1
|
Mirieri H, Nduati R, Dawa J, Okutoyi L, Osoro E, Mugo C, Wamalwa D, Jin H, Mwaengo D, Otieno N, Marwanga D, Shabibi M, Munyua P, Kinuthia J, Clancey E, Widdowson MA, Njenga MK, Verani JR, Inwani I. Risk factors of adverse birth outcomes among a cohort of pregnant women in Coastal Kenya, 2017-2019. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2024; 24:127. [PMID: 38347445 PMCID: PMC10860222 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06320-6] [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: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Adverse birth outcomes particularly preterm births and congenital anomalies, are the leading causes of infant mortality globally, and the burden is highest in developing countries. We set out to determine the frequency of adverse birth outcomes and the risk factors associated with such outcomes in a cohort of pregnant women in Kenya. METHODS From October 2017 to July 2019, pregnant women < 28 weeks gestation were enrolled and followed up until delivery in three hospitals in coastal Kenya. Newborns were examined at delivery. Among women with birth outcome data, we assessed the frequency of congenital anomalies defined as gastroschisis, umbilical hernia, limb abnormalities and Trisomy 21, and adverse birth outcomes, defined as either stillbirth, miscarriage, preterm birth, small for gestational age, or microcephaly. We used log-binomial regression to identify maternal characteristics associated with the presence of at least one adverse outcome. RESULTS Among the 2312 women enrolled, 1916 (82.9%) had birth outcome data. Overall, 402/1916 (20.9%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 19.1-22.8) pregnancies had adverse birth outcomes. Specifically, 66/1916 (3.4%; 95% CI: 2.7-4.4) were stillbirths, 34/1916 (1.8%; 95% CI: 1.2-2.4) were miscarriages and 23/1816 (1.2%; 95% CI: 0.8-1.9) had congenital anomalies. Among the participants with anthropometric measurements data, 142/1200 (11.8%; 95% CI: 10.1 - 13.8) were small for gestational age and among the participants with ultrasound records, 143/1711 (8.4%; 95% CI: 7.1-9.8) were preterm. Febrile illnesses in current pregnancy (adjusted risk ratio (aRR): 1.7; 95% CI: 1.1-2.8), a history of poor birth outcomes in prior pregnancy (aRR: 1.8; 95% CI: 1.3-2.4) and high blood pressure in pregnancy (aRR: 3.9, 95% CI: (1.7-9.2) were independently associated with adverse birth outcomes in a model that included age, education, human immunodeficiency virus status and high blood pressure at enrolment. CONCLUSION We found similar rates of overall adverse birth outcomes, congenital anomalies, and small for gestational age but higher rates of stillbirths and lower rates of prematurity compared to the rates that have been reported in the sub-Saharan Africa region. However, the rates of adverse birth outcomes in this study were comparable to other studies conducted in Kenya. Febrile illnesses during the current pregnancy, previous history of poor birth outcomes and high blood pressure in pregnancy are predictive of an increased risk of adverse birth outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Harriet Mirieri
- Washington State University (WSU) Global Health Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - Ruth Nduati
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jeanette Dawa
- Washington State University (WSU) Global Health Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Lydia Okutoyi
- Department of Health Care Quality, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Eric Osoro
- Washington State University (WSU) Global Health Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
- Paul G. Allen School of Global Health, Washington State University (WSU), Pullman, USA
| | - Cyrus Mugo
- Department of Research and Programs, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Dalton Wamalwa
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Hafsa Jin
- Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital, Mombasa, Kenya
| | - Dufton Mwaengo
- University of Nairobi Institute of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Nancy Otieno
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Doris Marwanga
- Washington State University (WSU) Global Health Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Peninah Munyua
- Division of Global Health Protection, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - John Kinuthia
- Department of Research and Programs, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Erin Clancey
- Paul G. Allen School of Global Health, Washington State University (WSU), Pullman, USA
| | - Marc-Alain Widdowson
- Division of Global Health Protection, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Nairobi, Kenya
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - M Kariuki Njenga
- Washington State University (WSU) Global Health Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
- Paul G. Allen School of Global Health, Washington State University (WSU), Pullman, USA
| | - Jennifer R Verani
- Division of Global Health Protection, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Irene Inwani
- Department of Paediatrics, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hunsperger E, Osoro E, Munyua P, Njenga MK, Mirieri H, Kikwai G, Odhiambo D, Dayan M, Omballa V, Agogo GO, Mugo C, Widdowson MA, Inwani I. Seroconversion and seroprevalence of TORCH infections in a pregnant women cohort study, Mombasa, Kenya, 2017-2019. Epidemiol Infect 2024; 152:e68. [PMID: 38305089 PMCID: PMC11077605 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268824000165] [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: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Women infected during pregnancy with TORCH (Toxoplasmosis, Other, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus, and Herpes simplex viruses) pathogens have a higher risk of adverse birth outcomes including stillbirth / miscarriage because of mother-to-child transmission. To investigate these risks in pregnant women in Kenya, we analyzed serum specimens from a pregnancy cohort study at three healthcare facilities. A sample of 481 participants was selected for TORCH pathogen antibody testing to determine seroprevalence. A random selection of 285 from the 481 participants was selected to measure seroconversion. These sera were tested using an IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay against 10 TORCH pathogens. We found that the seroprevalence of all but three of the 10 TORCH pathogens at enrollment was >30%, except for Bordetella pertussis (3.8%), Treponema pallidum (11.4%), and varicella zoster virus (0.5%). Conversely, very few participants seroconverted during their pregnancy and were herpes simplex virus type 2 (n = 24, 11.2%), parvovirus B19 (n = 14, 6.2%), and rubella (n = 12, 5.1%). For birth outcomes, 88% of the participant had live births and 12% had stillbirths or miscarriage. Cytomegalovirus positivity at enrolment had a statistically significant positive association with a live birth outcome (p = 0.0394). Of the 10 TORCH pathogens tested, none had an association with adverse pregnancy outcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Hunsperger
- Division of Global Health Protection, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Eric Osoro
- Washington State University (WSU) Global Health Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
- Paul G. Allen School for Global Health, Washington State University (WSU), Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Peninah Munyua
- Division of Global Health Protection, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - M. Kariuki Njenga
- Washington State University (WSU) Global Health Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
- Paul G. Allen School for Global Health, Washington State University (WSU), Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Harriet Mirieri
- Washington State University (WSU) Global Health Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Gilbert Kikwai
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Center for Global Health Research, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Dennis Odhiambo
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Center for Global Health Research, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Moshe Dayan
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Center for Global Health Research, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Victor Omballa
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Center for Global Health Research, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - George O. Agogo
- Division of Global Health Protection, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Cyrus Mugo
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health/Kenyatta National Hospital, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Marc-Alain Widdowson
- Division of Global Health Protection, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Nairobi, Kenya
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Irene Inwani
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health/Kenyatta National Hospital, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Obiero CW, Gumbi W, Mwakio S, Mwangudzah H, Seale AC, Taniuchi M, Liu J, Houpt E, Berkley JA. Detection of pathogens associated with early-onset neonatal sepsis in cord blood at birth using quantitative PCR. Wellcome Open Res 2022; 7:3. [PMID: 35600002 PMCID: PMC9114825 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.17386.3] [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] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Early onset neonatal sepsis (EONS) typically begins prior to, during or soon after birth and may be rapidly fatal. There is paucity of data on the aetiology of EONS in sub-Saharan Africa due to limited diagnostic capacity in this region, despite the associated significant mortality and long-term neurological impairment. Methods: We compared pathogens detected in cord blood samples between neonates admitted to hospital with possible serious bacterial infection (pSBI) in the first 48 hours of life (cases) and neonates remaining well (controls). Cord blood was systematically collected at Kilifi County Hospital (KCH) from 2011-2016, and later tested for 21 bacterial, viral and protozoal targets using multiplex PCR via TaqMan Array Cards (TAC). Results: Among 603 cases (101 [17%] of whom died), 179 (30%) tested positive for ≥1 target and 37 (6.1%) tested positive for multiple targets. Klebsiella oxytoca, Escherichia coli/Shigella spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Streptococcus pyogenes were commonest. Among 300 controls, 79 (26%) tested positive for ≥1 target, 11 (3.7%) were positive for multiple targets, and K. oxytoca and P. aeruginosa were most common. Cumulative odds ratios across controls: cases (survived): cases (died) were E. coli/Shigella spp. 2.6 (95%CI 1.6-4.4); E. faecalis 4.0 (95%CI 1.1-15); S. agalactiae 4.5 (95%CI 1.6-13); Ureaplasma spp. 2.9 (95%CI 1.3-6.4); Enterovirus 9.1 (95%CI 2.3-37); and Plasmodium spp. 2.9 (95%CI 1.4-6.2). Excluding K. oxytoca and P. aeruginosa as likely contaminants, aetiology was attributed in 9.4% (95%CI 5.1-13) cases using TAC. Leading pathogen attributions by TAC were E. coli/Shigella spp. (3.5% (95%CI 1.7-5.3)) and Ureaplasma spp. (1.7% (95%CI 0.5-3.0)). Conclusions: Cord blood sample may be useful in describing EONS pathogens at birth, but more specific tests are needed for individual diagnosis. Careful sampling of cord blood using aseptic techniques is crucial to minimize contamination. In addition to culturable bacteria, Ureaplasma and Enterovirus were causes of EONS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christina W. Obiero
- Clinical research, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- Global health, Academic Medical Center of the University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wilson Gumbi
- Bioscience department, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Stella Mwakio
- Clinical research, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Hope Mwangudzah
- Clinical research, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Anna C. Seale
- Clinical research, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Mami Taniuchi
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Virginia, USA
| | - Jie Liu
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Virginia, USA
| | - Eric Houpt
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Virginia, USA
| | - James A. Berkley
- Clinical research, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- Centre for Tropical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- The Childhood Acute Illness & Nutrition (CHAIN) Network, Nairobi, Kenya
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Melo NDL, de Sousa DF, Laporta GZ. Microcephaly and Associated Risk Factors in Newborns: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Study. Trop Med Infect Dis 2022; 7:261. [PMID: 36288003 PMCID: PMC9611276 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7100261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Congenital microcephaly is caused by a multitude of drivers affecting maternal−fetal health during pregnancy. It is a rare outcome in high-income industrial countries where microcephaly rates are in the range of 0.3−0.9 per 1000 newborns. Prevalence of microcephaly varies considerably across developing countries and can go as high as 58 cases per 1000 live births in pregnancies exposed to infection by Zika virus (ZIKV). Not only ZIKV-infected pregnancies, but other drivers can modulate the occurrence and severity of this outcome. Here, we sought to test the ZIKV−microcephaly association vs. competing hypotheses using a meta-analysis with 8341 microcephaly cases pooled from 10,250,994 newborns in the Americas, Africa, and Asia. Analysis of risk ratios (RR) showed teratogens the most likely microcephaly-associated risk factor (RR = 3.43; 95%-CI 2.69−4.38; p-value < 0.0001), while the statistical significance of the ZIKV−microcephaly association was marginal (RR = 2.12; 95%-CI 1.01−4.48; p-value = 0.048). Other congenital infections showed strong but variable associations with microcephaly (RR = 15.24; 95%-CI 1.74−133.70; p-value = 0.014). Microcephaly cases were associated with impoverished socioeconomic settings, but this association was statistically non-significant (RR = 2.75; 95%-CI 0.55−13.78; p-value = 0.22). The marginal ZIKV−microcephaly association and statistical significance of the competing hypotheses suggest maternal ZIKV infection might not be a cause of microcephaly alone.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natália de L. Melo
- Graduate Research and Innovation Program, Centro Universitario FMABC, Santo André 09060-870, Brazil
- College of Medicine, Estacio University, Juazeiro 48924-999, Brazil
| | - Danilo F. de Sousa
- College of Nursing, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza 60020-181, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Z. Laporta
- Graduate Research and Innovation Program, Centro Universitario FMABC, Santo André 09060-870, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Osoro E, Inwani I, Mugo C, Hunsperger E, Verani JR, Omballa V, Wamalwa D, Rhee C, Nduati R, Kinuthia J, Jin H, Okutoyi L, Mwaengo D, Maugo B, Otieno NA, Mirieri H, Shabibi M, Munyua P, Njenga MK, Widdowson MA. Prevalence of microcephaly and Zika virus infection in a pregnancy cohort in Kenya, 2017-2019. BMC Med 2022; 20:291. [PMID: 36100910 PMCID: PMC9470235 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-022-02498-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Zika virus (ZIKV), first discovered in Uganda in 1947, re-emerged globally in 2013 and was later associated with microcephaly and other birth defects. We determined the incidence of ZIKV infection and its association with adverse pregnancy and fetal outcomes in a pregnancy cohort in Kenya. METHODS From October 2017 to July 2019, we recruited and followed up women aged ≥ 15 years and ≤ 28 weeks pregnant in three hospitals in coastal Mombasa. Monthly follow-up included risk factor questions and a blood sample collected for ZIKV serology. We collected anthropometric measures (including head circumference), cord blood, venous blood from newborns, and any evidence of birth defects. Microcephaly was defined as a head circumference (HC) < 2 standard deviations (SD) for sex and gestational age. Severe microcephaly was defined as HC < 3 SD for sex and age. We tested sera for anti-ZIKV IgM antibodies using capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and confirmed positives using the plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT90) for ZIKV and for dengue (DENV) on the samples that were ZIKV neutralizing antibody positive. We collected blood and urine from participants reporting fever or rash for ZIKV testing. RESULTS Of 2889 pregnant women screened for eligibility, 2312 (80%) were enrolled. Of 1916 recorded deliveries, 1816 (94.6%) were live births and 100 (5.2%) were either stillbirths or spontaneous abortions (< 22 weeks of gestation). Among 1236 newborns with complete anthropometric measures, 11 (0.9%) had microcephaly and 3 (0.2%) had severe microcephaly. A total of 166 (7.2%) participants were positive for anti-ZIKV IgM, 136 of whom became seropositive during follow-up. Among the 166 anti-ZIKV IgM positive, 3 and 18 participants were further seropositive for ZIKV and DENV neutralizing antibodies, respectively. Of these 3 and 18 pregnant women, one and 13 (72.2%) seroconverted with antibodies to ZIKV and DENV, respectively. All 308 samples (serum and urine samples collected during sick visits and samples that were anti-ZIKV IgM positive) tested by RT-PCR were negative for ZIKV. No adverse pregnancy or neonatal outcomes were reported among the three participants with confirmed ZIKV exposure. Among newborns from pregnant women with DENV exposure, four (22.2%) were small for gestational age and one (5.6%) had microcephaly. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of severe microcephaly among newborns in coastal Kenya was high relative to published estimates from facility-based studies in Europe and Latin America, but little evidence of ZIKV transmission. There is a need for improved surveillance for microcephaly and other congenital malformations in Kenya.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric Osoro
- Washington State University Global Health Kenya, One Padmore Place, George Padmore Road, Off Ngong Road, Nairobi, Kenya. .,Paul G. Allen School of Global Health, Washington State University, Pullman, USA.
| | - Irene Inwani
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health/Kenyatta National Hospital, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Cyrus Mugo
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health/Kenyatta National Hospital, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Elizabeth Hunsperger
- Division of Global Health Protection, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jennifer R Verani
- Division of Global Health Protection, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Victor Omballa
- Center for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Dalton Wamalwa
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health/Kenyatta National Hospital, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Chulwoo Rhee
- Division of Global Health Protection, CentersforDiseaseControlandPrevention, Atlanta, USA
| | - Ruth Nduati
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health/Kenyatta National Hospital, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - John Kinuthia
- Research and Programs Department, Kenyatta National Hospital/University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Hafsa Jin
- Coast General Hospital, Mombasa, Kenya
| | - Lydia Okutoyi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology/Kenyatta National Hospital, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Dufton Mwaengo
- Institute of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Brian Maugo
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health/Kenyatta National Hospital, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Nancy A Otieno
- Center for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Harriet Mirieri
- Washington State University Global Health Kenya, One Padmore Place, George Padmore Road, Off Ngong Road, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Peninah Munyua
- Division of Global Health Protection, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - M Kariuki Njenga
- Washington State University Global Health Kenya, One Padmore Place, George Padmore Road, Off Ngong Road, Nairobi, Kenya.,Paul G. Allen School of Global Health, Washington State University, Pullman, USA
| | - Marc-Alain Widdowson
- Division of Global Health Protection, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya.,Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Obiero CW, Gumbi W, Mwakio S, Mwangudzah H, Seale AC, Taniuchi M, Liu J, Houpt E, Berkley JA. Detection of pathogens associated with early-onset neonatal sepsis in cord blood at birth using quantitative PCR. Wellcome Open Res 2022; 7:3. [PMID: 35600002 PMCID: PMC9114825 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.17386.2] [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] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Early onset neonatal sepsis (EONS) typically begins prior to, during or soon after birth and may be rapidly fatal. There is paucity of data on the aetiology of EONS in sub-Saharan Africa due to limited diagnostic capacity in this region, despite the associated significant mortality and long-term neurological impairment. Methods: We compared pathogens detected in cord blood samples between neonates admitted to hospital with possible serious bacterial infection (pSBI) in the first 48 hours of life (cases) and neonates remaining well (controls). Cord blood was systematically collected at Kilifi County Hospital (KCH) from 2011-2016, and later tested for 21 bacterial, viral and protozoal targets using multiplex PCR via TaqMan Array Cards (TAC). Results: Among 603 cases (101 [17%] of whom died), 179 (30%) tested positive for ≥1 target and 37 (6.1%) tested positive for multiple targets. Klebsiella oxytoca, Escherichia coli/Shigella spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Streptococcus pyogenes were commonest. Among 300 controls, 79 (26%) tested positive for ≥1 target, 11 (3.7%) were positive for multiple targets, and K. oxytoca and P. aeruginosa were most common. Cumulative odds ratios across controls: cases (survived): cases (died) were E. coli/Shigella spp. 2.6 (95%CI 1.6-4.4); E. faecalis 4.0 (95%CI 1.1-15); S. agalactiae 4.5 (95%CI 1.6-13); Ureaplasma spp. 2.9 (95%CI 1.3-6.4); Enterovirus 9.1 (95%CI 2.3-37); and Plasmodium spp. 2.9 (95%CI 1.4-6.2). Excluding K. oxytoca and P. aeruginosa as likely contaminants, aetiology was attributed in 9.4% (95%CI 5.1-13) cases using TAC. Leading pathogen attributions by TAC were E. coli/Shigella spp. (3.5% (95%CI 1.7-5.3)) and Ureaplasma spp. (1.7% (95%CI 0.5-3.0)). Conclusions: Cord blood sample may be useful in describing EONS pathogens at birth, but more specific tests are needed for individual diagnosis. Careful sampling of cord blood using aseptic techniques is crucial to minimize contamination. In addition to culturable bacteria, Ureaplasma and Enterovirus were causes of EONS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christina W. Obiero
- Clinical research, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- Global health, Academic Medical Center of the University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wilson Gumbi
- Bioscience department, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Stella Mwakio
- Clinical research, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Hope Mwangudzah
- Clinical research, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Anna C. Seale
- Clinical research, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Mami Taniuchi
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Virginia, USA
| | - Jie Liu
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Virginia, USA
| | - Eric Houpt
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Virginia, USA
| | - James A. Berkley
- Clinical research, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- Centre for Tropical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- The Childhood Acute Illness & Nutrition (CHAIN) Network, Nairobi, Kenya
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Nyamwaya DK, Otiende M, Mwango L, Kariuki SM, Otieno B, Omuoyo DO, Githinji G, Kitsao BS, Karanja HK, Gitonga JN, de Laurent ZR, Davies A, Mwarumba S, Agoti CN, Thumbi SM, Hamaluba MM, Newton CR, Bejon P, Warimwe GM. Incidence of chikungunya virus infections among Kenyan children with neurological disease, 2014-2018: A cohort study. PLoS Med 2022; 19:e1003994. [PMID: 35550620 PMCID: PMC9135332 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurological complications due to chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection have been described in different parts of the world, with children being disproportionately affected. However, the burden of CHIKV-associated neurological disease in Africa is currently unknown and given the lack of diagnostic facilities in routine care it is possible that CHIKV is an unrecognized etiology among children with encephalitis or other neurological illness. METHODS AND FINDINGS We estimated the incidence of CHIKV infection among children hospitalized with neurological disease in Kilifi County, coastal Kenya. We used reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to systematically test for CHIKV in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from children aged <16 years hospitalized with symptoms of neurological disease at Kilifi County Hospital between January 2014 and December 2018. Clinical records were linked to the Kilifi Health and Demographic Surveillance System and population incidence rates of CHIKV infection estimated. There were 18,341 pediatric admissions for any reason during the 5-year study period, of which 4,332 (24%) had CSF collected. The most common clinical reasons for CSF collection were impaired consciousness, seizures, and coma (47%, 22%, and 21% of all collections, respectively). After acute investigations done for immediate clinical care, CSF samples were available for 3,980 admissions, of which 367 (9.2%) were CHIKV RT-PCR positive. Case fatality among CHIKV-positive children was 1.4% (95% CI 0.4, 3.2). The annual incidence of CHIKV-associated neurological disease varied between 13 to 58 episodes per 100,000 person-years among all children <16 years old. Among children aged <5 years, the incidence of CHIKV-associated neurological disease was 77 per 100,000 person-years, compared with 20 per 100,000 for cerebral malaria and 7 per 100,000 for bacterial meningitis during the study period. Because of incomplete case ascertainment due to children not presenting to hospital, or not having CSF collected, these are likely minimum estimates. Study limitations include reliance on hospital-based surveillance and limited CSF sampling in children in coma or other contraindications to lumbar puncture, both of which lead to under-ascertainment of incidence and of case fatality. CONCLUSIONS In this study, we observed that CHIKV infections are relatively more common than cerebral malaria and bacterial meningitis among children hospitalized with neurological disease in coastal Kenya. Given the wide distribution of CHIKV mosquito vectors, studies to determine the geographic extent of CHIKV-associated neurological disease in Africa are essential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mark Otiende
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Lilian Mwango
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Alun Davies
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | | | - Samuel M. Thumbi
- Paul G Allen School for Global Animal Health, Washington State University, Washington, United States of America
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Center for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis, Institute of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | | | - Philip Bejon
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - George M. Warimwe
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Obiero CW, Gumbi W, Mwakio S, Mwangudzah H, Seale AC, Taniuchi M, Liu J, Houpt E, Berkley JA. Detection of pathogens associated with early-onset neonatal sepsis in cord blood at birth using quantitative PCR. Wellcome Open Res 2022; 7:3. [PMID: 35600002 PMCID: PMC9114825 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.17386.1] [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] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Early onset neonatal sepsis (EONS) typically begins prior to, during or soon after birth and may be rapidly fatal. There is paucity of data on the aetiology of EONS in sub-Saharan Africa due to limited diagnostic capacity in this region, despite the associated significant mortality and long-term neurological impairment. Methods: We compared pathogens detected in cord blood samples between neonates admitted to hospital with possible serious bacterial infection (pSBI) in the first 48 hours of life (cases) and neonates remaining well (controls). Cord blood was systematically collected at Kilifi County Hospital (KCH) from 2011-2016, and later tested for 21 bacterial, viral and protozoal targets using multiplex PCR via TaqMan Array Cards (TAC). Results: Among 603 cases (101 [17%] of whom died), 179 (30%) tested positive for ≥1 target and 37 (6.1%) tested positive for multiple targets. Klebsiella oxytoca, Escherichia coli/Shigella spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Streptococcus pyogenes were commonest. Among 300 controls, 79 (26%) tested positive for ≥1 target, 11 (3.7%) were positive for multiple targets, and K. oxytoca and P. aeruginosa were most common. Cumulative odds ratios across controls: cases (survived): cases (died) were E. coli/Shigella spp. 2.6 (95%CI 1.6-4.4); E. faecalis 4.0 (95%CI 1.1-15); S. agalactiae 4.5 (95%CI 1.6-13); Ureaplasma spp. 2.9 (95%CI 1.3-6.4); Enterovirus 9.1 (95%CI 2.3-37); and Plasmodium spp. 2.9 (95%CI 1.4-6.2). Excluding K. oxytoca and P. aeruginosa as likely contaminants, aetiology was attributed in 9.4% (95%CI 5.1-13) cases using TAC. Leading pathogen attributions by TAC were E. coli/Shigella spp. (3.5% (95%CI 1.7-5.3)) and Ureaplasma spp. (1.7% (95%CI 0.5-3.0)). Conclusions: Cord blood sample may be useful in describing EONS pathogens at birth, but more specific tests are needed for individual diagnosis. Careful sampling of cord blood using aseptic techniques is crucial to minimize contamination. In addition to culturable bacteria, Ureaplasma and Enterovirus were causes of EONS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christina W. Obiero
- Clinical research, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- Global health, Academic Medical Center of the University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wilson Gumbi
- Bioscience department, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Stella Mwakio
- Clinical research, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Hope Mwangudzah
- Clinical research, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Anna C. Seale
- Clinical research, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Mami Taniuchi
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Virginia, USA
| | - Jie Liu
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Virginia, USA
| | - Eric Houpt
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Virginia, USA
| | - James A. Berkley
- Clinical research, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- Centre for Tropical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- The Childhood Acute Illness & Nutrition (CHAIN) Network, Nairobi, Kenya
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Barsosio HC, Gitonga JN, Karanja HK, Nyamwaya DK, Omuoyo DO, Kamau E, Hamaluba MM, Nyiro JU, Kitsao BS, Nyaguara A, Mwakio S, Newton CR, Sang R, Wright D, Sanders EJ, Seale AC, Agoti CN, Berkley JA, Bejon P, Warimwe GM. Congenital microcephaly unrelated to flavivirus exposure in coastal Kenya. Wellcome Open Res 2020; 4:179. [PMID: 32175480 PMCID: PMC7059837 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.15568.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Zika virus (ZIKV) was first discovered in East Africa in 1947. ZIKV has caused microcephaly in the Americas, but it is not known whether ZIKV is a cause of microcephaly in East Africa. Methods: We used surveillance data from 11,061 live births at Kilifi County Hospital in coastal Kenya between January 2012 and October 2016 to identify microcephaly cases and conducted a nested case-control study to determine risk factors for microcephaly. Gestational age at birth was estimated based on antenatal ultrasound scanning ('Scanned cohort') or last menstrual period ('LMP cohort', including births ≥37 weeks' gestation only). Controls were newborns with head circumference Z scores between >-2 and ≤2 SD that were compared to microcephaly cases in relation to ZIKV exposure and other maternal and newborn factors. Results: Of the 11,061 newborns, 214 (1.9%, 95%CI 1.69, 2.21) had microcephaly. Microcephaly prevalence was 1.0% (95%CI 0.64, 1.70, n=1529) and 2.1% (95%CI 1.81, 2.38, n=9532) in the scanned and LMP cohorts, respectively. After excluding babies <2500 g (n=1199) in the LMP cohort the prevalence was 1.1% (95%CI 0.93, 1.39). Microcephaly showed an association with being born small for gestational age (p<0.001) but not with ZIKV neutralising antibodies (p=0.6) or anti-ZIKV NS1 IgM response (p=0.9). No samples had a ZIKV neutralising antibody titre that was at least fourfold higher than the corresponding dengue virus (DENV) titre. No ZIKV or other flavivirus RNA was detected in cord blood from cases or controls. Conclusions: Microcephaly was prevalent in coastal Kenya, but does not appear to be related to ZIKV exposure; the ZIKV response observed in our study population was largely due to cross-reactive responses to DENV or other related flaviviruses. Further research into potential causes and the clinical consequences of microcephaly in this population is urgently needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hellen C Barsosio
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya.,Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - Everlyn Kamau
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | | | - Joyce U Nyiro
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | | | - Amek Nyaguara
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Stella Mwakio
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Charles R Newton
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Daniel Wright
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya.,The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Anna C Seale
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya.,London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - James A Berkley
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya.,Centre for Tropical Medicine & Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Philip Bejon
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya.,Centre for Tropical Medicine & Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - George M Warimwe
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya.,Centre for Tropical Medicine & Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| |
Collapse
|