Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Sumire Sorano, Georgia Gore-Langton, Charles Opondo, Chris Smith, Mitsuaki Matsui, Enesia Banda Chaponda, Daniel Chandramohan, R. Matthew Chico
Summary: The aim of this systematic review is to estimate the prevalence of malaria and curable sexually transmitted infections and reproductive tract infections (STIs/RTIs) coinfection during pregnancy in sub-Saharan Africa, and to assess the risk factors and adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with coinfection.
Article
Immunology
Jana Jarolimova, Laura R. Platt, Megan R. Curtis, Lisa L. Philpotts, Linda-Gail Bekker, Chelsea Morroni, Maryam Shahmanesh, Aamirah Mussa, Khallela Barracks, Andrea L. Ciaranello, Robert A. Parker, Ingrid Bassett, Caitlin M. Dugdale
Summary: STIs are prevalent among women with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa, and are more common among women with HIV compared to those without HIV. Pregnancy status and region may influence the prevalence of STIs.
Article
Infectious Diseases
George Mtove, R. Matthew Chico, Mwayiwawo Madanitsa, Hellen C. Barsosio, Omari Abdul Msemo, Queen Saidi, Georgia R. Gore-Langton, Daniel T. R. Minja, Crispin Mukerebe, Samwel Gesase, Victor Mwapasa, Kamija S. Phiri, Helle Hansson, James Dodd, Pascal Magnussen, Reginald A. Kavishe, Franklin Mosha, Simon Kariuki, John P. A. Lusingu, Julie R. Gutman, Michael Alifrangis, Feiko O. ter Kuile, Christentze Schmiegelow
Summary: This study conducted in Kenya, Tanzania, and Malawi found that malaria and curable STIs/RTIs have a negative impact on fetal growth, with a greater effect on primigravidae.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Enesia Banda Chaponda, Jane Bruce, Charles Michelo, Daniel Chandramohan, R. Matthew Chico
Summary: This study found that curable STIs/RTIs were common among pregnant women attending antenatal care in rural Zambia, but the majority of cases went undetected and untreated. Alternative approaches are urgently needed in the ANC setting in rural Zambia.
BMC PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Benjamin L. Rice, Akshaya Annapragada, Rachel E. Baker, Marjolein Bruijning, Winfred Dotse-Gborgbortsi, Keitly Mensah, Ian F. Miller, Nkengafac Villyen Motaze, Antso Raherinandrasana, Malavika Rajeev, Julio Rakotonirina, Tanjona Ramiadantsoa, Fidisoa Rasambainarivo, Weiyu Yu, Bryan T. Grenfell, Andrew J. Tatem, C. Jessica E. Metcalf
Summary: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has shown low burdens in sub-Saharan Africa compared to other regions, potentially influenced by factors such as climate and population demographics. Caution is needed when interpreting analyses that aggregate data from low- and middle-income settings. Heterogeneity in connectivity across sub-Saharan Africa may contribute to variance in the pace of viral spread.
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
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Francesca F. Norman, Marta Gonzalez-Sanz, Beatriz Gullon-Pena, Sandra Chamorro-Tojeiro, Marta Rosas, Clara Crespillo-Andujar, Begona Monge-Maillo, Belen Comeche, Maria-Dolores Corbacho-Loarte, Cristina Arcas, Ignacio Pena, Maria C. Tenorio, Rogelio Lopez-Velez, Jose A. Perez-Molina
Summary: A cohort study in recently arrived, mainly asymptomatic, young sub-Saharan Africans found a frequency of 15% for HbS or haemoglobin C trait using a simple point-of-care screening test. Screening enables early diagnosis of haemoglobinopathies in vulnerable populations, facilitating access to care, genetic counselling, and the implementation of treatment and prevention strategies.
JOURNAL OF TRAVEL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Heather F. McClintock, Samantha L. Dulak
Summary: Women who have experienced physical, emotional, sexual and cumulative intimate partner violence (IPV) are significantly more likely to have sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the past 12 months. Initiatives to reduce the burden of STIs may need to address underlying mechanisms such as gender norms and power inequalities that perpetuate IPV.
JOURNAL OF IMMIGRANT AND MINORITY HEALTH
(2021)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Louis Kobina Dadzie, Ebenezer Agbaglo, Joshua Okyere, Richard Gyan Aboagye, Francis Arthur-Holmes, Abdul-Aziz Seidu, Bright Opoku Ahinkorah
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence and factors associated with self-reported sexually transmitted infections (SR-STIs) among adolescent girls and young women in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The results showed that the average prevalence of SR-STIs was 6.92% in SSA. Young women aged 20-24, unmarried, working, had their first sexual experience at <= 19 years old, had two or more sex partners, listened to the radio, lived in urban areas, and had a higher wealth index were more likely to report STIs. However, those with primary or secondary/higher education and exposure to television were less likely to report STIs.
INTERNATIONAL HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Eugene Kofuor Maafo Darteh, Kwamena Sekyi Dickson, Bright Opoku Ahinkorah, Bernard Afriyie Owusu, Joshua Okyere, Tarif Salihu, Vincent Bio Bediako, Eugene Budu, Wonder Agbemavi, Jane Odurowaah Edjah, Abdul-Aziz Seidu
Summary: The study found that the uptake of IPTp-SP among pregnant women in sub-Saharan African countries is relatively low, with significant inter-country variations. Factors associated with higher odds of optimal IPTp-SP uptake include higher educational level, exposure to media, low parity, and older age group. National policies and interventions to improve coverage and uptake of IPTp-SP should target women with lower education levels, non-exposure to media, higher parity, and younger age group.
ARCHIVES OF PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Jhosuny Perez-Fernandez, Diego O. Arroyo-Velasco, Mariella R. Huaman, Sarai G. Chavez-Bustamante, Anita P. Llamo-Vilcherrez, Carolina J. Delgado-Flores, Carlos J. Toro-Huamanchumo
Summary: This study found an association between early sexual onset of intercourse and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in reproductive-age women from Peru, especially in women living in urban areas, with no history of multiple sexual partners, and belonging to the middle to higher wealth index.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Michael Semwogerere, Nicole Dear, Joshua Tunnage, Domonique Reed, Hannah Kibuuka, Francis Kiweewa, Michael Iroezindu, Emmanuel Bahemana, Jonah Maswai, John Owuoth, Trevor A. Crowell, Julie A. Ake, Christina S. Polyak, Allahna Esber
Summary: STI prevalence in four African countries was 7.7%, with no difference by HIV status. Young people and females were identified as high-risk groups. Factors such as education level, age, gender, and depression were associated with STI diagnosis.
Article
Biology
Steven W. Lindsay, Michael Davies, Graham Alabaster, Hector Altamirano, Ebrima Jatta, Musa Jawara, Majo Carrasco-Tenezaca, Lorenz von Seidlein, Fiona C. Shenton, Lucy S. Tusting, Anne L. Wilson, Jakob Knudsen
Summary: The transmission of mosquito-borne diseases in sub-Saharan Africa mainly occurs within or around houses. By implementing simple changes to the built environment, such as screening doors and windows, closing eaves, using insecticide-treated nets, and maintaining environmental cleanliness, the risk of exposure to these diseases can be greatly reduced. The DELIVER package provides a combination of interventions to effectively combat mosquito-transmitted diseases and prevent their re-emergence after elimination.
PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Clara Pons-Duran, Mireia Llach, Charfudin Sacoor, Sergi Sanz, Eusebio Macete, Iwara Arikpo, Maximo Ramirez, Martin Meremikwu, Didier Mbombo Ndombe, Susana Mendez, Manu F. Manun'Ebo, Ranto Ramananjato, Victor R. Rabeza, Maya Tholandi, Elaine Roman, Franco Pagnoni, Raquel Gonzalez, Clara Menendez
Summary: The coverage of IPTp3+ in the surveyed districts in four sub-Saharan countries was generally low, falling short of universal coverage. However, one district in Mozambique showed significantly higher IPTp3+ coverage compared to other areas and the 2018 national average, indicating a need for further investigation into the reasons behind this discrepancy.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Marisa R. Young, Carly Broadwell, Deborah Kacanek, Ellen G. Chadwick, Jennifer Jao, Anna-Barbara Moscicki, Kathleen Powis, Katherine Tassiopoulos, Lynn M. Yee, Lisa B. Haddad
Summary: The prevalence of sexually transmitted infections is high among pregnant individuals living with HIV. Coinfection is not associated with the risk of preterm birth. One-third of the individuals have missing data on Trichomonas vaginalis, indicating the need for interventions to promote guideline-driven screening. Sexually transmitted infections diagnosed during pregnancy among people living with HIV are not associated with the risk of preterm birth.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mariana Yumi Miyadahira, Maria de Lourdes Brizot, Neal Alexander, Ester Cerdeira Sabino, Lea Campos de Oliveira da Silva, Mara Sandra Hoshida, Ana Maria da Silva Sousa Oliveira, Ana Claudia Silva Farche, Rossana Pulcineli Vieira Francisco, Philippe Mayaud
Summary: This study aims to determine the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among pregnant women at delivery in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and investigate the risk factors. The results showed that pregnant women can serve as a suitable population for SARS-CoV-2 serosurveillance. The study found a high seroprevalence among women at delivery in the early period of the pandemic, indicating their exposure to the virus.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Lily Yang, Marie-Claude Boily, Minttu Ronn, Dorcas Obiri-Yeboah, Imran Morhason-Bello, Nicolas Meda, Olga Lompo, Philippe Mayaud, Michael Pickles, Marc Brisson, Caroline Hodgins, Sinead Delany-Moretlwe, Mathieu Maheu-Giroux
Summary: This study analyzed 52 population-based surveys and estimated cervical cancer screening coverage using a Bayesian modeling framework. The findings showed that overall screening coverage for cervical cancer is sub-optimal and has not improved much over the past 2 decades, except in Southern Africa. Action is needed to increase screening coverage in order to achieve elimination of cervical cancer.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Mwayiwawo Madanitsa, Hellen C. Barsosio, Daniel T. R. Minja, George Mtove, Reginald A. Kavishe, James Dodd, Queen Saidi, Eric Onyango, Kephas Otieno, Duolao Wang, Ulla Ashorn, Jenny Hill, Crispin Mukerebe, Samwel Gesase, Omari A. Msemo, Victor Mwapasa, Kamija S. Phiri, Kenneth Maleta, Nigel Klein, Pascal Magnussen, John P. A. Lusingu, Simon Kariuki, Jacklin F. Mosha, Michael Alifrangis, Helle Hansson, Christentze Schmiegelow, Julie R. Gutman, R. Matthew Chico, Feiko O. ter Kuile
Summary: This study evaluates the efficacy of intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp) with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine compared to sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine in high-resistance areas in East Africa. The results demonstrate that IPTp with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine and its combination with azithromycin lead to more adverse pregnancy outcomes compared to sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine. This suggests that combining sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine and dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine for IPTp should be considered.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Patricia J. Hunter, Toluwalase Awoyemi, Adejumoke Ayede, R. Matthew Chico, Anna L. David, Kathryn G. Dewey, Christopher P. Duggan, Michael Gravett, Andrew J. Prendergast, Usha Ramakrishnan, Per Ashorn, Nigel Klein
Summary: The pathway to a thriving newborn begins before conception and continues in utero with a healthy placenta and the right balance of nutrients and growth factors. Optimal nutrition supports fetal growth and could prevent preterm birth by supporting the immune system and alleviating oxidative stress. Infection, illness, undernourishment, and harmful environmental exposures can alter this trajectory leading to an infant who is too small or born prematurely.
Editorial Material
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Deborah Watson-Jones, John Changalucha, Hilary Whitworth, Ligia Pinto, Paul Mutani, Jackton Indangasi, Troy Kemp, Ramadhan Hashim, Beatrice Kamala, Rebecca Wiggins, Twaib Songoro, Nicholas Connor, Gladys Mbwanji, Miquel A. Pavon, Brett Lowe, Devis Mmbando, Saidi Kapiga, Philippe Mayaud, Silvia de SanJose, Joakim Dillner, Richard J. Hayes, Charles J. Lacey, Kathy Baisley
Summary: The global burden of cervical cancer is high, especially in low-income and middle-income countries. Despite the existence of HPV vaccination, only 15% of girls in the target age group worldwide are fully vaccinated. This study in Tanzania found that a single dose of the 2-valent or 9-valent HPV vaccines could induce high seropositivity and maintain stable vaccine responses up to 24 months.
OBSTETRICAL & GYNECOLOGICAL SURVEY
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Sumire Sorano, Georgia Gore-Langton, Charles Opondo, Chris Smith, Mitsuaki Matsui, Enesia Banda Chaponda, Daniel Chandramohan, R. Matthew Chico
Summary: The aim of this systematic review is to estimate the prevalence of malaria and curable sexually transmitted infections and reproductive tract infections (STIs/RTIs) coinfection during pregnancy in sub-Saharan Africa, and to assess the risk factors and adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with coinfection.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Jack Stone, Katharine Jane Looker, Romain Silhol, Katherine Mary Elizabeth Turner, Richard Hayes, Jenny Coetzee, Stefan Baral, Sheree Schwartz, Philippe Mayaud, Sami Gottlieb, Marie-Claude Boily, Peter Vickerman
Summary: HSV-2 vaccination in South Africa can significantly reduce the prevalence of HSV-2 and HIV. A prophylactic vaccine with 80% efficacy can reduce HSV-2 incidence by 84.1% and HIV incidence by 65.4%. A therapeutic vaccine with 80% efficacy can reduce HSV-2 incidence by 29.6% and HIV incidence by 26.4%.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Levicatus Mugenyi, Christian H. H. Hansen, Philippe Mayaud, Janet Seeley, Robert Newton, Mastula Nanfuka, Andrew Abaasa, Kenneth Mugisha, Michael Etukoit, Pontiano Kaleebu, Eugene Ruzagira
Summary: We analyzed the effect of Universal Test and Treat (UTT) policy in Uganda on characteristics of people living with HIV (PLHIV) at enrolment in HIV care and initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART). The UTT policy increased the proportion of male, younger and older PLHIV enrolling in care and initiating ART. It also reduced the time to ART initiation and increased the median CD4 count at ART initiation. Compared to the pre-UTT cohort, more PLHIV in the UTT cohort had higher CD4 counts and less advanced disease at ART initiation.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Alloys K'Oloo, Evance Godfrey, Annariina M. Koivu, Hellen C. Barsosio, Karim Manji, Veneranda Ndesangia, Fredrick Omiti, Mohamed Bakari Khery, Everlyne D. Ondieki, Simon Kariuki, Feiko O. ter Kuile, R. Matthew Chico, Nigel Klein, Otto Heimonen, Per Ashorn, Ulla Ashorn, Pieta Nasanen-Gilmore
Summary: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of low birth weight (LBW) among facility-born infants in Kenya and Tanzania and assess the effectiveness of an intervention to improve birth weight measurement accuracy. Results showed that routine birth weight records underestimated the risk of LBW, and a simple intervention involving provision of digital scales and training significantly improved the accuracy of birth weight data.
POPULATION HEALTH METRICS
(2023)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Anna Maria van Eijk, Kasia Stepniewska, Jenny Hill, Steve M. Taylor, Stephen J. Rogerson, Gilles Cottrell, R. Matthew Chico, Julie R. Gutman, Halidou Tinto, Holger W. Unger, Stephanie K. Yanow, Steven R. Meshnick, Feiko O. ter Kuile, Alfredo Mayor, Subpatent Malaria Pregnancy Grp
Summary: This study aimed to describe the epidemiology of submicroscopic malaria infections in pregnant women in Asia, the Americas, and Africa. It found that submicroscopic infections were more common than microscopic infections during pregnancy, and were associated with fever in Africa. Therefore, malaria control in pregnancy should target both microscopic and submicroscopic infections.
LANCET GLOBAL HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Sofya Panchenko, Philippe Mayaud, Sebastian Baranyi Nicholls, Carolina Lopez Gonzalez, Khatherine Michelle Ordaz, Madeline Baird, Amanda Gabster
Summary: This study collected personal accounts of sexual behaviors and sexual and reproductive health needs among migrant people in transit through Panama, revealing significant gaps in SRH care and high risks of sexual violence and exploitation. Providing antenatal care, rapid testing for HIV/STI, condom distribution, and care for victims of sexual violence would greatly improve the well-being of migrants.
FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
George Mtove, R. Matthew Chico, Mwayiwawo Madanitsa, Hellen C. Barsosio, Omari Abdul Msemo, Queen Saidi, Georgia R. Gore-Langton, Daniel T. R. Minja, Crispin Mukerebe, Samwel Gesase, Victor Mwapasa, Kamija S. Phiri, Helle Hansson, James Dodd, Pascal Magnussen, Reginald A. Kavishe, Franklin Mosha, Simon Kariuki, John P. A. Lusingu, Julie R. Gutman, Michael Alifrangis, Feiko O. ter Kuile, Christentze Schmiegelow
Summary: This study conducted in Kenya, Tanzania, and Malawi found that malaria and curable STIs/RTIs have a negative impact on fetal growth, with a greater effect on primigravidae.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Daniel Jason McCartney, Carla Gianna Luppi, Roberto Jose Carvalho Silva, Sandra de Araujo, Katia Cristina Bassichetto, Philippe Mayaud, Maria Amelia Veras
Summary: High prevalence of anorectal Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis infections was observed among transgender women in Brazil, with most infections being asymptomatic. Syndromic management is recommended for those presenting with anorectal symptoms.
SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Kana Yokoji, Katia Giguere, Talia Malagon, Minttu M. Ronn, Philippe Mayaud, Helen Kelly, Sinead Delany-Moretlwe, Melanie Drolet, Marc Brisson, Marie-Claude Boily, Mathieu Maheu-Giroux
Summary: This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the protective effect of naturally acquired HPV antibodies against HPV reinfection. The study found that naturally acquired antibodies in females provide modest protection against HPV-16, but not in males or for HPV-18. The differential effect by baseline HIV status could not be determined due to limited studies available.
INFECTIOUS AGENTS AND CANCER
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Lisa Staadegaard, Minttu M. Ronn, Nirali Soni, Meghan E. Bellerose, Paul Bloem, Marc Brisson, Mathieu Maheu-Giroux, Ruanne Barnabas, Melanie Drolet, Philippe Mayaud, Shona Dalal, Marie-Claude Boily
Summary: This study systematically reviewed the available evidence on the immunological, virological, and other biological outcomes of HPV vaccination among people living with HIV (PLHIV). The findings suggest that PLHIV have a robust and safe immune response to HPV vaccination, although antibody titers and seropositivity rates decline over time. However, the evidence on the clinical efficacy of HPV vaccination in PLHIV is inconclusive due to low-quality studies.