Review
Infectious Diseases
Samuel Kariuki, Kelvin Kering, Celestine Wairimu, Robert Onsare, Cecilia Mbae
Summary: Antimicrobial resistance in sub-Saharan Africa is high, mainly due to poverty, resulting in a high burden of infectious diseases, poor regulation of antimicrobial use, and lack of effective alternatives. While most countries have adopted the global action plan to tackle antimicrobial resistance, fewer countries are able to fully implement country-specific action plans due to various challenges.
INFECTION AND DRUG RESISTANCE
(2022)
Article
Development Studies
Matthias Flueckiger, Markus Ludwig
Summary: This study assesses the impact of temperature on the risk of diarrhoea among children under 5, with a focus on Sub-Saharan Africa. The findings show that temperature strongly influences the incidence of diarrhoea and wasting prevalence, particularly in the temperature range of 30-37.5 degrees C. Improved sanitation and access to safe water facilities can mitigate these temperature-induced risks.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Perseverance Moyo, Enos Moyo, Derek Mangoya, Malizgani Mhango, Tapfumanei Mashe, Mohd Imran, Tafadzwa Dzinamarira
Summary: Antibiotics are important for preventing and treating infections, but antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a global threat. The cost of addressing AMR has increased, and millions of deaths are linked to bacterial AMR. Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has been greatly affected by AMR. The causes of AMR include misuse and overuse of antibiotics, agricultural usage, and the lack of new antibiotic development. Challenges in SSA include poor surveillance, irrational antibiotic use, weak regulatory systems, lack of resources, and ineffective infection prevention and control practices. Addressing these challenges requires increasing public knowledge, promoting stewardship, improving surveillance, enhancing collaboration, enforcing regulations, and improving infection control measures.
JOURNAL OF INFECTION AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Natnael Atnafu Gebeyehu, Getachew Asmare Adela, Kirubel Dagnaw Tegegne, Belete Birhan Assfaw
Summary: This study found a high prevalence of vaccination dropouts in Sub-Saharan Africa, especially in Nigeria. Published and unpublished research showed slightly different results, and there were also differences between community-based and institutional-based studies. Community education about the importance of vaccination should be prioritized.
HUMAN VACCINES & IMMUNOTHERAPEUTICS
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Andy Bauleni, Fentanesh N. Tiruneh, Tisungane E. Mwenyenkulu, Owen Nkoka, Gowokani C. Chirwa, Steve Gowelo, Michael G. Chipeta, Peter A. M. Ntenda
Summary: This study examined the effects of deworming medication (DM) on anaemia among children in sub-Saharan Africa. The results showed that children who did not receive DM had an increased risk of anaemia. This suggests that deworming should be considered in public health programs aimed at reducing childhood anaemia.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Angela Makumi, Amos Lucky Mhone, Josiah Odaba, Linda Guantai, Nicholas Svitek
Summary: Sub-Saharan Africa has a rapidly growing population, and livestock farming is crucial for food supply and economic development in the region. However, the overuse of antibiotics by farmers to prevent diseases due to population growth has led to the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, prompting the search for alternatives to control zoonotic diseases.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Fiseha Wadilo Wada, Michael Fekadu Mekonnen, Edlawit Desta Sawiso, Sitotaw Kolato, Lideta Woldegiorgis, Gemechu Kebede Kera, Ziad El-Khatib, Akililu Alemu Ashuro, Mulatu Biru, Minyahil Tadesse Boltena
Summary: This study aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of bacterial profiles and antimicrobial resistance patterns of infected diabetic foot ulcers in sub-Saharan Africa. Through a comprehensive analysis of 11 studies, it was found that S. aureus, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa were the most common bacteria, and S. aureus showed a high resistance rate to Gentamicin and Ciprofloxacin. These findings are important for appropriate treatment and infection prevention in the region.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Abdul-Aziz Seidu, Bright Opoku Ahinkorah, Seun Stephen Anjorin, Justice Kanor Tetteh, John Elvis Hagan, Betregiorgis Zegeye, Addae Boateng Adu-Gyamfi, Sanni Yaya
Summary: Family structure, women's decision-making power, access to family planning, women's level of education, and partners' level of education were identified as important predictors of high-risk fertility behaviors in sub-Saharan Africa.
JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Christos Kokaliaris, Amadou Garba, Martin Matuska, Rachel N. Bronzan, Daniel G. Colley, Ameyo M. Dorkenoo, Uwem F. Ekpo, Fiona M. Fleming, Michael D. French, Achille Kabore, Jean B. Mbonigaba, Nicholas Midzi, Pauline N. M. Mwinzi, Eliezer K. N'Goran, Maria Rebollo Polo, Moussa Sacko, Louis-Albert Tchuem Tchuente, Edridah M. Tukahebwa, Pitchouna A. Uvon, Guojing Yang, Lisa Wiesner, Yaobi Zhang, Juerg Utzinger, Penelope Vounatsou
Summary: In sub-Saharan Africa, the prevalence of schistosomiasis among school-aged children decreased from 23.0% in 2000-10 to 9.6% in 2015-19, representing an overall reduction of 58.3%. The substantial decrease in prevalence is likely attributed to the scale-up of preventive chemotherapy interventions. It is necessary to maintain the progress in schistosomiasis control through various interventions, including preventive chemotherapy.
LANCET INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
John Njuma Libwea, Che Henry Ngwa, Armelle Viviane Ngomba, Frankline Sevidzem Wirsiy, Limkile Mpofu, Chanceline Bilounga Ndongo, Sinata Koulla-Shiro, Stephen Graham, Lionelle Patricia Tchokokam Djieuya, Nadia Mandeng, Georges Alain Etoundi Mballa, Eman Sobh, Bright I. Nwaru, Paul Koki Ndombo, Emilienne Epee
Summary: This study aims to conduct a systematic review on the drivers of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and approaches to strengthening antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). By synthesizing evidence from multiple databases, the study intends to provide recommendations for best practices in AMS implementation in SSA and identify specific drivers of AMR during the COVID-19 era for policy recommendations in preparedness and response measures to future pandemics.
Review
Genetics & Heredity
Alexandra T. Roux, Leah Maharaj, Olukunle Oyegoke, Oluwasegun P. Akoniyon, Matthew Adekunle Adeleke, Rajendra Maharaj, Moses Okpeku
Summary: Malaria is a significant global health concern, particularly in Africa, with drug resistance being a major challenge in controlling the disease. Efforts to track drug resistance and monitor sensitivity are crucial to prevent further spread of resistant parasites and potential reappearance of sensitivity in sub-Saharan Africa.
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Dickson Aruhomukama, Hellen Nakabuye
Summary: This study investigates the evolution and future outlook of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in sub-Saharan Africa over 12 years. The findings emphasize the need for coordinated efforts and interventions to control and prevent the spread of AMR in the region. Targeted surveillance and alternative treatment options are crucial for effective monitoring and control of AMR in sub-Saharan Africa.
Article
Oncology
Moses Galukande, Joachim Schuez, Benjamin O. Anderson, Annelle Zietsman, Charles Adisa, Angelica Anele, Groesbeck Parham, Leeya F. Pinder, Songiso Mutumba, Dorothy Lombe, Anna Cabanes, Milena Foerster, Isabel Dos-Santos-Silva, Valerie McCormack
Summary: This study estimated that for every 100 breast cancer deaths in sub-Saharan African settings from 2014-2019, there were 210 children becoming maternal orphans. The results highlight the significant intergenerational consequences associated with breast cancer deaths in the region.
Review
Infectious Diseases
Linda Siachalinga, Brian Godman, Julius C. Mwita, Israel Abebrese Sefah, Olayinka O. Ogunleye, Amos Massele, Iyn-Hyang Lee
Summary: This article provides a narrative review of antibiotic utilization patterns, challenges, indicators, and antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) in sub-Saharan Africa. The results show a high prevalence of antibiotic use in hospitals, particularly empirical use of broad-spectrum antibiotics. The lack of guidelines and low adherence to guidelines is a concern. ASPs have been effective in improving antibiotic use and reducing antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
INFECTION AND DRUG RESISTANCE
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Richard Gyan Aboagye, Abdul-Aziz Seidu, Bright Opoku Ahinkorah, Francis Arthur-Holmes, Abdul Cadri, Louis Kobina Dadzie, John Elvis Hagan, Oghenowede Eyawo, Sanni Yaya
Summary: In sub-Saharan Africa, dietary diversity is closely related to the health status of children, with adequate minimum dietary diversity significantly reducing the risk of stunting, wasting, and underweight among children aged 6-23 months.
Editorial Material
Pediatrics
Phoebe C. M. Williams, Adam William Bartlett, Pamela Palasanthiran, Brendan McMullan
ARCHIVES OF DISEASE IN CHILDHOOD
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Husheem Michael, Joshua O. Amimo, Gireesh Rajashekara, Linda J. Saif, Anastasia N. Vlasova
Summary: Malnutrition increases the risk of infections and leads to impaired immune function and micronutrient deficiencies. Kwashiorkor has significant impacts on children's health, immunity, and gut functions. Pigs are a valuable model for studying the pathophysiology and immunology of kwashiorkor.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Gerard Bryan Gonzales, James M. Njunge, Bonface M. Gichuki, Bijun Wen, Moses Ngari, Isabel Potani, Johnstone Thitiri, Debby Laukens, Wieger Voskuijl, Robert Bandsma, Jill Vanmassenhove, James A. Berkley
Summary: This study explored the roles of albumin and albumin-independent mechanisms in edema formation among children with severe malnutrition. The results showed that edema formation has both albumin-dependent and independent mechanisms, with extracellular matrix integrity playing a greater role than endothelial glycocalyx shedding in severe malnutrition.
Editorial Material
Pediatrics
Moses M. Ngari, James A. Berkley
LANCET CHILD & ADOLESCENT HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Alice Kamau, Moses Musau, Stella Mwakio, David Amadi, Amek Nyaguara, Philip Bejon, Anna C. Seale, James A. Berkley, Robert W. Snow
Summary: In an area with high levels of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) resistance on the Kenyan coast, intermittent preventive treatment for pregnant women with SP continues to be associated with a reduced risk of low birthweight deliveries and stillbirths.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Kirkby D. Tickell, Donna M. Denno, Ali Saleem, Asad Ali, Zaubina Kazi, Benson O. Singa, Catherine Otieno, Charles Mutinda, Victor Ochuodho, Barbra A. Richardson, Kristjana H. Asbjornsdottir, Stephen E. Hawes, James A. Berkley, Judd L. Walson
Summary: This study found that hospitalized children have higher gut permeability than children in the community, but it is not associated with post-discharge growth or systemic inflammation.
JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC GASTROENTEROLOGY AND NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Md Fakhar Uddin, Sassy Molyneux, Kui Muraya, Julie Jemutai, James A. Berkley, Judd L. Walson, Md Alamgir Hossain, Md Aminul Islam, Scholastica M. Zakayo, Rita Wanjuki Njeru, Tahmeed Ahmed, Mohammod Jobayer Chisti, Haribondhu Sarma
Summary: This study explored the post-discharge treatment-seeking and recovery experiences of undernourished children in Bangladesh through qualitative research methods. The findings identified drivers of treatment-seeking that support recovery and challenges faced by families and health workers. These results can inform the development of interventions to improve post-discharge adherence to medical advice and promote recovery.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Alison Talbert, Moses Ngari, Christina Obiero, Amek Nyaguara, Martha Mwangome, Neema Mturi, Nelson Ouma, Mark Otiende, James Berkley
Summary: The number of young infants admitted to a county hospital in Kenya is increasing. The inpatient case fatality rate is 16% and the 1-year post-discharge mortality rate is 5.7%. Inpatient deaths are associated with disease severity, while post-discharge deaths are associated with hospitalization length, leaving against advice, and referral. This highlights the need for improved post-discharge care and services.
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Phoebe C. M. Williams, Justin Beardsley, David Isaacs, Anne Preisz, Ben J. Marais
Summary: The reality of human induced climate change is undeniable and the lack of global action to address this crisis is unacceptable. Climate change, along with biodiversity collapse, is causing the emergence and spread of infectious diseases with global inequitable consequences. Immediate action is necessary to protect the health of current and future generations. Furthermore, there is a duty of care towards the future health and well-being of children and generations to come. Our collective moral obligation to act is driven by the adverse impact of our ecological footprint on human health.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Phoebe C. M. Williams, Annaleise Howard-Jones, Coen Butters, Archana Koirala, Philip N. Britton, Robert Duguid, Priyali Wijeratne, Niall Johnson, Sanjay Jayasinghe
Summary: A global resurgence of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) has been observed in Australian children following relaxation of nonpharmaceutical interventions against COVID-19, causing significant morbidity and mortality even in vaccinated children without known risk factors. Almost half of the IPD cases were caused by serotypes not covered by the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine.
PEDIATRIC INFECTIOUS DISEASE JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Paraskevi Massara, Arooj Asrar, Celine Bourdon, Moses Ngari, Charles D. G. Keown-Stoneman, Jonathon L. Maguire, Catherine S. Birken, James A. Berkley, Robert H. J. Bandsma, Elena M. Comelli
Summary: This study assessed the performance of six methods for detecting different types of outliers, proposed two novel methods for outlier trajectory detection, and evaluated the impact of outliers on growth pattern detection. The results showed that model-based outlier detection methods performed best for measurements, especially for low and moderate error intensities. The clustering-based outlier trajectory method performed exceptionally well across all types and intensities of errors. Comparing growth groups with and without outliers demonstrated that outliers can alter group membership.
BMC MEDICAL RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Archana Koirala, Bharath Krishnappa, Caroline Banh, Ulrike Brandenburg, Michael Findlay, Phoebe C. M. Williams
Summary: This is a case report on the use of cefiderocol for the treatment of VAP in a preterm neonate. The neonate showed continuous deterioration after initial treatment with corticosteroids, vancomycin, and ceftazidime. However, after switching to cefiderocol monotherapy, there was significant clinical improvement.
PEDIATRIC INFECTIOUS DISEASE JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Immunology
J. A. Ramsay, M. Jones, A. M. Vande More, S. L. Hunt, P. C. M. Williams, M. Messer, N. Wood, K. Macartney, F. J. Lee, W. J. Britton, T. L. Snelling, I. D. Caterson
Summary: This study evaluated the frequency of moderate and severe adverse events following the co-administration of seasonal influenza vaccine (SIV) and COVID-19 vaccines among adults, and found that the occurrence of these adverse events was similar to that of receiving COVID-19 vaccine alone.
Letter
Nutrition & Dietetics
Marko Kerac, Marie McGrath, James A. Berkley, Carlos S. Grijalva-Eternod, Natasha Lelijveld, Martha Mwangome, Eleanor Rogers
JOURNAL OF NUTRITIONAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Susan Thurstans, Stephanie Wrottesley, Bridget Fenn, Tanya Khara, Paluku Bahwere, James A. Berkley, Robert E. Black, Erin Boyd, Michel Garenne, Sheila Isanaka, Natasha Lelijveld, Christine M. McDonald, Andrew Mertens, Martha Mwangome, Kieran S. O'Brien, Heather Stobaugh, Sunita Taneja, Keith P. West, Saul Guerrero, Marko Kerac, Andre Briend, Mark Myatt
Summary: The risk of death from undernutrition is higher in younger children than in older children. Boys have a higher prevalence of undernutrition than girls. The risk of death is higher in younger children for underweight and stunting, but not for wasting. There are no sex differences in mortality risk for all deficits.
MATERNAL AND CHILD NUTRITION
(2023)