Review
Infectious Diseases
Terefe Gone Fuge, George Tsourtos, Emmar R. Miller
Summary: This review systematically synthesized the available literature on factors affecting linkage to care and ART initiation among adults with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. The findings suggest that factors related to health care delivery, individual perception, and sociodemographic circumstances are associated with late linkage to care and delays in ART initiation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nande Putta, Caitlin E. Hansen, Melissa C. Funaro, Melissa Campbell, Shaffiq Essajee, Dorothy Mbori-Ngacha, Shadrack Frimpong, Shi-Yi Wang, Elijah Paintsil
Summary: This systematic review aims to evaluate the most effective interventions, models, programs, and strategies to optimize the delivery of services for testing, linkage, treatment, and retention of children and adolescents living with HIV globally. The review will provide synthesized evidence to guide national governments and healthcare providers in prioritizing and adopting evidence-based service delivery approaches for this population.
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mulugeta Melku, Hailay Abrha Gesesew, Paul R. Ward
Summary: HIV drug resistance (HIVDR) is becoming a global concern, particularly in Africa. This systematic review aims to estimate the prevalence of HIVDR and its mutations among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH) in Africa. The study will also identify factors associated with HIVDR. The findings from this review will provide important insights for improving HIV treatment outcomes in Africa and globally.
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Akeen Hamilton, Noah Thompson, Augustine T. Choko, Mbuzeleni Hlongwa, Pauline Jolly, Jeffrey E. Korte, Donaldson F. Conserve
Summary: HIV self-testing is highly acceptable among men in Sub-Saharan Africa, with men preferring free HIVST kits and successful strategies including secondary distribution of kits via peers, sexual partners, and female sex workers. Further efforts are needed to develop policies for implementing HIVST programs targeting men in the region.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Luchuo Engelbert Bain, Hubert Amu, Robert Kokou Dowou, Peter Memiah, Valirie Ndip Agbor
Summary: Early identification of persons living with HIV is crucial, and HIV self-testing can enhance the acceptability of HIV testing. However, individuals who test positive after self-testing are more likely to delay treatment. This review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions to improve linkage to care and prevention after self-testing.
Review
Clinical Neurology
Sophia Dahmani, Nicholas Kaliss, John W. VanMeter, David J. Moore, Ronald J. Ellis, Xiong Jiang
Summary: The study revealed that alterations in brain metabolites in people with HIV are primarily affected in the basal ganglia. While combination antiretroviral therapy can partially control neuroinflammation, neuronal dysfunction and neuroinflammation persist, contributing to cognitive impairment in chronic HIV infection.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Robert Luo, Youyi Fong, Debi Boeras, Ilesh Jani, Lara Vojnov
Summary: This study aimed to compare the clinical effect of point-of-care HIV testing versus laboratory-based testing in HIV-exposed infants. The results showed that point-of-care testing significantly shortened the time to result delivery, time to antiretroviral therapy initiation, and increased the proportion of HIV-positive infants starting antiretroviral therapy within 60 days compared with standard of care.
Article
Immunology
Yann Ruffieux, Tafadzwa Dhokotera, Mazvita Muchengeti, Lina Bartels, Victor Olago, Julia Bohlius, Elvira Singh, Matthias Egger, Eliane Rohner
Summary: This study examined cancer incidence in adolescents and young adults living with HIV in South Africa from 2004 to 2014. The results showed that infection-related cancers were the most common types of cancer in this population, and their occurrence rates were higher with lower CD4 cell counts.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Beshada Zerfu Woldegeorgis, Zewdineh Zekarias, Bulcha Guye Adem, Mohammed Suleiman Obsa, Amene Abebe Kerbo
Summary: Reliable data on the burden of opportunistic infections (OIs) after the initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) is critical. This study aims to estimate the pooled prevalence of OIs and identify associated factors in HIV-infected adults receiving ART in Ethiopia.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Emergency Medicine
Adam R. Aluisio, Rachel K. Lim, Oliver Y. Tang, Janet Sugut, John Kinuthia, Rose Bosire, Kate M. Guthrie, David A. Katz, Carey Farquhar, Michael J. Mello
Summary: HIV self-testing in emergency departments shows high acceptability among patients, with data indicating a significant increase in testing uptake, leading to enhanced HIV diagnosis. However, limitations in the reports highlight the need for further research to better inform the evidence base.
ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Anke Rohwer, Lynn Hendricks, Sandy Oliver, Paul Garner
Summary: Updating an existing QES using the original question confirmed and sometimes enriched evidence within themes but made little or no substantive difference to the theory and overall findings of the original review.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Sarah A. Gutin, Allison Ruark, Lynae A. Darbes, Torsten B. Neilands, James Mkandawire, Amy A. Conroy
Summary: This study examines the potential link between anticipated HIV stigma, relationship dynamics, and adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) among couples in Malawi. The study finds that anticipated stigma is negatively associated with sexual satisfaction and partner social support. However, supportive and fulfilling relationships can buffer the negative impact of stigma on ART adherence.
Review
Infectious Diseases
Alex J. Ntamatungiro, Juliana Kagura, Maja Weisser, Joel M. Francis
Summary: This study found a moderate overall PDR prevalence among adults newly initiating ART in Eastern Africa, with NNRTI-related PDR being more prevalent, underscoring the importance of the current WHO recommendation for replacement of NNRTIs by INSTIs, and low but notable PDR to NRTIs requiring continuous surveillance.
JOURNAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL CHEMOTHERAPY
(2022)
Review
Nursing
Abdul Razak Doat, Roberta Mensima Amoah, Kennedy Diema Konlan, Kennedy Dodam Konlan, Juliana Asibi Abdulai, Margaret W. Kukeba, Iddrisu Mohammed, Joel Afram Saah
Summary: This study examined the factors influencing pregnancy decisions among HIV-positive individuals receiving antiretroviral therapy in sub-Saharan Africa. The motivators for pregnancy uptake included the desire to have children, knowledge about prevention of mother-to-child transmission, cultural expectations for married women, and household income. On the other hand, the use of modern contraception methods and the burden associated with pregnancy were identified as demotivating factors.
Review
Infectious Diseases
Hafte Kahsay Kebede, Lillian Mwanri, Paul Ward, Hailay Abrha Gesesew
Summary: The systematic review and meta-analysis identified demographic, behavioral, and clinical factors as determinants of LTFU among adults living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. The study recommends strengthening HIV care services targeting patients with specific risk factors identified in the analysis.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES OF POVERTY
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Dorothy C. Nyemba, Emma Kalk, Michael J. Vinikoor, Hlengiwe P. Madlala, Mwangelwa Mubiana-Mbewe, Maureen Mzumara, Carolyn Bolton Moore, Amy L. Slogrove, Andrew Boulle, Mary-Ann Davies, Landon Myer, Kathleen Powis
Summary: Infants born HIV-exposed yet remain uninfected (HEU) are at increased risk of poorer growth and health compared to infants born HIV-unexposed (HU). The effects of maternal antiretroviral treatment (ART) on the growth of HEU infants are not well understood. Differences in risks between high burden HIV settings have not been extensively explored.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Nicole Wolter, Waasila Jassat, Sibongile Walaza, Richard Welch, Harry Moultrie, Michelle Groome, Daniel Gyamfi Amoako, Josie Everatt, Jinal N. Bhiman, Cathrine Scheepers, Naume Tebeila, Nicola Chiwandire, Mignon du Plessis, Nevashan Govender, Arshad Ismail, Allison Glass, Koleka Mlisana, Wendy Stevens, Florette K. Treurnicht, Zinhle Makatini, Nei-Yuan Hsiao, Raveen Parboosing, Jeannette Wadula, Hannah Hussey, Mary-Ann Davies, Andrew Boulle, Anne von Gottberg, Cheryl Cohen
Summary: According to data analysis from South Africa, individuals infected with the omicron variant have a lower likelihood of hospitalization compared to those infected with non-omicron variants. Furthermore, individuals infected with the omicron variant have a lower odds of severe disease compared to individuals infected with the earlier delta variant.
Editorial Material
Medicine, General & Internal
Andrea S. Mendelsohn, Angela de Sa, Erna Morden, Benjamin Botha, Andrew Boulle, Masudah Paleker, Mary-Ann Davies
SAMJ SOUTH AFRICAN MEDICAL JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Tali Cassidy, Morna Cornell, Pumeza Runeyi, Thembie Dutyulwa, Charllen Kilani, Laura Trivino Duran, Nompumelelo Zokufa, Virginia Azevedo, Andrew Boulle, C. Robert Horsburgh, Matthew P. Fox
Summary: Youth living with HIV were more likely to be retained in ART care in two different youth-targeted clinics compared to general clinics in the same area. Multiple approaches to making clinics more youth-friendly can contribute to improving retention in this important group.
JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL AIDS SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Hannah Hussey, Mary-Ann Davies, Alexa Heekes, Carolyn Williamson, Ziyaad Valley-Omar, Diana Hardie, Stephen Korsman, Deelan Doolabh, Wolfgang Preiser, Tongai Maponga, Arash Iranzadeh, Sean Wasserman, Linda Boloko, Greg Symons, Peter Raubenheimer, Arifa Parker, Neshaad Schrueder, Wesley Solomon, Petro Rousseau, Nicole Wolter, Waasila Jassat, Cheryl Cohen, Richard Lessells, Robert J. Wilkinson, Andrew Boulle, Nei-yuan Hsiao
Summary: This study aimed to assess whether the SARS-Cov-2 Omicron variant infection reduces the risk of severe disease. Using a proxy marker (RTD), the researchers found that patients without this marker had a lower risk of hospital admission, and complete vaccination provided protection against admission. However, accurately assessing the virulence of immune escape variants remains challenging due to under-ascertainment of reinfections.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Ziyaad Valley-Omar, Gert Marais, Arash Iranzadeh, Michelle Naidoo, Stephen Korsman, Tongai Maponga, Hannah Hussey, Mary-Ann Davies, Andrew Boulle, Deelan Doolabh, Mariska Laubscher, Justyna Wojno, J. D. Deetlefs, Jean Maritz, Lesley Scott, Nokukhanya Msomi, Cherise Naicker, Houriiyah Tegally, Tulio de Oliveira, Jinal Bhiman, Carolyn Williamson, Wolfgang Preiser, Diana Hardie, Nei-Yuan Hsiao
Summary: Routine surveillance in the Western Cape region of South Africa found reduced RT-PCR amplification efficiency of the RdRp-gene target of the Seegene, Allplex 2019-nCoV diagnostic assay when detecting the Delta variant. Increased RT-PCR cycle threshold values (R Delta E) could serve as an indirect measure of SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant prevalence. Whole genome sequencing identified a mutation exclusively within the RdRp gene of Delta variants, which may cause reduced RT-PCR amplification efficiency. Monitoring R Delta E value can be a useful surrogate for rapid tracking of Delta variant prevalence.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGICAL METHODS
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Mary-Ann Davies, Reshma Kassanjee, Petro Rousseau, Erna Morden, Leigh Johnson, Wesley Solomon, Nei-Yuan Hsiao, Hannah Hussey, Graeme Meintjes, Masudah Paleker, Theuns Jacobs, Peter Raubenheimer, Alexa Heekes, Pierre Dane, Jamy-Lee Bam, Mariette Smith, Wolfgang Preiser, David Pienaar, Marc Mendelson, Jonathan Naude, Neshaad Schrueder, Ayanda Mnguni, Sue Le Roux, Kathleen Murie, Hans Prozesky, Hassan Mahomed, Liezel Rossouw, Sean Wasserman, Deborah Maughan, Linda Boloko, Barry Smith, Jantjie Taljaard, Greg Symons, Ntobeko A. B. Ntusi, Arifa Parker, Nicole Wolter, Waasila Jassat, Cheryl Cohen, Richard Lessells, Robert J. Wilkinson, Juanita Arendse, Saadiq Kariem, Melvin Moodley, Milani Wolmarans, Keith Cloete, Andrew Boulle
Summary: This study compared COVID-19 outcomes in the Omicron-driven fourth wave with prior waves, assessed the contribution of undiagnosed prior infection to differences in outcomes, and determined whether protection against severe disease conferred by prior infection and/or vaccination was maintained. The study found that severe COVID-19 outcomes were reduced in the Omicron-driven wave mostly due to protection from prior infection and/or vaccination.
TROPICAL MEDICINE & INTERNATIONAL HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Jani van der Hoven, Elizabeth Allen, Annibale Cois, Renee de Waal, Gary Maartens, Landon Myer, Thokozile Malaba, Hlengiwe Madlala, Dorothy Nyemba, Florence Phelanyane, Andrew Boulle, Ushma Mehta, Emma Kalk
Summary: Medicine use during pregnancy is common and varies among different data sources. Self-report and electronic pharmacy dispensing records show higher sensitivity and positive predictive value. The choice of data source should be guided by the class of medicines being investigated.
BMC PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Tali Cassidy, Morna Cornell, Bubele Makeleni, C. Robert Horsburgh, Laura Trivino Duran, Virginia de Azevedo, Andrew Boulle, Matthew P. Fox
Summary: Men have higher rates of attrition from antiretroviral therapy programs than women. In a high HIV prevalence area in South Africa, two public sector healthcare clinics exclusively serving men were compared with general clinics to assess attrition rates. The study found that the male-only clinics reached younger, healthier men and had lower attrition rates.
Article
Immunology
Gabriela E. Patten, Jonathan Euvrard, Nanina Anderegg, Andrew Boulle, Kirsten D. Arendse, Erin von der Heyden, Nathan Ford, Mary-Ann Davies
Summary: Despite improved access to ART, HIV still significantly affects morbidity and mortality. An increasing number of ART-experienced PWH are found to have advanced HIV disease. A multi-state model study in South Africa revealed associations between engagement with care, duration on ART, and the development of advanced HIV disease.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Mary-Ann Davies, Erna Morden, Petro Rousseau, Juanita Arendse, Jamy-Lee Bam, Linda Boloko, Keith Cloete, Cheryl Cohen, Nicole Chetty, Pierre Dane, Alexa Heekes, Nei-Yuan Hsiao, Mehreen Hunter, Hannah Hussey, Theuns Jacobs, Waasila Jassat, Saadiq Kariem, Reshma Kassanjee, Inneke Laenen, Sue Le Roux, Richard Lessells, Hassan Mahomed, Deborah Maughan, Graeme Meintjes, Marc Mendelson, Ayanda Mnguni, Melvin Moodley, Katy Murie, Jonathan Naude, Ntobeko A. B. Ntusi, Masudah Paleker, Arifa Parker, David Pienaar, Wolfgang Preiser, Hans Prozesky, Peter Raubenheimer, Liezel Rossouw, Neshaad Schrueder, Barry Smith, Mariette Smith, Wesley Solomon, Greg Symons, Jantjie Taljaard, Sean Wasserman, Robert J. Wilkinson, Milani Wolmarans, Nicole Wolter, Andrew Boulle
Summary: The clinical severity of Omicron BA.4/BA.5 infection was compared to BA.1 and earlier variant infections, and it was found that vaccination and previous infection were protective against disease severity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Amy L. Slogrove, Shani Tamlyn de Beer, Emma Kalk, Andrew Boulle, Mark Cotton, Heinrich Cupido, Barbara Laughton, Marguerite Marlow, Ushma Mehta, Ncumisa Msolo, Landon Myer, Kathleen M. Powis, Elisma Schoeman, Mark Tomlinson, Moleen Zunza, Paige Williams, Mary-Ann Davies
Summary: The CHERISH study aims to establish a sustainable system for measuring in utero and postnatal exposures and outcomes in HIV-exposed uninfected (HEU) and HIV-unexposed children in South Africa. The study will compare survival, hospitalization, growth, and neurodevelopment in these children. The study involves prospectively enrolling pregnant individuals with and without HIV and following them for 3 years after the child's birth. Data on exposures and outcomes are collected through healthcare documentation, interviews, and measurements at in-person visits. The findings of the study will be disseminated through various channels, including peer-reviewed journals.
Meeting Abstract
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Jani van der Hoven, Elizabeth Allen, Renee de Waal, Annibale Cois, Gary Maartens, Landon Myer, Thoko Malaba, Hlengiwe Madlala, Dorothy Nyemba, Florence Phelenyane, Andrew Boulle, Ushma Mehta, Emma Kalk
PHARMACOEPIDEMIOLOGY AND DRUG SAFETY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Linda-Gail Bekker, Nigel Garrett, Ameena Goga, Lara Fairall, Tarylee Reddy, Nonhlanhla Yende-Zuma, Reshma Kassanjee, Shirley Collie, Ian Sanne, Andrew Boulle, Ishen Seocharan, Imke Engelbrecht, Mary-Ann Davies, Jared Champion, Tommy Chen, Sarah Bennett, Selaelo Mametja, Mabatlo Semenya, Harry Moultrie, Tulio de Oliveira, Richard John Lessells, Cheryl Cohen, Waasila Jassat, Michelle Groome, Anne Von Gottberg, Engelbert Le Roux, Kentse Khuto, Dan Barouch, Hassan Mahomed, Milani Wolmarans, Petro Rousseau, Debbie Bradshaw, Michelle Mulder, Jessica Opie, Vernon Louw, Barry Jacobson, Pradeep Rowji, Jonny G. Peter, Azwi Takalani, Jackline Odhiambo, Fatima Mayat, Simbarashe Takuva, Lawrence Corey, Glenda E. Gray
Summary: A study in South Africa evaluated the effectiveness of the Johnson & Johnson's Ad26.COV2.S vaccine in healthcare workers. The results showed that the vaccine is effective in preventing severe COVID-19 disease and COVID-19-related death, as well as against the beta and delta variants. This provides real-world evidence for the use of the vaccine globally.
Letter
Medicine, General & Internal
Masudah Paleker, Mary-Ann Davies, Peter Raubenheimer, Jonathan Naude, Andrew Boulle, Hannah Hussey
SAMJ SOUTH AFRICAN MEDICAL JOURNAL
(2022)