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Hernández-Rosas F, Rey-Barrera M, Conejo-Saucedo U, Orozco-Hernández E, Maza-Sánchez L, Navarro-Vidal E, López-Vera Y, Ascencio-Gordillo MDC, de León-Bautista MP. Monitoring Sexually Transmitted Infections in Cervicovaginal Exfoliative Samples in Mexican Women. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10121618. [PMID: 34959573 PMCID: PMC8703509 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10121618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. Globally, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are a major cause of morbidity in sexually active individuals, having complications in reproduction health and quality of life. In concordance with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), the study aimed to investigate the prevalence of Candida spp., Ureaplasma spp., Trichomonas vaginalis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, HSV, and Mycoplasma spp. from cervicovaginal samples and to correlate them with the gynecological history of the patients. Methods. Our analytical, prospective, and cross-sectional study included 377 women who participated in a reproductive health campaign during 2015–2016. Anthropometric and gynecological variables were obtained. Cervicovaginal specimens were collected and analyzed with a multiplex in-house PCR to detect Candida spp., Ureaplasma spp., Trichomonas vaginalis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, HSV, Mycoplasma spp., and Chlamydia trachomatis. Results. The positive cases were 175/377 (46.4%) to at least one of the microorganisms. The most frequent pathogen detected in this population was Ureaplasma spp. (n = 111, 29.4%), followed by Mycoplasma spp. (n = 56, 14.9%) and Candida spp. (n = 47, 12.5%); 33.7% of the positive cases were single infections, whereas 12.7% had coinfection. The multiplex PCR assay was designed targeting nucleotide sequences. Conclusions. Our data demonstrated that monitoring STIs among asymptomatic patients will encourage target programs to be more precisely and effectively implemented, as well as make these programs more affordable, to benefit society by decreasing the prevalence of STIs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ulises Conejo-Saucedo
- Translational Medicine, Vanguard and Technology Transfer Sector, Human Health Department, Central ADN Laboratories, Morelia 58341, Mexico; (U.C.-S.); (E.O.-H.); (L.M.-S.); (E.N.-V.)
| | - Erika Orozco-Hernández
- Translational Medicine, Vanguard and Technology Transfer Sector, Human Health Department, Central ADN Laboratories, Morelia 58341, Mexico; (U.C.-S.); (E.O.-H.); (L.M.-S.); (E.N.-V.)
| | - Liliana Maza-Sánchez
- Translational Medicine, Vanguard and Technology Transfer Sector, Human Health Department, Central ADN Laboratories, Morelia 58341, Mexico; (U.C.-S.); (E.O.-H.); (L.M.-S.); (E.N.-V.)
| | - Enrique Navarro-Vidal
- Translational Medicine, Vanguard and Technology Transfer Sector, Human Health Department, Central ADN Laboratories, Morelia 58341, Mexico; (U.C.-S.); (E.O.-H.); (L.M.-S.); (E.N.-V.)
| | - Yasmín López-Vera
- Hospital de la Mujer de la Secretaría de Salud de Michoacán, Morelia 58295, Mexico; (Y.L.-V.); (M.d.C.A.-G.)
| | | | - Mercedes Piedad de León-Bautista
- Translational Medicine, Vanguard and Technology Transfer Sector, Human Health Department, Central ADN Laboratories, Morelia 58341, Mexico; (U.C.-S.); (E.O.-H.); (L.M.-S.); (E.N.-V.)
- Escuela de Medicina, Universidad Vasco de Quiroga, Morelia 58090, Mexico
- Correspondence:
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Muwanguzi M, Lugobe HM, Ssemwanga E, Lule AP, Atwiine E, Kirabira V, Stella AK, Ashaba S, Rukundo GZ. Retention in HIV care and associated factors among youths aged 15-24 years in rural southwestern Uganda. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1489. [PMID: 34332556 PMCID: PMC8325848 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11547-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Retention in HIV care contributes to antiretroviral therapy adherence, which is a key factor for improved treatment outcomes and prevention of drug resistance. However, HIV treatment among the youths is characterized by loss to follow up, poor adherence to ART, risk of treatment failure and high mortality rates compared to young children and adults. There is limited information about factors associated with retention of youths in HIV care in rural settings in Uganda. We aimed to determine retention in HIV care and associated factors among youths aged 15-24 years in rural southwestern Uganda. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted among youths aged 15-24 years who were receiving care at the HIV clinic at Kabuyanda HC IV who had been in care for at least 1 year before the study. We used an interviewer-administered questionnaire to collect socio-demographic information. Participant chart abstraction was used to collect information on HIV clinic attendance. We collected information on HIV related stigma using the 40-item Berger Stigma Scale. Chi-square test and multivariable logistic regression analysis were used to determine the factors associated with retention in HIV care with a significance level of < 0.05. Retention in HIV care was, defined as having sought care at least once per quarter in the 12 months prior to the study. RESULTS We enrolled 102 participants with a mean age of 20.95 (SD ± 3.07) years. Two thirds (65.7%) of the youths had been retained in HIV care in the previous 12 months. In adjusted analyses, being male, married and had perinatally acquired HIV were independently associated with retention in HIV care. The association between HIV related stigma and retention in HIV care was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION Retaining adolescents and young adults in HIV care in rural southwestern Uganda is still much lower than the WHO target of 90%. Being male, having perinatally acquired HIV and married or in a relationship are associated with retention in HIV care. Interventions targeting adolescents and young adults living with HIV are necessary to improve retention in HIV care to the WHO target of 90%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moses Muwanguzi
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Henry Mark Lugobe
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara, Uganda.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Elastus Ssemwanga
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Allan Phillip Lule
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Elizabeth Atwiine
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Vincent Kirabira
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Ann K Stella
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Scholastic Ashaba
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara, Uganda.,Department of Psychiatry, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Godfrey Zari Rukundo
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara, Uganda. .,Department of Psychiatry, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda.
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3
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Chitneni P, Bwana MB, Muyindike W, Owembabazi M, Kalyebara PK, Byamukama A, Mbalibulha Y, Smith PM, Hsu KK, Haberer JE, Kaida A, Matthews LT. STI prevalence among men living with HIV engaged in safer conception care in rural, southwestern Uganda. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0246629. [PMID: 33657120 PMCID: PMC7928454 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0246629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV care provides an opportunity to integrate comprehensive sexual and reproductive healthcare, including sexually transmitted infection (STI) management. We describe STI prevalence and correlates among men living with HIV (MLWH) accessing safer conception care to conceive a child with an HIV-uninfected partner while minimizing HIV transmission risks. This study reflects an ongoing safer conception program embedded within a regional referral hospital HIV clinic in southwestern Uganda. We enrolled MLWH, planning for pregnancy with an HIV-uninfected partner and accessing safer conception care. Participants completed interviewer-administered questionnaires detailing socio-demographics, gender dynamics, and sexual history. Participants also completed STI laboratory screening for syphilis (immunochromatographic testing confirmed by rapid plasma reagin), and chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and HIV-RNA via GeneXpert nucleic acid amplification testing. Bivariable associations of STI covariates were assessed using Fisher's exact test. Among the 50 men who completed STI screening, median age was 33 (IQR 31-37) years, 13/50 (26%) had ≥2 sexual partners in the prior three months, and 46/50 (92%) had HIV-RNA <400 copies/mL. Overall, 11/50 (22%) had STIs: 16% active syphilis, 6% chlamydia. All participants initiated STI treatment. STI prevalence was associated with the use of threats/intimidation to coerce partners into sex (27% vs 3%; p = 0.03), although absolute numbers were small. We describe a 22% curable STI prevalence among a priority population at higher risk for transmission to partners and neonates. STI screening and treatment as a part of comprehensive sexual and reproductive healthcare should be integrated into HIV care to maximize the health of men, women, and children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Chitneni
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Division of Infectious Diseases and General Internal Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Global Health Collaborative, Mbarara, Uganda
- * E-mail:
| | - Mwebesa Bosco Bwana
- Global Health Collaborative, Mbarara, Uganda
- Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital and Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Winnie Muyindike
- Global Health Collaborative, Mbarara, Uganda
- Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital and Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | | | - Paul Kato Kalyebara
- Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital and Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Adolf Byamukama
- Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital and Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
- Epicentre, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Yona Mbalibulha
- Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital and Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Patricia M. Smith
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Katherine K. Hsu
- Division of STD Prevention, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Section of Pediatric Infectious Disease, Boston University Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Jessica E. Haberer
- Global Health Collaborative, Mbarara, Uganda
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Angela Kaida
- Global Health Collaborative, Mbarara, Uganda
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Lynn T. Matthews
- Global Health Collaborative, Mbarara, Uganda
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States of America
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4
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Seremba E, Ocama P, Ssekitoleko R, Mayanja-Kizza H, Adams SV, Orem J, Katabira E, Reynolds SJ, Nabatanzi R, Casper C, Phipps W. Immune response to the hepatitis B vaccine among HIV-infected adults in Uganda. Vaccine 2021; 39:1265-1271. [PMID: 33516601 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2021.01.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Co-infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is common in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and can rapidly progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Recent data demonstrate ongoing HBV transmission among HIV-infected adults in SSA, suggesting that complications of HIV/HBV co-infection could be prevented with HBV vaccination. Because HBV vaccine efficacy is poorly understood among HIV-infected persons in SSA, we sought to characterize the humoral response to the HBV vaccine in HIV-seropositive Ugandan adults. METHODS We enrolled HIV-infected adults in Kampala, Uganda without serologic evidence of prior HBV infection. Three HBV vaccine doses were administered at 0, 1 and 6 months. Anti-HBs levels were measured 4 weeks after the third vaccine dose. "Response" to vaccination was defined as anti-HBs levels ≥ 10 IU/L and "high response" as ≥ 100 IU/L. Regression analysis was used to determine predictors of response. RESULTS Of 251 HIV-positive adults screened, 132 (53%) had no prior HBV infection or immunity and were enrolled. Most participants were women [89 (67%)]; median (IQR) age was 32 years (27-41), and 68 (52%) had received antiretroviral therapy (ART) for > 3 months. Median (IQR) CD4 count was 426 (261-583), and 64 (94%) of the 68 receiving ART had undetectable plasma HIV RNA. Overall, 117 (92%) participants seroconverted to the vaccine (anti-HBs ≥ 10 IU/L), with 109 (86%) participants having high-level response (anti-HBs ≥ 100 IU/L). In multivariate analysis, only baseline CD4 > 200 cells/mm3 was associated with response [OR = 6.97 (1.34-34.71), p = 0.02] and high-level response [OR = 4.25 (1.15-15.69)], p = 0.03]. CONCLUSION HBV vaccination was effective in eliciting a protective humoral response, particularly among those with higher CD4 counts. Half of the screened patients did not have immunity to HBV infection, suggesting a large at-risk population for HBV infection among HIV-positive adults in Uganda. Our findings support including HBV vaccination as part of routine care among HIV-positive adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Seremba
- School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - P Ocama
- School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - R Ssekitoleko
- School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - H Mayanja-Kizza
- School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - S V Adams
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - J Orem
- Uganda Cancer Institute, Kampala, Uganda
| | - E Katabira
- School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - S J Reynolds
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, USA; Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - R Nabatanzi
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - C Casper
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA; Infectious Disease Research Institute Seattle, WA, USA; University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - W Phipps
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA; University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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5
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Masanja V, Wafula ST, Ssekamatte T, Isunju JB, Mugambe RK, Van Hal G. Trends and correlates of sexually transmitted infections among sexually active Ugandan female youths: evidence from three demographic and health surveys, 2006-2016. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21:59. [PMID: 33435882 PMCID: PMC7805221 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-020-05732-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Female adolescents and young women have the highest risk of curable sexually transmitted infections (STIs) globally. Data on the prevalence of STIs among young women in Uganda are limited. In this study, we investigated the time trends and correlates of STIs among adolescent girls and young women (15-24 years) in Uganda. METHODS We estimated the percentage of women 15-24 years from three recent consecutive Uganda Demographic and Health Surveys (2006, 2011, and 2016), who reported suffering from genital sores, and or genital discharge or any other varginal complaints acquired after sexual intercourse within 12 months of the studies and examined the changes over time. A pooled multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the correlates of reporting an STI in the last 12 months preceding the study. Svyset command in Stata was used to cater for the survey sample design. RESULTS The pooled self-reported STI prevalence was 26.0%. Among these young women, 22.0, 36.3, and 23.1% reported a sexually transmitted infection in 2006, 2011, and 2016 respectively. Between 2006 and 2011, there was evidence of change (+ 14.3%, p < 0.001) in STI prevalence before a significant reduction (- 12.0%, p< 0.001) in 2016. Youths aged 20-24 years reported a higher STI prevalence (27.3%) compared to young participants (23.6%). Correlates of reporting an STI among rural and urban young women were: having multiple total lifetime partners (adjusted odds ratio (aOR 1.6, 95% CI 1.4-1.6), being sexually active in the last 4 weeks (aOR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1-1.6), and being affiliated to Muslim faith (aOR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1-1.6) or other religions (aOR 1.8, 95% CI 1.1-2.9) as compared to Christian were more likely to report an STI. Living in Northern Uganda compared to living in Kampala city was found protective against STIs (aOR 0.5, 95% CI 0.3-0.7). CONCLUSION The prevalence of STIs was high among female youths, 15-24 years. This highlights the need for a comprehensive STIs screening, surveillance, and treatment programme to potentially reduce the burden of STIs in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronicah Masanja
- Department of Epidemiology and social medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Solomon Tsebeni Wafula
- Department of Epidemiology and social medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Tonny Ssekamatte
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - John Bosco Isunju
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Richard K Mugambe
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Guido Van Hal
- Department of Epidemiology and social medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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6
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Ritchwood TD, Malo V, Jones C, Metzger IW, Atujuna M, Marcus R, Conserve DF, Handler L, Bekker LG. Healthcare retention and clinical outcomes among adolescents living with HIV after transition from pediatric to adult care: a systematic review. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:1195. [PMID: 32746881 PMCID: PMC7398377 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-09312-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Adolescents living with HIV (ALWH) who transition from pediatric to adult care face several challenges that increase their risk of experiencing treatment interruptions and being lost to HIV care with resultant increased morbidity and mortality. To date, few studies have examined their outcomes post-healthcare transition (HCT), precluding the development and dissemination of evidence-based interventions aimed at retaining ALWH in HIV care both during and after HCT. We conducted a systematic review to synthesize the outcomes of ALWH post-HCT to provide suggestions for future directions. Methods We systematically searched several electronic databases through October 2019 using keywords for HIV, HCT and ALWH. We categorized studies by target population, country (i.e., upper-high income and low-middle income), study design (i.e., descriptive, mixed methods, quantitative), outcomes measured, and follow-up period. Results A total of 24 studies met inclusion criteria. Studies were categorized according to the following HCT outcomes: retention in HIV care post-HCT (n = 13), changes in CD4+ count and viral load post-HCT (n = 16), and mortality among ALWH post-HCT (n = 7). Most studies (n = 11) examining retention in HIV care indicated that more than 70% of ALWH were retained in care 1–2 years post-HCT while the remaining studies (n = 2) reported retention rates less than 55%. While studies indicated that CD4+ counts and viral loads tended to worsen during the first few years post-HCT, these differences were often not statistically significant. Among all ALWH who transitioned to adult care, a small proportion died within their first seven years post-HCT. Among qualitative studies, common themes included transition readiness (n = 6), provider-patient relationship in the adult clinic setting (n = 6), and concern about the adult clinic setting (n = 4). Conclusions Transition outcomes were poorest for ALWH with unsuppressed viremia pre-HCT, suggesting that this subgroup of ALWH may need greater support from their treatment teams and caregivers during and post-HCT to improve clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiarney D Ritchwood
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Duke University, 2200 W Main St, Durham, NC, 27705, USA. .,Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Vincenzo Malo
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Cameron Jones
- Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Isha W Metzger
- Department of Psychology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Millicent Atujuna
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Health Sciences Faculty, University of Cape Town, Institute of Infectious Disease, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Rebecca Marcus
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Health Sciences Faculty, University of Cape Town, Institute of Infectious Disease, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Donaldson F Conserve
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Lara Handler
- School of Information and Library Science, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Linda-Gail Bekker
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Health Sciences Faculty, University of Cape Town, Institute of Infectious Disease, Cape Town, South Africa
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7
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Jepkemei KB, Ochwoto M, Swidinsky K, Day J, Gebrebrhan H, McKinnon LR, Andonov A, Oyugi J, Kimani J, Gachara G, Songok EM, Osiowy C. Characterization of occult hepatitis B in high-risk populations in Kenya. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0233727. [PMID: 32463824 PMCID: PMC7255601 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0233727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Occult hepatitis B infection (OBI) is defined as the presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA in the liver or serum in the absence of detectable HBV surface antigen (HBsAg). OBI poses a risk for the development of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The prevalence of OBI in Kenya is unknown, thus a study was undertaken to determine the prevalence and molecular characterization of OBI in Kenyan populations at high risk of HBV infection. Sera from two Nairobi cohorts, 99 male sex workers, primarily having sex with men (MSM-SW), and 13 non-MSM men having HIV-positive partners, as well as 65 HBsAg-negative patients presenting with jaundice at Kenyan medical facilities, were tested for HBV serological markers, including HBV DNA by real-time PCR. Positive DNA samples were sequenced and MSM-SW patients were further tested for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Of the 166 HBsAg-negative samples tested, 31 (18.7%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 13.5–25.3) were HBV DNA positive (i.e., occult), the majority (20/31; 64.5%) of which were HBV core protein antibody positive. HCV infection was not observed in the MSM-SW participants, although the prevalence of HBsAg positivity was 10.1% (10/99; 95% CI 5.6–17.6). HBV genotype A was predominant among study cases, including both HBsAg-positive and OBI participants, although the data suggests a non-African network transmission source among MSM-SW. The high prevalence of HBV infection among MSM-SW in Kenya suggests that screening programmes be instituted among high-risk cohorts to facilitate preventative measures, such as vaccination, and establish entry to treatment and linkage to care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ken Swidinsky
- National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Jacqueline Day
- National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Henok Gebrebrhan
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Lyle R. McKinnon
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
| | - Anton Andonov
- National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Julius Oyugi
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Joshua Kimani
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - George Gachara
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Elijah Maritim Songok
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Carla Osiowy
- National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- * E-mail:
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8
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Black V, Williams BG, Maseko V, Radebe F, Rees HV, Lewis DA. Field evaluation of Standard Diagnostics' Bioline HIV/Syphilis Duo test among female sex workers in Johannesburg, South Africa. Sex Transm Infect 2016; 92:495-498. [PMID: 27154184 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2015-052474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2015] [Revised: 04/10/2016] [Accepted: 04/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Point-of-care tests provide immediate results with the opportunity for same-day interventions with improved public health outcomes. A dual HIV/syphilis test enables early treatment of both diseases. METHODS We conducted a field evaluation of the Standard Diagnostics' SD Bioline HIV/Syphilis Duo test (SD Bioline) among female sex workers. SD Bioline was conducted on finger-prick blood according to manufacturer's instructions and compared with (i) Genscreen HIV1/2 (third generation) and Vironostika Ag/Ab (fourth generation) assays for HIV, and (ii) Treponema pallidum particle agglutination (TPPA) and rapid plasma reagin (RPR) assays for syphilis. A negative TPPA test was considered negative, a TPPA-confirmed RPR titre ≤1:4 as past infection and a TPPA-confirmed RPR titre ≥1:8 as active syphilis. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were calculated. RESULTS Of 263 women recruited, 14 (5.3%) declined an HIV test. Among the remaining 249 women, 187 (75.1%) were HIV positive, 51 (20.5%) had syphilis antibodies with seven (2.8%) active infections. For HIV, the sensitivity and specificity were 98.9% (95% CI 95.8% to 99.8%) and 100% (95% CI 92.7% to 100%). For syphilis, the sensitivity and specificity were 66.7% (95% CI 52.0% to 78.9%) and 98.0% (95% CI 94.5% to 99.3%). Sera with high TPPA titres were more likely to test positive. CONCLUSIONS In field conditions, while the SD Bioline test has high sensitivity and specificity for HIV and high specificity for syphilis, the test has lower sensitivity for syphilis than reported from laboratory evaluations. As the dual test detects only two thirds of syphilis cases, it should only be used in areas with weak screening programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivian Black
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Brian G Williams
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Venessa Maseko
- Centre for HIV and STIs, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Frans Radebe
- Centre for HIV and STIs, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Helen V Rees
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - David A Lewis
- Centre for HIV and STIs, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Western Sydney Sexual Health Centre, Western Sydney Local Health District, Parramatta, Australia
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Nawagi F, Mpimbaza A, Mukisa J, Serwadda P, Kyalema S, Kizza D. Knowledge and practices related to sexually transmitted infections among women of reproductive age living in Katanga slum, Kampala, Uganda. Afr Health Sci 2016; 16:116-22. [PMID: 27358621 DOI: 10.4314/ahs.v16i1.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) still stand as one of the commonest health problems affecting women of reproductive age. The knowledge and practices of STIs, among susceptible populations such as women of reproductive age, living in slums like Katanga in Kampala Uganda need to be established. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study with 339 participants in Katanga slum. Data was collected using an interviewer administered questionnaire, entered and analysed using SPSS version 17.0. Data was summarized using frequencies for categorical data and medians for continuous data. RESULTS Majority of the participants (71.9%) were ≥25years with a mean age of 28.0(SD ±7.0) years. The commonest symptoms known to the participants were genital itching (60%) and genital rash (14.5%). Most mentioned multiple partners (63.7%) and unprotected sex (50.7%) as predisposing factors to STIs. Knowledge on methods of prevention was high (92.3%) however, 18.8% were found positive for STIs using the syndromic approach and 82% mentioned having suffered from STIs in the past 6 months more than once. CONCLUSION Most participants did not know about the systemic effects of STIs to their health and didnot follow the appropriate behavior patterns despite being knowledgeable about the various methods of prevention of STIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faith Nawagi
- Department of Nursing, Makerere University-College of Health Sciences, P. O. Box 7072 Kampala, Uganda
| | - Arthur Mpimbaza
- Child Health Development Centre, Makerere University-College of Health sciences, P. O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - John Mukisa
- School of Medicine, Makerere University-College of Health sciences. P. O. Box 7072 Kampala, Uganda
| | - Patrick Serwadda
- School of Medicine, Makerere University-College of Health sciences. P. O. Box 7072 Kampala, Uganda
| | - Samuel Kyalema
- School of Medicine, Makerere University-College of Health sciences. P. O. Box 7072 Kampala, Uganda
| | - Daniel Kizza
- School of Health Sciences, Makerere University-College of Health sciences, P. O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
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