver transplantation. Currently, there is no recommendation for screening serum cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) levels in solid organ transplant recipients. We aimed to explore the role of serum CrAg in liver transplant recipients at an institution where posttransplant serum CrAg has been widely tested. Methods This retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary care center in Japan. All liver transplant recipients with serum CrAg measured either for screening or for diagnostic testing at least once after transplantation between April 2005 and March 2022 were included. For participants with either a positive CrAg test result or positive culture for Cryptococcus, we manually reviewed clinical manifestations, management, and prognosis from the medical records. Results During the study period, 12 885 serum CrAg tests (median, 16 tests per patient) were performed in 468 liver transplant recipients. The 1-year posttransplant incidence of positive serum CrAg test results and culture-proven cryptococcosis was 1.9% (9/468) and 0.6% (3/468), respectively. No patient with persistently negative serum CrAg test results showed growth of Cryptococcus in culture. Four patients had clinical manifestations consistent with cryptococcosis, of whom 2 (50.0%) started antifungal therapy promptly based on a positive serum CrAg test result. In contrast, 5 patients had no clinical manifestations. Three of the 5 (60.0%) patients did not receive antifungal therapy and remained free of clinical manifestations. Conclusions Serum CrAg test was more sensitive than culture among liver transplant recipients and prompted early diagnosis and antifungal therapy in symptomatic patients. However, serial screening of serum CrAg in asymptomatic patients may be of little value, with the potential for false-positive results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshiki Miwa
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koh Okamoto
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Ikeuchi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shinya Yamamoto
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shu Okugawa
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akihiko Ichida
- Artificial Organ and Transplantation Surgery Division, Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nobuhisa Akamatsu
- Artificial Organ and Transplantation Surgery Division, Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Hasegawa
- Artificial Organ and Transplantation Surgery Division, Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takeya Tsutsumi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
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Mody A, Sohn AH, Iwuji C, Tan RKJ, Venter F, Geng EH. HIV epidemiology, prevention, treatment, and implementation strategies for public health. Lancet 2024; 403:471-492. [PMID: 38043552 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(23)01381-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
The global HIV response has made tremendous progress but is entering a new phase with additional challenges. Scientific innovations have led to multiple safe, effective, and durable options for treatment and prevention, and long-acting formulations for 2-monthly and 6-monthly dosing are becoming available with even longer dosing intervals possible on the horizon. The scientific agenda for HIV cure and remission strategies is moving forward but faces uncertain thresholds for success and acceptability. Nonetheless, innovations in prevention and treatment have often failed to reach large segments of the global population (eg, key and marginalised populations), and these major disparities in access and uptake at multiple levels have caused progress to fall short of their potential to affect public health. Moving forward, sharper epidemiologic tools based on longitudinal, person-centred data are needed to more accurately characterise remaining gaps and guide continued progress against the HIV epidemic. We should also increase prioritisation of strategies that address socio-behavioural challenges and can lead to effective and equitable implementation of existing interventions with high levels of quality that better match individual needs. We review HIV epidemiologic trends; advances in HIV prevention, treatment, and care delivery; and discuss emerging challenges for ending the HIV epidemic over the next decade that are relevant for general practitioners and others involved in HIV care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaloke Mody
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Annette H Sohn
- TREAT Asia, amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Collins Iwuji
- Department of Global Health and Infection, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK; Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Rayner K J Tan
- University of North Carolina Project-China, Guangzhou, China; Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Francois Venter
- Ezintsha, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Elvin H Geng
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
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Li SS, Li K, Chen HH, Zhu QY, He JS, Feng Y, Lan GH, Shao YM. Evaluation of factors associated with high advanced HIV disease and mortality in Southwestern China: a retrospective cohort study, 2005-2020. Public Health 2024; 227:282-290. [PMID: 38238130 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2023.11.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the prevalence, all-cause mortality and determinants of advanced HIV disease (AHD) or severe immunosuppression (SIS) in the rural-urban communities of Southwestern China. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. METHOD Data on HIV/AIDS cases reported in 2005-20 were collected from Case Report System. A binary logistic regression model assessed the risk factors of AHD/SIS prevalence. Survival curves across rural-urban regions were compared using Kaplan-Meier estimates and log-rank tests. Determinants of all-cause mortality were identified using the Cox proportional hazard model. RESULTS Among 14,533 newly diagnosed HIV/AIDS patients, 7497 (51.6%) presented with AHD and 2564 (17.6%) with SIS. Compared with urban patients, rural patients had a higher prevalence of AHD (56.7% vs 40.7%) and SIS (20.1% vs 12.4%), all-cause mortality (AHD 12.3 vs 5.6, SIS 16.3 vs 5.5, per 100 person-years). Their 5-year survival probability (AHD 59.5% vs 77.1%; SIS 54.4% vs 76.3%) and mean survival time (AHD 106.5 vs 140.6 months, SIS 95.3 vs 144.2 months, p < 0.0001) were lower. Rural patients had an increased risk of SIS prevalence (adjusted odds ratios 1.45, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.28-1.64; p < 0.0001) and mortality of the total cohort (adjusted hazard ratios 1.41, 95% CI 1.29-1.55; p < 0.0001), AHD cohort (1.38, 1.24-1.54; p < 0.0001), and SIS cohort (1.49, 1.23-1.81; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS A high prevalence of AHD/SIS was a severe phenomenon that caused high mortality in rural areas. A regional point-of-care strategy targeting AHD/SIS detection and management is essential for reducing the mortality risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- S S Li
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of AIDS Prevention and Treatment, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China; State of Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - K Li
- State of Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - H H Chen
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Major Infectious Disease Prevention and Control and Biosafety Emergency Response, Guangxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, China
| | - Q Y Zhu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Major Infectious Disease Prevention and Control and Biosafety Emergency Response, Guangxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, China
| | - J S He
- State of Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Y Feng
- State of Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - G H Lan
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Major Infectious Disease Prevention and Control and Biosafety Emergency Response, Guangxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, China.
| | - Y M Shao
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of AIDS Prevention and Treatment, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China; State of Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Major Infectious Disease Prevention and Control and Biosafety Emergency Response, Guangxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, China.
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Gils T, Kamele M, Madonsela T, Bosman S, Ngubane T, Joseph P, Reither K, Bresser M, Vlieghe E, Decroo T, Ayakaka I, Lynen L, Van Heerden A. Implementation of the advanced HIV disease care package with point-of-care CD4 testing during tuberculosis case finding: A mixed-methods evaluation. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0296197. [PMID: 38134020 PMCID: PMC10745215 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296197] [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] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
During TB-case finding, we assessed the feasibility of implementing the advanced HIV disease (AHD) care package, including VISITECT CD4 Advanced Disease (VISITECT), a semiquantitative test to identify a CD4≤200cells/μl. Adult participants with tuberculosis symptoms, recruited near-facility in Lesotho and South-Africa between 2021-2022, were offered HIV testing (capillary blood), Xpert MTB/RIF and Ultra, and MGIT culture (sputum). People living with HIV (PLHIV) were offered VISITECT (venous blood) and Alere tuberculosis-lipoarabinomannan (AlereLAM, urine) testing. AHD was defined as a CD4≤200cells/μl on VISITECT or a positive tuberculosis test. A CD4≤200cells/μl on VISITECT triggered Immy cryptococcal antigen (Immy CrAg, plasma) testing. Participants were referred with test results. To evaluate feasibility, we assessed i) acceptability and ii) intervention delivery of point-of-care diagnostics among study staff using questionnaires and group discussions, iii) process compliance, and iv) early effectiveness (12-week survival and treatment status) in PLHIV. Predictors for 12-week survival were assessed with logistic regression. Thematic content analysis and triangulation were performed. Among PLHIV (N = 676, 48.6% of 1392 participants), 7.8% were newly diagnosed, 81.8% on ART, and 10.4% knew their HIV status but were not on ART. Among 676 PLHIV, 41.7% had AHD, 29.9% a CD4≤200cells/μl and 20.6% a tuberculosis diagnosis. Among 200 PLHIV tested with Immy CrAg, 4.0% were positive. The procedures were acceptable for study staff, despite intervention delivery challenges related to supply and the long procedural duration (median: 73 minutes). At 12 weeks, among 276 PLHIV with AHD and 328 without, 3.3% and 0.9% had died, 84.8% and 92.1% were alive and 12.0% and 7.0% had an unknown status, respectively. Neither AHD nor tuberculosis status were associated with survival. Implementing AHD care package diagnostics was feasible during tuberculosis-case finding. AHD was prevalent, and not associated with survival, which is likely explained by the low specificity of VISITECT. Challenges with CD4 testing and preventive treatment uptake require addressing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tinne Gils
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
- Global Health Institute, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | | | - Thandanani Madonsela
- Centre for Community Based Research, Human Sciences Research Council, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - Shannon Bosman
- Centre for Community Based Research, Human Sciences Research Council, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - Thulani Ngubane
- Centre for Community Based Research, Human Sciences Research Council, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - Philip Joseph
- Centre for Community Based Research, Human Sciences Research Council, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - Klaus Reither
- Clinical Research Unit, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- Medical Outpatient Department, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Moniek Bresser
- Clinical Research Unit, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- Medical Outpatient Department, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Erika Vlieghe
- Global Health Institute, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Tom Decroo
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Irene Ayakaka
- SolidarMed, Partnerships for Health, Butha-Buthe, Lesotho
| | - Lutgarde Lynen
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Alastair Van Heerden
- Centre for Community Based Research, Human Sciences Research Council, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
- MRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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9
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McHale TC, Boulware DR, Kasibante J, Ssebambulidde K, Skipper CP, Abassi M. Diagnosis and management of cryptococcal meningitis in HIV-infected adults. Clin Microbiol Rev 2023; 36:e0015622. [PMID: 38014977 PMCID: PMC10870732 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00156-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcal meningitis is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, especially in people with advanced HIV disease. Cryptococcal meningitis is responsible for nearly 20% of all deaths related to advanced HIV disease, with the burden of disease predominantly experienced by people in resource-limited countries. Major advancements in diagnostics have introduced low-cost, easy-to-use antigen tests with remarkably high sensitivity and specificity. These tests have led to improved diagnostic accuracy and are essential for screening campaigns to reduce the burden of cryptococcosis. In the last 5 years, several high-quality, multisite clinical trials have led to innovations in therapeutics that have allowed for simplified regimens, which are better tolerated and result in less intensive monitoring and management of medication adverse effects. One trial found that a shorter, 7-day course of deoxycholate amphotericin B is as effective as the longer 14-day course and that flucytosine is an essential partner drug for reducing mortality in the acute phase of disease. Single-dose liposomal amphotericin B has also been found to be as effective as a 7-day course of deoxycholate amphotericin B. These findings have allowed for simpler and safer treatment regimens that also reduce the burden on the healthcare system. This review provides a detailed discussion of the latest evidence guiding the clinical management and special circumstances that make cryptococcal meningitis uniquely difficult to treat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas C. McHale
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - David R. Boulware
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - John Kasibante
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Caleb P. Skipper
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Mahsa Abassi
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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10
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Chakravarty J, Reddy S, Gupta MK, Tilak R, Diwaker C, Sundar S. Screening for cryptococcal antigen in asymptomatic people with HIV: urgent need in Eastern India. AIDS 2023; 37:2359-2363. [PMID: 37650766 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000003702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) is a leading cause of mortality in people with HIV (PWH). Despite recommendation by the National programme, cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) screening in PWH with CD4 + <200/μl has not been implemented in practice. Therefore, we conducted a prospective study in government funded Antiretroviral treatment centre to determine the prevalence of asymptomatic cryptococcal antigenemia in PWH with CD4 + cell count <200 cells/μl, subclinical cryptococcal meningitis in serum CrAg positive subjects and their outcome. METHOD Serum CrAg (BIOSYNEX CryptoPS) screening was conducted in newly diagnosed asymptomatic retro-positive adults with CD4 + <200/μl between January 2021 and March 2022. We also conducted cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) CrAg testing in all PWH who were serum CrAg positive and appropriate therapy was instituted. All the enrolled participants were followed up till February 2023. RESULT Among enrolled 142 PWH patients, 22 (15.49%) were positive for serum CrAg. Among these 22, seven (31.8%) patients had CD4 + cell count between 100 and 199 cells/μl. CSF CrAg was positive in 11 (50%) serum CrAg positive cases. Serum CrAg positivity was significantly associated with low CD4 + cell count, poor clinical stage and concomitant Pneumocystis pneumonia. However, mortality was not significantly different in Serum CrAg positive and negative PWH. None of the deaths in CrAg positive PWH was due to cryptococcal disease. CONCLUSION Higher prevalence of cryptococcal antigenemia and subclinical CM among PWH with CD4 + cell count <200 cells/μl with good treatment outcomes with therapy reiterates the need for CrAg screening among PWH in Eastern India.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ragini Tilak
- Department of Microbiology, IMS BHU, Varanasi, India
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11
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Scheier TC, Youssouf N, Mosepele M, Kanyama C, Adekanmbi O, Lakoh S, Muzoora CK, Meintjes G, Mertz D, Eikelboom JW, Wasserman S. Standard of care in advanced HIV disease: review of HIV treatment guidelines in six sub-Saharan African countries. AIDS Res Ther 2023; 20:83. [PMID: 37996881 PMCID: PMC10668471 DOI: 10.1186/s12981-023-00581-5] [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: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends an evidence-based package of care to reduce mortality and morbidity among people with advanced HIV disease (AHD). Adoption of these recommendations by national guidelines in sub-Saharan Africa is poorly documented. We aimed to review national guidelines for AHD management across six selected countries in sub-Saharan Africa for benchmarking against the 2021 WHO recommendations. METHODS We reviewed national guidelines from six countries participating in an ongoing randomized controlled trial recruiting people with AHD. We extracted information addressing 18 items of AHD diagnosis and management across the following domains: [1] Definition of AHD, [2] Screening, [3] Prophylaxis, [4] Supportive care, and [5] HIV treatment. Data from national guideline documents were compared to the 2021 WHO consolidated guidelines on HIV and an agreement score was produced to evaluate extent of guideline adoption. RESULTS The distribution of categories of agreement varied for the national documents. Four of the six countries addressed all 18 items (Malawi, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Uganda). Overall agreement with the WHO 2021 guidelines ranged from 9 to 15.5 out of 18 possible points: Malawi 15.5 points, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone 14.5 points, South Africa 13.5 points, Uganda 13.0 points and Botswana with 9.0 points. Most inconsistencies were reported for the delay of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in presence of opportunistic diseases. None of the six national guidelines aligned with WHO recommendations around ART timing in patients with tuberculosis. Agreement correlated with the year of publication of the national guideline. CONCLUSION National guidelines addressing the care of advanced HIV disease in sub-Saharan Africa are available. Besides optimal timing for start of ART in presence of tuberculosis, most national recommendations are in line with the 2021 WHO standards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas C Scheier
- Population Health Research Institute, McMaster University and Hamilton Health Sciences, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Nabila Youssouf
- Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | | | - Cecilia Kanyama
- University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Olukemi Adekanmbi
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Sulaiman Lakoh
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Conrad K Muzoora
- Department of Internal Medicine Faculty of Medicine Mbarara, University of Science and Technology Mbarara, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Graeme Meintjes
- Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Dominik Mertz
- Population Health Research Institute, McMaster University and Hamilton Health Sciences, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Department of Health Research Methodology, Evidence, and Impact, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - John W Eikelboom
- Population Health Research Institute, McMaster University and Hamilton Health Sciences, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Sean Wasserman
- Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, London, UK.
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12
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Tugume L, Ssebambulidde K, Kasibante J, Ellis J, Wake RM, Gakuru J, Lawrence DS, Abassi M, Rajasingham R, Meya DB, Boulware DR. Cryptococcal meningitis. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2023; 9:62. [PMID: 37945681 DOI: 10.1038/s41572-023-00472-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii species complexes cause meningoencephalitis with high fatality rates and considerable morbidity, particularly in persons with deficient T cell-mediated immunity, most commonly affecting people living with HIV. Whereas the global incidence of HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis (HIV-CM) has decreased over the past decade, cryptococcosis still accounts for one in five AIDS-related deaths globally due to the persistent burden of advanced HIV disease. Moreover, mortality remains high (~50%) in low-resource settings. The armamentarium to decrease cryptococcosis-associated mortality is expanding: cryptococcal antigen screening in the serum and pre-emptive azole therapy for cryptococcal antigenaemia are well established, whereas enhanced pre-emptive combination treatment regimens to improve survival of persons with cryptococcal antigenaemia are in clinical trials. Short courses (≤7 days) of amphotericin-based therapy combined with flucytosine are currently the preferred options for induction therapy of cryptococcal meningitis. Whether short-course induction regimens improve long-term morbidity such as depression, reduced neurocognitive performance and physical disability among survivors is the subject of further study. Here, we discuss underlying immunology, changing epidemiology, and updates on the management of cryptococcal meningitis with emphasis on HIV-associated disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lillian Tugume
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Kenneth Ssebambulidde
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - John Kasibante
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jayne Ellis
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Rachel M Wake
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Jane Gakuru
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - David S Lawrence
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Mahsa Abassi
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Radha Rajasingham
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - David B Meya
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - David R Boulware
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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13
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Sati H, Alastruey-Izquierdo A, Perfect J, Govender NP, Harrison TS, Chiller T, Sorrell TC, Bongomin F, Oladele R, Chakrabarti A, Wahyuningsih R, Colombo AL, Rodriguez-Tudela JL, Beyrer C, Ford N. HIV and fungal priority pathogens. Lancet HIV 2023; 10:e750-e754. [PMID: 37827187 PMCID: PMC7615271 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(23)00174-1] [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] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
The burden of invasive fungal infections associated with opportunistic fungal pathogens is a persistent challenge, particularly among people with advanced HIV disease. In October, 2022, WHO published the Fungal Priority Pathogens List (FPPL)-the first global effort to systematically prioritise fungal pathogens. Of the 19 pathogens in the WHO FPPL, four opportunistic pathogens in particular cause invasive diseases in people living with HIV: Cryptococcus neoformans, Histoplasma spp, Pneumocystis jirovecii, and Talaromyces marneffei. These four fungal pathogens are major causes of illness and death in people with advanced HIV and overwhelmingly affect those in low-income and middle-income countries. Access to diagnostics, improved surveillance, targeted support for innovation, and an enhanced public health focus on these diseases are needed in the effort to reduce HIV-associated deaths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hatim Sati
- Antimicrobial Resistance Division, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Ana Alastruey-Izquierdo
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, National Center for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - John Perfect
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Nelesh P Govender
- National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Division of the National Health Laboratory Service, School of Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Tom S Harrison
- Centre for Global Health, Institute of Infection and Immunity, St George's University of London, London, UK; MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Tom Chiller
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Tania C Sorrell
- Sydney Infectious Disease Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Felix Bongomin
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Gulu University, Gulu, Uganda
| | - Rita Oladele
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
| | | | - Retno Wahyuningsih
- Department of Parasitology, Universitas Indonesia and Universitas Kristen Indonesia, Indonesia
| | - Arnaldo Lopes Colombo
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Chris Beyrer
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Nathan Ford
- Department of Global HIV, Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections Programmes, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Centre for Infectious Disease and Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
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14
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Tugume L, Semitala FC, Owachi D, Kagimu E, Kamya MR, Meya DB. Clinical characteristics and morbidity among hospitalized adults with advanced HIV disease in Uganda during 'test and treat' era. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0002457. [PMID: 37851597 PMCID: PMC10584089 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Nearly four decades after the first case of AIDS was described, the global number of AIDS-related deaths has steadily declined but falls short of the elimination targets, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite interventions to promote early HIV diagnosis and treatment, hospitalization and mortality related to advanced HIV disease (AHD) remains a significant public health problem in Uganda. We assessed the HIV treatment history and causes of hospitalization among in-patients with AHD at a tertiary hospital in Uganda. In this cross-sectional study, pre-hospitalization HIV treatment history and clinical characteristics of HIV-positive in-patients with CD4<200 cells/μL or WHO stage 3 or 4 clinical events were assessed. Descriptive data were summarized using percentages and medians. Among hospitalized adults with AHD from November 2021 to June 2022, 74% (260/353) knew their HIV status prior to hospitalization and 62% (219/353) were ART experienced at presentation. The median time since ART initiation was 28 months (IQR; 2-97). Overall, 73% (258/353) had at least two etiological diagnoses and the majority (non-mutually exclusive) were diagnosed with tuberculosis (61.2%), cryptococcal meningitis (20.7%), mucosal candidiasis (16.1%) and bacterial infections (15%). In conclusion, nearly two-thirds of in-patients with advanced HIV disease were ART experienced prior to hospitalization and tuberculosis was the most common cause of hospitalization. Innovative strategies to strengthen HIV diagnosis, linkage, and retention in HIV care and to increase coverage of TB preventive therapy are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lillian Tugume
- Department of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Fred C. Semitala
- Department of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
- Kiruddu National Referral Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
- Makerere University Joint AIDS Program, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Enock Kagimu
- Department of Research, Infectious Diseases Institute Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Moses R. Kamya
- Department of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - David B. Meya
- Department of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Research, Infectious Diseases Institute Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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15
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Tiam A, Paulin H, Machekano R, Oboho I, Agyemang E, Mugyenyi FA, Maama-Maime L, Mengistu Y, Chatora T, Mungati M, Mokone M, Mots’oane T, Masheane A, Tukei V. Rapid antiretroviral therapy initiation in patients with advanced HIV disease: 6-month outcomes of an observational cohort evaluation in Lesotho. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0292660. [PMID: 37819941 PMCID: PMC10566720 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292660] [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] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
For adults and adolescents, the World Health Organization defines advanced HIV disease (AHD) as a CD4 (cluster of differentiation 4) count of <200 cells/mm3 or a clinical stage 3 or 4 event. We describe clinical outcomes in a cohort of AHD patients at two regional hospitals in Lesotho. From November 2018-June 2019, we prospectively enrolled eligible patients (≥15 years) not on antiretroviral therapy (ART) presenting with WHO-defined AHD into a differentiated model of care for AHD (including rapid ART initiation) and followed them for six months. All patients received Tuberculosis (TB) symptom screening with further diagnostic testing; serum cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) screening was done for CD4 <100 cells/mm3 or WHO clinical stage 3 or 4. Medical record data were abstracted using visit checklist forms. Categorical and continuous variables were summarized using frequencies, percentages, and means, respectively. Kaplan-Meier was used to estimate survival. Of 537 HIV-positive patients screened, 150 (27.9%) had AHD of which 109 were enrolled. Mean age was 38 years and 62 (56.9%) were men. At initial clinic visit, 8 (7.3%) were already on treatment and 33% (36/109) had presumptive TB per symptom screening. Among 39/109 (40.2%) patients screened for CrAg at initial visit, five (12.8%) were CrAg-positive. Among 109 enrolled, 77 (70.6%) initiated ART at their initial clinic visit, while 32 delayed ART initiation (median delay: 14 days). Of the 109 participants enrolled, 76 (69.7%) completed the 6-month follow-up, 17 (15.6%) were lost to follow-up, 5 (4.6%) transferred to other health facilities and 11 (10.1%) died. The 6-month survival was 87.4%; among 74 patients with a viral load result, 6-month viral suppression (<1,000 copies/ml) was 85.1%. Our study found that even after the implementation of Test and Treat of ART in 2016 in Lesotho, over 25% of patients screened had AHD. Patients with AHD had a high prevalence of TB and CrAg positivity, underscoring the need to assess for AHD and rapidly initiate ART within a package of AHD care for optimal patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Appolinaire Tiam
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America
| | - Heather Paulin
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Rhoderick Machekano
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America
| | - Ikwo Oboho
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Elfriede Agyemang
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | | | | | | | - Tsitsi Chatora
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Maseru, Lesotho
| | - More Mungati
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Maseru, Lesotho
| | | | | | | | - Vincent Tukei
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Maseru, Lesotho
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16
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Fernandez D, Ali H, Pals S, Alemnji G, Vasireddy V, Siberry GK, Oboho I, Godfrey C. Assessing sex differences in viral load suppression and reported deaths using routinely collected program data from PEPFAR-supported countries in sub-Saharan Africa. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1941. [PMID: 37805465 PMCID: PMC10559393 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16453-6] [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: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In sub-Saharan Africa, more women than men access HIV testing and treatment and may have better viral load suppression (VLS). We utilized routinely reported aggregated HIV program data from 21 sub-Saharan African countries to examine sex differences in VLS and death rates within antiretroviral therapy (ART) programs supported by the United States President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). METHODS We included VLS and reported death data for persons aged 15 + years on ART from October-December 2020 disaggregated by sex and age for each subnational unit (SNU). We used linear mixed-model regression to estimate VLS proportion and negative binomial mixed-model regression to estimate the rates of death and death plus interruptions in treatment (IIT). All models were weighted for SNU-level ART population size and adjusted for sex, age, HIV/tuberculosis coinfection, country, and SNU; models for reported deaths and deaths plus IIT were also adjusted for SNU-level VLS. RESULTS Mean VLS proportion was higher among women than men (93.0% vs. 92.0%, p-value < 0.0001) and 50 + than 15-49 age group (93.7% vs. 91.2%, p-value < 0.0001). The mean rate of reported deaths was higher among men than women (2.37 vs. 1.51 per 1000 persons, p-value < 0.0001) and 50 + than 15-49 age group (2.39 vs. 1.50 per 1000, p-value < 0.0001); the mean rate of reported deaths plus IIT was higher among men (30.1 in men vs. 26.0 in women per 1000, p-value < 0.0001) and higher among 15-49 than 50 + age group (34.7 vs. 22.6 per 1000, p-value < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS The mean rate of reported deaths was higher among men in most models despite adjusting for VLS. Further exploration into differences in care-seeking behaviors; coverage of screening, prophylaxis, and/or treatment of opportunistic infections; and more extensive testing options for men to include CD4 is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Fernandez
- Public Health Institute (PHI), CDC Global Health Fellowship Program, Atlanta, USA.
- Division of Global HIV and Tuberculosis, Center for Global Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, USA.
| | - Hammad Ali
- Division of Global HIV and Tuberculosis, Center for Global Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, USA
| | - Sherri Pals
- Division of Global HIV and Tuberculosis, Center for Global Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, USA
| | - George Alemnji
- Division of Global HIV and Tuberculosis, Center for Global Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, USA
| | - Vamsi Vasireddy
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), U.S. Embassy, Kampala, Uganda
| | - George K Siberry
- United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Washington, D.C, USA
| | - Ikwo Oboho
- Division of Global HIV and Tuberculosis, Center for Global Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, USA
| | - Catherine Godfrey
- Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator, U.S. Department of State, Washington, D.C, USA
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17
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Makurumidze R, Decroo T, Jacobs BKM, Rusakaniko S, Van Damme W, Lynen L, Gils T. Attrition one year after starting antiretroviral therapy before and after the programmatic implementation of HIV "Treat All" in Sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:558. [PMID: 37641003 PMCID: PMC10463759 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08551-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Evidence on the real-world effects of "Treat All" on attrition has not been systematically reviewed. We aimed to review existing literature to compare attrition 12 months after antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation, before and after "Treat All" was implemented in Sub-Saharan Africa and describe predictors of attrition. METHODS We searched Embase, Google Scholar, PubMed, and Web of Science in July 2020 and created alerts up to the end of June 2023. We also searched for preprints and conference abstracts. Two co-authors screened and selected the articles. Risk of bias was assessed using the modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. We extracted and tabulated data on study characteristics, attrition 12 months after ART initiation, and predictors of attrition. We calculated a pooled risk ratio for attrition using random-effects meta-analysis. RESULTS Eight articles and one conference abstract (nine studies) out of 8179 screened records were included in the meta-analysis. The random-effects adjusted pooled risk ratio (RR) comparing attrition before and after "Treat All" 12 months after ART initiation was not significant [RR = 1.07 (95% Confidence interval (CI): 0.91-1.24)], with 92% heterogeneity (I2). Being a pregnant or breastfeeding woman, starting ART with advanced HIV, and starting ART within the same week were reported as risk factors for attrition both before and after "Treat All". CONCLUSIONS We found no significant difference in attrition before and after "Treat All" one year after ART initiation. While "Treat All" is being implemented widely, differentiated approaches to enhance retention should be prioritised for those subgroups at risk of attrition. PROSPERO NUMBER CRD42020191582 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Makurumidze
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Clinical Sciences Department, Antwerp, Belgium.
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Primary Health Care Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe.
- Faculty of Medicine & Pharmacy, Gerontology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Tom Decroo
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Clinical Sciences Department, Antwerp, Belgium
- Research Foundation of Flanders, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bart K M Jacobs
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Clinical Sciences Department, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Simbarashe Rusakaniko
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Primary Health Care Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Wim Van Damme
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Clinical Sciences Department, Antwerp, Belgium
- Faculty of Medicine & Pharmacy, Gerontology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lutgarde Lynen
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Clinical Sciences Department, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Tinne Gils
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Clinical Sciences Department, Antwerp, Belgium
- Global Health Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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18
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Tufa TB, Orth HM, Wienemann T, Jensen BEO, Mackenzie CR, Boulware DR, Luedde T, Feldt T. Disseminated Cryptococcosis Is a Common Finding among Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Patients with Suspected Sepsis and Is Associated with Higher Mortality Rates. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:836. [PMID: 37623607 PMCID: PMC10456031 DOI: 10.3390/jof9080836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcosis is the leading cause of death among people with HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa. The lack of optimum diagnoses and medications significantly impair the management of the disease. We investigated the burden of cryptococcosis and related mortality among people with HIV and suspected sepsis in Ethiopia. We conducted a prospective study at (1) Adama Hospital Medical College and (2) Asella Referral and Teaching Hospital from September 2019 to November 2020. We enrolled adult, HIV-infected patients presenting with suspected sepsis and assessed their 28-day survival rates. We performed blood cultures and cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) testing. In total, 82 participants were enrolled with a median age of 35 years, and 61% were female. Overall, eleven (13%) had positive CrAg tests, of which five grew Cryptococcus in blood cultures. Despite high-dose fluconazole (1200 mg/d) monotherapy being given to those with positive CrAg tests, the 28-day mortality was 64% (7/11), with mortality being significantly higher than among the CrAg-negative patients (9% (6/71); p < 0.001). Cryptococcosis was the leading cause of mortality among HIV-infected sepsis patients in this Ethiopian cohort. The CrAg screening of HIV-infected patients attending an emergency department can minimize the number of missed cryptococcosis cases irrespective of the CD4 T cell count and viral load. These findings warrant the need for a bundle approach for the diagnosis of HIV-infected persons presenting with sepsis in low- and middle-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tafese Beyene Tufa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital and Medical Faculty of the Heinrich, Heine University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (H.M.O.); (B.-E.O.J.); (T.L.)
- Hirsch Institute of Tropical Medicine, Asella P.O. Box 04, Ethiopia
- College of Health Sciences, Arsi University, Asella P.O. Box 04, Ethiopia
| | - Hans Martin Orth
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital and Medical Faculty of the Heinrich, Heine University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (H.M.O.); (B.-E.O.J.); (T.L.)
- Hirsch Institute of Tropical Medicine, Asella P.O. Box 04, Ethiopia
| | - Tobias Wienemann
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (T.W.); (C.R.M.)
| | - Bjoern-Erik Ole Jensen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital and Medical Faculty of the Heinrich, Heine University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (H.M.O.); (B.-E.O.J.); (T.L.)
| | - Colin R. Mackenzie
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (T.W.); (C.R.M.)
| | - David R. Boulware
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA;
| | - Tom Luedde
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital and Medical Faculty of the Heinrich, Heine University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (H.M.O.); (B.-E.O.J.); (T.L.)
- Hirsch Institute of Tropical Medicine, Asella P.O. Box 04, Ethiopia
| | - Torsten Feldt
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital and Medical Faculty of the Heinrich, Heine University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (H.M.O.); (B.-E.O.J.); (T.L.)
- Hirsch Institute of Tropical Medicine, Asella P.O. Box 04, Ethiopia
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19
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Lehman A, Ellis J, Nalintya E, Bahr NC, Loyse A, Rajasingham R. Advanced HIV disease: A review of diagnostic and prophylactic strategies. HIV Med 2023; 24:859-876. [PMID: 37041113 PMCID: PMC10642371 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.13487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite expanded access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and the rollout of the World Health Organization's (WHO) 'test-and-treat' strategy, the proportion of people with HIV (PWH) presenting with advanced HIV disease (AHD) remains unchanged at approximately 30%. Fifty percent of persons with AHD report prior engagement to care. ART failure and insufficient retention in HIV care are major causes of AHD. People living with AHD are at high risk for opportunistic infections and death. In 2017, the WHO published guidelines for the management of AHD that included a comprehensive package of care for screening and prophylaxis of major opportunistic infections (OIs). In the interim, ART regimens have evolved: integrase inhibitors are first-line therapy globally, and the diagnostic landscape is evolving. The objective of this review is to highlight novel point-of-care (POC) diagnostics and treatment strategies that can facilitate OI screening and prophylaxis for persons with AHD. METHODS We reviewed the WHO guidelines for recommendations for persons with AHD. We summarized the scientific literature on current and emerging diagnostics, along with emerging treatment strategies for persons with AHD. We also highlight the key research and implementation gaps together with potential solutions. RESULTS While POC CD4 testing is being rolled out in order to identify persons with AHD, this alone is insufficient; implementation of the Visitect CD4 platform has been challenging given operational and test interpretation issues. Numerous non-sputum POC TB diagnostics are being evaluated, many with limited sensitivity. Though imperfect, these tests are designed to provide rapid results (within hours) and are relatively affordable for resource-poor settings. While novel POC diagnostics are being developed for cryptococcal infection, histoplasmosis and talaromycosis, implementation science studies are urgently needed to understand the clinical benefit of these tests in the routine care. CONCLUSIONS Despite progress with HIV treatment and prevention, a persistent 20%-30% of PWH present to care with AHD. Unfortunately, these persons with AHD continue to carry the burden of HIV-related morbidity and mortality. Investment in the development of additional POC or near-bedside CD4 platforms is urgently needed. Implementation of POC diagnostics theoretically could improve HIV retention in care and thereby reduce mortality by overcoming delays in laboratory testing and providing patients and healthcare workers with timely same-day results. However, in real-world scenarios, people with AHD have multiple comorbidities and imperfect follow-up. Pragmatic clinical trials are needed to understand whether these POC diagnostics can facilitate timely diagnosis and treatment, thereby improving clinical outcomes such as HIV retention in care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Lehman
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Jayne Ellis
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Nathan C. Bahr
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Kansas, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Angela Loyse
- Division of Infection and Immunity Research Institute, St George’s University of London, London, UK
| | - Radha Rajasingham
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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Burke RM, Feasey N, Rangaraj A, Camps MR, Meintjes G, El-Sadr WM, Ford N. Ending AIDS deaths requires improvements in clinical care for people with advanced HIV disease who are seriously ill. Lancet HIV 2023; 10:e482-e484. [PMID: 37301220 PMCID: PMC7614731 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(23)00109-1] [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] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Over 4 million adults are living with advanced HIV disease with approximately 650 000 fatalities from HIV reported in 2021. People with advanced HIV disease have low immunity and can present to health services in two ways: those who are well but at high risk of developing severe disease, and those who are severely ill. These two groups require specific management approaches that place different demands on the health system. The first group can generally be supported in primary care settings but require differentiated care to meet their needs. The second group are at high risk of death and need focused diagnostics and clinical care, and possibly hospitalisation. Investments in high-quality clinical management of patients with advanced HIV disease who are seriously ill at primary care or hospital level (often only for a brief period of time during their acute illness) improves the likelihood that their condition will stabilise and that they will recover. Providing high-quality and safe clinical care that is accessible to these groups of people living with HIV who are at risk of severe illness and death is a key priority for reaching the global target of zero AIDS deaths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael M Burke
- Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi; Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Nicholas Feasey
- Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi; Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Ajay Rangaraj
- Global HIV, STIs and Hepatitis Programme, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Graeme Meintjes
- Department of Medicine, Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa and Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Wafaa M El-Sadr
- ICAP, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nathan Ford
- Global HIV, STIs and Hepatitis Programme, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland; Centre for Infectious Disease and Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
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21
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Liu S, Chen W, Cheng F, Ye X, Pan N, Lu H. Clinical characteristics and prognostic factors of 60 patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome combined with Cryptococcus neoformans. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:204. [PMID: 37024795 PMCID: PMC10080839 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08137-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) threatens people's health and is the main cause of opportunistic fungus-related death in acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients. Herein, we investigate the clinical characteristics and prognostic factors of AIDS patients with Cryptococcus neoformans in Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China. METHODS Our study enrolled AIDS patients diagnosed with Cryptococcus neoformans infection who were hospitalised in our hospital. They were divided into Group A (32 patients with CM) and Group B (28 patients without CM) according to their diagnosis. The differences between the two groups of patients' clinical symptoms, imaging examinations and laboratory examinations were observed. Statistical methods were used to analyse the difference in prognosis between the two groups. RESULTS Headache and fever were the most common clinical characteristics for patients with CM, while respiratory symptoms and fever were the most common clinical characteristics for patients without CM. The positive rate of cryptococcal capsular antigen, India ink staining and culture in the cerebrospinal fluid examination was higher in the CM patients than in the non-CM patients. The overall morbidity and mortality rate after systemic antifungal therapy was higher in the CM patients than in the non-CM patients. A higher incidence of headache, impaired consciousness, nuchal rigidity, first intracranial pressure > 200 mmH2O and mortality was observed in the CM patients than in the non-CM patients. Multifactorial logistic regression analysis showed that headache risk factors affecting the patient's prognosis at 12 weeks. CONCLUSION Patients with AIDS diagnosed with Cryptococcus neoformans infection have insidious clinical symptoms in the early stage, and their manifestation is often non-specific, resulting in poor prognosis and high mortality among CM patients compared to patients without CM. Therefore, early identification and timely antifungal therapy before the disease progresses to meningitis are of great value in improving the survival rate of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saiduo Liu
- Departments of Infectious Disease, The Dingli Clinical College of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Radiology, The 2ed Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Fuxue Lane, No. 2, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
| | - Fang Cheng
- Departments of Infectious Disease, The Dingli Clinical College of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
| | - Xinchun Ye
- Departments of Infectious Disease, The Dingli Clinical College of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
| | - Ning Pan
- Departments of Infectious Disease, The Dingli Clinical College of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
| | - Hongzhou Lu
- Department of Infectious Disease, The 1st School of Medicine,School of Information and Engineering,The1st Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China.
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22
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Burke RM, Twabi HH, Johnston C, Nliwasa M, Gupta-Wright A, Fielding K, Ford N, MacPherson P, Corbett EL. Interventions to reduce deaths in people living with HIV admitted to hospital in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001557. [PMID: 36963024 PMCID: PMC10022356 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
People living with HIV (PLHIV) admitted to hospital have a high risk of death. We systematically appraised evidence for interventions to reduce mortality among hospitalised PLHIV in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Using a broad search strategy with terms for HIV, hospitals, and clinical trials, we searched for reports published between 1 Jan 2003 and 23 August 2021. Studies of interventions among adult HIV positive inpatients in LMICs were included if there was a comparator group and death was an outcome. We excluded studies restricted only to inpatients with a specific diagnosis (e.g. cryptococcal meningitis). Of 19,970 unique studies identified in search, ten were eligible for inclusion with 7,531 participants in total: nine randomised trials, and one before-after study. Three trials investigated systematic screening for tuberculosis; two showed survival benefit for urine TB screening vs. no urine screening, and one which compared Xpert MTB/RIF versus smear microscopy showed no difference in survival. One before-after study implemented 2007 WHO guidelines to improve management of smear negative tuberculosis in severely ill PLHIV, and showed survival benefit but with high risk of bias. Two trials evaluated complex interventions aimed at overcoming barriers to ART initiation in newly diagnosed PLHIV, one of which showed survival benefit and the other no difference. Two small trials evaluated early inpatient ART start, with no difference in survival. Two trials investigated protocol-driven fluid resuscitation for emergency-room attendees meeting case-definitions for sepsis, and showed increased mortality with use of a protocol for fluid administration. In conclusion, ten studies published since 2003 investigated interventions that aimed to reduce mortality in hospitalised adults with HIV, and weren't restricted to people with a defined disease diagnosis. Inpatient trials of diagnostics, therapeutics or a package of interventions to reduce mortality should be a research priority. Trial registration: PROSPERO Number: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42019150341.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael M. Burke
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Clinical Research Programme, Blanytre, Malawi
| | - Hussein H. Twabi
- Helse Nord Tuberculosis Initiative, Kamuzu University of Health Science, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Cheryl Johnston
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Global HIV, Hepatitis, STI Programme, World Health Organisation, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Marriott Nliwasa
- Helse Nord Tuberculosis Initiative, Kamuzu University of Health Science, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Ankur Gupta-Wright
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Katherine Fielding
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nathan Ford
- Global HIV, Hepatitis, STI Programme, World Health Organisation, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Peter MacPherson
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Clinical Research Programme, Blanytre, Malawi
- School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth L. Corbett
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Clinical Research Programme, Blanytre, Malawi
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23
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Wake RM, Molloy SF, Jarvis JN, Harrison TS, Govender NP. Cryptococcal Antigenemia in Advanced Human Immunodeficiency Virus Disease: Pathophysiology, Epidemiology, and Clinical Implications. Clin Infect Dis 2023; 76:764-770. [PMID: 35986670 PMCID: PMC9938740 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciac675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) is detectable in blood prior to the onset of symptomatic cryptococcal meningitis (CM), a leading cause of death among people with advanced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease globally. Highly sensitive assays can detect CrAg in blood, and screening people with HIV with low CD4 counts, followed by preemptive antifungal treatment, is recommended and widely implemented as part of a global strategy to prevent CM and end cryptococcal-related deaths. Cryptococcal antigenemia encompasses a spectrum of conditions from preclinical asymptomatic infection (cerebrospinal fluid [CSF] CrAg-negative) through subclinical (CSF CrAg-positive without overt meningism) to clinical symptomatic cryptococcal disease, usually manifesting as CM. In this review, we summarize current understanding of the pathophysiology, risk factors for, and clinical implications of cryptococcal antigenemia within this spectrum. We also provide an update on global prevalence, recommended screening and treatment strategies, and future considerations for improving outcomes among patients with cryptococcal antigenemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel M Wake
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George’s University of London, London, United Kingdom
- Clinical Academic Group in Infection and Immunity, St George’s University Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Síle F Molloy
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George’s University of London, London, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Joseph N Jarvis
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Thomas S Harrison
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George’s University of London, London, United Kingdom
- Clinical Academic Group in Infection and Immunity, St George’s University Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Nelesh P Govender
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George’s University of London, London, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
- Division of the National Health Laboratory Service, Centre for Healthcare-Associated Infections, Antimicrobial Resistance and Mycoses, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Division of Medical Microbiology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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24
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Levin AE, Bangdiwala AS, Nalintya E, Kagimu E, Kasibante J, Rutakingirwa MK, Mpoza E, Jjunju S, Nuwagira E, Naluyima R, Kirumira P, Hou C, Ssebambulidde K, Musubire AK, Williams DA, Abassi M, Muzoora C, Hullsiek KH, Rajasingham R, Meya DB, Boulware DR, Skipper CP. Outpatient Cryptococcal Antigen Screening Is Associated With Favorable Baseline Characteristics and Improved Survival in Persons With Cryptococcal Meningitis in Uganda. Clin Infect Dis 2023; 76:e759-e765. [PMID: 35859045 PMCID: PMC10169421 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciac599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is unknown whether persons with symptomatic cryptococcal meningitis detected during routine blood cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) screening have better survival than persons presenting with overt meningitis. METHODS We prospectively enrolled Ugandans with HIV and cryptocococcal meningitis from December 2018 to December 2021. Participants were treated with amphotericin-based combination therapy. We compared outcomes between persons who were CrAg screened then referred to hospital with those presenting directly to the hospital with symptomatic meningitis. RESULTS Among 489 participants with cryptococcal meningitis, 40% (194/489) received blood CrAg screening and were referred to hospital (median time to referral 2 days; interquartile range [IQR], 1-6). CrAg-screened persons referred to hospital had lower 14-day mortality than non-CrAg-screened persons who presented directly to hospital with symptomatic meningitis (12% vs 21%; hazard ratio, .51; 95% confidence interval, .32-.83; P = .006). Fewer CrAg-screened participants had altered mental status versus non-CrAg-screened participants (29% vs 41%; P = .03). CrAg-screened persons had lower quantitative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture burden (median [IQR], 4570 [11-100 000] vs 26 900 [182-324 000] CFU/mL; P = .01) and lower CSF opening pressures (median [IQR], 190 [120-270] vs 225 [140-340] mmH2O; P = .004) compared with non-CrAg-screened persons. CONCLUSIONS Survival from cryptococcal meningitis was higher in persons with prior CrAg screening than those without CrAg screening. Altered mental status was the most potent predictor for mortality in a multivariate model. We suggest that CrAg screening detects cryptococcal meningitis at an earlier stage, as evidenced by a favorable baseline risk profile and notably fewer persons with altered mental status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna E Levin
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Ananta S Bangdiwala
- Division of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | | | - Enock Kagimu
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - John Kasibante
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Edward Mpoza
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Samuel Jjunju
- Department of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Edwin Nuwagira
- Department of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Rose Naluyima
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Paul Kirumira
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Cody Hou
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | | | - Abdu K Musubire
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Darlisha A Williams
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Mahsa Abassi
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Conrad Muzoora
- Department of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Katherine H Hullsiek
- Division of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Radha Rajasingham
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - David B Meya
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - David R Boulware
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Caleb P Skipper
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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25
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Albus SL, Harrison RE, Moudachirou R, Nanan-N’Zeth K, Haba B, Casas EC, Isaakidis P, Diallo A, Camara I, Doumbuya M, Sako FB, Cisse M. Poor outcomes among critically ill HIV-positive patients at hospital discharge and post-discharge in Guinea, Conakry: A retrospective cohort study. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0281425. [PMID: 36913379 PMCID: PMC10010544 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0281425] [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] [Received: 10/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Optimal management of critically ill HIV-positive patients during hospitalization and after discharge is not fully understood. This study describes patient characteristics and outcomes of critically ill HIV-positive patients hospitalized in Conakry, Guinea between August 2017 and April 2018 at discharge and 6 months post-discharge. METHODS We carried out a retrospective observational cohort study using routine clinical data. Analytic statistics were used to describe characteristics and outcomes. RESULTS 401 patients were hospitalized during the study period, 230 (57%) were female, median age was 36 (IQR: 28-45). At admission, 229 patients (57%) were on ART, median CD4 was 64 cells/mm3, 166 (41%) had a VL >1000 copies/ml, and 97 (24%) had interrupted treatment. 143 (36%) patients died during hospitalisation. Tuberculosis was the major cause of death for 102 (71%) patients. Of 194 patients that were followed after hospitalization a further 57 (29%) were lost-to-follow-up (LTFU) and 35 (18%) died, 31 (89%) of which had a TB diagnosis. Of all patients who survived a first hospitalisation, 194 (46%) were re-hospitalised at least once more. Amongst those LTFU, 34 (59%) occurred immediately after hospital discharge. CONCLUSION Outcomes for critically ill HIV-positive patients in our cohort were poor. We estimate that 1-in-3 patients remained alive and in care 6 months after their hospital admission. This study shows the burden of disease on a contemporary cohort of patients with advanced HIV in a low prevalence, resource limited setting and identifies multiple challenges in their care both during hospitalisation as well as during and after re-transitioning to ambulatory care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Ludwig Albus
- Medecins Sans Frontieres, Guinea Mission, Operational Centre Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium
- * E-mail:
| | - Rebecca E. Harrison
- Medecins Sans Frontieres, Guinea Mission, Operational Centre Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Ramzia Moudachirou
- Medecins Sans Frontieres, Guinea Mission, Operational Centre Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Kassi Nanan-N’Zeth
- Medecins Sans Frontieres, Guinea Mission, Operational Centre Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Benoit Haba
- Medecins Sans Frontieres, Guinea Mission, Operational Centre Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Esther C. Casas
- Medecins Sans Frontieres, Southern African Medical Unit, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Petros Isaakidis
- Medecins Sans Frontieres, Southern African Medical Unit, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Abdourahimi Diallo
- Medecins Sans Frontieres, Guinea Mission, Operational Centre Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Issiaga Camara
- Gamal Abdel Nasser University of Conakry Faculty of Medicine, Unite de Soins, Formation et de la Recherche (USFR), Conakry, Guinea
| | - Marie Doumbuya
- Gamal Abdel Nasser University of Conakry Faculty of Medicine, Unite de Soins, Formation et de la Recherche (USFR), Conakry, Guinea
| | - Fode Bangaly Sako
- Gamal Abdel Nasser University of Conakry Faculty of Medicine, Unite de Soins, Formation et de la Recherche (USFR), Conakry, Guinea
| | - Mohammed Cisse
- Gamal Abdel Nasser University of Conakry Faculty of Medicine Pharmacy and Odonto- Stomatology, Conakry, Guinea
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Chisale MRO, Jordan A, Kamudumuli PS, Mvula B, Odo M, Maida A, Kandulu J, Chilima B, Sinyiza FW, Katundu P, Lee HY, Mtegha R, Wu TSJ, Bitirinyo J, Nyirenda R, Kalua T, Greene G, Chiller T. Six months survival and risk factors for attrition for patients detected with cryptococcal antigenemia through screening in Malawi. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0284367. [PMID: 37141243 PMCID: PMC10159159 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0284367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
MAIN OBJECTIVE A cohort of adult Malawian people living with HIV (PLHIV) testing positive for cryptococcal antigenemia was observed and followed to determine the outcomes and risk factors for attrition. METHODS CONCEPT Eligible PLHIV were enrolled at 5 health facilities in Malawi, representing different levels of health care. ART naïve patients, ART defaulters returning to care, and patients with suspected or confirmed ART treatment failure with CD4 <200 cells/μL or clinical stage 3 or 4 were enrolled and received CrAg tests on whole blood specimens from August 2018 to August 2019. Hospitalized PLHIV were enrolled and tested for CrAg from January 2019 to August 2019, regardless of CD4 or clinical stage. Patients with cryptococcal antigenemia were managed per Malawian clinical guidelines and were followed up for six months. Survival and risk factors for attrition at six months were assessed. RESULTS A total of 2146 patients were screened and 112 (5.2%) had cryptococcal antigenemia. Prevalence ranged from 3.8% (Mzuzu Central Hospital) to 25.8% (Jenda Rural Hospital). Of the 112 patients with antigenemia, 33 (29.5%) were diagnosed with concurrent CM at the time of enrollment. Six-month crude survival of all patients with antigenemia (regardless of CM status) ranged from 52.3% (assuming lost-to-follow-up (LTFU) patients died) to 64.9% (if LTFU survived). Patients who were diagnosed with concurrent CM by CSF test had poor survival (27.3-39.4%). Patients with antigenemia who were not diagnosed with concurrent CM had 71.4% (if LTFU died)- 89.8% (if LTFU survived) survival at six months. In adjusted analyses, patients with cryptococcal antigenemia detected after admission to inpatient care (aHR: 2.56, 1.07-6.15) and patients with concurrent CM at the time of positive antigenemia result (aHR: 2.48, 1.04-5.92) had significantly higher hazard of attrition at six months. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our findings indicate a need for routine access to CrAg screening and pre-emptive fluconazole treatment as a way to detect cryptococcal antigenemia and prevent CM in outpatient and inpatient settings. Rapid access to diagnosis and treatment for cryptococcal meningitis (CM) with gold-standard antifungals is needed to improve survival of patients with advanced HIV in Malawi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Master R O Chisale
- Ministry of Health, Malawi, Mzuzu Central Hospital, Luwinga, Mzuzu, Malawi
- College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Zomba, Malawi
- Faculty of Science Technology and Innovations, Biological Sciences Department, Mzuzu University, Mzuzu, Malawi
| | - Alex Jordan
- Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Mycotic Diseases Branch, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Pocha S Kamudumuli
- University of Maryland Global Initiative Corporation (UMGIC), Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Bernard Mvula
- Ministry of Health, National HIV Unit laboratory, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Michael Odo
- Ministry of Health, Department of HIV and AIDS (DHA), Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Alice Maida
- Centres for Disease Control and Prevention-Malawi, Malawi
| | - James Kandulu
- Capitol Hill (Headquarters), Ministry of Health, Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Ben Chilima
- Public Health Institute of Malawi (PHIM), Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Frank W Sinyiza
- Ministry of Health, Malawi, Mzuzu Central Hospital, Luwinga, Mzuzu, Malawi
| | - Pauline Katundu
- Public Health Institute of Malawi (PHIM), Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Hsin-Yi Lee
- College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Zomba, Malawi
| | - Rebecca Mtegha
- College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Zomba, Malawi
| | - Tsung-Shu Joseph Wu
- College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Zomba, Malawi
- Luke International, Mzuzu, Malawi
| | - Joseph Bitirinyo
- Public Health Institute of Malawi (PHIM), Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Rose Nyirenda
- Ministry of Health, Department of HIV and AIDS (DHA), Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Thoko Kalua
- University of Maryland Global Initiative Corporation (UMGIC), Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Greg Greene
- Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Mycotic Diseases Branch, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Tom Chiller
- Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Mycotic Diseases Branch, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
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Oladele RO, Jordan AM, Okaa JU, Osaigbovo II, Shettima SA, Shehu NY, Davies AA, Mohammed Y, Alex-Wele MA, Iliyasu G, Nwaokenye JC, Fayemiwo SA, Udoh UA, Gbajabiamila T, Denning DW, Chiller TM. A multicenter survey of asymptomatic cryptococcal antigenemia among patients with advanced HIV disease in Nigeria. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001313. [PMID: 36963010 PMCID: PMC10021610 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
As of 2018, cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) screening in patients with advanced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease (AHD) was not routinely implemented in Nigeria despite being recommended in the national HIV treatment guidelines. Our aim was to determine the prevalence and risk factors for asymptomatic cryptococcal antigenemia in adult people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Nigeria to advocate for the implementation of routine CrAg screening. A descriptive cross-sectional study and CrAg screening of consecutive adult PLHIV with CD4 counts ≤200 cells/μL was conducted from April 2018 to April 2019 at HIV clinics in eleven tertiary hospitals spread across Nigeria's six geopolitical regions. Prevalence of asymptomatic cryptococcal antigenemia was estimated by facility and geopolitical zone. Logistic regression was conducted to identify risk factors for cryptococcal antigenemia. In total, 1,114 patients with AHD were screened. The overall prevalence of asymptomatic cryptococcal antigenemia was 3.9% with wide variation across facilities (range: 0/75 [0%]- 15/122 [12.3%]) and geopolitical zones (range: 0/75 [0%]-19/279 [6.8%]). Prevalence of antigenemia was highest in the South-West (19/279 [6.8%]) and lowest in the North-East (0/75 [0%]). Prevalence was 5.2% (26/512) and 3.2% (18/561) in patients with CD4<100 and CD4 of 101-200, respectively. Of all patients with antigenemia, 50% were on antiretroviral therapy (ART) at the time of having a positive CrAg test. In adjusted analysis, cryptococcal antigenemia was significantly less in patients on ART and patients who had completed any formal education. The survey showed a high overall burden of cryptococcal antigenemia in Nigeria, with variable prevalence across geopolitical regions. We provided valuable evidence for implementing routine CrAg screening of AHD patients in Nigeria which has commenced in selected centres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita O Oladele
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Medicine University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
- Medical Mycology Society of Nigeria, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Alexander M Jordan
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Joy U Okaa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
| | - Iriagbonse I Osaigbovo
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria
| | - Shuwaram A Shettima
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Parasitology and immunology, Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital, Yola, Nigeria
| | - Nathan Y Shehu
- West African Centre for Emerging Infectious Disease, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Nigeria
| | - Adeyinka A Davies
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, Nigeria
| | - Yahaya Mohammed
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
| | - Mary A Alex-Wele
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
| | - Garba Iliyasu
- Infectious Disease Unit, Department of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Jude C Nwaokenye
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Samuel A Fayemiwo
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Ubong A Udoh
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
| | - Titilola Gbajabiamila
- Clinical Sciences Department, Nigerian Institute of Medical research, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - David W Denning
- Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Tom M Chiller
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
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Prevalence and Associated Factors of Cryptococcal Antigenemia in HIV-Infected Patients with CD4 < 200 Cells/µL in São Paulo, Brazil: A Bayesian Analysis. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8121284. [PMID: 36547617 PMCID: PMC9786117 DOI: 10.3390/jof8121284] [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: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcosis is a severe life-threatening disease and a major cause of mortality in people with advanced AIDS and CD4 ≤ 100 cells/µL. Considering the knowledge gap regarding the benefits of routine application of antigenemia tests in HIV-infected patients with 100−200 CD4 cells/µL for the prevention of cryptococcal meningitis (CM), we aimed to evaluate the prevalence of positive antigenemia through lateral flow assay (LFA) and associated factors in HIV-infected patients with CD4 < 200 cells/µL. Our findings of 3.49% of positive LFA (LFA+) patients with CD4 < 100 cells/µL and 2.24% with CD4 between 100−200 cells/µL have been included in a Bayesian analysis with 12 other studies containing similar samples worldwide. This analysis showed a proportion of 3.6% LFA+ patients (95% credible interval-Ci [2.5−5.7%]) with CD4 < 100 cells/µL and 1.1% (95%Ci [0.5−4.3%]) with CD4 between 100−200 cells/µL, without statistical difference between these groups. The difference between mortality rates in LFA+ and negative LFA groups was e = 0.05013. Cryptococcoma and CM were observed in the LFA+ group with 100−200 and <100 CD4 cells/µL, respectively. Considering the benefits of antifungal therapy for LFA+ patients, our data reinforced the recommendation to apply LFA as a routine test in patients with 100−200 CD4 cells/µL aiming to expand cost-effectiveness studies in this group.
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Rajasingham R, Govender NP, Jordan A, Loyse A, Shroufi A, Denning DW, Meya DB, Chiller TM, Boulware DR. The global burden of HIV-associated cryptococcal infection in adults in 2020: a modelling analysis. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2022; 22:1748-1755. [PMID: 36049486 PMCID: PMC9701154 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(22)00499-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 199] [Impact Index Per Article: 99.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryptococcal meningitis is the most common cause of meningitis in adults living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. The estimates of national, regional, and global burden of cryptococcal meningitis are essential to guide prevention strategies and determine needs for diagnostic tests and treatments. We present a 2020 estimate of the global burden of HIV-associated cryptococcal infection (antigenaemia), cryptococcal meningitis, and cryptococcal-associated deaths. METHODS We defined advanced HIV disease as adults with a CD4 count of less than 200 cells/μL, as this group is at highest risk for cryptococcosis. We used UNAIDS estimates (2019-20) and population-based HIV impact assessment surveys (2016-18) to estimate the number of adults with CD4 counts of less than 200 cells/μL at risk for cryptococcosis, by country and region. Secondly, we summarised cryptococcal antigenaemia prevalence in those with a CD4 count of less than 200 cells/μL by reviewing published literature. Thereafter, we calculated the number of cryptococcal antigen (CrAg)-positive people in each country and region by multiplying the number with advanced HIV disease at risk for cryptococcal infection by the cryptococcal antigenaemia prevalence of the respective country or region. We estimated progression from cryptococcal antigenaemia to meningitis or death based on estimates from the published literature. FINDINGS We estimated that there were 4·3 million (IQR 3·0-4·8) adults with HIV and CD4 counts of less than 200 cells/μL globally in 2020. We calculated a mean global cryptococcal antigenaemia prevalence of 4·4% (95% CI 1·6-7·4) among HIV-positive people with CD4 counts of less than 200 cells/μL, corresponding to 179 000 cases (IQR 133 000-219 000) of cryptococcal antigenaemia globally in 2020. Annually, we estimated that there are 152 000 cases (111 000-185 000) of cryptococcal meningitis, resulting in 112 000 cryptococcal-related deaths (79 000-134 000). Globally, cryptococcal disease accounts for 19% (13-24) of AIDS-related mortality. INTERPRETATION Despite a reduction in the estimated absolute global burden of HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis compared with 2014, likely to be due to antiretroviral therapy expansion, cryptococcal disease still accounts for 19% of AIDS-related deaths, similar to 2014 estimates. To end cryptococcal meningitis deaths by 2030, cryptococcal diagnostics, meningitis treatments, and implementation of preventive screening are urgently needed. FUNDING None.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radha Rajasingham
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
| | - Nelesh P Govender
- National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Service and Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Alexander Jordan
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Angela Loyse
- Centre for Global Health, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | | | - David W Denning
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Global Action Fund for Fungal Infections, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - David B Meya
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA; Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Tom M Chiller
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - David R Boulware
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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Blair PW, Kobba K, Kakooza F, Robinson ML, Candia E, Mayito J, Ndawula EC, Kandathil AJ, Matovu A, Aniku G, Manabe YC, Lamorde M. Aetiology of hospitalized fever and risk of death at Arua and Mubende tertiary care hospitals in Uganda from August 2019 to August 2020. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:869. [PMID: 36411415 PMCID: PMC9680122 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07877-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidemiology of febrile illness in Uganda is shifting due to increased HIV treatment access, emerging viruses, and increased surveillance. We investigated the aetiology and outcomes of acute febrile illness in adults presenting to hospital using a standardized testing algorithm of available assays in at Arua and Mubende tertiary care hospitals in Uganda. METHODS We recruited adults with a ≥ 38.0 °C temperature or history of fever within 48 h of presentation from August 2019 to August 2020. Medical history, demographics, and vital signs were recorded. Testing performed included a complete blood count, renal and liver function, malaria smears, blood culture, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). When HIV positive, testing included cryptococcal antigen, CD4 count, and urine lateral flow lipoarabinomannan assay for tuberculosis. Participants were followed during hospitalization and at a 1-month visit. A Cox proportional hazard regression was performed to evaluate for baseline clinical features and risk of death. RESULTS Of 132 participants, the median age was 33.5 years (IQR 24 to 46) and 58.3% (n = 77) were female. Overall, 73 (55.3%) of 132 had a positive microbiologic result. Among those living with HIV, 31 (68.9%) of 45 had at least one positive assay; 16 (35.6%) had malaria, 14 (31.1%) tuberculosis, and 4 (8.9%) cryptococcal antigenemia. The majority (65.9%) were HIV-negative; 42 (48.3%) of 87 had at least one diagnostic assay positive; 24 (27.6%) had positive malaria smears and 1 was Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra positive. Overall, 16 (12.1%) of 132 died; 9 (56.3%) of 16 were HIV-negative, 6 died after discharge. High respiratory rate (≥ 22 breaths per minute) (hazard ratio [HR] 8.05; 95% CI 1.81 to 35.69) and low (i.e., < 92%) oxygen saturation (HR 4.33; 95% CI 1.38 to 13.61) were identified to be associated with increased risk of death. CONCLUSION In those with hospitalized fever, malaria and tuberculosis were common causes of febrile illness, but most deaths were non-malarial, and most HIV-negative participants did not have a positive diagnostic result. Those with respiratory failure had a high risk of death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul W Blair
- John Hopkins University School of Medicine Division of Infectious Diseases, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., 6720A Rockledge Dr., Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Kenneth Kobba
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Francis Kakooza
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Matthew L Robinson
- John Hopkins University School of Medicine Division of Infectious Diseases, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Emmanuel Candia
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jonathan Mayito
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Edgar C Ndawula
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Abraham J Kandathil
- John Hopkins University School of Medicine Division of Infectious Diseases, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | | | - Yukari C Manabe
- John Hopkins University School of Medicine Division of Infectious Diseases, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mohammed Lamorde
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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Ibe C, Otu AA. Recent advances and challenges in the early diagnosis and management of invasive fungal infections in Africa. FEMS Yeast Res 2022; 22:6763419. [PMID: 36259762 DOI: 10.1093/femsyr/foac048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasive fungal infections are a serious concern globally, especially in African settings which are typified by poorly funded and fragile healthcare systems. Low performance diagnostics, limited therapeutics and poor societal awareness of invasive fungal infections are some of the perennial challenges which have contributed to the unacceptably high death rates from these serious infections. However, recent advances have been recorded in fungal diagnostics and therapeutics development. Research into the development of vaccines to prevent fungal disease is beginning to yield promising results. Here we highlight key successes recorded and gaps in this journey and argue that national governments and relevant stakeholders need to do more to prioritise invasive fungal infections. Pragmatic and context-specific measures are proposed to mitigate the peculiar challenges Africa faces in tackling invasive fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chibuike Ibe
- Department of Microbiology, Abia State University, PMB 2000, Uturu, Abia State, Nigeria
| | - Akaninyene Asuquo Otu
- Department of Microbiology, Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust, LS1 3EX Leeds, United Kingdom
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Abstract
Neurocritical care (NCC) is an emerging field within critical care medicine, reflecting the widespread prevalence of neurologic injury in critically ill patients. Morbidity and mortality from neurocritical illness (NCI) have been reduced substantially in resource-rich settings (RRS), owing to the development of advanced technologies, neuro-specific units, and subspecialized medical training. Despite shouldering much of the burden of NCI worldwide, resource-limited settings (RLS) face immense hurdles when implementing guidelines generated in RRS. This review summarizes the current epidemiology, management, and outcomes of the most common NCIs in RLS and offers commentary on future directions in NCC practiced in RLS.
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Muzazu SGY, Assefa DG, Phiri C, Getinet T, Solomon S, Yismaw G, Manyazewal T. Prevalence of cryptococcal meningitis among people living with human immuno-deficiency virus and predictors of mortality in adults on induction therapy in Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:989265. [PMID: 36160163 PMCID: PMC9494297 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.989265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) is a leading cause of adult meningitis in countries with a high burden of HIV. It has remained a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in Africa despite the extensive rollout of HIV antiretroviral therapy (ART). This study aimed to systematically synthesize the evidence on the prevalence of CM among people living with HIV (PLWH) and its predictors of mortality among adults who are on induction antifungal therapy in Africa. Methods PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Google Scholar were searched for randomized clinical trials or observational studies published in Africa from 1995 to April 2021. Pooled prevalence of CM among PLWH was calculated using R-studio Version 1.4.1717 software and the data extracted from eligible studies were pooled as percentage with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Predictors of mortality among adults on induction antifungal therapy were synthesized narratively. Results Out of 364 studies identified, 17 eligible articles were included in the analysis. The prevalence of CM among PLWH in Africa was 5.11% (95% CI 2.71-9.43%; participants = 10,813; studies = 9; I 2 = 97%). In the subgroup analysis, the prevalence was 12.9% (95% CI 4.883-30.0; participants = 533; studies = 3; I 2 = 63%) in the years 1995-2010 and 3.18% (95% CI 1.54-6.45; participants = 10,280; studies = 6; I 2 = 98%) in the years 2011-2021, with the prevalence significantly decreased by 51% (p = 0.02). Predictors of mortality were fluconazole monotherapy, focal neurological signs, low Glasgow coma scale, and delayed diagnosis of CM at varied timepoint. Conclusion Prevalence of CM has significantly decreased from 1996-2010 to 2011-2021 among PLWH on induction therapy in Africa. Fluconazole monotherapy, focal neurological symptoms, diastolic blood pressure < 60 mmHg, and concurrent tuberculosis coinfection were significant predictors of mortality at 2- and 10-weeks timepoints. CM remains a major concern among PLWH despite increases in ART coverage. Improved access to effective antifungal therapies is needed in Africa for timely initiation of combination induction therapy and better treatment outcomes of PLWH. Systematic review registration [https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=254113], identifier [CRD42021254113].
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Affiliation(s)
- Seke G. Y. Muzazu
- Centre for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Enteric Diseases and Vaccines Research Unit, Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Dawit Getachew Assefa
- Centre for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Department of Nursing, College of Health Science and Medicine, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia
| | - Christabel Phiri
- Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Tewodros Getinet
- School of Public Health, Saint Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Samrawit Solomon
- School of Public Health, Saint Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Gizachew Yismaw
- Centre for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Tsegahun Manyazewal
- Centre for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Ibe C, Okoye CA. Integrated healthcare approach can curb the increasing cases of cryptococcosis in Africa. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010625. [PMID: 36006867 PMCID: PMC9409514 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcosis is a neglected tropical infection and a major cause of morbidity and mortality, especially in HIV–positive persons in Africa. Efforts to manage HIV infection have not had any significant impact on the fatalities due to cryptococcosis. An integrated healthcare approach that includes universal care coverage for Africans, expanded national care guidelines to include CrAg screening for vulnerable groups in all African countries, collaborative research, infection surveillance, and data sharing within Africa will mark a turnaround point.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chibuike Ibe
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Abia State University, Uturu, Nigeria
- * E-mail:
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Diagnostic Accuracy of Point of Care Cryptococcal Antigen Lateral Flow Assay in Fingerprick Whole Blood and Urine Samples for the Detection of Asymptomatic Cryptococcal Disease in Patients with Advanced HIV Disease. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0107522. [PMID: 35924841 PMCID: PMC9430595 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01075-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcal disease (CD) is a leading cause of mortality among individuals with advanced HIV disease (AHD). Screening with serum cryptococcal antigen (sCrAg) lateral flow assay (LFA) enables early detection of subclinical disease but requires venipuncture and laboratory processing. Clinic-based point of care (POC) CrAg screening tests using urine or fingerprick whole blood could facilitate early diagnosis of CD. We evaluated the diagnostic performance of POC clinic-based fingerprick whole blood and urine CrAg compared to the gold standard laboratory sCrAg LFA in screening for CD among asymptomatic individuals with CD4 counts of <200 cells/μL in Harare, Zimbabwe. sCrAg positive participants who consented to a lumbar puncture also had cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) CrAg testing and titers for CSF-positive specimens. A total of 1,333 individuals were screened, and over half (56.6%) were males. The median (interquartile range) CD4 count was 27.5 (11–46) cells/μL. We found a sensitivity of 63.8% (95% CI: 54.8–72.1) and specificity of 84.0% (95% CI: 81.7–86.0) for urine CrAg, and a sensitivity of 48.0% (95% CI: 39.1–57.1) and specificity of 99.5% (95% CI: 98.9–99.8) was found for fingerprick whole blood. The sensitivity of both POC CrAg tests increased in individuals with sCrAg titers of ≥1:160, CD4 count of <50 cells/μL and disseminated central nervous system (CNS) disease. Clinic-based POC urine and fingerprick whole blood CrAg testing performed better in screening for CD among AHD patients with CNS disease. More sensitive assays to identify AHD patients with asymptomatic CD are needed. IMPORTANCE Cryptococcal disease (CD) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among individuals with advanced HIV disease (AHD). Identifying point of care (POC) approaches to screening for CD in asymptomatic individuals is important to guide therapeutic management. We evaluated the use of POC fingerprick whole blood and urine testing for cryptococcal disease in patients with AHD as compared with laboratory-based serum antigen testing. POC fingerprick whole blood and urine testing had low sensitivity and specificity in asymptomatic individuals with AHD. Most analysis has focused on evaluating test performance in symptomatic individuals. Here we show that POC testing with whole blood and urine samples should not be used to screen for asymptomatic CD in AHD.
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Hassan FE, Senkoro M, Mnyambwa NP, Wilfred A, Molloy SF, Manisha H, Kivuyo S, Mfinanga SG. Implementation of WHO guidelines on management of advanced HIV disease and its impact among TB co-infected patients in Tanzania: a retrospective follow-up study. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1058. [PMID: 35624454 PMCID: PMC9137143 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13498-x] [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: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The commonest causes of mortality in people living with HIV (PLHIV) are preventable and the majority can be attributed to undiagnosed tuberculosis (TB). National HIV/AIDS control programs are encouraged to implement the WHO package of interventions to improve survival among PLHIV. We assessed the implementation of the WHO TB-related package of care for Advanced HIV Disease (AHD) and its impact on treatment outcomes among HIV/TB patients in Tanzania. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was employed among HIV/AIDS patients on antiretroviral therapy from 21 public health facilities in three regions (Dar es Salaam, Coastal, and Morogoro) of Tanzania. Patients enrolled in care between January 2013- June 2017 (before the introduction of the WHO guidelines) and July 2017-Sept 2018 (during the implementation of the guidelines) were recruited. Data abstraction was done from patient hospital files using a structured questionnaire uploaded on a tablet. RESULTS Data from 2624 patients records were collected. Overall, 50% of patients with HIV had AHD with 7.8% of these co-infected with TB. Among AHD participants, 58.3% were female, 80.7% were from urban areas and 40.0% visited care and treatment centres as self-referrals. Implementation of the WHO AHD package of care was very low, ranging from 0% for Urine LF-LAM test done among patients with symptoms and signs of TB to 39.7% AHD concurrent with TB patients whose ART initiation was deferred for 2 weeks. Overall, the Proportion of AHD patients diagnosed with TB was 4.8%, Of which sputum Xpert as the first test for TB diagnosis was 4.4%. Five patients (0.6%) were documented to have received IPT at enrolment. Tailored counselling to ensure optimal adherence to ART for viral suppression was given to 12.1%. AHD patients co-infected with TB were retained in care more before the introduction of WHO AHD guideline (82.1%) compared to the period after the introduction of the guideline (53.9%) (p = 0.008). Clinical failure at 6 months among AHD patients was 10.6% before the guideline and 11.4% after the guideline. Immunological failure was observed in 1 patient (9.1%) before the guideline and 1 patient (7.1%) after the guideline. After the introduction of the guideline, mortality was 5.9% and no mortality was observed before the guideline. All the differences were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Implementation of the TB related WHO packages of care for AHD is very low. Except for TB diagnosis, other parameters did not improve with the introduction of the guidelines. More research is recommended to ascertain the effectiveness of guidelines as well as an understanding of the mechanisms involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank E Hassan
- National Institute for Medical Research- Muhimbili Research Centre, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
| | - Mbazi Senkoro
- National Institute for Medical Research- Muhimbili Research Centre, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Nicholaus P Mnyambwa
- National Institute for Medical Research- Muhimbili Research Centre, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Amani Wilfred
- National Institute for Medical Research- Muhimbili Research Centre, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Síle F Molloy
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Harrieth Manisha
- National Institute for Medical Research- Muhimbili Research Centre, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Sokoine Kivuyo
- National Institute for Medical Research- Muhimbili Research Centre, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Sayoki G Mfinanga
- National Institute for Medical Research- Muhimbili Research Centre, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
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Challenges in Serologic Diagnostics of Neglected Human Systemic Mycoses: An Overview on Characterization of New Targets. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11050569. [PMID: 35631090 PMCID: PMC9143782 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11050569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic mycoses have been viewed as neglected diseases and they are responsible for deaths and disabilities around the world. Rapid, low-cost, simple, highly-specific and sensitive diagnostic tests are critical components of patient care, disease control and active surveillance. However, the diagnosis of fungal infections represents a great challenge because of the decline in the expertise needed for identifying fungi, and a reduced number of instruments and assays specific to fungal identification. Unfortunately, time of diagnosis is one of the most important risk factors for mortality rates from many of the systemic mycoses. In addition, phenotypic and biochemical identification methods are often time-consuming, which has created an increasing demand for new methods of fungal identification. In this review, we discuss the current context of the diagnosis of the main systemic mycoses and propose alternative approaches for the identification of new targets for fungal pathogens, which can help in the development of new diagnostic tests.
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Wake RM, Govender NP, Omar SV, Ismail F, Tiemessen CT, Harrison TS, Jarvis JN. Rapid urine-based screening tests increase the yield of same-day tuberculosis diagnoses among patients living with advanced HIV disease. AIDS 2022; 36:839-844. [PMID: 35075041 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000003177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Investigation of the diagnostic yield of urine-based tuberculosis (TB) screening in patients with advanced HIV disease. DESIGN A cross-sectional screening study. SETTING HIV outpatient clinics and wards at two hospitals in Johannesburg, South Africa, between June 2015 and October 2017. PARTICIPANTS Two hundred and one patients living with advanced HIV disease (CD4+ T-lymphocytes <100 cells/μl) attending healthcare facilities following cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) screening. INTERVENTION Screening for TB using sputum for microscopy, culture, and Xpert MTB/Rif and urine for lipoarabinomannan (LAM) and Xpert Ultra. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Proportion of positive results using each testing modality, sensitivity, and specificity of urine-based testing compared with culture, and survival outcomes during 6 months follow up. RESULTS Urine was obtained from 177 of 181 (98%) participants and sputum from 91 (50%). Urine-based screening increased same-day diagnostic yield from 7 (4%) to 31 (17%). A positive urine test with either LAM or Xpert Ultra had 100% sensitivity (95% confidence interval, 59-100%) for detecting culture-positive TB at any site. Patients with newly diagnosed TB on urine-based screening were initiated on treatment and did not have excess mortality compared with the remainder of the cohort. CONCLUSION Urine is an easily obtainable sample with utility for detecting TB in patients with advanced HIV disease. Combining urine and sputum-based screening in this population facilitates additional same-day TB diagnoses and early treatment initiation, potentially reducing the risk of TB-related mortality. Urine-based as well as sputum-based screening for TB should be integrated with CrAg screening in patients living with advanced HIV disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel M Wake
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's University of London
- Clinical Academic Group in Infection and Immunity, St George's University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Centre for Healthcare-Associated Infections, Antimicrobial Resistance and Mycoses (CHARM), National Institute for Communicable Diseases, a Division of the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Nelesh P Govender
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's University of London
- Centre for Healthcare-Associated Infections, Antimicrobial Resistance and Mycoses (CHARM), National Institute for Communicable Diseases, a Division of the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), Johannesburg, South Africa
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Witwatersrand
- Division of Medical Microbiology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town
| | - Shaheed V Omar
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Witwatersrand
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria
- Centre for Tuberculosis
| | - Farzana Ismail
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria
- Centre for Tuberculosis
| | - Caroline T Tiemessen
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Witwatersrand
- Centre for HIV & STIs, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, a Division of the NHLS, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Thomas S Harrison
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's University of London
- Clinical Academic Group in Infection and Immunity, St George's University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Joseph N Jarvis
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gabarone, Botswana
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Srishyla D, Saemisch G, Turya F, Nalintya E, Jjunju S, Kagimu E, Rutakingirwa MK, Skipper CP, Boulware DR, Meya DB, Rajasingham R. Determinants of cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) screening uptake in Kampala, Uganda: An assessment of health center characteristics. Med Mycol 2022; 60:myac013. [PMID: 35353190 PMCID: PMC8973400 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myac013] [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: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) screening and pre-emptive antifungal therapy for people with CD4 cell counts <100 cells/μl are recommended by the World Health Organization and several national HIV guidelines. We sought to evaluate CrAg screening program implementation across Uganda, in relation to health center level and distance from the capital. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 22 health centers across southern Uganda from April to June 2019. We reviewed laboratory records regarding number of CD4 cell count tests performed, proportion of outpatients with CD4 counts <200 cells/μl, and number of CrAg screening tests performed. We administered surveys to health center staff to understand barriers to advanced HIV care. We observed no significant difference in health center level and performance of CrAg screening; with each subsequent health center level, there was 1.17-fold (95% CI: 0.92-1.41) higher odds of CrAg screening performed per level. CrAg screening uptake was not associated with distance from the capital city (odds ratio = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.89-1.04). Qualitative data from surveys indicated that limitations to uptake of CrAg screening were secondary to dysfunctional CD4 machines, lack of provider awareness of CrAg screening guidelines, and inadequate/intermittent supply of CrAg tests. There were no significant associations between CrAg screening uptake and level of health center or distance of health center from the capital city. We identified systemic barriers to CrAg screening related to inadequate CD4 testing, insufficient knowledge regarding national screening guidelines, and irregular laboratory testing supplies. LAY SUMMARY The objective of this study was to evaluate cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) screening program implementation in Uganda, by type of healthcare center and by distance from the capital city. CrAg screening uptake was not associated with distance from the capital city, or the type of healthcare center.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diksha Srishyla
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, 55455, MN, USA
| | - Gabriel Saemisch
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, 55455, MN, USA
| | - Fred Turya
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | | | | | - Caleb P Skipper
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, 55455, MN, USA
| | - David R Boulware
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, 55455, MN, USA
| | | | - Radha Rajasingham
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, 55455, MN, USA
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Mbewe N, Vinikoor MJ, Fwoloshi S, Mwitumwa M, Lakhi S, Sivile S, Yavatkar M, Lindsay B, Stafford K, Hachaambwa L, Mulenga L, Claassen CW. Advanced HIV disease management practices within inpatient medicine units at a referral hospital in Zambia: a retrospective chart review. AIDS Res Ther 2022; 19:10. [PMID: 35193598 PMCID: PMC8862513 DOI: 10.1186/s12981-022-00433-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Zambia recently achieved UNAIDS 90-90-90 treatment targets for HIV epidemic control; however, inpatient facilities continue to face a large burden of patients with advanced HIV disease and HIV-related mortality. Management of advanced HIV disease, following guidelines from outpatient settings, may be more difficult within complex inpatient settings. We evaluated adherence to HIV guidelines during hospitalization, including opportunistic infection (OI) screening, treatment, and prophylaxis. Methods We reviewed inpatient medical records of people living with HIV (PLHIV) admitted to the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia between December 1, 2018 and April 30, 2019. We collected data on patient demographics, antiretroviral therapy (ART), HIV biomarkers, and OI screening and treatment—including tuberculosis (TB), Cryptococcus, and OI prophylaxis with co-trimoxazole (CTX). Screening and treatment cascades were constructed based on the 2017 WHO Advanced HIV Guidelines. Results We reviewed files from 200 charts of patients with advanced HIV disease; of these 92% (184/200) had been on ART previously; 58.1% (107/184) for more than 12 months. HIV viral load (VL) testing was uncommon but half of VL results were high. 39% (77/200) of patients had a documented CD4 count result. Of the 172 patients not on anti-TB treatment (ATT) on admission, TB diagnostic tests (either sputum Xpert MTB/RIF MTB/RIF or urine TB-LAM) were requested for 105 (61%) and resulted for 60 of the 105 (57%). Nine of the 14 patients (64%) with a positive lab result for TB died before results were available. Testing for Cryptococcosis was performed predominantly in patients with symptoms of meningitis. Urine TB-LAM testing was rarely performed. Conclusions At a referral hospital in Zambia, CD4 testing was inconsistent due to laboratory challenges and this reduced recognition of AHD and implementation of AHD guidelines. HIV programs can potentially reduce mortality and identify PLHIV with retention and adherence issues through strengthening inpatient activities, including reflex VL testing, TB-LAM and serum CrAg during hospitalization.
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Gils T, Lynen L, Muhairwe J, Mashaete K, Lejone TI, Joseph P, Ngubane T, Keter AK, Reither K, van Heerden A. Feasibility of implementing the advanced HIV disease care package as part of community-based HIV/TB activities: a mixed-methods study protocol. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e057291. [PMID: 35131835 PMCID: PMC8823294 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-057291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although the advanced HIV disease (AHD) care package reduces morbidity and mortality in people with AHD (defined in people living with HIV as WHO stage 3 or 4, CD4 count <200 cells/µL or age <5 years), it is barely implemented in many countries. A novel point-of-care CD4 test rapidly identifies AHD. We evaluate the feasibility of implementing the AHD care package as part of community-based HIV/tuberculosis services. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This two-phased study is guided by the Medical Research Council framework for evaluation of complex interventions. Stage 1 is a stakeholder consultation to define tools and indicators to assess feasibility of the AHD care package. Stage 2 is the implementation of the AHD care package during a facility-based tuberculosis diagnostic accuracy study in high-burden HIV/tuberculosis settings. Consenting adults with tuberculosis symptoms in two sites in Lesotho and South Africa are eligible for inclusion. HIV-positive participants are included in the feasibility study and are offered a CD4 test, a tuberculosis-lipoarabinomannan assay and those with CD4 count of ≤200 cells/µL a cryptococcal antigen lateral flow assay. Participants are referred for clinical management following national guidelines. The evaluation includes group discussions, participant observation (qualitative strand) and a semistructured questionnaire to assess acceptability among implementers. The quantitative strand also evaluates process compliance (process rating and process cascade) and early outcomes (vital and treatment status after twelve weeks). Thematic content analysis, descriptive statistics and data triangulation will be performed. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The National Health Research and Ethics Committee, Lesotho, the Human Sciences Research Council Research Ethics Committee and Provincial Department of Health, South Africa and the Ethikkommission Nordwest- und Zentralschweiz, Switzerland, approved the protocol. Dissemination will happen locally and internationally at scientific conferences and in peer-reviewed journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04666311.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tinne Gils
- Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Lutgarde Lynen
- Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Josephine Muhairwe
- SolidarMed, Partnerships for Health, Maseru, Lesotho
- Institute of Global Health, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Philip Joseph
- Centre for Community Based Research, Human Sciences Research Council, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - Thulani Ngubane
- Centre for Community Based Research, Human Sciences Research Council, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | | | - Klaus Reither
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- Medical Outpatient Department, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alastair van Heerden
- Centre for Community Based Research, Human Sciences Research Council, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
- Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Rajasingham R, Nalintya E, Israelski DM, Meya DB, Larson BA, Boulware DR. Cost-effectiveness of single-dose AmBisome preemptive treatment for the prevention of cryptococcal meningitis in African low and middle-income countries. Med Mycol 2022; 60:6506454. [PMID: 35026017 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myab078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) screening is recommended for patients with advanced HIV to reduce AIDS-related mortality. For asymptomatic CrAg-positive persons, fluconazole preemptive therapy is standard, despite a ∼25% failure rate. Single-dose liposomal amphotericin B (AmBisome) is non-inferior to standard treatment for cryptococcal meningitis. We evaluate the threshold of efficacy necessary for AmBisome + fluconazole to be cost-effective as preemptive therapy for CrAg-positive persons. We created a decision analytic model to evaluate CrAg screening and treatment in HIV-infected persons with CD4 < 100 cells/µL. Costs were estimated for screening, preemptive therapy, and hospitalization for an example low-income country (Uganda) and middle-income country (South Africa). We used a discounted price range of AmBisome® at ${\$}$16.25 to ${\$}$40 per 50 mg vial for both Uganda and South Africa. We estimated AmBisome efficacy from 75% to 95%. Parameter assumptions were based on prospective CrAg screening studies and clinical trials in Africa. Disability adjusted life years (DALYs) were calculated using the age-specific life expectancy in Uganda, per WHO Global Health Observatory data. We modeled the theoretical efficacy of adjunctive AmBisome to determine cost per DALY averted. In South Africa, at ${\$}$16.25 per vial cost and a minimum efficacy of 85%, adjunctive AmBisome is cost-saving compared to fluconazole monotherapy. Compared to fluconazole preemptive therapy in Uganda, AmBisome + fluconazole would cost ${\$}$475, ${\$}$220, or ${\$}$136 per DALY averted if meningitis-free survival efficacy was 80%, 85%, or 90% at ${\$}$24 per vial cost. Investing in AmBisome may be cost-effective in low-income settings compared to using fluconazole preemptive therapy alone, if efficacy is 85% or greater. AmBisome preemptive therapy appears more cost-efficient in middle-income settings where hospitalization costs for meningitis, and GDP per capita are higher.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radha Rajasingham
- Division of Infectious Diseases & International Medicine, University of Minnesota, MN, USA
| | | | - Dennis M Israelski
- Medical Affairs, Global Patient Solutions, Gilead Sciences, Inc., CA, USA
| | - David B Meya
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Bruce A Larson
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David R Boulware
- Division of Infectious Diseases & International Medicine, University of Minnesota, MN, USA
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Chastain DB, Henao-Martínez AF, Dykes AC, Steele GM, Stoudenmire LL, Thomas GM, Kung V, Franco-Paredes C. Missed opportunities to identify cryptococcosis in COVID-19 patients: a case report and literature review. Ther Adv Infect Dis 2022; 9:20499361211066363. [PMID: 35070297 PMCID: PMC8771738 DOI: 10.1177/20499361211066363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 may activate both innate and adaptive immune responses ultimately leading to a dysregulated immune response prompting the use of immunomodulatory therapy. Although viral pneumonia increases the risk of invasive fungal infections, it remains unclear whether SARS-CoV-2 infection, immunomodulatory therapy, or a combination of both are responsible for the increased recognition of opportunistic infections in COVID-19 patients. Cases of cryptococcosis have previously been reported following treatment with corticosteroids, interleukin (IL)-6 inhibitors, and Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, for patients with autoimmune diseases, but their effect on the immunologic response in patients with COVID-19 remains unknown. Herein, we present the case of a patient with COVID-19 who received high-dose corticosteroids and was later found to have cryptococcosis despite no traditional risk factors. As our case and previous cases of cryptococcosis in patients with COVID-19 demonstrate, clinicians must be suspicious of cryptococcosis in COVID-19 patients who clinically deteriorate following treatment with immunomodulatory therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel B. Chastain
- Department of Clinical & Administrative Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, 1000 Jefferson Street, Albany, GA 31701, USA
| | - Andrés F. Henao-Martínez
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Austin C. Dykes
- Department of Clinical & Administrative Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Albany, GA, USA
| | - Gregory M. Steele
- Infectious Diseases, Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, Albany, GA, USA
| | | | - Geren M. Thomas
- Department of Pharmacy, John D. Archbold Memorial Hospital, Thomasville, GA, USA
| | - Vanessa Kung
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Carlos Franco-Paredes
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USAHospital Infantil de México, Federico Gómez, México City, México
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Burke RM, Henrion MYR, Mallewa J, Masamba L, Kalua T, Khundi M, Gupta-Wright A, Rylance J, Gordon SB, Masesa C, Corbett EL, Mwandumba HC, Macpherson P. Incidence of HIV-positive admission and inpatient mortality in Malawi (2012-2019). AIDS 2021; 35:2191-2199. [PMID: 34172671 PMCID: PMC7611991 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000003006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate trends in population incidence of HIV-positive hospital admission and risk of in-hospital death among adults living with HIV between 2012 and 2019 in Blantyre, Malawi. DESIGN Population cohort study using an existing electronic health information system ('SPINE') at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital and Blantyre census data. METHODS We used multiple imputation and negative binomial regression to estimate population age-specific and sex-specific admission rates over time. We used a log-binomial model to investigate trends in risk of in-hospital death. RESULTS Of 32 814 adult medical admissions during Q4 2012--Q3 2019, HIV status was recorded for 75.6%. HIV-positive admissions decreased substantially between 2012 and 2019. After imputation for missing data, HIV-positive admissions were highest in Q3 2013 (173 per 100 000 adult Blantyre residents) and lowest in Q3 2019 (53 per 100 000 residents). An estimated 10 818 fewer than expected people with HIV (PWH) [95% confidence interval (CI) 10 068-11 568] were admitted during 2012-2019 compared with the counterfactual situation where admission rates stayed the same throughout this period. Absolute reductions were greatest for women aged 25-34 years (2264 fewer HIV-positive admissions, 95% CI 2002-2526). In-hospital mortality for PWH was 23.5%, with no significant change over time in any age-sex group, and no association with antiretroviral therapy (ART) use at admission. CONCLUSION Rates of admission for adult PWH decreased substantially, likely because of large increases in community provision of HIV diagnosis, treatment and care. However, HIV-positive in-hospital deaths remain unacceptably high, despite improvements in ART coverage. A concerted research and implementation agenda is urgently needed to reduce inpatient deaths among PWH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael M Burke
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Disease, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
- Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Clinical Research Programme, University of Malawi College of Medicine
| | - Marc Y R Henrion
- Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Clinical Research Programme, University of Malawi College of Medicine
- Department of Clinical Sciences and International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine
| | - Jane Mallewa
- Department of Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Leo Masamba
- Department of Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | - McEwan Khundi
- Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Clinical Research Programme, University of Malawi College of Medicine
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
| | - Ankur Gupta-Wright
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Disease, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
| | - Jamie Rylance
- Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Clinical Research Programme, University of Malawi College of Medicine
- Department of Clinical Sciences and International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine
| | - Stephen B Gordon
- Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Clinical Research Programme, University of Malawi College of Medicine
- Department of Clinical Sciences and International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine
| | - Clemens Masesa
- Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Clinical Research Programme, University of Malawi College of Medicine
- Department of Clinical Sciences and International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine
| | - Elizabeth L Corbett
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Disease, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
- Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Clinical Research Programme, University of Malawi College of Medicine
| | - Henry C Mwandumba
- Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Clinical Research Programme, University of Malawi College of Medicine
- Department of Clinical Sciences and International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine
| | - Peter Macpherson
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Disease, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
- Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Clinical Research Programme, University of Malawi College of Medicine
- Department of Clinical Sciences and International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine
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Narayanasamy S, Dat VQ, Thanh NT, Ly VT, Chan JFW, Yuen KY, Ning C, Liang H, Li L, Chowdhary A, Youngchim S, Supparatpinyo K, Aung NM, Hanson J, Andrianopoulos A, Dougherty J, Govender NP, Denning DW, Chiller T, Thwaites G, van Doorn HR, Perfect J, Le T. A global call for talaromycosis to be recognised as a neglected tropical disease. Lancet Glob Health 2021; 9:e1618-e1622. [PMID: 34678201 PMCID: PMC10014038 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(21)00350-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Talaromycosis (penicilliosis) is an invasive mycosis that is endemic in tropical and subtropical Asia. Talaromycosis primarily affects individuals with advanced HIV disease and other immunosuppressive conditions, and the disease disproportionally affects people in low-income and middle-income countries, particularly agricultural workers in rural areas during their most economically productive years. Approximately 17 300 talaromycosis cases and 4900 associated deaths occur annually. Talaromycosis is highly associated with the tropical monsoon season, when flooding and cyclones can exacerbate the poverty-inducing potential of the disease. Talaromycosis can present as localised or disseminated disease, the latter causing cutaneous lesions that are disfiguring and stigmatising. Despite up to a third of diagnosed cases resulting in death, talaromycosis has received little attention and investment from regional and global funders, policy makers, researchers, and industry. Diagnostic and treatment modalities remain extremely insufficient, however control of talaromycosis is feasible with known public health strategies. This Viewpoint is a global call for talaromycosis to be recognised as a neglected tropical disease to alleviate its impact on susceptible populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanti Narayanasamy
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Vu Quoc Dat
- Department of Medicine, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam; Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Nguyen Tat Thanh
- Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Vo Trieu Ly
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Ward E, Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Jasper Fuk-Woo Chan
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, and Hainan Medical University-The University of Hong Kong Joint Laboratory of Tropical Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Kwok-Yung Yuen
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, and Hainan Medical University-The University of Hong Kong Joint Laboratory of Tropical Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Chuanyi Ning
- BSL-3 Lab Core and Guangxi Key Laboratory of AIDS Prevention and Treatment, Life Sciences Institute, Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, China
| | - Hao Liang
- BSL-3 Lab Core and Guangxi Key Laboratory of AIDS Prevention and Treatment, Life Sciences Institute, Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, China
| | - Linghua Li
- Infectious Disease Center, Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Anuradha Chowdhary
- Medical Mycology Unit, Department of Microbiology, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Sirida Youngchim
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | | | - Ne Myo Aung
- Department of Medicine, University of Medicine 2, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Josh Hanson
- Department of Medicine, University of Medicine 2, Yangon, Myanmar; The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Alex Andrianopoulos
- Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, School of Biosciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - John Dougherty
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Nelesh P Govender
- National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Division of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa; Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - David W Denning
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Global Action Fund for Fungal Infections, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Tom Chiller
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Guy Thwaites
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Hanoi, Vietnam; Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - H Rogier van Doorn
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Hanoi, Vietnam; Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - John Perfect
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Thuy Le
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA; Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Hanoi, Vietnam.
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Narayanasamy S, Dat VQ, Thanh NT, Ly VT, Chan JFW, Yuen KY, Ning C, Liang H, Li L, Chowdhary A, Youngchim S, Supparatpinyo K, Aung NM, Hanson J, Andrianopoulos A, Dougherty J, Govender NP, Denning DW, Chiller T, Thwaites G, van Doorn HR, Perfect J, Le T. A global call for talaromycosis to be recognised as a neglected tropical disease. THE LANCET GLOBAL HEALTH 2021; 9:e1618-e1622. [DOI: https:/doi.org/10.1016/s2214-109x(21)00350-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
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Mfinanga SG, Nyirenda MJ, Mutungi G, Mghamba J, Maongezi S, Musinguzi J, Okebe J, Kivuyo S, Birungi J, van Widenfelt E, Van Hout MC, Bachmann M, Garrib A, Bukenya D, Cullen W, Lazarus JV, Niessen LW, Katahoire A, Shayo EH, Namakoola I, Ramaiya K, Wang D, Cuevas LE, Etukoit BM, Lutale J, Meshack S, Mugisha K, Gill G, Sewankambo N, Smith PG, Jaffar S. Integrating HIV, diabetes and hypertension services in Africa: study protocol for a cluster randomised trial in Tanzania and Uganda. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e047979. [PMID: 34645657 PMCID: PMC8515479 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-047979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION HIV programmes in sub-Saharan Africa are well funded but programmes for diabetes and hypertension are weak with only a small proportion of patients in regular care. Healthcare provision is organised from stand-alone clinics. In this cluster randomised trial, we are evaluating a concept of integrated care for people with HIV infection, diabetes or hypertension from a single point of care. METHODS AND ANALYSIS 32 primary care health facilities in Dar es Salaam and Kampala regions were randomised to either integrated or standard vertical care. In the integrated care arm, services are organised from a single clinic where patients with either HIV infection, diabetes or hypertension are managed by the same clinical and counselling teams. They use the same pharmacy and laboratory and have the same style of patient records. Standard care involves separate pathways, that is, separate clinics, waiting and counselling areas, a separate pharmacy and separate medical records. The trial has two primary endpoints: retention in care of people with hypertension or diabetes and plasma viral load suppression. Recruitment is expected to take 6 months and follow-up is for 12 months. With 100 participants enrolled in each facility with diabetes or hypertension, the trial will provide 90% power to detect an absolute difference in retention of 15% between the study arms (at the 5% two-sided significance level). If 100 participants with HIV infection are also enrolled in each facility, we will have 90% power to show non-inferiority in virological suppression to a delta=10% margin (ie, that the upper limit of the one-sided 95% CI of the difference between the two arms will not exceed 10%). To allow for lost to follow-up, the trial will enrol over 220 persons per facility. This is the only trial of its kind evaluating the concept of a single integrated clinic for chronic conditions in Africa. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The protocol has been approved by ethics committee of The AIDS Support Organisation, National Institute of Medical Research and the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. Dissemination of findings will be done through journal publications and meetings involving study participants, healthcare providers and other stakeholders. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ISRCTN43896688.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayoki Godfrey Mfinanga
- Muhimbili Medical Research Centre, National Institute for Medical Research Muhimbili Research Centre, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Gerald Mutungi
- Non-Communicable Diseases Control Programme, Republic of Uganda Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Janneth Mghamba
- Directors office, Ministry of Health Community Development Gender Elderly and Children, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Sarah Maongezi
- Non-Communicable Diseases Control Programme, Ministry of Health Community Development Gender Elderly and Children, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Joshua Musinguzi
- AIDS Control Programme, Republic of Uganda Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joseph Okebe
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Sokoine Kivuyo
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | | | | | - Max Bachmann
- Norwich Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Anupam Garrib
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Walter Cullen
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin School of Medicine, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jeffrey V Lazarus
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Anne Katahoire
- Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Elizabeth Henry Shayo
- Policy Analysis and Advocacy, National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Ivan Namakoola
- MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | | | - Duolao Wang
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - L E Cuevas
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Janet Lutale
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | | | - Geoff Gill
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Peter G Smith
- MRC International Statistics and Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Stott KE, Loyse A, Jarvis JN, Alufandika M, Harrison TS, Mwandumba HC, Day JN, Lalloo DG, Bicanic T, Perfect JR, Hope W. Cryptococcal meningoencephalitis: time for action. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2021; 21:e259-e271. [PMID: 33872594 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(20)30771-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cryptococcal meningoencephalitis was first described over a century ago. This fungal infection is preventable and treatable yet continues to be associated with excessive morbidity and mortality. The largest burden of disease resides in people living with HIV in low-income and middle-income countries. In this group, mortality with the best antifungal induction regimen (7 days of amphotericin B deoxycholate [1·0 mg/kg per day] and flucytosine [100·0 mg/kg per day]) in a clinical trial setting was 24% at 10 weeks. The world is now at an inflection point in terms of recognition, research, and action to address the burden of morbidity and mortality from cryptococcal meningoencephalitis. However, the scope of interventional programmes needs to increase, with particular attention to implementation science that is specific to individual countries. This Review summarises causes of excessive mortality, interventions with proven survival benefit, and gaps in knowledge and practice that contribute to the ongoing high death toll from cryptococcal meningoencephalitis. TRANSLATIONS: For the Vietnamese and Chichewa translations of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharine Elizabeth Stott
- Antimicrobial Pharmacodynamics and Therapeutics, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool Health Partners, Liverpool, UK; Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi.
| | - Angela Loyse
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, St George's University and Hospital, London, UK
| | - Joe N Jarvis
- Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana; Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Melanie Alufandika
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | - Henry C Mwandumba
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi; Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Jeremy N Day
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, UK
| | | | - Tihana Bicanic
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, St George's University and Hospital, London, UK
| | - John R Perfect
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - William Hope
- Antimicrobial Pharmacodynamics and Therapeutics, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool Health Partners, Liverpool, UK
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Drain PK, Galagan SR, Govere S, Krows M, Thulare H, Wallis CL, Gosnell BI, Moosa MY, Celum C, Bassett IV. Laboratory Reflex and Clinic-Based Point-of-Care Cryptococcal Antigen Screening for Preventing Meningitis and Mortality Among People Living With HIV. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2021; 87:1205-1213. [PMID: 33990495 PMCID: PMC8263484 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002717] [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: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cryptococcosis remains a leading cause of meningitis and mortality among people living with HIV (PLHIV) worldwide. We sought to evaluate laboratory-based cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) reflex testing and a clinic-based point-of-care (POC) CrAg screening intervention for preventing meningitis and mortality among PLHIV in South Africa. METHODS We conducted a prospective pre-post intervention study of adults presenting for HIV testing in Umlazi township, South Africa, over a 6-year period (2013-2019). Participants were enrolled during 3 phases of CrAg testing: CrAg testing ordered by a clinician (clinician-directed testing, 2013-2015); routine laboratory-based CrAg reflex testing for blood samples with CD4 ≤100 cells/mm3 (laboratory reflex testing, 2015-2017); and a clinic-based intervention with POC CD4 testing and POC CrAg testing for PLHIV with CD4 ≤200 cells/mm3 with continued standard-of-care routine laboratory reflex testing among those with CD4 ≤100 cells/mm3 (clinic-based testing, 2017-2019). The laboratory and clinical teams performed serum CrAg by enzyme immunoassay and lateral flow assay (Immy Diagnostics, Norman, OK). We followed up participants for up to 14 months to compare associations between baseline CrAg positivity, antiretroviral therapy and fluconazole treatment initiation, and outcomes of cryptococcal meningitis, hospitalization, and mortality. RESULTS Three thousand one hundred five (39.4%) of 7877 people screened were HIV-positive, of whom 908 had CD4 ≤200 cells/mm3 and were included in the analyses. Laboratory reflex and clinic-based testing increased CrAg screening (P < 0.001) and diagnosis of CrAg-positive PLHIV (P = 0.011). When compared with clinician-directed testing, clinic-based CrAg testing showed an increase in the number of PLHIV diagnosed with cryptococcal meningitis (4.5% vs. 1.5%; P = 0.059), initiation of fluconazole preemptive therapy (7.2% vs. 2.5%; P = 0.010), and initiation of antiretroviral therapy (96.8% vs. 91.3%; P = 0.012). Comparing clinic-based testing with laboratory reflex testing, there was no significant difference in the cumulative incidence of cryptococcal meningitis (4.5% vs. 4.1%; P = 0.836) or mortality (8.1% vs. 9.9%; P = 0.557). CONCLUSIONS Laboratory reflex and clinic-based CrAg testing facilitated the diagnosis of HIV-associated cryptococcosis and fluconazole initiation but did not reduce cryptococcal meningitis or mortality. In this nonrandomized cohort, clinical outcomes were similar between laboratory reflex testing and clinic-based POC CrAg testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul K. Drain
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Sean R. Galagan
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | | | - Meighan Krows
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | | | | | - Bernadett I. Gosnell
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Mahomed-Yunus Moosa
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Connie Celum
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Ingrid V. Bassett
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
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Ford N, Chiller T. CD4 cell count: a critical tool in the HIV response. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 74:1360-1361. [PMID: 34309638 PMCID: PMC9049250 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciab658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Ford
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Hepatitis, and Sexually Transmitted Infections Department, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Tom Chiller
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, USA
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