Article
Immunology
Daniela Manno, Philip Ayieko, David Ishola, Muhammed O. Afolabi, Baimba Rogers, Frank Baiden, Alimamy Serry-Bangura, Osman M. Bah, Brian Kohn, Ibrahim Swaray, Kwabena Owusu-Kyei, Godfrey T. Otieno, Dickens Kowuor, Daniel Tindanbil, Elizabeth Smout, Cynthia Robinson, Babajide Keshinro, Julie Foster, Katherine Gallagher, Brett Lowe, Macaya Douoguih, Bailah Leigh, Brian Greenwood, Deborah Watson-Jones
Summary: This study investigated the association between Ebola virus antibody seropositivity and concentration, and potential risk factors for infection. Among 1,282 adults and children from a community affected by the 2014-2016 Ebola outbreak in Sierra Leone, 8% tested positive for virus antibodies without experiencing any disease symptoms. Antibody concentration was found to increase with age.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Pediatrics
Claudette Amuzu, Peter Bai James, Abdulai Jawo Bah, Alex Vandy Saffa Bayoh, Shepherd Roee Singer
Summary: Child survivors of the 2013-2016 West African Ebola virus disease outbreak were more likely to experience musculoskeletal, ocular, auditory, and neurological symptoms compared to their close contacts over a year after the outbreak ended. Joint pain and headache were the most common self-reported symptoms in both groups.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Nadezhda Duffy, Dana Bruden, Harold Thomas, Erin Nichols, Barbara Knust, Thomas Hennessy, Mary R. Reichler, James Bangura, Charles Keimbe, Amara Jambai, Oliver Morgan, Ismail Farmar, Francis Davies, Mohamed Sima Dumbuya, Hannah Kamara, Mohamed Kallon, Joseph Kpukumu, Sheku Abu, Fatmata Bangura, Saidu Rahim Bangura, Tomeh Bangura, Hassan Benya, Sandi Blango, Imurana Conteh, Peter Conteh, Bintu Jabbie, Sheku Jabbie, Luseni Kamara, Francis Lansana, Maada Rogers, Sahr Brima Sewa, Matthew Yamba, P. Bessler, Faith Washburn, E. Ervin, S. Campbell, W. Chung, S. Hersey
Summary: Household contacts who provide care to an Ebola virus disease (EVD) case have a significantly higher risk of contracting EVD compared to contacts who do not provide care. Limiting the number of care providers in a household can reduce the risk of EVD transmission to both care providers and non-care providers.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Samuel C. Ficenec, Donald S. Grant, Ibrahim Sumah, Foday Alhasan, Mohamed S. Yillah, Jenneh Brima, Edwin Konuwa, Michael A. Gbakie, Fatima K. Kamara, Nell G. Bond, Emily J. Engel, Jeffrey G. Shaffer, William A. Fischer, David A. Wohl, Susan D. Emmett, John S. Schieffelin
Summary: This study characterizes hearing loss among Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) survivors, finding that over 1/5 of survivors develop hearing loss. The association between hearing impairment and symptoms affecting the eye and nervous system is noted, suggesting a common mechanism of pathogenesis.
BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Rachid Muleia, Marc Aerts, Christel Faes
Summary: The study investigated the spatial heterogeneity of the Ebola outbreak in Sierra Leone in 2014 using a stochastic SEIR model, and found differences in transmission rates among districts. Bayesian estimation revealed potential persistence of the outbreak or likelihood of new cases in certain districts.
Article
Health Policy & Services
K. Megan Collier, Elizabeth K. Klein, Stephen Sevalie, Bailah Molleh, Yusuf Kabba, Abdulai Kargbo, Joseph Bangura, Henry Gbettu, Stewart Simms, Clara O'Leary, Stacy Drury, John S. Schieffelin, Theresa S. Betancourt, Thomas M. Crea
Summary: The 2014-2016 West Africa Ebola outbreak was the largest in history, resulting in approximately 11,000 deaths. This study explores the knowledge and beliefs about the disease among Ebola survivors and their families, emphasizing the importance of community-based public health responses.
JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Young Eun Kim
Summary: This study assessed the impact of the Ebola virus disease outbreak on child mortality in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone from 2014 to 2016. The results showed that the child mortality rate decreased significantly for children born after the outbreak, but the association with the increase in Ebola cases remained strong. Additionally, there were variations in the utilization of maternal health services after the outbreak.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Economics
Darin Christensen, Oeindrila Dube, Johannes Haushofer, Bilal Siddiqi, Maarten Voors
Summary: Research suggests that skepticism about the quality of health systems in developing countries contributes to higher mortality rates. By improving the perceived quality of healthcare through interventions, it is possible to promote community health and enhance the resilience of health systems during crises like epidemics.
QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF ECONOMICS
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Sachin Agnihotri, Charles Alpren, Brima Bangura, Sarah Bennett, Yelena Gorina, Jadnah D. Harding, Sara Hersey, Ansumana S. Kamara, Mohamed A. M. Kamara, John D. Klena, Fiona McLysaght, Nishi Patel, Lance Presser, John T. Redd, Thomas T. Samba, Alexander K. Taylor, Mohamed A. Vandi, Scott Van Heest
Summary: This study details the process of consolidating epidemic records and establishing a database during the 2014-2016 Ebola outbreak in West Africa, with a focus on assisting families in locating the graves of loved ones who passed away during the epidemic through the SLED Family Reunification Program. The project aimed to create a data source for epidemiological research and highlighted the characteristics, strengths, and limitations of this unique information source for public health research.
ANNALS OF EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Susannah H. Mayhew, Dina Balabanova, Ahmed Vandi, Gelejimah Alfred Mokuwa, Tommy Hanson, Melissa Parker, Paul Richards
Summary: This study presents an interdisciplinary analysis of local responses to Ebola in Sierra Leone, highlighting the influence of diverse systems of care. The research shows that local arrangements lead and shape responses, emphasizing the importance of alignment between health systems and wider social, cultural, political, and economic organizations.
SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Zuzana Hrdlickova, Joseph Mustapha Macarthy, Abu Conteh, S. Harris Ali, Victoria Blango, Alpha Sesay
Summary: The Ebola epidemic in West Africa from 2013 to 2016 was a valuable learning experience for the population, health experts, practitioners, and government structures. It went through stages of initial confusion and denial, followed by fear and stigmatization, and finally to community engagement and ownership of the response. This paper discusses the successful strategies deployed by two urban poor communities in Sierra Leone, such as developing and implementing by-laws for monitoring and surveillance, which helped curb the epidemic. The authors recommend earlier community engagement and two-way knowledge exchange for future public health emergencies.
Article
Immunology
Nell G. Bond, Donald S. Grant, Sarah T. Himmelfarb, Emily J. Engel, Foday Al-Hasan, Michael Gbakie, Fatima Kamara, Lansana Kanneh, Ibrahim Mustapha, Adaora Okoli, William Fischer, David Wohl, Robert F. Garry, Robert Samuels, Jeffrey G. Shaffer, John S. Schieffelin
Summary: This study provides an in-depth characterization of post-Ebola syndrome in Sierra Leonean survivors >2.5 years after disease, revealing distinct symptom clusters representing different organ systems. The interrelationship between symptom clusters indicates that post-Ebola syndrome is a heterogeneous disease, likely requiring targeted therapies for musculoskeletal and non-musculoskeletal phenotypes.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
A. E. Thorson, G. F. Deen, K. T. Bernstein, W. J. Liu, F. Yamba, N. Habib, F. R. Sesay, P. Gaillard, T. A. Massaquoi, S. L. R. McDonald, Y. Zhang, K. N. Durski, S. Singaravelu, E. Ervin, H. Liu, A. Coursier, J. E. Marrinan, A. Ariyarajah, M. Carino, P. Formenty, U. Stroher, M. Lamunu, G. Wu, F. Sahr, W. Xu, B. Knust, N. Broutet
Summary: The study shows that Ebola virus can persist in the semen of male survivors for a prolonged period, with factors such as severe acute Ebola virus disease and older age associated with longer persistence. These findings highlight the importance of implementing a national semen testing program for Ebola epidemic preparedness and response, as well as emphasizing safe sex counseling and access to condoms during outbreaks. Further research is needed to understand the impact of viral RNA in semen on the transmission of Ebola virus.
Article
Immunology
Ashley Hazel, Michelle C. Davidson, Abu Rogers, M. Bailor Barrie, Adams Freeman, Mohamed Mbayoh, Mohamed Kamara, Seth Blumberg, Thomas M. Lietman, George W. Rutherford, James Holland Jones, Travis C. Porco, Eugene T. Richardson, J. Daniel Kelly
Summary: This study examines the spread of the Ebola virus within social networks in Sukudu village. Although no evidence explaining the decline of the epidemic was found, the study excludes potential reasons and identifies three social interactions in Ebola transmission.
OPEN FORUM INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Barbara E. Mahon, Jakub Simon, Marc-Alain Widdowson, Mohamed Samai, Eric Rogier, Jennifer Legardy-Williams, Kenneth Liu, Jarad Schiffer, James Lange, Carolynn DeByle, Robert Pinner, Anne Schuchat, Laurence Slutsker, Susan Goldstein
Summary: Asymptomatic adults, with or without malaria infection, showed robust immune responses to the rVSV Delta G-ZEBOV-GP vaccine lasting for 9-12 months, although those with malaria infection had slightly lower responses.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Entomology
L. M. Hernandez-Triana, V. A. Brugman, P. Pramual, E. Barrero, N. I. Nikolova, I. Ruiz-Arrondo, A. Kaiser, A. Krueger, S. Lumley, H. C. Osorio, A. Ignjatovic-Cupina, D. Petric, M. Laure Setier-Rio, R. Bodker, N. Johnson
MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
G. Bryce, J. Pratten, D. Ready, Y. -L. Ng, K. Gulabivala
CLINICAL ORAL INVESTIGATIONS
(2020)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
E. Marchant, D. Ready, G. Wimbury, R. Smithson, A. Charlett, I Oliver
Summary: This study investigated the acceptability of SARS-CoV-2 testing among contacts of confirmed cases in the UK, and found that a majority of contacts accepted the test offer with a significant proportion testing positive, demonstrating that offering tests to contacts as part of the contact-tracing process has public health benefits.
JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Alex F. Martin, Sarah Denford, Nicola Love, Derren Ready, Isabel Oliver, Richard Amlot, G. James Rubin, Lucy Yardley
Summary: The study found that daily testing may increase compliance among close contacts, facilitate sharing of contact information, and promote adherence to self-isolation. More research is needed to understand how to make daily testing more acceptable to all households, and attention should be paid to the impact of negative test results on behavior.
Article
Virology
Sarah Lumley, Laura Hunter, Kirsty Emery, Roger Hewson, Anthony R. Fooks, Daniel L. Horton, Nicholas Johnson
Summary: RVFV virus was detected replicating extensively in the mosquito species Culex pipiens from the United Kingdom, with the notable exception of the interior of ovarian follicles.
Article
Immunology
Ruth E. Thom, Lin S. Eastaugh, Lyn M. O'Brien, David O. Ulaeto, James S. Findlay, Sophie J. Smither, Amanda L. Phelps, Helen L. Stapleton, Karleigh A. Hamblin, Simon A. Weller
Summary: The study examined the inactivation efficacy of commercial lysis buffers on SARS-CoV-2, with one particular buffer mix containing GITC, a detergent, and isopropanol showing the lowest inactivation efficacy. Buffer mixes from other kits reduced viral titres, but did not completely inactivate the virus.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Sarah Denford, Alex F. Martin, Nicola Love, Derren Ready, Isabel Oliver, Richard Amlot, Lucy Yardley, G. James Rubin
Summary: The study explores factors influencing acceptance of daily testing or self-isolation following close contact with a positive COVID-19 case. Participants were motivated to engage in behaviors that would protect others from the virus. Factors influencing the decision to accept testing included needing to avoid self-isolation, concerns about test sensitivity, and perceived benefits of detecting infection.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Luis M. Hernandez-Triana, Arran J. Folly, Elsa Barrero, Sarah Lumley, Maria Del Mar Fernandez de Marco, Sanam Sewgobind, Lorraine M. McElhinney, Anthony R. Fooks, Nicholas Johnson
Summary: This study demonstrates that Aedes detritus may be a competent vector for BATV at 20 degrees C, while Aedes aegypti and Culex pipiens were not competent. The extrinsic incubation period for Aedes detritus appears to be less than or equal to 7 days, potentially increasing the transmission potential of BATV in these populations.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Nicola K. Love, Derren R. Ready, Charlie Turner, Lucy Yardley, G. James Rubin, Susan Hopkins, Isabel Oliver
Summary: This study demonstrates the feasibility and acceptability of using self-administered lateral flow device (LFD) tests among contacts of confirmed COVID-19 cases in England. Offering routine testing as part of the contact tracing process can be an effective method of case ascertainment.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Simon A. Weller, S. R. Armstrong, S. Bailey, H. T. Burnell, E. L. Burt, N. E. Cant, K. R. Cawthorne, M. Chester, J. E. Choules, N. A. Coe, L. Coward, V. L. Cox, E. R. Emery, C. P. Evans, A. Finn, C. M. Halford, K. A. Hamblin, G. Harrison, M. G. Hartley, C. Hudson, B. James, H. E. Jones, E. Keyser, C. L. Lonsdale, L. E. Marshall, C. E. Maule, J. A. Miles, S. L. Newstead, M. Nicholls, C. Osborne, A. S. Pearcy, L. D. Penny, R. Perrot, P. Rachwal, V Robinson, D. Rushton, F. M. Stahl, S. Staplehurst, H. L. Stapleton, K. Steeds, K. Stephenson, I. J. Thompson, J. E. Thwaite, D. O. Ulaeto, N. Waters, D. J. Wills, Z. S. Wills, C. Rees, E. J. Hutley
Summary: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the collaboration between Dstl and Defence Pathology provided the UK military with a high-throughput SARS-CoV-2 PCR test capability. This helped facilitate military training and operational deployments, contributing to the maintenance of UK military capability.
BMJ MILITARY HEALTH
(2022)
Editorial Material
Infectious Diseases
Eleanor J. Harvey, Diane Ashiru-Oredope, Louise F. Hill, Alicia Demirjian
CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2023)
Article
Critical Care Medicine
Nicola K. Love, Derren R. Ready, Charlie Turner, Neville Q. Verlander, Clare E. French, Alex F. Martin, Tina B. Sorensen, Soeren Metelmann, Sarah Denford, G. James Rubin, Lucy Yardley, Richard Amlot, Susan Hopkins, Isabel Oliver
Summary: Daily use of LFDs for COVID-19 testing, with exemption from self-isolation for 24 hours if the test result is negative, can be a safe alternative to reduce onward transmission of the virus.
LANCET RESPIRATORY MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Massimo Cavallaro, Juliana Coelho, Derren Ready, Valerie Decraene, Theresa Lamagni, Noel D. McCarthy, Dan Todkill, Matt J. Keeling
Summary: The rapid detection of outbreaks and identification of epidemiologically linked cases are crucial for effective control and containment of infectious diseases. In this study, the authors developed a numerical approach called random neighbourhood covering (RaNCover) to complement the investigations conducted by public health teams. RaNCover achieved excellent predictive performances by summarising the statistical properties of event neighbourhoods. The approach was applied to invasive group A Streptococcus infection events and showed potential for detecting outbreaks across wide geographic areas.
PLOS COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Victoria Heath, Elaine Cloutman-Green, Samuel Watkin, Magdalena Karlikowska, Derren Ready, James Hatcher, Nicola Pearce-Smith, Colin Brown, Alicia Demirjian
Summary: A national incident team was formed in June 2021 to address the increased detection of Staphylococcus capitis in hospitalized infants. The team conducted a literature review and found that S. capitis outbreaks have often been associated with the NRCS-A clone and environmental sources. The clone exhibits multidrug resistance and poses challenges in outbreak management.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Laura E. Liao, Jonathan Carruthers, Sophie J. Smither, Simon A. Weller, Diane Williamson, Thomas R. Laws, Isabel Garcia-Dorival, Julian Hiscox, Benjamin P. Holder, Catherine A. A. Beauchemin, Alan S. Perelson, Martin Lopez-Garcia, Grant Lythe, John N. Barr, Carmen Molina-Paris
PLOS COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY
(2020)
