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Wedderburn CJ, Evans C, Slogrove AL, Rehman AM, Gibb DM, Prendergast AJ, Penazzato M. Co-trimoxazole prophylaxis for children who are HIV-exposed and uninfected: a systematic review. J Int AIDS Soc 2023; 26:e26079. [PMID: 37292018 PMCID: PMC10251133 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26079] [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: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Co-trimoxazole prophylaxis is recommended for children born to women with HIV to protect those who acquire HIV from opportunistic infections, severe bacterial infections and malaria. With scale-up of maternal antiretroviral therapy, most children remain HIV-exposed uninfected (HEU) and the benefits of universal co-trimoxazole are uncertain. We assessed the effect of co-trimoxazole on mortality and morbidity of children who are HEU. METHODS We performed a systematic review (PROSPERO number: CRD42021215059). We systematically searched MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, Global Health, CINAHL Plus, Africa-Wide Information, SciELO and WHO Global Index Medicus for peer-reviewed articles from inception to 4th January 2022 without limits. Ongoing randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were identified through registries. We included RCTs reporting mortality or morbidity in children who are HEU receiving co-trimoxazole versus no prophylaxis/placebo. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane 2.0 tool. Data were summarized using narrative synthesis and findings were stratified by malaria endemicity. RESULTS We screened 1257 records and included seven reports from four RCTs. Two trials from Botswana and South Africa of 4067 children who are HEU found no difference in mortality or infectious morbidity in children randomized to co-trimoxazole prophylaxis started at 2-6 weeks of age compared to those randomized to placebo or no treatment, although event rates were low. Sub-studies found that antimicrobial resistance was higher in infants receiving co-trimoxazole. Two trials in Uganda investigating prolonged co-trimoxazole after breastfeeding cessation showed protection against malaria but no other morbidity or mortality differences. All trials had some concerns or a high risk of bias, which limited the certainty of evidence. DISCUSSION Studies show no clinical benefit of co-trimoxazole prophylaxis in children who are HEU, except to prevent malaria. Potential harms were identified for co-trimoxazole prophylaxis leading to antimicrobial resistance. The trials in non-malarial regions were conducted in populations with low mortality potentially reducing generalizability to other settings. CONCLUSIONS In low-mortality settings with few HIV transmissions and well-performing early infant diagnosis and treatment programmes, universal co-trimoxazole may not be required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine J. Wedderburn
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health and Neuroscience InstituteUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at University College LondonLondonUK
- Department of Clinical ResearchLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical MedicineLondonUK
| | - Ceri Evans
- Blizard InstituteQueen Mary University of LondonLondonUK
- Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health ResearchHarareZimbabwe
- Department of Clinical InfectionMicrobiology and ImmunologyUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolUK
| | - Amy L. Slogrove
- Department of Paediatrics and Child HealthFaculty of Medicine & Health SciencesStellenbosch UniversityWorcesterSouth Africa
| | - Andrea M. Rehman
- MRC International Statistics & Epidemiology GroupDepartment of Infectious Disease EpidemiologyLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical MedicineLondonUK
| | - Diana M. Gibb
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at University College LondonLondonUK
| | - Andrew J. Prendergast
- Blizard InstituteQueen Mary University of LondonLondonUK
- Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health ResearchHarareZimbabwe
| | - Martina Penazzato
- Department of Global HIVHepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections ProgrammesWorld Health OrganizationGenevaSwitzerland
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2
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Ramblière L, Guillemot D, Delarocque-Astagneau E, Huynh BT. Impact of mass and systematic antibiotic administration on antibiotic resistance in low- and middle-income countries? A systematic review. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2021; 58:106364. [PMID: 34044108 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2021.106364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Antibiotic consumption is a key driver of antimicrobial resistance (AR), particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where risk factors for AR emergence and spread are prevalent. However, the potential contribution of mass drug administration (MDA) and systematic drug administration (SDA) of antibiotics to AR spread is unknown. We conducted a systematic review to provide an overview of MDA/SDA in LMICs, including indications, antibiotics used and, if investigated, levels of AR over time. This systematic review is reported in accordance with the PRISMA statement. Of 2438 identified articles, 63 were reviewed: indications for MDA/SDA were various, and targeted populations were particularly vulnerable, including pregnant women, children, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected populations, and communities in outbreak settings. Available data suggest that MDA/SDA may lead to a significant increase in AR, especially following azithromycin administration. However, only 40% of studies evaluated AR. Integrative approaches that evaluate AR in addition to clinical outcomes are needed to understand the consequences of MDA/SDA implementation, combined with standardised AR surveillance for timely detection of AR emergence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lison Ramblière
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Inserm, CESP, Anti-infective Evasion and Pharmacoepidemiology Team, F- 78180, Montigny-Le-Bretonneux, France; Institut Pasteur, Epidemiology and Modelling of Antibiotic Evasion (EMAE), F-75015, Paris, France.
| | - Didier Guillemot
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Inserm, CESP, Anti-infective Evasion and Pharmacoepidemiology Team, F- 78180, Montigny-Le-Bretonneux, France; Institut Pasteur, Epidemiology and Modelling of Antibiotic Evasion (EMAE), F-75015, Paris, France; AP-HP Paris Saclay, Public Health, Medical Information, Clinical Research, F-94276, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Elisabeth Delarocque-Astagneau
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Inserm, CESP, Anti-infective Evasion and Pharmacoepidemiology Team, F- 78180, Montigny-Le-Bretonneux, France; AP-HP Paris Saclay, Public Health, Medical Information, Clinical Research, F-94276, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Bich-Tram Huynh
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Inserm, CESP, Anti-infective Evasion and Pharmacoepidemiology Team, F- 78180, Montigny-Le-Bretonneux, France; Institut Pasteur, Epidemiology and Modelling of Antibiotic Evasion (EMAE), F-75015, Paris, France
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3
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Hobbs CV, Sahu T, Neal J, Conteh S, Voza T, Borkowsky W, Langhorne J, Duffy PE. Determinants of Malaria Protective Immunity in Mice Immunized with Live Sporozoites during Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole Prophylaxis. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 104:666-670. [PMID: 33350377 PMCID: PMC7866335 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.20-0749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV and malaria geographically overlap. Trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) is a drug widely used in HIV-exposed uninfected and infected children in malaria-endemic areas, and is known to have antimalarial effects. Further study in terms of antimalarial impact and effect on development of malaria-specific immunity is therefore essential. Using rodent malaria models, we previously showed that repeated Plasmodium exposure during TMP-SMX administration, or chemoprophylaxis vaccination (CVac), induces CD8 T-cell–dependent preerythrocytic immunity. However, humoral immune responses have been shown to be important in models of preerythrocytic immunity. Herein, we demonstrate that antibody-mediated responses contribute to protective immunity induced by CVac immune sera using TMP-SMX in models of homologous, but not heterologous, parasite species. Clinical studies must account for potential anti-Plasmodium antibody induced during TMP-SMX prophylaxis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte V Hobbs
- Department of Microbiology, Batson Children's Hospital, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi.,Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Batson Children's Hospital, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Tejram Sahu
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland.,Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Jillian Neal
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Solomon Conteh
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Tatiana Voza
- Biological Sciences Department, New York City College of Technology, CUNY, New York, New York
| | - William Borkowsky
- Division of Infectious Disease and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | | | - Patrick E Duffy
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
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4
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Musimbi ZD, Rono MK, Otieno JR, Kibinge N, Ochola-Oyier LI, de Villiers EP, Nduati EW. Peripheral blood mononuclear cell transcriptomes reveal an over-representation of down-regulated genes associated with immunity in HIV-exposed uninfected infants. Sci Rep 2019; 9:18124. [PMID: 31792230 PMCID: PMC6889308 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-54083-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV-exposed uninfected (HEU) infants are disproportionately at a higher risk of morbidity and mortality, as compared to HIV-unexposed uninfected (HUU) infants. Here, we used transcriptional profiling of peripheral blood mononuclear cells to determine immunological signatures of in utero HIV exposure. We identified 262 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in HEU compared to HUU infants. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) identified six modules that had significant associations with clinical traits. Functional enrichment analysis on both DEGs and the six significantly associated modules revealed an enrichment of G-protein coupled receptors and the immune system, specifically affecting neutrophil function and antibacterial responses. Additionally, malaria pathogenicity genes (thrombospondin 1-(THBS 1), interleukin 6 (IL6), and arginine decarboxylase 2 (ADC2)) were down-regulated. Of interest, the down-regulated immunity genes were positively correlated to the expression of epigenetic factors of the histone family and high-mobility group protein B2 (HMGB2), suggesting their role in the dysregulation of the HEU transcriptional landscape. Overall, we show that genes primarily associated with neutrophil mediated immunity were repressed in the HEU infants. Our results suggest that this could be a contributing factor to the increased susceptibility to bacterial infections associated with higher morbidity and mortality commonly reported in HEU infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaneta D Musimbi
- Center of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Chiromo Campus, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - Martin K Rono
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya.
- Pwani University Biotechnology Research Centre, Pwani University, Kilifi, Kenya.
| | | | | | - Lynette Isabella Ochola-Oyier
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- Pwani University Biotechnology Research Centre, Pwani University, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Etienne Pierre de Villiers
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Eunice W Nduati
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- Pwani University Biotechnology Research Centre, Pwani University, Kilifi, Kenya
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5
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Abraha A, Myléus A, Byass P, Kahsay A, Kinsman J. The effects of maternal and child HIV infection on health equity in Tigray Region, Ethiopia, and the implications for the health system: a case-control study. AIDS Care 2019; 31:1271-1281. [PMID: 30957540 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2019.1601670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Services that aim to prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission (PMTCT) can simultaneously reduce the overall impact of HIV infection in a population while also improving maternal and child health outcomes. By taking a health equity perspective, this retrospective case control study aimed to compare the health status of under-5 children born to HIV-positive and HIV-negative mothers in Tigray Region, Ethiopia. Two hundred and thirteen HIV-positive women (cases), and 214 HIV-negative women (controls) participated through interviews regarding their oldest children. Of the children born to HIV-positive mothers, 24% had not been tested, and 17% of those who had been tested were HIV-positive themselves. Only 29% of the HIV-positive children were linked to an ART programme. Unexpectedly, exposed HIV-negative children had fewer reports of perceived poor health as compared to unexposed children. Over 90% of all the children, regardless of maternal HIV status, were breastfed and up-to-date with the recommended immunizations. The high rate of HIV infection among the babies of HIV-positive women along with their low rates of antiretroviral treatment raises serious concerns about the quality of outreach to pregnant women in Tigray Region, and of the follow-up for children who have been exposed to HIV via their mothers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atakelti Abraha
- a Tigray Health Bureau , Tigray , Ethiopia.,b Ethiopian Health Insurance Agency , Addis Ababa , Ethiopia
| | - Anna Myléus
- c Department of Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeå University , Umeå , Sweden
| | - Peter Byass
- c Department of Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeå University , Umeå , Sweden.,d Institute of Applied Health Sciences, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Aberdeen , Aberdeen , UK.,e MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand , Johannesburg , South Africa
| | | | - John Kinsman
- c Department of Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeå University , Umeå , Sweden.,g Department of Public Health Sciences, Global Health (IHCAR), Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm , Sweden
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6
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Kasule J, Gabriel EE, Anok A, Neal J, Eastman RT, Penzak S, Newell K, Serwadda D, Duffy PE, Reynolds SJ, Hobbs CV. Sulfamethoxazole Levels in HIV-Exposed Uninfected Ugandan Children. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2018; 98:1718-1721. [PMID: 29692311 PMCID: PMC6086194 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.17-0933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole (TMP–SMX) prophylaxis in HIV-uninfected, exposed (HUE) children variably reduces clinical malaria burden despite antifolate resistance, but data regarding achieved serum levels and adherence are lacking. Serum samples from 70 HUE children aged 3–12 months from Rakai, Uganda, enrolled in an observational study were assayed for random SMX levels using a colorimetric assay. Adherence with TMP–SMX prophylaxis data (yes/no) was also collected. Of 148 visits with concurrent SMX levels available, 56% had self-reported adherence with TMP–SMX therapy. Among these 82 visits, mean (standard deviation) level was 19.78 (19.22) µg/mL, but 33% had SMX levels below half maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) for Plasmodium falciparum with some, but not all, of the reported antifolate resistance mutations reported in Uganda. With TMP–SMX prophylaxis, suboptimal adherence is concerning. Sulfamethoxazole levels below IC50s required to overcome malaria parasites with multiple antifolate resistance mutations may be significant. Further study of TMP–SMX in this context is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingo Kasule
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland.,Rakai Health Sciences Program, Kalisizo, Uganda
| | - Erin E Gabriel
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Aggrey Anok
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland.,Rakai Health Sciences Program, Kalisizo, Uganda
| | - Jillian Neal
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Richard T Eastman
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Scott Penzak
- College of Pharmacy, University of North Texas, Fort Worth, Texas
| | - Kevin Newell
- Clinical Research Directorate/Clinical Monitoring Research Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., National Cancer Institute Campus at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland
| | - David Serwadda
- School of Public Health, Makerere College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda.,Rakai Health Sciences Program, Kalisizo, Uganda
| | - Patrick E Duffy
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Steven J Reynolds
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland.,Rakai Health Sciences Program, Kalisizo, Uganda
| | - Charlotte V Hobbs
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland.,University of Mississippi Medical Center, Batson Children's Hospital, Jackson, Mississippi
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7
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Evans EE, Siedner MJ. Tropical Parasitic Infections in Individuals Infected with HIV. CURRENT TROPICAL MEDICINE REPORTS 2017; 4:268-280. [PMID: 33842194 PMCID: PMC8034600 DOI: 10.1007/s40475-017-0130-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Neglected tropical diseases share both geographic and socio-behavioral epidemiological risk factors with HIV infection. In this literature review, we describe interactions between parasitic diseases and HIV infection, with a focus on the impact of parasitic infections on HIV infection risk and disease progression, and the impact of HIV infection on clinical characteristics of tropical parasitic infections. We limit our review to tropical parasitic infections of the greatest public health burden, and exclude discussion of classic HIV-associated opportunistic infections that have been well reviewed elsewhere. RECENT FINDINGS Tropical parasitic infections, HIV-infection, and treatment with antiretroviral therapy alter host immunity, which can impact susceptibility, transmissibility, diagnosis, and severity of both HIV and parasitic infections. These relationships have a broad range of consequences, from putatively increasing susceptibility to HIV acquisition, as in the case of schistosomiasis, to decreasing risk of protozoal infections through pharmacokinetic interactions between antiretroviral therapy and antiparasitic agents, as in the case of malaria. However, despite this intimate interplay in pathophysiology and a broad overlap in epidemiology, there is a general paucity of data on the interactions between HIV and tropical parasitic infections, particularly in the era of widespread antiretroviral therapy availability. SUMMARY Additional data are needed to motivate clinical recommendations for detection and management of parasitic infections in HIV-infected individuals, and to consider the implications of and potential opportunity granted by HIV treatment programs on parasitic disease control.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mark J Siedner
- Massachusetts General Hospital
- Harvard Medical School
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology
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8
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Pressiat C, Mea-Assande V, Yonaba C, Treluyer JM, Dahourou DL, Amorissani-Folquet M, Blanche S, Eboua F, Ye D, Lui G, Malateste K, Zheng Y, Leroy V, Hirt D. Suboptimal cotrimoxazole prophylactic concentrations in HIV-infected children according to the WHO guidelines. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2017; 83:2729-2740. [PMID: 28800382 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.13397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2017] [Revised: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS A clinical study was conduct in HIV-infected children to evaluate the prophylactic doses of cotrimoxazole [sulfamethoxazole (SMX) and trimethoprim (TMP)] advised by the WHO. METHODS Children received lopinavir-based antiretroviral therapy with cotrimoxazole prophylaxis (200 mg of SMX/40 mg of TMP once daily). A nonlinear mixed effects modelling approach was used to analyse plasma concentrations. Factors that could impact the pharmacokinetic profile were investigated. The model was subsequently used to simulate individual exposure and evaluate different administration schemes. RESULTS The cohort comprised 136 children [average age: 1.9 years (range: [0.7-4]), average weight: 9.5 kg (range: [6-16.3])]. A dose per kg was justified by the significant influence of implementing an allometrically scaled body size covariate on SMX and TMP pharmacokinetics. SMX and TPM clearance were estimated at 0.49 l h-1 /9.5 kg and 3.06 l h-1 /9.5 kg, respectively. The simulated exposures obtained after administration of oral dosing recommended by the WHO for children from 10 to 15 kg were significantly lower than in adults for SMX and TMP. This could induce a reduction of effectiveness of cotrimoxazole. Simulations show that regimens of 30 mg kg-1 of SMX and 6 mg kg-1 of TMP in the 5-10 kg group and 25 mg kg-1 of SMX and 5 mg kg-1 of TMP in the 10-15 kg group are more suitable doses. CONCLUSIONS In this context of high prevalence of opportunistic infections, a lower exposure to cotrimoxazole in children than adults was noted. To achieve comparable exposure to adults, a dosing scheme per kg was proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Caroline Yonaba
- Pediatric Department, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Yalgado Ouédraogo, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Jean-Marc Treluyer
- Paris Descartes University, EA 7323, Paris, France.,Clinical Pharmacology Department, AP-HP, Paris Centre Hospital Group, Paris, France
| | - Désiré-Lucien Dahourou
- MONOD Project, ANRS 12206, Centre de Recherche Internationale pour la Santé, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.,Centre Muraz, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.,Inserm, Unité U1219, Université Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Stéphane Blanche
- Paris Descartes University, EA 7323, Paris, France.,Immunology Hematology Pediatric Unit, AP-HP, Necker Hospital, Paris, France
| | - François Eboua
- Pediatric Department, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Yopougon, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Diarra Ye
- Department of Paediatrics, CHU Charles de Gaulle, Université de Ouagadougou, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | | | | | - Yi Zheng
- Paris Descartes University, EA 7323, Paris, France.,Clinical Pharmacology Department, AP-HP, Paris Centre Hospital Group, Paris, France
| | - Valeriane Leroy
- Inserm, Unité U1027, Université Paul Sabatier of Toulouse 3, Toulouse, France
| | - Déborah Hirt
- Paris Descartes University, EA 7323, Paris, France.,Clinical Pharmacology Department, AP-HP, Paris Centre Hospital Group, Paris, France
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Lockman S, Hughes M, Powis K, Ajibola G, Bennett K, Moyo S, van Widenfelt E, Leidner J, McIntosh K, Mazhani L, Makhema J, Essex M, Shapiro R. Effect of co-trimoxazole on mortality in HIV-exposed but uninfected children in Botswana (the Mpepu Study): a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial. Lancet Glob Health 2017; 5:e491-e500. [PMID: 28395844 PMCID: PMC5502726 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(17)30143-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2016] [Revised: 01/26/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Co-trimoxazole prophylaxis reduces mortality among HIV-infected children, but efficacy in HIV-exposed but uninfected (HEU) children in a non-malarial, low-breastfeeding setting with a low risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV is unclear. METHODS HEU children in Botswana were randomly assigned to receive co-trimoxazole (100 mg/20 mg once daily until age 6 months and 200 mg/40 mg once daily thereafter) or placebo from age 14-34 days to age 15 months. Mothers chose whether to breastfeed or formula feed their children. Breastfed children were randomly assigned to breastfeeding for 6 months (Botswana guidelines) or 12 months (WHO guidelines). The primary outcome, analysed by a modified intention-to-treat approach, was cumulative child mortality from treatment assignment to age 18 months. We also assessed HIV-free survival by duration of breastfeeding. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01229761. FINDINGS From June 7, 2011, to April 2, 2015, 2848 HEU children were randomly assigned to receive co-trimoxazole (n=1423) or placebo (n=1425). The data and safety monitoring board stopped the study early because of a low likelihood of benefit with co-trimoxazole. Only 153 (5%) children were lost to follow-up (76 in the co-trimoxazole group and 77 in the placebo group), and 2053 (72%) received treatment continuously to age 15 months, death, or study closure. Mortality after the start of study treatment was similar in the two study groups: 30 children died in the co-trimoxazole group, compared with 34 in the placebo group (estimated mortality at 18 months 2·4% vs 2·6%; difference -0·2%, 95% CI -1·5 to 1·0, p=0·70). We saw no difference in hospital admissions between groups (12·5% in the co-trimoxazole group vs 17·4% in the placebo group, p=0·19) or grade 3-4 clinical adverse events (16·5% vs 18·4%, p=0·18). Grade 3-4 anaemia did not differ between groups (8·1% vs 8·3%, p=0·93), but grade 3-4 neutropenia was more frequent in the co-trimoxazole group than in the placebo group (8·1% vs 5·8%, p=0·03). More co-trimoxazole resistance in commensal Escherichia coli isolated from stool samples was seen in children aged 3 or 6 months in the co-trimoxazole group than in the placebo group (p=0·001 and p=0·01, respectively). 572 (20%) children were breastfed. HIV infection and mortality did not differ significantly by duration of breastfeeding (3·9% for 6 months vs 1·9% for 12 months, p=0·21). INTERPRETATION Prophylactic co-trimoxazole seems to offer no survival benefit among HEU children in non-malarial, low-breastfeeding areas with a low risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. FUNDING US National Institutes of Health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahin Lockman
- Division of Infectious Disease, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership for HIV Research and Education, Gaborone, Botswana; Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael Hughes
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kate Powis
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership for HIV Research and Education, Gaborone, Botswana; Division of Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gbolahan Ajibola
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership for HIV Research and Education, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Kara Bennett
- Bennett Statistical Consulting Inc, Ballston Lake, NY, USA
| | - Sikhulile Moyo
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership for HIV Research and Education, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Erik van Widenfelt
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership for HIV Research and Education, Gaborone, Botswana
| | | | - Kenneth McIntosh
- Division of Infectious Disease, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Loeto Mazhani
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Botswana School of Medicine, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Joseph Makhema
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership for HIV Research and Education, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Max Essex
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership for HIV Research and Education, Gaborone, Botswana; Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Roger Shapiro
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership for HIV Research and Education, Gaborone, Botswana; Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Division of Infectious Disease, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.
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10
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Kakuru A, Natureeba P, Muhindo MK, Clark TD, Havlir DV, Cohan D, Dorsey G, Kamya MR, Ruel T. Malaria burden in a birth cohort of HIV-exposed uninfected Ugandan infants living in a high malaria transmission setting. Malar J 2016; 15:500. [PMID: 27756308 PMCID: PMC5070200 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-016-1568-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2016] [Accepted: 10/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background HIV-exposed, uninfected (HEU) infants suffer high morbidity and mortality in the first year of life compared to HIV-unexposed, uninfected (HUU) infants, but accurate data on the contribution of malaria are limited. Methods The incidence of febrile illnesses and malaria were evaluated in a birth cohort of HEU infants. Infants were prescribed daily trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole (TS) prophylaxis from 6 weeks of age until exclusion of HIV-infection after cessation of breastfeeding. Infants were followed for all illnesses using passive surveillance and routine blood smears were done monthly. Malaria was diagnosed as a positive blood smear plus fever. Placental malaria was determined by histopathology, placental blood smear and PCR. Risk factors for time to first episode of malaria were assessed using a Cox proportional hazards model. Malaria incidence among HEU infants aged 6–12 months was compared to that in other cohorts of HEU and HUU infants from the same region. Results Among 361 HEU infants enrolled, 248 completed 12 months of follow-up resulting in 1562 episodes of febrile illness and 253 episodes of malaria after 305 person-years of follow-up. The incidence of febrile illness was 5.12 episodes per person-year (PPY), ranging from 4.13 episodes PPY in the first 4 months of life to 5.71 episodes PPY between 5 and 12 months of age. The overall malaria incidence was 0.83 episodes per person-year (PPY), increasing from 0.03 episodes PPY in the first 2 months of life to 2.00 episodes PPY between 11 and 12 months of age. There were no episodes of complicated malaria. The prevalence of asymptomatic parasitaemia was 1.2 % (19 of 1568 routine smears positive). Infants born to mothers with parasites detected from placental blood smears were at higher risk of malaria (hazard ratio = 4.51, P < 0.001). HEU infants in this study had a 2.4- to 3.5-fold lower incidence of malaria compared to HUU infants in other cohort studies from the same area. Conclusion The burden of malaria in this birth cohort of HEU infants living in a high-transmission setting and taking daily TS prophylaxis was relatively low. Alternative etiologies of fever should be considered in HEU-infants taking daily TS prophylaxis who present with fever. Trial Registration NCT00993031, registered 8 October, 2009
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Affiliation(s)
- Abel Kakuru
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Paul Natureeba
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Mary K Muhindo
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Tamara D Clark
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Diane V Havlir
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Deborah Cohan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Grant Dorsey
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Moses R Kamya
- Department of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Theodore Ruel
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, USA
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11
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Hobbs CV, Anderson C, Neal J, Sahu T, Conteh S, Voza T, Langhorne J, Borkowsky W, Duffy PE. Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole Prophylaxis During Live Malaria Sporozoite Immunization Induces Long-Lived, Homologous, and Heterologous Protective Immunity Against Sporozoite Challenge. J Infect Dis 2016; 215:122-130. [PMID: 28077589 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiw482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 09/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) is widely used in malaria-endemic areas in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected children and HIV-uninfected, HIV-exposed children as opportunistic infection prophylaxis. Despite the known effects that TMP-SMX has in reducing clinical malaria, its impact on development of malaria-specific immunity in these children remains poorly understood. Using rodent malaria models, we previously showed that TMP-SMX, at prophylactic doses, can arrest liver stage development of malaria parasites and speculated that TMP-SMX prophylaxis during repeated malaria exposures would induce protective long-lived sterile immunity targeting pre-erythrocytic stage parasites in mice. Using the same models, we now demonstrate that repeated exposures to malaria parasites during TMP-SMX administration induces stage-specific and long-lived pre-erythrocytic protective anti-malarial immunity, mediated primarily by CD8+ T-cells. Given the HIV infection and malaria coepidemic in sub-Saharan Africa, clinical studies aimed at determining the optimum duration of TMP-SMX prophylaxis in HIV-infected or HIV-exposed children must account for the potential anti-infection immunity effect of TMP-SMX prophylaxis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte V Hobbs
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics.,Department of Microbiology, Batson Children's Hospital, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson.,Division of Infectious Disease and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, New York University School of Medicine
| | - Charles Anderson
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Jillian Neal
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Tejram Sahu
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Solomon Conteh
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Tatiana Voza
- Biological Sciences Department, New York City College of Technology, City University of New York
| | - Jean Langhorne
- Mill Hill Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - William Borkowsky
- Division of Infectious Disease and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, New York University School of Medicine
| | - Patrick E Duffy
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland
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12
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Tchaparian E, Sambol NC, Arinaitwe E, McCormack SA, Bigira V, Wanzira H, Muhindo M, Creek DJ, Sukumar N, Blessborn D, Tappero JW, Kakuru A, Bergqvist Y, Aweeka FT, Parikh S. Population Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Lumefantrine in Young Ugandan Children Treated With Artemether-Lumefantrine for Uncomplicated Malaria. J Infect Dis 2016; 214:1243-51. [PMID: 27471317 PMCID: PMC5034953 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiw338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2016] [Accepted: 07/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of lumefantrine, a component of the most widely used treatment for malaria, artemether-lumefantrine, has not been adequately characterized in young children. Methods. Capillary whole-blood lumefantrine concentration and treatment outcomes were determined in 105 Ugandan children, ages 6 months to 2 years, who were treated for 249 episodes of Plasmodium falciparum malaria with artemether-lumefantrine. Results. Population pharmacokinetics for lumefantrine used a 2-compartment open model with first-order absorption. Age had a significant positive correlation with bioavailability in a model that included allometric scaling. Children not receiving trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole with capillary whole blood concentrations <200 ng/mL had a 3-fold higher hazard of 28-day recurrent parasitemia, compared with those with concentrations >200 ng/mL (P = .0007). However, for children receiving trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, the risk of recurrent parasitemia did not differ significantly on the basis of this threshold. Day 3 concentrations were a stronger predictor of 28-day recurrence than day 7 concentrations. Conclusions. We demonstrate that age, in addition to weight, is a determinant of lumefantrine exposure, and in the absence of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, lumefantrine exposure is a determinant of recurrent parasitemia. Exposure levels in children aged 6 months to 2 years was generally lower than levels published for older children and adults. Further refinement of artemether-lumefantrine dosing to improve exposure in infants and very young children may be warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eskouhie Tchaparian
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California San Francisco
| | - Nancy C Sambol
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California San Francisco
| | | | - Shelley A McCormack
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California San Francisco
| | - Victor Bigira
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Mary Muhindo
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Darren J Creek
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
| | - Nitin Sukumar
- Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut
| | | | - Jordan W Tappero
- Centers for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Abel Kakuru
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | - Sunil Parikh
- Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut
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13
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Slogrove AL, Goetghebuer T, Cotton MF, Singer J, Bettinger JA. Pattern of Infectious Morbidity in HIV-Exposed Uninfected Infants and Children. Front Immunol 2016; 7:164. [PMID: 27199989 PMCID: PMC4858536 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2016.00164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Almost 30% of children in Southern Africa are HIV exposed but uninfected (HEU) and experience exposures that could increase vulnerability to infectious diseases compared to HIV unexposed (HU) children. The mechanisms of HEU infant vulnerability remain ill-defined. This review seeks to appraise the existing clinical evidence of the pattern of HEU infant infectious morbidity to aid understanding of the potential mechanism of susceptibility. Methods A systematic search was conducted of scientific literature databases and conference proceedings up to December 2015 for studies comparing adequately defined HEU (in whom HIV-infection had been excluded through age-appropriate testing) and HU infants for all-cause mortality, all-cause hospitalization, or an infection-related morbidity. The systematic review was complemented by a narrative review of additional studies detailing the pattern of infectious morbidity experienced by HEU children without comparison to HU children or without conclusive exclusion of HIV-infection in HIV-exposed infants. Results Only 3 of 22 eligible identified studies were designed to primarily compare HEU and HU infants for infectious morbidity. Fourteen were conducted prior to 2009 in the context of limited antiretroviral interventions. Three patterns emerge: (1) causes of morbidity and mortality in HEU infants are consistent with the common causes of childhood morbidity and mortality (pneumonia, diarrheal disease, and bacterial sepsis) but occur with greater severity in HEU infants resulting in higher mortality, more frequent hospitalization, and more severe manifestations of disease; (2) the greatest relative difference between HEU and HU infants in morbidity and mortality occurs beyond the neonatal period, during mid-infancy, having waned by the second year of life; and (3) HEU infants are at greater risk than HU infants for invasive streptococcal infections specifically Group B Streptococcus and Streptococcus pneumonia. Conclusion To definitively understand HEU infant infectious morbidity risk, substantially larger prospective studies with appropriate HU infant comparison groups are necessary. HEU children would benefit from collaboration among researchers to achieve the quality of evidence required to improve HEU infant outcomes globally. HEU infant health and well-being, beyond avoiding HIV-infection, deserves a more prominent position in the local and international HIV research agendas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy L Slogrove
- Division of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa; School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Tessa Goetghebuer
- Department of Paediatrics, St Pierre University Hospital, Brussels, Belgium; Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mark F Cotton
- Division of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University , Tygerberg , South Africa
| | - Joel Singer
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia , Vancouver, BC , Canada
| | - Julie A Bettinger
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Vaccine Evaluation Center, BC Children's Hospital, University of British Columbia , Vancouver, BC , Canada
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14
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Jagannathan P, Bowen K, Nankya F, McIntyre TI, Auma A, Wamala S, Sikyomu E, Naluwu K, Nalubega M, Boyle MJ, Farrington LA, Bigira V, Kapisi J, Aweeka F, Greenhouse B, Kamya M, Dorsey G, Feeney ME. Effective Antimalarial Chemoprevention in Childhood Enhances the Quality of CD4+ T Cells and Limits Their Production of Immunoregulatory Interleukin 10. J Infect Dis 2016; 214:329-38. [PMID: 27067196 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiw147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Experimental inoculation of viable Plasmodium falciparum sporozoites administered with chemoprevention targeting blood-stage parasites results in protective immunity. It is unclear whether chemoprevention similarly enhances immunity following natural exposure to malaria. METHODS We assessed P. falciparum-specific T-cell responses among Ugandan children who were randomly assigned to receive monthly dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP; n = 87) or no chemoprevention (n = 90) from 6 to 24 months of age, with pharmacologic assessments for adherence, and then clinically followed for an additional year. RESULTS During the intervention, monthly DP reduced malaria episodes by 55% overall (P < .001) and by 97% among children who were highly adherent to DP (P < .001). In the year after the cessation of chemoprevention, children who were highly adherent to DP had a 55% reduction in malaria incidence as compared to children given no chemoprevention (P = .004). Children randomly assigned to receive DP had higher frequencies of blood-stage specific CD4(+) T cells coproducing interleukin-2 and tumor necrosis factor α (P = .003), which were associated with protection from subsequent clinical malaria and parasitemia, and fewer blood-stage specific CD4(+) T cells coproducing interleukin-10 and interferon γ (P = .001), which were associated with increased risk of malaria. CONCLUSIONS In this setting, effective antimalarial chemoprevention fostered the development of CD4(+) T cells that coproduced interleukin 2 and tumor necrosis factor α and were associated with prospective protection, while limiting CD4(+) T-cell production of the immunoregulatory cytokine IL-10.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Ann Auma
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration
| | | | | | | | | | - Michelle J Boyle
- Department of Medicine, San Francisco General Hospital Center for Biomedical Research, The Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Moses Kamya
- Department of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Grant Dorsey
- Department of Medicine, San Francisco General Hospital
| | - Margaret E Feeney
- Department of Medicine, San Francisco General Hospital Department of Pediatrics, University of California-San Francisco
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15
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Kamuhabwa AA, Manyanga V. Challenges facing effective implementation of co-trimoxazole prophylaxis in children born to HIV-infected mothers in the public health facilities. DRUG HEALTHCARE AND PATIENT SAFETY 2015; 7:147-56. [PMID: 26604825 PMCID: PMC4631415 DOI: 10.2147/dhps.s89115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND If children born to HIV-infected mothers are not identified early, approximately 30% of them will die within the first year of life due to opportunistic infections. In order to prevent morbidity and mortality due to opportunistic infections in children, the World Health Organization recommends the use of prophylaxis using co-trimoxazole. However, the challenges affecting effective implementation of this policy in Tanzania have not been documented. AIM In this study, we assessed the challenges facing the provision of co-trimoxazole prophylaxis among children born to HIV-infected mothers in the public hospitals of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. METHODOLOGY Four hundred and ninety-eight infants' PMTCT (Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV) register books for the past 2 years were reviewed to obtain information regarding the provision of co-trimoxazole prophylaxis. One hundred and twenty-six health care workers were interviewed to identify success stories and challenges in the provision of co-trimoxazole prophylaxis in children. In addition, 321 parents and guardians of children born to HIV-infected mothers were interviewed in the health facilities. RESULTS Approximately 80% of children were initiated with co-trimoxazole prophylaxis within 2 months after birth. Two hundred and ninety-one (58.4%) children started using co-trimoxazole within 4 weeks after birth. Majority (n=458, 91.8%) of the children were prescribed 120 mg of co-trimoxazole per day, whereas 39 (7.8%) received 240 mg per day. Only a small proportion (n=1, 0.2%) of children received 480 mg/day. Dose determination was based on the child's age rather than body weight. Parents and guardians reported that 42 (13.1%) children had missed one or more doses of co-trimoxazole during the course of prophylaxis. The majority of health care workers (89.7%) reported that co-trimoxazole is very effective for the prevention of opportunistic infections among children, but frequent shortage of co-trimoxazole in the health facilities was the main challenge. CONCLUSION Most children who were initiated with co-trimoxazole prophylaxis did not experience significant opportunistic infections, and the drug was well tolerated. The major barrier for co-trimoxazole prophylaxis was due to frequent out-of-stocks of pediatric co-trimoxazole formulations in the health facilities. Dose determination was based on the age rather than the weight of children, thus creating potential for under- or over-dosing of children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Appolinary Ar Kamuhabwa
- Unit of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Vicky Manyanga
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
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