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56 emner vises.
Malaria Journal, 17.04.2024
Tilføjet 17.04.2024
Abstract Background Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) play a significant role in expanding case management in peripheral healthcare systems. Histidine-rich protein-2 (HRP2) antigen detection RDTs are predominantly used to diagnose Plasmodium falciparum infection. However, the evolution and spread of P. falciparum parasite strains with deleted hrp2/3 genes, causing false-negative results, have been reported. This study assessed the diagnostic performance of HRP2-detecting RDTs for P. falciparum cases and the prevalence of pfhrp2/3 deletions among symptomatic patients seeking malaria diagnosis at selected health facilities in southern Ethiopia. Methods A multi-health facilities-based cross-sectional study was conducted on self-presenting febrile patients seeking treatment in southern Ethiopia from July to September 2022. A purposive sampling strategy was used to enroll patients with microscopically confirmed P. falciparum infections. A capillary blood sample was obtained to prepare a blood film for microscopy and a RDT using the SD Bioline™ Malaria Pf/Pv Test. Dried blood spot samples were collected for further molecular analysis. DNA was extracted using gene aid kits and amplification was performed using nested PCR assay. Exon 2 of hrp2 and hrp3, which are the main protein-coding regions, was used to confirm its deletion. The diagnostic performance of RDT was evaluated using PCR as the gold standard test for P. falciparum infections. Results Of 279 P. falciparum PCR-confirmed samples, 249 (89.2%) had successful msp-2 amplification, which was then genotyped for hrp2/3 gene deletions. The study revealed that pfhrp2/3 deletions were common in all health centres, and it was estimated that 144 patients (57.8%) across all health facilities had pfhrp2/3 deletions, leading to false-negative PfHRP2 RDT results. Deletions spanning exon 2 of hrp2, exon 2 of hrp3, and double deletions (hrp2/3) accounted for 68 (27.3%), 76 (30.5%), and 33 (13.2%) of cases, respectively. The study findings revealed the prevalence of P. falciparum parasites lacking a single pfhrp2-/3-gene and that both genes varied across the study sites. This study also showed that the sensitivity of the SD Bioline PfHRP2-RDT test was 76.5% when PCR was used as the reference test. Conclusion This study confirmed the existence of widespread pfhrp2/3- gene deletions, and their magnitude exceeded the WHO-recommended threshold (> 5%). False-negative RDT results resulting from deletions in Pfhrp2/3- affect a country’s attempts at malaria control and elimination. Therefore, the adoption of non-HRP2-based RDTs as an alternative measure is required to avoid the consequences associated with the continued use of HRP-2-based RDTs, in the study area in particular and in Ethiopia in general.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedAnalía BurgueñoMarta GiovanettiVagner FonsecaNoelia MorelMauricio LimaEmerson CastroNatália R. GuimarãesFelipe C. M. IaniVictoria BormidaMaria Noel CortinasViviana RamasLeticia CoppolaAna I. BentoLeticia FrancoJairo Mendez RicoJosé LourençoLuiz Carlos Junior AlcantaraHector Chiparellia Laboratorio de Virus Emergentes/reemergentes. Unidad de Virología, Departamento de Laboratorios de Salud Pública Montevideo, Uruguayb Department of Sciences and Technologies for Sustainable Development and One Health, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italyc Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazild Climate Amplified Diseases And Epidemics (CLIMADE), Brazile Department of Exact and Earth Sciences, University of the State of Bahia, Salvador, Brazilf Coordenação de Vigilância, Preparação e Resposta à Emergências e Desastres (PHE), Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde / Organização Mundial da Saúde (OPAS/OMS), Brasilia, Brazilg Laboratorio Central de Saúde Pública do Estado de Minas Gerais, Fundação Ezequiel Dias, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazilh Laboratorio de Genómica Departamento de Laboratorios de Salud Pública, Montevideo, Uruguayi Laboratorio de Virus Respiratorios, Unidad de Virología. Departamento de Laboratorios de Salud Pública, Montevideo, Uruguayj Pandemic Prevention Initiative, The Rockefeller Foundation, Washington, DC, USAk Infectious Hazards Management, Health Emergencies Department (PHE), Pan American Health Organization / World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), Washington DC, USAl Faculty of Medicine, Católica Biomedical Research Center, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Lisbon, Portugalm Climate Amplified Diseases and Epidemics (CLIMADE), Portugaln Departamento de Laboratorios de Salud Pública, Unidad de Virología, Montevideo, Uruguay
Emerg Microbes Infect, 16.04.2024
Tilføjet 16.04.2024
Eskild Petersen, Ziad A Memish, David S Hui, Alessandra Scagliarini, Lone Simonsen, Edgar Simulundu, Jennifer Bloodgood, Lucille Blumberg, Shui- Shan Lee, Alimuddin Zumla
International Journal of Infectious Diseases, 16.04.2024
Tilføjet 16.04.2024
Clinical Infectious Diseases, 16.04.2024
Tilføjet 16.04.2024
Abstract Body weight is influenced by an interplay of individual and environmental factors. In people with HIV (PWH), weight is also influenced by disease status with loss accompanying disease progression that is reversed with effective antiretroviral therapy (ART). Weight changes in comparative ART trials differ by regimen, with greater gains observed with the integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) dolutegravir and bictegravir, particularly when co-administered with tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (TAF), compared to regimens that include agents such as tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) that attenuate weight gain. We review weight changes in major randomized trials of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and initial and switch HIV therapy, highlighting the challenges to assessing the role of ART in weight change. This examination forms the basis for a model that questions assumptions regarding an association between INSTI and TAF and excessive weight gain and calls for more careful consideration of these data when making HIV treatment decisions.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedInfection, 13.04.2024
Tilføjet 13.04.2024
Abstract Purpose To evaluate clinical outcomes associated with sotrovimab use during Omicron BA.2 and BA.5 predominance. Methods Electronic databases were searched for observational studies published in peer-reviewed journals, preprint articles and conference abstracts from January 1, 2022 to February 27, 2023. Results The 14 studies identified were heterogeneous in terms of study design, population, endpoints and definitions. They included > 1.7 million high-risk patients with COVID-19, of whom approximately 41,000 received sotrovimab (range n = 20–5979 during BA.2 and n = 76–1383 during BA.5 predominance). Four studies compared the effectiveness of sotrovimab with untreated or no monoclonal antibody treatment controls, two compared sotrovimab with other treatments, and three single-arm studies compared outcomes during BA.2 and/or BA.5 versus BA.1. Five studies descriptively reported rates of clinical outcomes in patients treated with sotrovimab. Rates of COVID-19-related hospitalization or mortality (0.95–4.0% during BA.2; 0.5–2.0% during BA.5) and all-cause mortality (1.7–2.0% during BA.2; 3.4% during combined BA.2 and BA.5 periods) among sotrovimab-treated patients were consistently low. During BA.2, a lower risk of all-cause hospitalization or mortality was reported across studies with sotrovimab versus untreated cohorts. Compared with other treatments, sotrovimab was associated with a lower (molnupiravir) or similar (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir) risk of COVID-19-related hospitalization or mortality during BA.2 and BA.5. There was no significant difference in outcomes between the BA.1, BA.2 and BA.5 periods. Conclusions This systematic literature review suggests continued effectiveness of sotrovimab in preventing severe clinical outcomes during BA.2 and BA.5 predominance, both against active/untreated comparators and compared with BA.1 predominance.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedQirong Lu, Jian Zou, Yingya Ye, Zexin Wang
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 12.04.2024
Tilføjet 12.04.2024
by Qirong Lu, Jian Zou, Yingya Ye, Zexin Wang Spectral collinearity and limited spectral datasets are the problems influencing Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) modeling. To address the first problem and obtain optimal modeling range, the spectra are preprocessed using six methods including Standard Normal Variate, Savitzky-Golay Smoothing Filtering (SG) etc. Subsequently, the 190–350 nm spectral range is divided into 10 subintervals, and Interval Partial Least Squares (IPLS) is used to perform PLS modeling on each interval. The results indicate that it is best modeled in the 7th range (238~253 nm). The values of Mean Square Error (MSE), Mean Absolute Error (MAE) and R2score of the model without pretreatment are 1.6489, 1.0661, and 0.9942. After pretreatment, the SG is better than others, with MSE and MAE decreasing to 1.4727, 1.0318 and R2score improving to 0.9944. Using the optimal model, the predicted COD for three samples are 10.87 mg/L, 14.88 mg/L, and 19.29 mg/L. To address the problem of the small dataset, using Generative Adversarial Networks for data augmentation, three datasets are obtained for Support Vector Machine (SVM) modeling. The results indicate that, compared to the original dataset, the SVM’s MSE and MAE have decreased, while its accuracy has improved by 2.88%, 11.53%, and 11.53%, and the R2score has improved by 18.07%, 17.40%, and 18.74%.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedAlessandra Vergori, Alessandro Cozzi Lepri, Marta Chiuchiarelli, Valentina Mazzotta, Elisabetta Metafuni, Giulia Matusali, Valentina Siciliano, Jessica Paulicelli, Eleonora Alma, Agostina Siniscalchi, Simona Sica, Elisabetta Abruzzese, Massimo Fantoni, Andrea Antinori, Antonella Cingolani
International Journal of Infectious Diseases, 12.04.2024
Tilføjet 12.04.2024
Although the overall mortality during SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variants of concern (VoC) wave might be lower than that seen with other previous VoCs immunocompromised individuals remain at increased the risk of hospitalization and prolonged duration of the infection compared to the general population [1]. Moreover, persons with immunosuppression may experience reduced vaccine immune response with an impaired seroconversion and effectiveness [2]. To address the need to protect these individuals from breakthrough infections and possibly from long-lasting SARS-CoV-2 infections, in December 2021 the combination tixagevimab/cilgavimab (EvusheldTM, AstraZeneca; T/C) received the emergency use authorization (EUA) from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) at the dosage of 150/150 mg in moderate to severely immunocompromised individuals (aged 12 years or older and weighing >40 kg) who could not be vaccinated against COVID-19 or who may have had an inadequate response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedInfection, 11.04.2024
Tilføjet 11.04.2024
Abstract Purpose To evaluate clinical outcomes associated with sotrovimab use during Omicron BA.2 and BA.5 predominance. Methods Electronic databases were searched for observational studies published in peer-reviewed journals, preprint articles and conference abstracts from January 1, 2022 to February 27, 2023. Results The 14 studies identified were heterogeneous in terms of study design, population, endpoints and definitions. They included > 1.7 million high-risk patients with COVID-19, of whom approximately 41,000 received sotrovimab (range n = 20–5979 during BA.2 and n = 76–1383 during BA.5 predominance). Four studies compared the effectiveness of sotrovimab with untreated or no monoclonal antibody treatment controls, two compared sotrovimab with other treatments, and three single-arm studies compared outcomes during BA.2 and/or BA.5 versus BA.1. Five studies descriptively reported rates of clinical outcomes in patients treated with sotrovimab. Rates of COVID-19-related hospitalization or mortality (0.95–4.0% during BA.2; 0.5–2.0% during BA.5) and all-cause mortality (1.7–2.0% during BA.2; 3.4% during combined BA.2 and BA.5 periods) among sotrovimab-treated patients were consistently low. During BA.2, a lower risk of all-cause hospitalization or mortality was reported across studies with sotrovimab versus untreated cohorts. Compared with other treatments, sotrovimab was associated with a lower (molnupiravir) or similar (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir) risk of COVID-19-related hospitalization or mortality during BA.2 and BA.5. There was no significant difference in outcomes between the BA.1, BA.2 and BA.5 periods. Conclusions This systematic literature review suggests continued effectiveness of sotrovimab in preventing severe clinical outcomes during BA.2 and BA.5 predominance, both against active/untreated comparators and compared with BA.1 predominance.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedJournal of Infectious Diseases, 10.04.2024
Tilføjet 10.04.2024
Abstract The association between granulomas and vaccine-derived rubella virus (VDRV) in people with primary immune deficiencies (PID) has raised concerns about the ability of immunoglobulin (IG) preparations to neutralize VDRVs. We investigated the capacity of IG to neutralize rubella vaccine virus and four VDRV strains. As expected, the rubella vaccine virus itself was potently neutralized by IG preparations; however, the VDRV isolates from patients after intra-host evolution, 2-6 times less so. Diagnosis of immune deficiencies before possible live-virus vaccination is thus of critical importance, while IG replacement therapy can be expected to provide protection from rubella virus infection.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedOmatsu, K., Yamashita, A., Inaba, H.
BMJ Open, 9.04.2024
Tilføjet 9.04.2024
ObjectivesTo analyse monthly changes in public access defibrillation (PAD) incidence and outcomes of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) during the 2020–2021 COVID-19 pandemic compared with those during the 2016–2019 prepandemic period with consideration of pandemic-related movement restriction. DesignRetrospective cohort study. SettingAn extended database was created by combining and reconciling the nationwide Utstein-style OHCA and the emergency medical service (EMS) transportation databases in Japan. ParticipantsWe analysed 226 182 EMS-witnessed, non-newborn and out-of-home OHCA cases in Japan. Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe primary outcomes were the PAD incidence and neurologically favourable 1-month survival rate. The secondary outcomes were bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) provision and dispatcher-assisted CPR attempts. ResultsThe proportion of out-of-home OHCA cases slightly decreased during the pandemic (from 33.7% to 31.9%). Although the pandemic was associated with a decreased PAD incidence, 2-year trend analyses by an interaction test showed that the PAD incidence was lower during the first nationwide declaration of a state of emergency (p
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBunting, Samuel R.; Feinstein, Brian A.; Vidyasagar, Nitin; Sheth, Neeral K.; Yu, Roger; Hazra, Aniruddha
Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes, 7.04.2024
Tilføjet 7.04.2024
Background: People living with mental illness (PLMI) experience disproportionately high incidence of and vulnerability to HIV. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective and safe HIV prevention method, but data regarding prescription to PLMI are lacking. Psychiatrists may serve as important points of access for PrEP prescription for PLMI. Methods: We conducted a vignette-based study of residents in psychiatry and family medicine (FM) to assess likelihood of prescribing PrEP and assumptions about the fictional patient. The patients’ psychiatric diagnosis was varied (schizophrenia on LAI or oral antipsychotic, bipolar disorder, major depression) or a control condition without a psychiatric diagnosis. Results: A total of 439 residents participated. We found high percentages of psychiatry (96.8%) and FM (97.4%) residents were aware of PrEP. High percentages of psychiatry (92.0-98.1%) and FM (80.8-100%) residents indicated that PrEP was indicated for all patient conditions. Family medicine residents were more likely to prescribe PrEP to all experimental conditions compared to psychiatry residents. There was no difference in likelihood of prescribing to the control condition without a psychiatric diagnosis. The belief that PrEP prescription was out of the scope of practice was greater among psychiatry residents. Conclusions: A majority of psychiatry residents responded that PrEP was indicated for an array of patients with psychiatric diagnoses. However, psychiatry residents were broadly less likely to prescribe PrEP to patients with these diagnoses. The high percentage of psychiatry residents who reported that PrEP was indicated for all patients suggests additional training is needed to facilitate PrEP prescription by psychiatrists. Copyright © 2024 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 4.04.2024
Tilføjet 4.04.2024
Abstract Background Blood transfusion is associated with exposure to blood Transfusion Transmissible Infection (TTIs). The threat posed by the blood-borne pathogens is disproportionately distributed in different healthcare facilities in Cameroon. Thus, there is a need for continuous surveillance of TTIs in the country. This study aimed to assess the screening procedure for blood transfusion and determine the trend in immunological markers of TTIs among blood donors at the Mamfe District Hospital. Methods A prospective descriptive, cross-sectional and analytical study was conducted at Mamfe District Hospital from March to May 2022. A total of 165 blood donors were recruited by the consecutive sampling method. Donors were screened using both Rapid diagnostic tests,T. pallidum haemagglutination test and indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of TTIs. Data generated was entered into an Excel spreadsheet and analysed using the statistical software R, version 4.2.0. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics of percentages, means ± standard deviation, and student t-test was used to compare both diagnostic techniques, and was considered significant when p
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 4.04.2024
Tilføjet 4.04.2024
Abstract Background Street foods are any foods or drinks prepared or sold by street vendors in an open space. The purpose of this study was to determine the Bacteriological safety and antibiotic resistance patterns of Staphylococcus aureus and Enterobacteriaceae isolated from street foods. Method A laboratory-based cross-sectional study was used from December 2022 to February 2023 on street foods of Addis Ababa, Hawassa, Dire Dawa, and Jimma towns of Ethiopia. 525 street foods and 175 water samples were taken from 175 street food vending stalls. Proportional allocation to the total town population and stratified sampling techniques were used to select vending stalls. Samples were analyzed for the presence of bacteria following the standard microbiological methods used for the isolation, enumeration, and identification of bacteria. Pour plate technique was used to transfer the suspension to MacConkey agar, Mannitol Salt Agar, and Salmonella Shigella Agar. The antibiotic susceptibility test was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. SPSS software was used to analyze the data. Result Out of 525 food samples, 279 (53%) were contaminated by bacteria. From 175 water samples, 95 (54.3%) were contaminated with Escherichia coli. From both samples in total, eleven bacterial species were isolated. Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequently isolated species. Shigella, Klebsiella, and Salmonella group A have statistically significant with the type of food. Erythromycin (54%), Streptomycin (17%), and Amoxicillin (14%) were the most resistant antibiotics. Least resistance was observed to Ciprofloxacin (5%). Conclusion Street foods of the selected towns were highly contaminated with various antibiotic-resistant organisms. Hence, the relevant authorities ought to ensure the proper handling of street food by enforcing safety measures. Additionally, they should initiate a widespread awareness campaign promoting the prudent use of antibiotics among both street food vendors and the broader population.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 3.04.2024
Tilføjet 3.04.2024
Abstract Background Blood transfusion is associated with exposure to blood Transfusion Transmissible Infection (TTIs). The threat posed by the blood-borne pathogens is disproportionately distributed in different healthcare facilities in Cameroon. Thus, there is a need for continuous surveillance of TTIs in the country. This study aimed to assess the screening procedure for blood transfusion and determine the trend in immunological markers of TTIs among blood donors at the Mamfe District Hospital. Methods A prospective descriptive, cross-sectional and analytical study was conducted at Mamfe District Hospital from March to May 2022. A total of 165 blood donors were recruited by the consecutive sampling method. Donors were screened using both Rapid diagnostic tests,T. pallidum haemagglutination test and indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of TTIs. Data generated was entered into an Excel spreadsheet and analysed using the statistical software R, version 4.2.0. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics of percentages, means ± standard deviation, and student t-test was used to compare both diagnostic techniques, and was considered significant when p
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 3.04.2024
Tilføjet 3.04.2024
Abstract Background Street foods are any foods or drinks prepared or sold by street vendors in an open space. The purpose of this study was to determine the Bacteriological safety and antibiotic resistance patterns of Staphylococcus aureus and Enterobacteriaceae isolated from street foods. Method A laboratory-based cross-sectional study was used from December 2022 to February 2023 on street foods of Addis Ababa, Hawassa, Dire Dawa, and Jimma towns of Ethiopia. 525 street foods and 175 water samples were taken from 175 street food vending stalls. Proportional allocation to the total town population and stratified sampling techniques were used to select vending stalls. Samples were analyzed for the presence of bacteria following the standard microbiological methods used for the isolation, enumeration, and identification of bacteria. Pour plate technique was used to transfer the suspension to MacConkey agar, Mannitol Salt Agar, and Salmonella Shigella Agar. The antibiotic susceptibility test was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. SPSS software was used to analyze the data. Result Out of 525 food samples, 279 (53%) were contaminated by bacteria. From 175 water samples, 95 (54.3%) were contaminated with Escherichia coli. From both samples in total, eleven bacterial species were isolated. Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequently isolated species. Shigella, Klebsiella, and Salmonella group A have statistically significant with the type of food. Erythromycin (54%), Streptomycin (17%), and Amoxicillin (14%) were the most resistant antibiotics. Least resistance was observed to Ciprofloxacin (5%). Conclusion Street foods of the selected towns were highly contaminated with various antibiotic-resistant organisms. Hence, the relevant authorities ought to ensure the proper handling of street food by enforcing safety measures. Additionally, they should initiate a widespread awareness campaign promoting the prudent use of antibiotics among both street food vendors and the broader population.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedWijstma, Eline S.; Jongen, Vita W.; Boyd, Anders; van den Elshout, Mark; de Vries, Henry J.C.; Davidovich, Udi; Anderson, Peter L.; Prins, Maria; Hoornenborg, Elske; Schim van der Loeff, Maarten F.
AIDS, 30.03.2024
Tilføjet 30.03.2024
Objective: We assessed the association and concordance between self-reported oral preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) intake in a diary app and intraerythrocytic drug metabolite concentrations. Design: AMPrEP was a prospective demonstration study providing daily and event-driven PrEP to MSM in Amsterdam, the Netherlands (2015–2020). Methods: Participants could record their PrEP intake in a diary app. Dried blood spots (DBS) were taken at 6, 12, 24, and 48 months and analysed for tenofovir diphosphate (TFV-DP) and emtricitabine triphosphate (FTC-TP) concentrations. We included TFV-DP measurements preceded by diary completion on at least 90% of days in the 6 weeks prior. We examined the association between self-reported PrEP intake (i.e. number of pills) and TFV-DP concentrations using tobit regression with a random intercept per participant. We also calculated concordance between categorized PrEP intake (i.e.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedPeter, D., Li, S.-X., Wang, Y., Zhang, J., Grady, J., McDowell, K., Norton, E., Lin, Z., Bernheim, S., Venkatesh, A. K., Fleisher, L. A., Schreiber, M., Suter, L. G., Triche, E. W.
BMJ Open, 30.03.2024
Tilføjet 30.03.2024
ObjectivesThe extent to which care quality influenced outcomes for patients hospitalised with COVID-19 is unknown. Our objective was to determine if prepandemic hospital quality is associated with mortality among Medicare patients hospitalised with COVID-19. DesignThis is a retrospective observational study. We calculated hospital-level risk-standardised in-hospital and 30-day mortality rates (risk-standardised mortality rates, RSMRs) for patients hospitalised with COVID-19, and correlation coefficients between RSMRs and pre-COVID-19 hospital quality, overall and stratified by hospital characteristics. SettingShort-term acute care hospitals and critical access hospitals in the USA. ParticipantsHospitalised Medicare beneficiaries (Fee-For-Service and Medicare Advantage) age 65 and older hospitalised with COVID-19, discharged between 1 April 2020 and 30 September 2021. Intervention/exposurePre-COVID-19 hospital quality. OutcomesRisk-standardised COVID-19 in-hospital and 30-day mortality rates (RSMRs). ResultsIn-hospital (n=4256) RSMRs for Medicare patients hospitalised with COVID-19 (April 2020–September 2021) ranged from 4.5% to 59.9% (median 18.2%; IQR 14.7%–23.7%); 30-day RSMRs ranged from 12.9% to 56.2% (IQR 24.6%–30.6%). COVID-19 RSMRs were negatively correlated with star rating summary scores (in-hospital correlation coefficient –0.41, p
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 30.03.2024
Tilføjet 30.03.2024
Abstract Background Men who have sex with men (MSM) are a key population group disproportionately affected by HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) worldwide. In Rwanda, the HIV epidemic remains a significant public health concern, and understanding the burden of HIV and hepatitis B and C coinfections among MSM is crucial for designing effective prevention and control strategies. This study aims to determine the prevalence of HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C infections among MSM in Rwanda and identify correlates associated with HIV infection within this population. Methods We used respondent-driven sampling (RDS) to recruit participants between November and December 2021. A face-to-face, structured questionnaire was administered. Testing for HIV infection followed the national algorithm using two rapid tests: Alere Combo and STAT PAK as the first and second screening tests, respectively. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HCV tests were performed. All statistics were adjusted for RDS design, and a multivariable logistic regression model was constructed to identify factors associated with HIV infection. Results The prevalence of HIV among MSM was 6·9% (95% CI: 5·5–8·6), and among HIV-positive MSM, 12·9% (95% CI: 5·5–27·3) were recently infected. The prevalence of hepatitis B and C was 4·2% (95% CI: 3·0–5·7) and 0·7% (95% CI: 0·4–1·2), respectively. HIV and hepatitis B virus coinfection was 0·5% (95% CI: 0·2–1·1), whereas HIV and hepatitis C coinfection was 0·1% (95% CI: 0·0–0·5), and no coinfection for all three viruses was observed. MSM groups with an increased risk of HIV infection included those who ever suffered violence or abuse because of having sex with other men (AOR: 3·42; 95% CI: 1·87–6·25), those who refused to answer the question asking about ‘ever been paid money, goods, or services for sex’ (AOR: 10·4; 95% CI: 3·30–32·84), and those not consistently using condoms (AOR: 3·15; 95% CI: 1·31–7·60). Conclusion The findings suggest more targeted prevention and treatment approaches and underscore the importance of addressing structural and behavioral factors contributing to HIV vulnerability, setting interventions to reduce violence and abuse against MSM, promoting safe and consensual sexual practices, and expanding access to HIV prevention tools such as condoms and preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedHareton Teixeira Vechi, Mônica Baumgardt Bay, Cláudio Henrique Silva de Freitas, Júlia Gomes Fernandes Costa de Sant’anna, Carlos Brites, Kenio Costa de Lima
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 28.03.2024
Tilføjet 28.03.2024
by Hareton Teixeira Vechi, Mônica Baumgardt Bay, Cláudio Henrique Silva de Freitas, Júlia Gomes Fernandes Costa de Sant’anna, Carlos Brites, Kenio Costa de Lima Hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection has disproportionately affected more men who have sex with men (MSM), occurring in outbreaks, despite being vaccine-preventable. We determined the prevalence and factors associated with HAV susceptibility among cisgender MSM on HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in Northeastern Brazil. From September 30, 2021 to June 19, 2023, 282 cisgender MSM receiving HIV PrEP were enrolled into this cross-sectional study. Sociodemographic and clinical information were collected. Blood samples were collected for screening of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and serum samples were tested for IgM and total anti-HAV antibodies. Non-reactive results for total anti-HAV antibodies were found in 106 of 282 (37.6%) participants. Factors associated with HAV susceptibility included age
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedNoore Alam Siddiquee, Mohammad Hamiduzzaman, Helen McLaren, Emi Patmisari
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 28.03.2024
Tilføjet 28.03.2024
by Noore Alam Siddiquee, Mohammad Hamiduzzaman, Helen McLaren, Emi Patmisari Background A global catastrophe–the COVID-19 pandemic–appears to have two-dimensional health consequences for older adults: high risk of being infected and psychological distress. There is limited evidence on how the pandemic has impacted the life and coping of older adults who are culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD), women in particular. This study explored the COVID-19 risk perception and coping strategies of older CALD women in South Australia. Methods A mixed-methods research design was employed, involving a 31-items coping and emergency preparation scale for survey and semi-structured interviews with participants. The older CALD women were approached through 11 multicultural NGOs. One hundred and nine women participants from 28 CALD communities completed the online surveys; 25 of them agreed to a telephone interview and provided their contact details. 15 older CALD women ultimately participated in interviews. Results Mean sum-score of dread risk, unknown risk, and fear (M: 43.5; SD: 4.9) indicated that the participants were somewhat anxious and worried. Mean sum-score of coping (M: 79.8; SD: 9.3) reported their compliance with expert advice and disinfection practices but accessing health information (M: 2.8; SD 1.4) and tendency to minimize anxiety (M: 2.1; SD: 1.2) were below neutral. Significant variations were found in coping in terms of age, meaning that the women aged 75 years and older were less likely to cope with the pandemic (P = 0.01). Emergency preparation differed based on the participants’ residence and occupation status. The deductive-inductive thematic analysis of interview data was framed around three priori themes: risks of being affected, emotional and behavioral coping, and emergency preparation and access to services. Conclusions Evidence shows a fear among the older CALD women with an endeavor to cope and prepare for emergency situations. This suggests the requirements for interventions that improve coping and reduce the risk of stress among them.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedClinical Infectious Diseases, 28.03.2024
Tilføjet 28.03.2024
Abstract Introduction A surge of human influenza A(H7N9) cases began in 2016 in China due to an antigenically distinct lineage. Data are needed about the safety and immunogenicity of 2013 and 2017 A(H7N9) inactivated influenza vaccines (IIVs) and the effects of AS03 adjuvant, prime-boost interval, and priming effects of 2013 and 2017 A(H7N9) IIVs.Methods Healthy adults (n=180), ages 19–50 years, were enrolled into this partially-blinded, randomized, multi-center Phase 2 clinical trial. Participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 6 vaccination groups evaluating homologous versus heterologous prime-boost strategies with two different boost intervals (21 versus 120 days) and two dosages (3.75 or 15 μg of hemagglutinin) administered with or without AS03 adjuvant. Reactogenicity, safety, and immunogenicity measured by hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) and neutralizing antibody titers were assessed.Results Two doses of A(H7N9) IIV were well tolerated, and no safety issues were identified. Although most participants had injection site and systemic reactogenicity, these symptoms were mostly mild to moderate in severity; injection site reactogenicity was greater in vaccination groups receiving adjuvant. Immune responses were greater after an adjuvanted second dose, and with a longer interval between prime and boost. The highest HAI GMT (95%CI) observed against the 2017 A(H7N9) strain was 133.4 (83.6, 212.6) among participants who received homologous, adjuvanted 3.75 ug+AS03/2017 doses with delayed boost interval.Conclusions Administering AS03 adjuvant with the second H7N9 IIV dose and extending the boost interval to 4 months resulted in higher peak antibody responses. These observations can broadly inform strategic approaches for pandemic preparedness. (NCT03589807)
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedMohamed, S. F., Kisia, L., Mashiashi, I., Mair, F., Wisdom, J. P., Bunn, C., Gray, C., Kibe, P. M., Sanya, R. E., Karugu, C. H., Mtenga, S. M., Binyaruka, P., Asiki, G.
BMJ Open, 26.03.2024
Tilføjet 26.03.2024
BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic caused disruptions in care that adversely affected the management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) globally. Countries have responded in various ways to support people with NCDs during the pandemic. This study aimed to identify policy gaps, if any, in the management of NCDs, particularly diabetes, during COVID-19 in Kenya and Tanzania to inform recommendations for priority actions for NCD management during any future similar crises. MethodsWe undertook a desk review of pre-existing and newly developed national frameworks, policy models and guidelines for addressing NCDs including type 2 diabetes. This was followed by 13 key informant interviews with stakeholders involved in NCD decision-making: six in Kenya and seven in Tanzania. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the documents. ResultsSeventeen guidance documents were identified (Kenya=10; Tanzania=7). These included pre-existing and/or updated policies/strategic plans, guidelines, a letter, a policy brief and a report. Neither country had comprehensive policies/guidelines to ensure continuity of NCD care before the COVID-19 pandemic. However, efforts were made to update pre-existing documents and several more were developed during the pandemic to guide NCD care. Some measures were put in place during the COVID-19 period to ensure continuity of care for patients with NCDs such as longer supply of medicines. Inadequate attention was given to monitoring and evaluation and implementation issues. ConclusionKenya and Tanzania developed and updated some policies/guidelines to include continuity of care in emergencies. However, there were gaps in the documents and between policy/guideline documents and practice. Health systems need to establish disaster preparedness plans that integrate attention to NCD care to enable them to better handle severe disruptions caused by emergencies such as pandemics. Such guidance needs to include contingency planning to enable adequate resources for NCD care and must also address evaluation of implementation effectiveness.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 24.03.2024
Tilføjet 24.03.2024
Abstract Background Men who have sex with men (MSM) are a key population group disproportionately affected by HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) worldwide. In Rwanda, the HIV epidemic remains a significant public health concern, and understanding the burden of HIV and hepatitis B and C coinfections among MSM is crucial for designing effective prevention and control strategies. This study aims to determine the prevalence of HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C infections among MSM in Rwanda and identify correlates associated with HIV infection within this population. Methods We used respondent-driven sampling (RDS) to recruit participants between November and December 2021. A face-to-face, structured questionnaire was administered. Testing for HIV infection followed the national algorithm using two rapid tests: Alere Combo and STAT PAK as the first and second screening tests, respectively. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HCV tests were performed. All statistics were adjusted for RDS design, and a multivariable logistic regression model was constructed to identify factors associated with HIV infection. Results The prevalence of HIV among MSM was 6·9% (95% CI: 5·5–8·6), and among HIV-positive MSM, 12·9% (95% CI: 5·5–27·3) were recently infected. The prevalence of hepatitis B and C was 4·2% (95% CI: 3·0–5·7) and 0·7% (95% CI: 0·4–1·2), respectively. HIV and hepatitis B virus coinfection was 0·5% (95% CI: 0·2–1·1), whereas HIV and hepatitis C coinfection was 0·1% (95% CI: 0·0–0·5), and no coinfection for all three viruses was observed. MSM groups with an increased risk of HIV infection included those who ever suffered violence or abuse because of having sex with other men (AOR: 3·42; 95% CI: 1·87–6·25), those who refused to answer the question asking about ‘ever been paid money, goods, or services for sex’ (AOR: 10·4; 95% CI: 3·30–32·84), and those not consistently using condoms (AOR: 3·15; 95% CI: 1·31–7·60). Conclusion The findings suggest more targeted prevention and treatment approaches and underscore the importance of addressing structural and behavioral factors contributing to HIV vulnerability, setting interventions to reduce violence and abuse against MSM, promoting safe and consensual sexual practices, and expanding access to HIV prevention tools such as condoms and preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedSharifa Ezat Wan Puteh, Mohd Shafiq Aazmi, Muhammad Nazri Aziz, Noor ‘Adilah Kamarudin, Jamal I-Ching Sam, Ravindran Thayan, Wan Rozita Wan Mahiyuddin, Wan Noraini Wan Mohamed Noor, Adelina Cheong, Clotilde El Guerche-Séblain, Jean Khor, Eva Nabiha Zamri, Jia-Yong Lam, Zamberi Sekawi
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 22.03.2024
Tilføjet 22.03.2024
by Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh, Mohd Shafiq Aazmi, Muhammad Nazri Aziz, Noor ‘Adilah Kamarudin, Jamal I-Ching Sam, Ravindran Thayan, Wan Rozita Wan Mahiyuddin, Wan Noraini Wan Mohamed Noor, Adelina Cheong, Clotilde El Guerche-Séblain, Jean Khor, Eva Nabiha Zamri, Jia-Yong Lam, Zamberi Sekawi Background and objectives While influenza circulates year-round in Malaysia, research data on its incidence is scarce. Yet, this information is vital to the improvement of public health through evidence-based policies. In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to determine the trends and financial costs of influenza. Methods Data for the years 2016 through 2018 were gathered retrospectively from several sources. These were existing Ministry of Health (MOH) influenza sentinel sites data, two teaching hospitals, and two private medical institutions in the Klang Valley, Malaysia. Expert consensus determined the final estimates of burden for laboratory-confirmed influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infection (SARI). Economic burden was estimated separately using secondary data supplemented by MOH casemix costing. Results Altogether, data for 11,652 cases of ILI and 5,764 cases of SARI were extracted. The influenza B subtype was found to be predominant in 2016, while influenza A was more prevalent in 2017 and 2018. The distribution timeline revealed that the highest frequency of cases occurred in March and April of all three years. The costs of influenza amounted to MYR 310.9 million over the full three-year period. Conclusions The study provides valuable insights into the dynamic landscape of influenza in Malaysia. The findings reveal a consistent year-round presence of influenza with irregular seasonal peaks, including a notable influenza A epidemic in 2017 and consistent surges in influenza B incidence during March across three years. These findings underscore the significance of continuous monitoring influenza subtypes for informed healthcare strategies as well as advocate for the integration of influenza vaccination into Malaysia’s national immunization program, enhancing overall pandemic preparedness.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedThe Lancet
Lancet, 22.03.2024
Tilføjet 22.03.2024
The past 5 years in Europe have been characterised by crisis. Long-standing Euroscepticism culminated in the UK\'s exit of the EU in 2020. Europe was unprepared for the COVID-19 pandemic, which pushed even the best health systems to their limits, resulting in the deaths of more than 1·1 million people in the European Union (EU). In 2022, peace in Europe ended abruptly with the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The war has so far killed more than 10 000 Ukrainian civilians, destroyed cities, and sparked mass migration, as well as precipitated an energy crisis across Europe.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedLindsay H. Dewa, Lily Roberts, Elizabeth Choong, Caroline Crandell, Ola Demkowicz, Emma Ashworth, Catia Branquinho, Steph Scott
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 21.03.2024
Tilføjet 21.03.2024
by Lindsay H. Dewa, Lily Roberts, Elizabeth Choong, Caroline Crandell, Ola Demkowicz, Emma Ashworth, Catia Branquinho, Steph Scott Background The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on young people’s (YP) mental health has been mixed. Systematic reviews to date have focused predominantly on quantitative studies and lacked involvement from YP with lived experience of mental health difficulties. Therefore, our primary aim was to conduct a qualitative systematic review to examine the perceived impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on YP’s (aged 10–24) mental health and wellbeing across Europe. Methods and findings We searched MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Embase, Web of Science, MEDRXIV, OSF preprints, Google, and voluntary sector websites for studies published from 1st January 2020 to 15th November 2022. European studies were included if they reported qualitative data that could be extracted on YP’s (aged 10–24) own perspectives of their experiences of Covid-19 and related disruptions to their mental health and wellbeing. Screening, data extraction and appraisal was conducted independently in duplicate by researchers and YP with lived experience of mental health difficulties (co-researchers). Confidence was assessed using the Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative Research (CERQual) approach. We co-produced an adapted narrative thematic synthesis with co-researchers. This study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42021251578. We found 82 publications and included 77 unique studies in our narrative synthesis. Most studies were from the UK (n = 50; 65%); and generated data during the first Covid-19 wave (March-May 2020; n = 33; 43%). Across the 79,491 participants, views, and experiences of YP minoritised by ethnicity and sexual orientation, and from marginalised or vulnerable YP were limited. Five synthesised themes were identified: negative impact of pandemic information and restrictions on wellbeing; education and learning on wellbeing; social connection to prevent loneliness and disconnection; emotional, lifestyle and behavioural changes; and mental health support. YP’s mental health and wellbeing across Europe were reported to have fluctuated during the pandemic. Challenges were similar but coping strategies to manage the impact of these challenges on mental health varied across person, study, and country. Short-term impacts were related to the consequences of changing restrictions on social connection, day-to-day lifestyle, and education set-up. However, YP identified potential issues in these areas going forward, and therefore stressed the importance of ongoing long-term support in education, learning and mental health post-Covid-19. Conclusions Our findings map onto the complex picture seen from quantitative systematic reviews regarding the impact of Covid-19 on YP’s mental health. The comparatively little qualitative data found in our review means there is an urgent need for more high-quality qualitative research outside of the UK and/or about the experiences of minoritised groups to ensure all voices are heard and everyone is getting the support they need following the pandemic. YP’s voices need to be prioritised in decision-making processes on education, self-care strategies, and mental health and wellbeing, to drive impactful, meaningful policy changes in anticipation of a future systemic crisis.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 20.03.2024
Tilføjet 20.03.2024
Abstract Background Dengue fever is a well-studied vector-borne disease in tropical and subtropical areas of the world. Several methods for predicting the occurrence of dengue fever in Taiwan have been proposed. However, to the best of our knowledge, no study has investigated the relationship between air quality indices (AQIs) and dengue fever in Taiwan. Results This study aimed to develop a dengue fever prediction model in which meteorological factors, a vector index, and AQIs were incorporated into different machine learning algorithms. A total of 805 meteorological records from 2013 to 2015 were collected from government open-source data after preprocessing. In addition to well-known dengue-related factors, we investigated the effects of novel variables, including particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedStehlik, P., Dowsett, C., Camacho, X., Falster, M. O., Lim, R., Nasreen, S., Pratt, N. L., Pearson, S.-A., Henry, D.
BMJ Open, 20.03.2024
Tilføjet 20.03.2024
BackgroundEarly evidence on COVID-19 vaccine efficacy came from randomised trials. Many important questions subsequently about vaccine effectiveness (VE) have been addressed using real-world studies (RWS) and have informed most vaccination policies globally. As the questions about VE have evolved during the pandemic so have data, study design, and analytical choices. This scoping review aims to characterise this evolution and provide insights for future pandemic planning—specifically, what kinds of questions are asked at different stages of a pandemic, and what data infrastructure and methods are used? Methods and analysisWe will identify relevant studies in the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health VIEW-hub database, which curates both published and preprint VE RWS identified from PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, the WHO COVID Database, MMWR, Eurosurveillance, medRxiv, bioRxiv, SSRN, Europe PMC, Research Square, Knowledge Hub, and Google. We will include RWS of COVID-19 VE that reported COVID-19-specific or all-cause mortality (coded as ‘death’ in the ‘effectiveness studies’ data set). Information on study characteristics; study context; data sources; design and analytic methods that address confounding will be extracted by single reviewer and checked for accuracy and discussed in a small group setting by methodological and analytic experts. A timeline mapping approach will be used to capture the evolution of this body of literature. By describing the evolution of RWS of VE through the COVID-19 pandemic, we will help identify options for VE studies and inform policy makers on the minimal data and analytic infrastructure needed to support rapid RWS of VE in future pandemics and of healthcare strategies more broadly. Ethics and disseminationAs data is in the public domain, ethical approval is not required. Findings of this study will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and working-papers to policy makers. Registrationhttps://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/ZHDKR
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedJournal of the American Medical Association, 19.03.2024
Tilføjet 19.03.2024
More than a decade after the approval of emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (F/TDF) for HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP), rates of new HIV infections remain high globally, with most occurring among cisgender women, and exceed the United Nations global targets. In the US, rates of PrEP use are substantially low in cisgender women, with disparities by race and ethnicity and across regions. Concerns about the effectiveness of F/TDF and limited PrEP alternatives complicate efforts to increase the use of PrEP in cisgender women.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedJournal of the American Medical Association, 19.03.2024
Tilføjet 19.03.2024
This pooled analysis of postapproval studies examines the association between baseline demographics and other characteristics and PrEP adherence trajectories with HIV incidence in women.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedJournal of the American Medical Association, 19.03.2024
Tilføjet 19.03.2024
The number of registered nurses (RNs) dipped in the US during the COVID-19 pandemic, when more than 25% of nurses said they planned to stop practicing by 2027 because of a combination of burnout from understaffing and lack of control over scheduling, among other factors.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedRathbone, A., Cartwright, N., Cummings, L., Noble, R., Budaiova, K., Ashton, M., Foster, J., Payne, B., Duncan, S.
BMJ Open, 19.03.2024
Tilføjet 19.03.2024
IntroductionYoung people aged 18–24 years old are a key demographic target for eliminating HIV transmission globally. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a prevention medication, reduces HIV transmission. Despite good uptake by gay and bisexual men who have sex with men, hesitancy to use PrEP has been observed in other groups, such as young people and people from ethnic minority backgrounds. The aim of this study was to explore young people’s perceptions and attitudes to using PrEP. DesignA qualitative transcendental phenomenological design was used. Participants and settingA convenience sample of 24 young people aged between 18 and 24 years was recruited from England. MethodsSemistructured interviews and graphical elicitation were used to collect data including questions about current experiences of HIV care, awareness of using PrEP and decision-making about accessing PrEP. Thematic and visual analyses were used to identify findings. ResultsYoung people had good levels of knowledge about HIV but poor understanding of using PrEP. In this information vacuum, negative stigma and stereotypes about HIV and homosexuality were transferred to using PrEP, which were reinforced by cultural norms portrayed on social media, television and film—such as an association between using PrEP and being a promiscuous, white, gay male. In addition, young people from ethnic minority communities appeared to have negative attitudes to PrEP use, compared with ethnic majority counterparts. This meant these young people in our study were unable to make decisions about when and how to use PrEP. ConclusionFindings indicate an information vacuum for young people regarding PrEP. A strength of the study is that theoretical data saturation was reached. A limitation of the study is participants were largely from Northern England, which has low prevalence of HIV. Further work is required to explore the information needs of young people in relation to PrEP.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedClinical Infectious Diseases, 16.03.2024
Tilføjet 16.03.2024
Abstract Background Oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (F/TDF) has high efficacy against HIV-1 acquisition. Seventy-two prospective studies of daily oral F/TDF PrEP were conducted to evaluate HIV-1 incidence, drug resistance, adherence, and bone and renal safety in diverse settings.Methods HIV-1 incidence was calculated from incident HIV-1 diagnoses after PrEP initiation and within 60 days of discontinuation. Tenofovir concentration in dried blood spots (DBS), drug resistance, and bone/renal safety indicators were evaluated in a subset of studies.Results Among 17,274 participants, there were 101 cases with new HIV-1 diagnosis (0.77 per 100 person-years; 95% CI 0.63–0.94). In 78 cases with resistance data, 18 (23%) had M184I or V, one (1.3%) had K65R, and three (3.8%) had both mutations. In 54 cases with tenofovir concentration data from DBS, 45 (83.3%), 2 (3.7%), 6 (11.1%), and 1 (1.9%) had average adherence of
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedInfection, 15.03.2024
Tilføjet 15.03.2024
Abstract Background The Co-FriSero study describes a COVID-19 outbreak at the Friedrichroda hospital in Thuringia, Germany, with 185 beds and 404 employees, at the onset of the pandemic between March 30th, 2020, and April 13th, 2020. This study aimed to analyze potential sources of SARS-CoV-2 transmission amongst hospital employees. Methods After the outbreak, a comprehensive follow-up was conducted through a questionnaire and a seroprevalence study using two different immunoassays for IgG detection and a third for discordant results. Results PCR screenings confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection in 25 of 229 employees, with an additional 7 detected through serology. Statistical analysis indicated that direct patient contact, exposure to high flow ventilation in non-isolated rooms, direct contact with colleagues, shared use of recreational rooms, and carpooling were associated with an increased infection risk. Conversely, contact with family and friends, public transportation, public events, and use of locker rooms were not associated with infection. Male gender showed a lower infection likelihood, independent of age and other risk factors. Conclusion This study highlights the role of direct patient care and internal staff interactions in the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in the hospital setting. It suggests that non-traditional transmission routes like carpooling require consideration in pandemic preparedness.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedSamantha A. Devlin, Amy K. Johnson, Kimberly A. Stanford, Sadia Haider, Jessica P. Ridgway
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 15.03.2024
Tilføjet 15.03.2024
by Samantha A. Devlin, Amy K. Johnson, Kimberly A. Stanford, Sadia Haider, Jessica P. Ridgway Automated algorithms for identifying potential pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) candidates are effective among men, yet often fail to detect cisgender women (hereafter referred to as “women”) who would most benefit from PrEP. The emergency department (ED) is an opportune setting for implementing automated identification of PrEP candidates, but there are logistical and practical challenges at the individual, provider, and system level. In this study, we aimed to understand existing processes for identifying PrEP candidates and to explore determinants for incorporating automated identification of PrEP candidates within the ED, with specific considerations for ciswomen, through a focus group and individual interviews with ED staff. From May to July 2021, we conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with 4 physicians and a focus group with 4 patient advocates working in a high-volume ED in Chicago. Transcripts were coded using Dedoose software and analyzed for common themes. In our exploratory study, we found three major themes: 1) Limited PrEP knowledge among ED staff, particularly regarding its use in women; 2) The ED does not have a standardized process for assessing HIV risk; and 3) Perspectives on and barriers/facilitators to utilizing an automated algorithm for identifying ideal PrEP candidates. Overall, ED staff had minimal understanding of the need for PrEP among women. However, participants recognized the utility of an electronic medical record (EMR)-based automated algorithm to identify PrEP candidates in the ED. Facilitators to an automated algorithm included organizational support/staff buy-in, patient trust, and dedicated support staff for follow-up/referral to PrEP care. Barriers reported by participants included time constraints, hesitancy among providers to prescribe PrEP due to follow-up concerns, and potential biases or oversight resulting from missing or inaccurate information within the EMR. Further research is needed to determine the feasibility and acceptability of an EMR-based predictive HIV risk algorithm within the ED setting.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedInfection, 14.03.2024
Tilføjet 14.03.2024
Abstract Purpose Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) offers several key advantages, including enhanced patient quality of life, reduced healthcare costs, and a potential reduction of nosocomial infections. It is acknowledged for its safety and effectiveness. This study provides the first systematic clinical data for Germany, where OPAT has not yet been widely adopted. The aim is to establish a foundational reference point for further research and integration of OPAT into the German healthcare system. Methods This prospective observational study descriptively analyses data obtained from a cohort of patients receiving OPAT. Both in- and outpatients from all medical specialties could be recruited. Patients administered the anti-infective medications themselves at home using elastomeric pumps. Results 77 patients received OPAT, with a median duration of 15 days and saving 1782 inpatient days. The most frequently treated entities were orthopaedic infections (n = 20, 26%), S. aureus bloodstream infection (n = 16, 21%) and infectious endocarditis (n = 11, 14%). The most frequently applied drugs were flucloxacillin (n = 18, 23%), penicillin G (n = 13, 17%) and ceftriaxone (n = 10; 13%). Only 5% of patients (n = 4) reported to have missed more than one outpatient dose (max. 3 per patient). Only one catheter-related adverse event required medical intervention, and there were no catheter-related infections. Conclusion The study demonstrates that OPAT can be safely conducted in Germany. In preparation for its broader implementation, crucial next steps include creating medical guidelines, fostering interdisciplinary and inter-sectoral communication, as well as creating financial and structural regulations that facilitate and encourage the adoption of OPAT. Trial registration number NCT04002453.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedFriedland, B. A., Mgodi, N. M., Palanee-Phillips, T., Mathur, S., Plagianos, M. G., Bruce, I. V., Lansiaux, M., Murombedzi, C., Musara, P., Dandadzi, A., Reddy, K., Ndlovu, N., Zulu, S. K., Shale, L. R., Zieman, B., Haddad, L. B.
BMJ Open, 13.03.2024
Tilføjet 13.03.2024
IntroductionOral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a highly effective HIV prevention method; however, uptake and persistence have been low among southern African women. A dual prevention pill (DPP) that combines PrEP with oral contraception (OC) may increase PrEP use and better meet women’s sexual and reproductive health needs. We will gauge the DPP’s acceptability in two cross-over clinical trials. Methods and analysisPC952 (Zimbabwe) and PC953 (South Africa) will compare acceptability, adherence and preference for an over-encapsulated DPP versus PrEP and OCs taken separately. HIV-negative, non-pregnant cisgender females in Johannesburg, South Africa (n=96, 16–40 years) and Harare, Zimbabwe (n=30, 16–24 years) will be randomised 1:1 to the order of regimens—DPP or two separate tablets—each used for three 28-day cycles, followed by a 6-month choice period in South Africa. Monthly clinic visits include HIV and pregnancy testing; safety assessments and risk reduction and adherence counselling. We will assess adherence (monthly) based on tenofovir diphosphate drug levels in dried blood spots and by self-report. We will evaluate acceptability (monthly) and preference (end of cross-over) via computer-assisted self-interviewing and in-depth interviews with a subset of participants. Data collection started in September 2022 and ended in January 2024. Ethics and disseminationPC952 was approved by the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Medical Research Council, Research Council and Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe; the Chitungwiza City Health Ethics Committee; and the Joint Research Ethics Committee for the University of Zimbabwe Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences and Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals. PC953 was approved by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority and the University of the Witwatersrand’s Human Research Ethics Committee. The Population Council IRB approved both studies. We will disseminate results in open-access journals, clinical trials registries, and at local and international meetings and conferences. Trial registration numbersNCT04778514, NCT04778527.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedPeter BagerJonas KählerMikael AnderssonBarbara Juliane HolzknechtSanne Grønvall Kjær HansenKristian SchønningKaren Leth NielsenKristoffer KochMette PinholtMarianne VoldstedlundAnders Rhod LarsenBrian KristensenKåre MølbakUte Wolff SönksenSissel SkovgaardRobert SkovAnette M. Hammeruma Department of Epidemiology Research, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmarkb Department of Dataintegration and -Analysis, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmarkc Department of Clinical Microbiology, Copenhagen University Hospital – Herlev and Gentofte, Herlev, Denmarkd Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmarke Department of Clinical Microbiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmarkf Department of Clinical Microbiology, Copenhagen University Hospital – Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmarkg Department of Clinical Microbiology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmarkh Department of Clinical Microbiology, Copenhagen University Hospital – Amager and Hvidovre, Copenhagen, Denmarki Division of Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmarkj National Reference Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmarkk Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Prevention, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmarkl Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Copenhagen, Denmarkm Department of Bacteria, Parasites, and Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
Emerg Microbes Infect, 12.03.2024
Tilføjet 12.03.2024
Gonzalez Bravo, C., Sabree, S. A., Dukes, K., Adeagbo, M. J., Edwards, S., Wainwright, K., Schaeffer, S. E., Villa, A., Wilks, A. D., Carvour, M. L.
BMJ Open, 9.03.2024
Tilføjet 9.03.2024
ObjectivesTo understand patients’ experiences with diabetes care during the COVID-19 pandemic, with an emphasis on rural, medically underserved, and/or minoritised racial and ethnic groups in the Midwestern USA. DesignCommunity-engaged, semi-structured interviews were conducted by medical student researchers trained in qualitative interviewing. Transcripts were prepared and coded in the language in which the interview was conducted (English or Spanish). Thematic analysis was conducted, and data saturation was achieved. SettingThe study was conducted in communities in Eastern and Western Iowa. ParticipantsAdults with diabetes (n=20) who were fluent in conversational English or Spanish were interviewed. One-third of participants were residents of areas designated as federal primary healthcare professional shortage areas and/or medically underserved areas, and more than half were recruited from medical clinics that offer care at no cost. ResultsThemes across both English and Spanish transcripts included: (1) perspectives of diabetes, care providers and care management; (2) challenges and barriers affecting diabetes care; and (3) participant feedback and recommendations. Participants reported major constraints related to provider availability, costs of care, access to nutrition counselling and mental health concerns associated with diabetes care during the pandemic. Participants also reported a lack of shared decision-making regarding some aspects of care, including amputation. Finally, participants recognised systems-level challenges that affected both patients and providers and expressed a preference for proactive collaboration with healthcare teams. ConclusionsThese findings support enhanced engagement of rural, medically underserved and minoritised groups as stakeholders in diabetes care, diabetes research and diabetes provider education.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedCurtis, E., Jaung, R., Paine, S.-J., McLeod, M., Tamatea, J., Atkinson, J., Jiang, Y., Robson, B., Reid, P., Harris, R. B.
BMJ Open, 9.03.2024
Tilføjet 9.03.2024
IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has had both direct and indirect impacts on the health of populations worldwide. While racial/ethnic health inequities in COVID-19 infection are now well known (and ongoing), knowledge about the impact of COVID-19 pandemic management on non-COVID-19-related outcomes for Indigenous peoples is less well understood. This article presents the study protocol for the Health Research Council of New Zealand funded project ‘Mā te Mōhio ka Mārama: Impact of COVID-19 on Māori:non-Māori inequities’. The study aims to explore changes in access to healthcare, quality of healthcare and health outcomes for Māori, the Indigenous peoples of Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) and non-Māori during the COVID-19 outbreak period across NZ. Methods and analysisThis observational study is framed within a Kaupapa Māori research positioning that includes Kaupapa Māori epidemiology. National datasets will be used to report on access to healthcare, quality of healthcare and health outcomes between Māori and non-Māori during the COVID-19 pandemic in NZ. Study periods are defined as (a) prepandemic period (2015–2019), (b) first pandemic year without COVID-19 vaccines (2020) and (c) pandemic period with COVID-19 vaccines (2021 onwards). Regional and national differences between Māori and non-Māori will be explored in two phases focused on identified health priority areas for NZ including (1) mortality, cancer, long-term conditions, first 1000 days, mental health and (2) rheumatic fever. Ethics and disseminationThis study has ethical approval from the Auckland Health Research Ethics Committee (AHREC AH26253). An advisory group will work with the project team to disseminate the findings of this project via project-specific meetings, peer-reviewed publications and a project-specific website. The overall intention of the project is to highlight areas requiring health policy and practice interventions to address Indigenous inequities in health resulting from COVID-19 pandemic management (both historical and in the future).
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedPuoza Deo Gracious, Jerry Armah, Edward Appiah Boateng, Victoria Bam, Veronica Dzomeku, Joana Kyei-Dompim, Ampem Darko Oklodu-Abbey, Abigail Kusi Amponsah
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 8.03.2024
Tilføjet 8.03.2024
by Puoza Deo Gracious, Jerry Armah, Edward Appiah Boateng, Victoria Bam, Veronica Dzomeku, Joana Kyei-Dompim, Ampem Darko Oklodu-Abbey, Abigail Kusi Amponsah Background The COVID-19 pandemic caused several higher educational institutions to switch from traditional face-to-face to virtual learning medium. This abrupt shift came with new expectations, experiences and challenges to nursing/ midwifery students, particularly new users, and even more so when preparation, orientation, and support were lacking or ineffective. The present study therefore aimed at exploring the expectations, experiences and challenges of nursing students using the virtual learning medium during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods This was a descriptive phenomenological design using 12 purposively sampled nursing and midwifery students from a public university in Ghana. With the aid of a semi-structured guide, individual face-to-face interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim at a later time and deductively analyzed into themes using the customer experience execution model. Results Participants were aged 22–36 years and involved equal number of males and females (n = 6), with majority being Christians (n = 11). Six themes were generated from the study: (1) “Initial thoughts and emotions” described participants initial reactions to the virtual educational medium during the pandemic; (2) \'Expectations with the virtual medium\' referred to the participants’ anticipations regarding the convenience offered by the virtual medium; (3) \'Experiences with the virtual medium\' depicted the participants’ recognition of both positive and negative encounters while using the virtual learning platform; (4) “Evaluation and recommendation” described participants’ reports of meeting expectations and recommendations they made to enhance virtual learning; (5) \'Challenges and limitations of the virtual medium\' typically represented the obstacles encountered by nursing/ midwifery students when they embraced the virtual medium; (6) “Prospects of the virtual medium” referred to participants’ views on the future of the virtual medium. Conclusion The study has brought to light that the virtual education environment comes with its own expectations, experiences and challenges to students. Provision of adequate support such as orientation and simulation laboratories by higher education institutions to satisfy students’ needs is necessary to enhance nursing education.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedJuan M. Pericàs
Clinical Microbiology and Infection, 8.03.2024
Tilføjet 8.03.2024
Four years after the onset of COVID-19 as global public health threat that rapidly achieved pandemic proportions, it is has become commonplace both in layperson and expert circles to refer to it as a watershed. Its global reach, the attributable burden of deaths and morbidity, its enormous socioeconomic consequences, and the fact that SARS-CoV-2 has later joined the common pool of respiratory viruses considered in clinical practice, make COVID-19 special compared to its immediate precedents (e.g., SARS in 2002-2004, H1N1 influenza in 2009-2010, Ebola in 2014–2016 and 2018-2020, and Zola 2015-2016).
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 6.03.2024
Tilføjet 6.03.2024
Journal Name: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene Volume: 110 Issue: 3 Pages: 417-420
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedSamtlebe, P., Niemann, J., Markert, J., Knöchelmann, A., Bernard, M.
BMJ Open, 6.03.2024
Tilføjet 6.03.2024
IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has shown the importance of resilient, modern, and well-equipped public health administrations from national to communal levels. In Germany, the surveillance, contact tracing, and local adaptions went through local health offices, revealing both their important role and also their lack of equipment and general preparation for health crises. Research on the mode of operation of the public health service (PHS), especially in a time of crisis, is rare. The present study aims to qualitatively and quantitatively assess problem areas, conflict potentials, and challenges that have become apparent for the PHS of Saxony-Anhalt during the pandemic. It focuses on the individual insight of employees of the PHS of Saxony-Anhalt and its 14 health offices to derive concrete needs and fields of action for increasing pandemic preparedness. Furthermore, the prospective personnel and resource-based requirements as well as the necessary structural and organisational changes of the public health departments are to be considered. Methods and analysisThe study will follow a sequential mixed-methods approach. Introductory expert interviews (n=12) with leading staff of Saxony-Anhalt’s PHS will be conducted, followed by focus group interviews (n=4) with personnel from all departments involved in the pandemic response. Thereafter, a quantitative survey will be carried out to validate and complement the results of the qualitative phase. Ethics and disseminationEthical approval was obtained by the Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg ethics commission (Ref number 2023-102). The authors will submit the results of the study to relevant peer-reviewed journals and give national and international oral presentations to researchers, members of the PHS, and policymakers.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedMulugeta Alemu, Ermias Lulekal, Zemede Asfaw, Bikila Warkineh, Asfaw Debella, Abiy Abebe, Sileshi Degu, Eyob Debebe
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 6.03.2024
Tilføjet 6.03.2024
by Mulugeta Alemu, Ermias Lulekal, Zemede Asfaw, Bikila Warkineh, Asfaw Debella, Abiy Abebe, Sileshi Degu, Eyob Debebe Ethiopia’s healthcare system relies on traditional medicinal practices that use medicinal plants to treat human and livestock ailments. However, the lack of empirical validation regarding the efficacy of these treatments against specific infectious diseases necessitates rigorous scientific investigations. The objective of this study was to investigate the antibacterial activity and phytochemical screening on five selected medicinal plant species, namely Solanum somalense Franchet., Verbascum sinaiticum Benth., Rumex nervosus Vahl, Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal and Calpurnia aurea (Ait.) Benth. The plants were first identified jointly with local informants and later considering mainly their high informant consensus and fidelity level values for their efficacy in treating infectious diseases in the area. Ethanol and aqueous extracts were prepared from the plant materials, and their antibacterial activities were evaluated against standard bacterial strains, representing both gram-positive and gram-negative types. To assess the antibacterial activity of the extracts, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined using the broth dilution method. Additionally, phytochemical screening was performed using standard qualitative tests to identify various secondary metabolites. The results indicated antibacterial efficacy in the ethanol extracts of S. somalense, W. somnifera, and C. aurea against particular bacterial strains (S. somalense against S. agalactiae with MIC of 1.5 mg/mL; W. somnifera against S. aureus and E. coli, with MIC of 2 mg/mL; C. aurea against E. coli and K. pneumoniae, with MICs of 3 mg/mL and 3.5 mg/mL, respectively). The results of the phytochemical screening indicated the presence of steroids, alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, and terpenoids. The selected medicinal plants demonstrated promising antibacterial activity against certain bacterial strains. The current findings support the long-standing claim of the traditional medical system of the study area for their continued use of these plants in their treatment of infectious diseases. Further investigation is required to isolate the responsible active compounds and characterize the constituents and description of their antibacterial effect for possible use in areas where these infectious diseases are major health problems.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedIris Dadole, Didier Blaha, Nicolas Personnic
Trends in Microbiology, 5.03.2024
Tilføjet 5.03.2024
Many pathogens are hard to eradicate, even in the absence of genetically detectable antimicrobial resistance mechanisms and despite proven antibiotic susceptibility. The fraction of clonal bacteria that temporarily elude effective antibiotic treatments is commonly known as ‘antibiotic persisters.’ Over the past decade, there has been a growing body of research highlighting the pivotal role played by the cellular host in the development of persisters. In parallel, this research has also sought to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the formation of intracellular antibiotic persisters and has demonstrated a prominent role for the bacterial stress response. However, questions remain regarding the conditions leading to the formation of stress-induced persisters among a clonal population of intracellular bacteria and despite an ostensibly uniform environment. In this opinion, following a brief review of the current state of knowledge regarding intracellular antibiotic persisters, we explore the ways in which macrophage functional heterogeneity and bacterial phenotypic heterogeneity may contribute to the emergence of these persisters. We propose that the degree of mismatch between the macrophage permissiveness and the bacterial preparedness to invade and thrive intracellularly may explain the formation of stress-induced nonreplicating intracellular persisters.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 5.03.2024
Tilføjet 5.03.2024
Abstract Background Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as syphilis and HIV remain to be a significant public health issue worldwide. Dual rapid point-of-care tests (POCTs) have shown promise for detecting antibodies to HIV and syphilis but have not been fully evaluated in the field. Our study supported the WHO ProSPeRo study on Sexually Transmitted Infection Point-of-Care Testing (STI POCT) by providing external quality assessment (EQA) for HIV and syphilis testing in reference laboratories and their associated clinical sites in seven countries. Methods HIV/syphilis serum liquid and dried tube specimen (DTS) panels were prepared by CDC. Liquid panels were distributed to the reference laboratories for three rounds of testing using commercially and locally available laboratory-based serological tests. DTS panels were sent to the clinical testing sites for 8 rounds of POC testing using the Abbott SD BIOLINE HIV/Syphilis Duo test (hereafter referred to as SD BIOLINE) and the Chembio Dual Path Platform (DPP) HIV-Syphilis assay. EQA panels were tested at CDC using the Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) test and the Treponema pallidum Particle Agglutination assay (TP-PA) for syphilis antibodies. Genetic Systems HIV-1/HIV-2 Plus O EIA, Geenius HIV Supplemental Assay and the Oraquick Advance HIV test were used to detect HIV antibodies in the EQA panels. Results from the reference laboratories and POCT sites were compared to those obtained at the CDC and a percentage agreement was calculated. Results Qualitative RPR and TP-PA performed at the reference laboratories demonstrated 95.4–100% agreement with CDC results while quantitative RPR and TP-PA tests demonstrated 87.7% and 89.2% agreement, respectively. A 93.8% concordance rate was observed for qualitative HIV testing in laboratories. EQA testing at clinical sites using dual tests showed 98.7% and 99.1% agreement for detection of HIV antibodies and eight out of 10 sites had > 95.8% agreement for syphilis testing. However, two clinical sites showed only 65.0–66.7% agreement for SD BIOLINE and 84.0–86.7% for DPP, respectively, for syphilis testing. Conclusions Overall, laboratories demonstrated high EQA performance in this study. Both HIV/syphilis POCTs gave expected results in the clinic-based evaluations using DTS. However, testing errors were identified in a few testing sites suggesting the necessity for continuous training and monitoring the quality of POC testing.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 1.03.2024
Tilføjet 1.03.2024
Abstract Background Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as syphilis and HIV remain to be a significant public health issue worldwide. Dual rapid point-of-care tests (POCTs) have shown promise for detecting antibodies to HIV and syphilis but have not been fully evaluated in the field. Our study supported the WHO ProSPeRo study on Sexually Transmitted Infection Point-of-Care Testing (STI POCT) by providing external quality assessment (EQA) for HIV and syphilis testing in reference laboratories and their associated clinical sites in seven countries. Methods HIV/syphilis serum liquid and dried tube specimen (DTS) panels were prepared by CDC. Liquid panels were distributed to the reference laboratories for three rounds of testing using commercially and locally available laboratory-based serological tests. DTS panels were sent to the clinical testing sites for 8 rounds of POC testing using the Abbott SD BIOLINE HIV/Syphilis Duo test (hereafter referred to as SD BIOLINE) and the Chembio Dual Path Platform (DPP) HIV-Syphilis assay. EQA panels were tested at CDC using the Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) test and the Treponema pallidum Particle Agglutination assay (TP-PA) for syphilis antibodies. Genetic Systems HIV-1/HIV-2 Plus O EIA, Geenius HIV Supplemental Assay and the Oraquick Advance HIV test were used to detect HIV antibodies in the EQA panels. Results from the reference laboratories and POCT sites were compared to those obtained at the CDC and a percentage agreement was calculated. Results Qualitative RPR and TP-PA performed at the reference laboratories demonstrated 95.4–100% agreement with CDC results while quantitative RPR and TP-PA tests demonstrated 87.7% and 89.2% agreement, respectively. A 93.8% concordance rate was observed for qualitative HIV testing in laboratories. EQA testing at clinical sites using dual tests showed 98.7% and 99.1% agreement for detection of HIV antibodies and eight out of 10 sites had > 95.8% agreement for syphilis testing. However, two clinical sites showed only 65.0–66.7% agreement for SD BIOLINE and 84.0–86.7% for DPP, respectively, for syphilis testing. Conclusions Overall, laboratories demonstrated high EQA performance in this study. Both HIV/syphilis POCTs gave expected results in the clinic-based evaluations using DTS. However, testing errors were identified in a few testing sites suggesting the necessity for continuous training and monitoring the quality of POC testing.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 1.03.2024
Tilføjet 1.03.2024
Abstract Background Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as syphilis and HIV remain to be a significant public health issue worldwide. Dual rapid point-of-care tests (POCTs) have shown promise for detecting antibodies to HIV and syphilis but have not been fully evaluated in the field. Our study supported the WHO ProSPeRo study on Sexually Transmitted Infection Point-of-Care Testing (STI POCT) by providing external quality assessment (EQA) for HIV and syphilis testing in reference laboratories and their associated clinical sites in seven countries. Methods HIV/syphilis serum liquid and dried tube specimen (DTS) panels were prepared by CDC. Liquid panels were distributed to the reference laboratories for three rounds of testing using commercially and locally available laboratory-based serological tests. DTS panels were sent to the clinical testing sites for 8 rounds of POC testing using the Abbott SD BIOLINE HIV/Syphilis Duo test (hereafter referred to as SD BIOLINE) and the Chembio Dual Path Platform (DPP) HIV-Syphilis assay. EQA panels were tested at CDC using the Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) test and the Treponema pallidum Particle Agglutination assay (TP-PA) for syphilis antibodies. Genetic Systems HIV-1/HIV-2 Plus O EIA, Geenius HIV Supplemental Assay and the Oraquick Advance HIV test were used to detect HIV antibodies in the EQA panels. Results from the reference laboratories and POCT sites were compared to those obtained at the CDC and a percentage agreement was calculated. Results Qualitative RPR and TP-PA performed at the reference laboratories demonstrated 95.4–100% agreement with CDC results while quantitative RPR and TP-PA tests demonstrated 87.7% and 89.2% agreement, respectively. A 93.8% concordance rate was observed for qualitative HIV testing in laboratories. EQA testing at clinical sites using dual tests showed 98.7% and 99.1% agreement for detection of HIV antibodies and eight out of 10 sites had > 95.8% agreement for syphilis testing. However, two clinical sites showed only 65.0–66.7% agreement for SD BIOLINE and 84.0–86.7% for DPP, respectively, for syphilis testing. Conclusions Overall, laboratories demonstrated high EQA performance in this study. Both HIV/syphilis POCTs gave expected results in the clinic-based evaluations using DTS. However, testing errors were identified in a few testing sites suggesting the necessity for continuous training and monitoring the quality of POC testing.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedUdani Samarasekera
Lancet, 1.03.2024
Tilføjet 1.03.2024
Experts say new head Pamela Rendi-Wagner should focus on pandemic preparedness and other infectious diseases. Udani Samarasekera reports.
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