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George CM, Namunesha A, Felicien W, Endres K, Luo W, Bisimwa L, Williams C, Bisimwa JC, Sanvura P, Perin J, Bengehya J, Maheshe G, Sack DA, Cikomola C, Mwishingo A. Evaluation of a rapid diagnostic test for detection of Vibrio cholerae O1 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: Preventative intervention for cholera for 7 days (PICHA7 program). Trop Med Int Health 2024. [PMID: 38773948 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Globally, there are estimated to be 2.9 million cholera cases annually. Early detection of cholera outbreaks is crucial for resource allocation for case management and for targeted interventions to be delivered to stop the spread of cholera. In resource limited settings such as Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), there is often limited laboratory capacity for analysing stool samples for cholera by bacterial culture. Therefore, rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for cholera present a promising tool to rapidly test stool samples in a health facility setting for cholera. Our objective is to evaluate the Crystal VC O1 RDT for cholera detection compared with bacterial culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for Vibrio cholerae. METHODS From March 2020 to December 2022, stool samples were collected from 644 diarrhoea patients admitted to 94 health facilities in Bukavu in Eastern DRC. Patient stool samples were analysed by Crystal VC O1 RDT for cholera and by bacterial culture and PCR for V. cholerae O1. RESULTS Twenty six percent of diarrhoea patients (166/644) had stool samples positive for cholera by RDT, and 24% (152/644) had stool samples positive for V. cholerae O1 by bacterial culture or PCR. The overall specificity and sensitivity of the Crystal VC O1 RDT by direct testing was 94% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 92%-96%) and 90% (95% CI, 84%-94%), respectively, when compared with either a positive result by bacterial culture or PCR. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that the Crystal VC O1 RDT presents a promising tool for cholera surveillance in this cholera endemic setting in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Marie George
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Alves Namunesha
- Center for Tropical Diseases & Global Health, Université Catholique de Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Willy Felicien
- Center for Tropical Diseases & Global Health, Université Catholique de Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Kelly Endres
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Wensheng Luo
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Lucien Bisimwa
- Center for Tropical Diseases & Global Health, Université Catholique de Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Camille Williams
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jean-Claude Bisimwa
- Center for Tropical Diseases & Global Health, Université Catholique de Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Presence Sanvura
- Center for Tropical Diseases & Global Health, Université Catholique de Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Jamie Perin
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Justin Bengehya
- Bureau de l'Information Sanitaire, Surveillance Epidémiologique et Recherche Scientifique Division, Provinciale de la Santé/Sud Kivu, Ministère de la Santé Publique, Hygiène et Prévention, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Ghislain Maheshe
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Catholique de Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - David A Sack
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Cirhuza Cikomola
- Center for Tropical Diseases & Global Health, Université Catholique de Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Alain Mwishingo
- Center for Tropical Diseases & Global Health, Université Catholique de Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
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Malembaka EB, Bugeme PM, Hutchins C, Xu H, Hulse JD, Demby MN, Gallandat K, Saidi JM, Rumedeka BB, Itongwa M, Tshiwedi-Tsilabia E, Kitoga F, Bodisa-Matamu T, Kavunga-Membo H, Bengehya J, Kulondwa JC, Debes AK, Taty N, Lee EC, Lunguya O, Lessler J, Leung DT, Cumming O, Okitayemba PW, Mukadi-Bamuleka D, Knee J, Azman AS. Effectiveness of one dose of killed oral cholera vaccine in an endemic community in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: a matched case-control study. Lancet Infect Dis 2024; 24:514-522. [PMID: 38246191 PMCID: PMC11043051 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(23)00742-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A global shortage of cholera vaccines has increased the use of single-dose regimens, rather than the standard two-dose regimen. There is sparse evidence on single-dose protection, particularly in children. In 2020, a mass vaccination campaign was conducted in Uvira, an endemic urban setting in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, resulting in largely single-dose coverage. We examined the effectiveness of a single-dose of the oral cholera vaccine Euvichol-Plus in this high-burden setting. METHODS In this matched case-control study, we recruited individuals with medically attended confirmed cholera in the two cholera treatment facilities in the city of Uvira. The control group consisted of age-matched, sex-matched, and neighbourhood-matched community individuals. We recruited across two distinct periods: Oct 14, 2021, to March 10, 2022 (12-17 months after vaccination), and Nov 21, 2022, to Oct 18, 2023 (24-36 months after vaccination). Study staff administered structured questionnaires to all participants to capture demographics, household conditions, potential confounding variables, and vaccination status. The odds of vaccination for the case and control groups were contrasted in conditional logistic regression models to estimate unadjusted and adjusted vaccine effectiveness. FINDINGS We enrolled 658 individuals with confirmed cholera and 2274 matched individuals for the control group. 99 (15·1%) individuals in the case group were younger than 5 years at the time of vaccination. The adjusted single-dose vaccine effectiveness was 52·7% (95% CI 31·4 to 67·4) 12-17 months after vaccination and 44·7% (24·8 to 59·4) 24-36 months after vaccination. Although protection in the first 12-17 months after vaccination was similar for children aged 1-4 years and older individuals, the estimate of protection in children aged 1-4 years appeared to wane during the third year after vaccination (adjusted vaccine effectiveness 32·9%, 95% CI -30·7 to 65·5), with CIs spanning the null. INTERPRETATION A single dose of Euvichol-Plus provided substantial protection against medically attended cholera for at least 36 months after vaccination in this cholera-endemic setting. Although the evidence provides support for similar levels of protection in young children and others in the short term, protection among children younger than 5 years might wane significantly during the third year after vaccination. FUNDING Wellcome Trust and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Espoir Bwenge Malembaka
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Centre for Tropical Diseases and Global Health (CTDGH), Université Catholique de Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Patrick Musole Bugeme
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Centre for Tropical Diseases and Global Health (CTDGH), Université Catholique de Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Chloe Hutchins
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Hanmeng Xu
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Juan Dent Hulse
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Maya N Demby
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Karin Gallandat
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Jaime Mufitini Saidi
- Ministère de la Santé Publique, Hygiène et Prévention, Zone de Santé d'Uvira, Uvira, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | | | | | | | - Faida Kitoga
- Rodolphe Merieux INRB-Goma Laboratory, Goma, North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Tavia Bodisa-Matamu
- Rodolphe Merieux INRB-Goma Laboratory, Goma, North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Hugo Kavunga-Membo
- Rodolphe Merieux INRB-Goma Laboratory, Goma, North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo; Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale, INRB, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Justin Bengehya
- Ministère de la Santé Publique, Hygiène et Prévention, Division Provinciale de la Sante' Publique du Sud-Kivu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Jean-Claude Kulondwa
- Ministère de la Santé Publique, Hygiène et Prévention, Division Provinciale de la Sante' Publique du Sud-Kivu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Amanda K Debes
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nagède Taty
- PNECHOL-MD, Community IMCI, Ministry of Health, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Elizabeth C Lee
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Octavie Lunguya
- Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale, INRB, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo; Service of Microbiology, Department of Medical Biology, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Justin Lessler
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; University of North Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Daniel T Leung
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Division of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Oliver Cumming
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Daniel Mukadi-Bamuleka
- Rodolphe Merieux INRB-Goma Laboratory, Goma, North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo; Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale, INRB, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo; Service of Microbiology, Department of Medical Biology, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Jackie Knee
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Andrew S Azman
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Geneva Centre for Emerging Viral Diseases and Division of Tropical and Humanitarian Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.
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Bugeme PM, Xu H, Hutchins C, Dent J, Saidi JM, Rumedeka BB, Itongwa M, Mashauri JFZ, Masembe Lulela F, Bengehya J, Kulondwa JC, Debes AK, Ciglenecki I, Tshiwedi E, Kitoga F, Bodisa-Matamu T, Nadège T, Kavunga-Membo H, Lunguya O, Welo PO, Knee J, Mukadi-Bamuleka D, Azman AS, Malembaka EB. Cholera Deaths During Outbreaks in Uvira, Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, 10-35 Months After Mass Vaccination. Open Forum Infect Dis 2024; 11:ofae058. [PMID: 38500577 PMCID: PMC10946650 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofae058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Our understanding of the burden and drivers of cholera mortality is hampered by limited surveillance and confirmation capacity. Leveraging enhanced clinical and laboratory surveillance in the cholera-endemic community of Uvira, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, we describe cholera deaths across 3 epidemics between September 2021 and September 2023 following mass vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Musole Bugeme
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Centre for Tropical Diseases and Global Health (CTDGH), Université Catholique de Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Hanmeng Xu
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Chloe Hutchins
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Juan Dent
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jaime Mufitini Saidi
- Zone de Santé d’Uvira, Ministère de la Santé Publique, Hygiène et Prévention, Uvira, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Baron Bashige Rumedeka
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Zone de Santé d’Uvira, Ministère de la Santé Publique, Hygiène et Prévention, Uvira, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | | | | | | | - Justin Bengehya
- Division Provinciale de la Santé Publique du Sud-Kivu, Ministère de la Santé Publique, Hygiène et Prévention, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Jean-Claude Kulondwa
- Division Provinciale de la Santé Publique du Sud-Kivu, Ministère de la Santé Publique, Hygiène et Prévention, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Amanda K Debes
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Iza Ciglenecki
- Medical Department, Médecins Sans Frontières, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Esperance Tshiwedi
- Rodolphe Merieux INRB-Goma Laboratory, Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale (INRB), Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Faida Kitoga
- Rodolphe Merieux INRB-Goma Laboratory, Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale (INRB), Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Tavia Bodisa-Matamu
- Rodolphe Merieux INRB-Goma Laboratory, Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale (INRB), Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Taty Nadège
- Programme National d’Elimination de Choléra et de lutte contre les autres Maladies Diarrhéiques (PNECHOL-MD), Ministère de la Santé Publique, Hygiène et Prévention, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Hugo Kavunga-Membo
- Rodolphe Merieux INRB-Goma Laboratory, Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale (INRB), Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale, INRB, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Octavie Lunguya
- Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale, INRB, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Placide Okitayemba Welo
- Programme National d’Elimination de Choléra et de lutte contre les autres Maladies Diarrhéiques (PNECHOL-MD), Ministère de la Santé Publique, Hygiène et Prévention, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Jackie Knee
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Daniel Mukadi-Bamuleka
- Rodolphe Merieux INRB-Goma Laboratory, Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale (INRB), Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale, INRB, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Andrew S Azman
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Geneva Centre for Emerging Viral Diseases, Geneva University Hospitals (HUG), Geneva, Switzerland
- Division of Tropical and Humanitarian Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals (HUG), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Espoir Bwenge Malembaka
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Centre for Tropical Diseases and Global Health (CTDGH), Université Catholique de Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
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4
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Endres K, Mwishingo A, Thomas E, Boroto R, Ntumba Nyarukanyi W, Bisimwa JC, Sanvura P, Perin J, Bengehya J, Maheshe G, Cikomola C, George CM. A Quantitative and Qualitative Program Evaluation of a Case-Area Targeted Intervention to Reduce Cholera in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2023; 21:27. [PMID: 38248491 PMCID: PMC10815631 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21010027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Individuals living near cholera patients have an increased risk of cholera infections. Case-area targeted interventions (CATIs) promoting improved water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) present a promising approach to reducing cholera for those residing near cholera cases. However, there is limited evidence on the effectiveness and implementation of this approach in increasing WASH behaviors. We conducted a mixed-methods program evaluation in rural and urban eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The quantitative component included household structured observations and spot checks in CATI and control areas to assess WASH conditions and behaviors. The qualitative component included semi-structured interviews with CATI recipients, non-recipients, and implementers to assess CATI implementation. A total of 399 participants were enrolled in the quantitative evaluation conducted within 1 month of CATI delivery. For the qualitative evaluation, 41 semi-structured interviews were conducted, 30 with individuals in CATI areas (recipients and non-recipients) and 11 with CATI implementers. Handwashing with soap was low among both CATI and control area participants (1% vs. 2%, p = 0.89). Significantly more CATI area households (75%) had chlorine tablets present compared to control area households (0%) (p < 0.0001); however, the percentage of households with stored water free chlorine concentrations > 0.2 mg/L was low for both CATI and control area households (11% vs. 6%, p = 0.45). Implementers reported an insufficient supply of soap for distribution to recipients and mistrust in the community of their activities. CATI recipients demonstrated low knowledge of the correct preparation and use of chlorine for water treatment. Recipients also indicated a need for CATI implementers to engage community leaders. As CATIs are part of cholera control plans in many cholera-endemic countries, it is important to evaluate existing programs and develop evidence-based approaches to deliver CATIs that are both tailored to the local context and engage affected communities to increase WASH behaviors to reduce the spread of cholera.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Endres
- Department of International Health, Program in Global Disease Epidemiology and Control, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (K.E.); (E.T.); (J.P.)
| | - Alain Mwishingo
- Center for Tropical Diseases & Global Health, Université Catholique de Bukavu, Bukavu B.P 265, Democratic Republic of the Congo; (A.M.); (R.B.); (W.N.N.); (J.-C.B.); (P.S.); (C.C.)
| | - Elizabeth Thomas
- Department of International Health, Program in Global Disease Epidemiology and Control, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (K.E.); (E.T.); (J.P.)
| | - Raissa Boroto
- Center for Tropical Diseases & Global Health, Université Catholique de Bukavu, Bukavu B.P 265, Democratic Republic of the Congo; (A.M.); (R.B.); (W.N.N.); (J.-C.B.); (P.S.); (C.C.)
| | - Wivine Ntumba Nyarukanyi
- Center for Tropical Diseases & Global Health, Université Catholique de Bukavu, Bukavu B.P 265, Democratic Republic of the Congo; (A.M.); (R.B.); (W.N.N.); (J.-C.B.); (P.S.); (C.C.)
| | - Jean-Claude Bisimwa
- Center for Tropical Diseases & Global Health, Université Catholique de Bukavu, Bukavu B.P 265, Democratic Republic of the Congo; (A.M.); (R.B.); (W.N.N.); (J.-C.B.); (P.S.); (C.C.)
| | - Presence Sanvura
- Center for Tropical Diseases & Global Health, Université Catholique de Bukavu, Bukavu B.P 265, Democratic Republic of the Congo; (A.M.); (R.B.); (W.N.N.); (J.-C.B.); (P.S.); (C.C.)
| | - Jamie Perin
- Department of International Health, Program in Global Disease Epidemiology and Control, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (K.E.); (E.T.); (J.P.)
| | - Justin Bengehya
- Bureau de l’Information Sanitaire, Surveillance Epidémiologique et Recherche Scientifique Division Provinciale de la Santé/Sud Kivu, Ministère de la Santé Publique, Hygiène et Prévention, Bukavu B.P 1899, Democratic Republic of the Congo;
| | - Ghislain Maheshe
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Catholique de Bukavu, Bukavu B.P 265, Democratic Republic of the Congo;
| | - Cirhuza Cikomola
- Center for Tropical Diseases & Global Health, Université Catholique de Bukavu, Bukavu B.P 265, Democratic Republic of the Congo; (A.M.); (R.B.); (W.N.N.); (J.-C.B.); (P.S.); (C.C.)
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Catholique de Bukavu, Bukavu B.P 265, Democratic Republic of the Congo;
| | - Christine Marie George
- Department of International Health, Program in Global Disease Epidemiology and Control, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (K.E.); (E.T.); (J.P.)
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5
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Diarra YM, Wimba PM, Katchunga PB, Bengehya J, Miganda B, Oyimangirwe M, Tshilolo L, Ahuka SM, Iwaz J, Étard JF, Écochard R, Vanhems P, Rabilloud M. Estimating the number of probable new SARS-CoV-2 infections among tested subjects from the number of confirmed cases. BMC Med Res Methodol 2023; 23:272. [PMID: 37978439 PMCID: PMC10655282 DOI: 10.1186/s12874-023-02077-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In most African countries, confirmed COVID-19 case counts underestimate the number of new SARS-CoV-2 infection cases. We propose a multiplying factor to approximate the number of biologically probable new infections from the number of confirmed cases. METHODS Each of the first thousand suspect (or alert) cases recorded in South Kivu (DRC) between 29 March and 29 November 2020 underwent a RT-PCR test and an IgM and IgG serology. A latent class model and a Bayesian inference method were used to estimate (i) the incidence proportion of SARS-CoV-2 infection using RT-PCR and IgM test results, (ii) the prevalence using RT-PCR, IgM and IgG test results; and, (iii) the multiplying factor (ratio of the incidence proportion on the proportion of confirmed -RT-PCR+- cases). RESULTS Among 933 alert cases with complete data, 218 (23%) were RT-PCR+; 434 (47%) IgM+; 464 (~ 50%) RT-PCR+, IgM+, or both; and 647 (69%) either IgG + or IgM+. The incidence proportion of SARS-CoV-2 infection was estimated at 58% (95% credibility interval: 51.8-64), its prevalence at 72.83% (65.68-77.89), and the multiplying factor at 2.42 (1.95-3.01). CONCLUSIONS In monitoring the pandemic dynamics, the number of biologically probable cases is also useful. The multiplying factor helps approximating it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y M Diarra
- Université de Lyon, Lyon, France.
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, France.
- Service de Biostatistique-Bioinformatique, Pôle Santé Publique, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France.
- Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Évolutive, Équipe Biostatistique-Santé, CNRS UMR 5558, Villeurbanne, France.
| | - P M Wimba
- Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, France
- Université Officielle de Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Bukavu, Congo
- Cliniques Universitaires de Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Bukavu, Congo
- Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (CIRI), INSERM U1111-CNRS UMR 5308, Lyon, France
| | - P B Katchunga
- Université Officielle de Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Bukavu, Congo
- Cliniques Universitaires de Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Bukavu, Congo
| | - J Bengehya
- Université Officielle de Mbujimayi (UOM), Mbuji-Mayi, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - B Miganda
- Bureau Information Sanitaire, Division provinciale de la Santé Sud-Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Bukavu, Congo
| | - M Oyimangirwe
- Université Officielle de Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Bukavu, Congo
| | - L Tshilolo
- Université Officielle de Mbujimayi (UOM), Mbuji-Mayi, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - S M Ahuka
- Department of Virology, National Institute for Biomedical Research (INRB), Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kinshasa, Congo
- Service of Microbiology, Department of Medical Biology, Kinshasa teaching School of Medecine, Faculty of Medecine, University of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kinshasa, Congo
| | - J Iwaz
- Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, France
- Service de Biostatistique-Bioinformatique, Pôle Santé Publique, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
- Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Évolutive, Équipe Biostatistique-Santé, CNRS UMR 5558, Villeurbanne, France
| | - J F Étard
- IRD UMI 233, INSERM U1175, Université de Montpellier, Unité TransVIHMI, Montpellier, France
- EpiGreen, Paris, France
| | - R Écochard
- Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, France
- Service de Biostatistique-Bioinformatique, Pôle Santé Publique, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
- Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Évolutive, Équipe Biostatistique-Santé, CNRS UMR 5558, Villeurbanne, France
| | - P Vanhems
- Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, France
- Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Évolutive, Équipe Biostatistique-Santé, CNRS UMR 5558, Villeurbanne, France
- Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (CIRI), INSERM U1111-CNRS UMR 5308, Lyon, France
- Service d'Hygiène Hospitalière, Infectiovigilance et Prévention, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Épidémiologie, Lyon, France
| | - M Rabilloud
- Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, France
- Service de Biostatistique-Bioinformatique, Pôle Santé Publique, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
- Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Évolutive, Équipe Biostatistique-Santé, CNRS UMR 5558, Villeurbanne, France
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Aubourg MA, Bisimwa L, Bisimwa JC, Sanvura P, Williams C, Boroto R, Lunyelunye C, Timsifu J, Munyerenkana B, Endres K, Winch PJ, Bengehya J, Maheshe G, Cikomola C, Mwishingo A, George CM. A Qualitative Evaluation of COVID-19 Preventative Response Activities in South Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:13424. [PMID: 36294005 PMCID: PMC9603344 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192013424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In this evaluation of COVID-19 preventative response programs in South Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), we aimed to explore community understandings of COVID-19, assess operational successes and challenges of COVID response activities, and identify barriers to practicing COVID-19 preventative behaviors. METHODS Thirty-one semi-structured interviews were conducted from April to September 2021 in South Kivu, DRC, with community members (n = 16) and programmatic stakeholders (n = 15) (healthcare providers, government officials, and developmental and NGO staff engaged in COVID-19 response). FINDINGS Most community members were aware of COVID-19 and its global burden, but few were aware of local transmission in their area. Some community members attributed COVID-19 to actions of malevolent neighbors, miasma ("bad air"), or spirits. Awareness of COVID-19 preventative measures was widespread, largely because of radio and TV health promotion programs. Community members and programmatic stakeholders both said community-level non-compliance to COVID-19 preventative measures was high despite high awareness of preventative methods. Community members expressed concern that face masks distributed as part of preventative programs contained the COVID-19 virus. Programmatic stakeholders emphasized the need for broader health system strengthening with improved coordination, provision of resources to health facilities at the provincial level, and prioritization of research. Lessons learned from addressing Ebola were leveraged for COVID-19 health promotion, rapid training of healthcare personnel, and surveillance. CONCLUSIONS Community-informed approaches are needed for effective COVID-19 preventative response programs in South Kivu, DRC. Our study identified successes and challenges in COVID-19 response activities. Future research should assess the effectiveness of integrating preventive programs with COVID-19 vaccination efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew A. Aubourg
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Lucien Bisimwa
- Center for Tropical Diseases & Global Health, Université Catholique de Bukavu, Bukavu B.P 265, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Jean Claude Bisimwa
- Center for Tropical Diseases & Global Health, Université Catholique de Bukavu, Bukavu B.P 265, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Presence Sanvura
- Center for Tropical Diseases & Global Health, Université Catholique de Bukavu, Bukavu B.P 265, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Camille Williams
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Raissa Boroto
- Center for Tropical Diseases & Global Health, Université Catholique de Bukavu, Bukavu B.P 265, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Claude Lunyelunye
- Center for Tropical Diseases & Global Health, Université Catholique de Bukavu, Bukavu B.P 265, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Jessy Timsifu
- Center for Tropical Diseases & Global Health, Université Catholique de Bukavu, Bukavu B.P 265, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Brigitte Munyerenkana
- Center for Tropical Diseases & Global Health, Université Catholique de Bukavu, Bukavu B.P 265, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Kelly Endres
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Peter J. Winch
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Justin Bengehya
- Bureau de l’Information Sanitaire, Surveillance Epidémiologique et Recherche Scientifique, Division Provinciale de la Santé Sud Kivu, Ministère de la Santé, Bukavu B.P 265, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Ghislain Maheshe
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Catholique de Bukavu, Bukavu B.P 265, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Cirhuza Cikomola
- Center for Tropical Diseases & Global Health, Université Catholique de Bukavu, Bukavu B.P 265, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Catholique de Bukavu, Bukavu B.P 265, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Alain Mwishingo
- Center for Tropical Diseases & Global Health, Université Catholique de Bukavu, Bukavu B.P 265, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Christine Marie George
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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George CM, Endres K, Sanvura P, Williams C, Boroto R, Lunyelunye C, Bisimwa JC, Timsifu J, Munyerenkana B, Bengehya J, Maheshe G, Mwishingo A, Cikomola C, Bisimwa L. Methods to Evaluate COVID-19 Preventive Hygiene Programs: Observed Mask Wearing, Handwashing, and Physical Distancing Behaviors in Public Indoor Spaces in Democratic Republic of the Congo. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2022; 107:1083-1090. [PMID: 36191872 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.22-0214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of our study was to develop and test observational methods to evaluate COVID-19 preventive hygiene behaviors and physical distancing, and to evaluate the effectiveness of a government mandate on indoor fully covered mask wearing. An observational study was conducted of 4,736 individuals from April to October 2021 using 5-hour and rapid (10-minute) structured observations and spot checks to evaluate mask-wearing, handwashing, and physical-distancing behaviors, and the functionality of handwashing stations in 161 indoor public spaces across Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Sixteen percent of individuals entering indoor public spaces were wearing a mask that fully covered their nose and mouth (fully covered mask wearing). Fully covered mask wearing was lowest inside schools (1%), universities (2%), religious establishments (22%), and health facility wards (28%). Overall physical distancing of more than 1-m inside indoor public spaces was 22%, and was lowest inside schools and religious establishments (7%). Thirty-nine percent of handwashing stations had water and a cleansing agent present. Ten percent of individuals washed their hands with a cleansing agent before entering an indoor space. Overall, fully covered mask wearing was similar for 5-hour and rapid structured observations (16% versus 15%). The odds of fully covered mask wearing was significantly greater with increased government enforcement of mask wearing in public spaces through fines (odds ratio, 2.72; 95% CI, 1.02-7.30). This study presents rigorous methods using structured observations to assess government mandates and programs on COVID-19 preventive hygiene behaviors in indoor public spaces in settings globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Marie George
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Kelly Endres
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Presence Sanvura
- Center for Tropical Diseases & Global Health, Université Catholique de Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Camille Williams
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Raissa Boroto
- Center for Tropical Diseases & Global Health, Université Catholique de Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Claude Lunyelunye
- Center for Tropical Diseases & Global Health, Université Catholique de Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Jean Claude Bisimwa
- Center for Tropical Diseases & Global Health, Université Catholique de Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Jessy Timsifu
- Center for Tropical Diseases & Global Health, Université Catholique de Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Brigitte Munyerenkana
- Center for Tropical Diseases & Global Health, Université Catholique de Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Justin Bengehya
- Bureau de l'Information Sanitaire, Surveillance Epidémiologique et Recherche Scientifique, Division Provincial de la Santé Sud Kivu, Ministère de la Santé, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Ghislain Maheshe
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Catholique de Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Alain Mwishingo
- Center for Tropical Diseases & Global Health, Université Catholique de Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Cirhuza Cikomola
- Center for Tropical Diseases & Global Health, Université Catholique de Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Lucien Bisimwa
- Center for Tropical Diseases & Global Health, Université Catholique de Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
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Bisimwa L, Williams C, Bisimwa JC, Sanvura P, Endres K, Thomas E, Perin J, Cikomola C, Bengehya J, Maheshe G, Mwishingo A, George CM. Formative Research for the Development of Evidence-Based Targeted Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Interventions to Reduce Cholera in Hotspots in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: Preventative Intervention for Cholera for 7 Days (PICHA7) Program. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:12243. [PMID: 36231546 PMCID: PMC9566157 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Compared to the general public, household members of cholera patients are at a 100 times higher risk of contracting cholera during the 7-day high-risk period after a cholera patient has been admitted to a health facility for treatment. The Preventative-Intervention-for-Cholera-for-7-days (PICHA7) program aims to reduce household transmission of cholera during this 7-day high-risk period through a health facility-initiated water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) program promoting handwashing with soap, water treatment, and safe water storage. The PICHA7 program is delivered to cholera patient households through: (1) a pictorial flipbook delivered by a health promoter; (2) a cholera prevention package (handwashing station, drinking water vessel with lid and tap, and chlorine tablets); and (3) weekly WASH mobile messages sent to patient households in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The objectives of this study were to conduct formative research to identify facilitators and barriers of the promoted WASH behaviors for cholera patient households and to tailor the PICHA7 program to target these facilitators and barriers. Formative research included 93 semi-structured interviews with diarrhea patient households and healthcare workers during exploratory research and a pilot study of 518 participants. Barriers to the promoted WASH behaviors identified during exploratory and pilot study interviews included: (1) low awareness of cholera transmission and prevention; (2) unaffordability of soap for handwashing; and (3) intermittent access to water limiting water for handwashing. For intervention development, narratives of the lived experiences of patient households in our study were presented by health promoters to describe cholera transmission and prevention, and soapy water and ash were promoted in the program flipbook and mobile messages to address the affordability of soap for handwashing. A jerry can was provided to allow for additional water storage, and a tap with a slower flow rate was attached to the handwashing station to reduce the amount of water required for handwashing. The pilot findings indicate that the PICHA7 program has high user acceptability and is feasible to deliver to cholera patients that present at health facilities for treatment in our study setting. Formative research allowed for tailoring this targeted WASH program for cholera patient households in the DRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucien Bisimwa
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205-2103, USA
- Center for Tropical Diseases & Global Health, Université Catholique de Bukavu, Bukavu B.P 265, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Camille Williams
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205-2103, USA
| | - Jean-Claude Bisimwa
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205-2103, USA
- Center for Tropical Diseases & Global Health, Université Catholique de Bukavu, Bukavu B.P 265, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Presence Sanvura
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205-2103, USA
- Center for Tropical Diseases & Global Health, Université Catholique de Bukavu, Bukavu B.P 265, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Kelly Endres
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205-2103, USA
| | - Elizabeth Thomas
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205-2103, USA
| | - Jamie Perin
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205-2103, USA
| | - Cirhuza Cikomola
- Center for Tropical Diseases & Global Health, Université Catholique de Bukavu, Bukavu B.P 265, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Justin Bengehya
- Bureau de l’Information Sanitaire, Surveillance Epidémiologique et Recherche Scientifique Division Provinciale de la Santé/Sud Kivu, Ministère de la Santé Publique, Hygiène et Prévention, Bukavu B.P 265, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Ghislain Maheshe
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Catholique de Bukavu, Bukavu B.P 265, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Alain Mwishingo
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205-2103, USA
- Center for Tropical Diseases & Global Health, Université Catholique de Bukavu, Bukavu B.P 265, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Christine Marie George
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205-2103, USA
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