Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
David Jenkins, Roger Peck, Ashini Fernando
Summary: Although regulatory bodies have standards for market approval, RDTs lack specific sampling and testing standards for ongoing lot production. Independent quality assurance testing is crucial for ensuring the availability of high-quality RDTs, especially in low-resource settings.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Kiara Lee, John Murphy, Anubhav Tripathi
Summary: This study developed a DBS extraction method using the synergistic action of electrophoretic and diffusive transport mechanisms to extract high-quality gDNA in just 5 minutes, without the need for heat, shaking, and DNA purification steps. The method is suitable for point of care and automation.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Bruno Alberigi, Diefrey Ribeiro Campos, Aline Serricella Branco, Alexandre Bendas, Rodrigo Pereira Brum, Raquel Calixto, Leucio Camara Alves, Jose Wilton Pinheiro Junior, Fabiana Batalha Knackfuss, Norma Labarthe, Julie K. Levy, Flavya Mendes-de-Almeida
Summary: This study investigated the seroprevalence of heartworm antigen in cats in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and found a seroprevalence rate of 1.2%. The results suggest that heartworm disease should be considered as a differential diagnosis in cats presenting with clinical signs in areas with high canine heartworm prevalence. It is important for veterinarians to prioritize client education and promote the regular use of prophylaxis to protect feline health.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Francesca Saluzzo, Paola Mantegani, Valeria Poletti De Chaurand, Virginia Quaresima, Federica Cugnata, Clelia Di Serio, Aurelien Mace, Margaretha De Vos, Jilian A. Sacks, Daniela Maria Cirillo
Summary: Our study evaluated the performance of LFAs in detecting SARS-CoV-2 infections, revealing varying specificity and sensitivity impacted by factors like tuberculosis therapy. LFAs were found to be useful not only for detecting prior infections but also for assessing IgG response to vaccination, with potential risks in different settings.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
L. M. Ziko, T. W. Hoffman, S. Fwoloshi, D. Chanda, Y. M. Nampungwe, D. Patel, H. Bobat, A. Moonga, L. Chirwa, L. Hachaambwa, K. J. Mateyo
Summary: This study investigated the aetiology, presentation, and treatment outcomes of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in adults at the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia. The study found that Mycobacterium tuberculosis was the most common cause of CAP in this population, followed by gram-negative organisms. The study also reported a high 30-day mortality rate.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Sergio Alejandro Sanchez, Brooke M. Ramay, Jessica Zook, Oscar de Leon, Ricardo Peralta, Julio Juarez, Jennifer Cocohoba
Summary: Research shows that text message interventions effectively support pediatric patients living with human immunodeficiency virus in improving adherence to antiretroviral treatment. Factors such as literacy, travel time to clinic, cell phone access, and usage patterns are significantly associated with willingness to receive text message reminders. Additionally, potential loss to follow up when patients miss appointments and study assessments must be considered in text messaging interventions designed to improve antiretroviral adherence.
Article
Virology
Xuan He, Malika Aid, John D. Ventura, Erica Borducchi, Michelle Lifton, Jinyan Liu, Dan H. Barouch
Summary: This study shows that pyroptosis is the primary mechanism responsible for CD4 T cell depletion during early simian immunodeficiency virus infection. Other mechanisms may also contribute in a minor way to CD4 T cell depletion.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Asaye Mitiku, Zerihin Solomon, Berhanu Gidisa, Kasie Gebeyhu, Haymanot Tewabe, Demissew Shenkute, Melkayehu Kassa, Addisu Gize
Summary: This study aimed to determine the prevalence, antibiotic susceptibility pattern, and associated factors of enteric bacterial pathogens among HIV infected patients with diarrhea attending the ART clinic in Dilla University Referral Hospital, Ethiopia. The study analyzed demographic and clinical data of 422 patients and assessed the antimicrobial resistance pattern of enteric bacterial isolates from stool specimens. The findings revealed that enteric bacteria are common causative agents of diarrhea in immune-compromised patients, and a high rate of drug resistance emphasizes the need for antimicrobial susceptibility testing before prescribing antibiotics.
INFECTION AND DRUG RESISTANCE
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Binata Marik, Nupur Mahajan, Rohit Sarkar, Rochana Mitra, Rajiv Dua, Sumit Aggarwal
Summary: Sexualized substance use (SSU) refers to the practice of using psychotropic substances before or during sex to enhance sexual pleasure. This behavior is strongly associated with sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Community health mobilizers (CHMs) are agents who work to reduce the burden of disease in the communities they serve. This study aimed to identify knowledge gaps regarding SSU among CHMs and suggests the need for regular workshops and training to improve their knowledge and practices.
Article
Pediatrics
Simona Nardi, Lorella Carolis, Roberta Iannini, Maria Vittoria De Sandro, Giovanna Solito, Matteo Calafatti, Camilla Gizzi
Summary: Nasopharyngeal swabs for the detection of Influenza A and B viruses and Respiratory syncytial virus have been found to be useful in avoiding improper antibiotic use and providing accurate and timely diagnosis.
ITALIAN JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Min Zhao, Pei-Yi Su, Danielle A. Castro, Therese N. Tripler, Yingxia Hu, Matthew Cook, Albert Ko, Shelli F. Farhadian, Benjamin Israelow, Charles S. Dela Cruz, Yong Xiong, Richard E. Sutton
Summary: A novel cell fusion assay based on spike-hACE2 interaction was developed, showing good correlation with standard pseudotyping for inhibition by convalescent sera, cloned antibodies, and biologics. The assay is easy to implement and may serve as the basis for high throughput screens to identify inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 virus-cell binding and entry.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Mars Stone, Sonia Bakkour, Eduard Grebe, Devy M. Emperador, Camille Escadafal, Xutao Deng, Honey Dave, Cassandra Kelly-Cirino, Eve Lackritz, Diana P. Rojas, Graham Simmons, Ingrid B. Rabe, Michael P. Busch
Summary: Early detection of Zika virus transmission is crucial for implementing community mitigation measures. Standardized assessments of Zika virus diagnostic testing are important to develop optimal approaches. A study compared the analytical performance of 15 Zika virus diagnostic and blood screening assays.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Delfina R. Msanga, Vitus Silago, Tulla Massoza, Benson R. Kidenya, Emmanuel Balandya, Mariam M. Mirambo, Bruno Sunguya, Blandina Theophil Mmbaga, Eligius Lyamuya, John Bartlet, Stephen E. Mshana
Summary: This study aimed to determine the resistance profile and factors associated with MDR pathogen colonization among HIV-and HIV+ children below five years of age in Mwanza, Tanzania. The results showed that HIV+ children were more likely to carry drug-resistant isolates compared to HIV- children. Additionally, a history of recent antibiotic use and a recent hospitalization of a relative living in the same household were independently associated with the colonization of drug-resistant bacteria.
Review
Infectious Diseases
Jose Moreira, Patricia Brasil, Sabine Dittrich, Andre M. Siqueira
Summary: Research on Chikungunya rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) is fragmented, and coordinated efforts are needed to ensure access to appropriate diagnostics in endemic areas. Further research is crucial to determine the impact of these tests on fever case management and prescription practices.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Nan Sun, Jie Yang, Stephen S. -T. Yau
Summary: Mutation is the driving force of species evolution and can provide selective competitive advantages for organisms to adapt to environmental changes. However, it can also lead to diseases. Identifying gene regions with high mutation rates is crucial. This study proposes a mathematical formula based on natural vectors to measure the difference in nucleotide distribution over time and investigates the mutation of human immunodeficiency virus using gene sequences from twenty HIV-infected patients. The results demonstrate that certain genes or gene segments in the genome exhibit varying mutation rates during the infection period, with the Env gene showing the highest mutation rate.
Article
Immunology
Kidist Zewdie, Michael Pickles, Sian Floyd, Sarah Fidler, Helen Ayles, Peter Bock, Graeme Hoddinott, Nomtha Mandla, Kwame Shanaube, Musonda Simwinga, Christophe Fraser, Janet Seeley, Estelle Piwowar-Manning, Richard Hayes, Deborah Donnell
Summary: Based on data analysis from 21 research communities in Zambia and South Africa, it was found that traditional male circumcision is not significantly more protective against HIV acquisition compared to medical male circumcision. The uptake of voluntary medical male circumcision was not substantial, even with household-based delivery of HIV testing followed by referral for circumcision.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Hilary S. Whitworth, Kathy J. Baisley, Soori Nnko, Julia Irani, Aura Aguirre-Beltran, John Changalucha, Tania Crucitti, Suzanna Francis, Ramadhan Hashim, Christian Holm Hansen, Richard J. Hayes, Anne Buve, Deborah Watson-Jones
Summary: This cross-sectional survey aimed to explore the associations between age of menarche, early sexual debut, and high-risk sexual behavior among urban Tanzanian schoolgirls. The study found that an earlier age of menarche was associated with early sexual debut, and early sexual debut was associated with high-risk sexual behavior.
TROPICAL MEDICINE & INTERNATIONAL HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Blia Yang, Rosa Sloot, Sian Floyd, Dolapo Awoniyi, Sam Griffith, Helen Ayles, Sarah Fidler, Richard H. Hayes, Sten Vermund, Peter Bock
Summary: A study conducted in South Africa found that conducting household visits during the weekends increased the number of men and women participating in the HIV testing program. This suggests that targeting households during the weekend can be an effective and easy-to-implement strategy to increase the number of men accessing HIV testing.
JAIDS-JOURNAL OF ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROMES
(2023)
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)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Peter J. Dodd, Debebe Shaweno, Chu-Chang Ku, Philippe Glaziou, Carel Pretorius, Richard J. Hayes, Peter MacPherson, Ted Cohen, Helen Ayles
Summary: Accurately estimating the burden of tuberculosis in high HIV prevalence areas is challenging. The authors developed a new age-structured TB transmission model that incorporates evolving demographic, HIV and antiretroviral therapy effects. By including Bayesian methods and accounting for uncertainty, they estimated age-specific annual risks of TB infection and the proportion resulting from recent infection.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
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
Social Sciences, Mathematical Methods
Jennifer A. Thompson, Baptiste Leurent, Stephen Nash, Lawrence H. Moulton, Richard J. Hayes
Summary: This article introduces a new command, clan, for conducting cluster-level analysis in cluster randomized trials. The command simplifies adjustment for individual- and cluster-level covariates and can account for a stratified design.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Sheila Kansiime, Christian Holm Hansen, Richard Hayes, Eugene Ruzagira, PrEPVacc Study Team
Summary: We aimed to create and validate tools for identifying individuals at highest risk of prevalent and incident HIV in an African setting. Logistic regression and Poisson regression were used to determine risk factors for HIV prevalence and incidence, and these factors were used to create and validate tools that predict HIV risk. The performance of the VOICE risk score in predicting HIV incidence among women was also assessed.
TROPICAL MEDICINE & INTERNATIONAL HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Eveline Klinkenberg, Sian Floyd, Kwame Shanaube, Linda Mureithi, Thomas Gachie, Petra de Haas, Barry Kosloff, Peter J. Dodd, Maria Ruperez, Chali Wapamesa, James Michael Burnett, Nico Kalisvaart, Nkatya Kasese, Redwaan Vermaak, Albertus Schaap, Sarah Fidler, Richard Hayes, Helen Ayles, TREATS Study Team
Summary: This study aimed to test the impact of the HPTN 071 PopART intervention on TB prevalence. The study found no evidence that the PopART intervention reduced TB prevalence compared with standard-of-care. Systematic screening for TB based on symptom screening alone may not be sufficient to achieve a large reduction in TB prevalence over a period of several years.
Article
Immunology
Wendy Grant-McAuley, William Morgenlander, Sarah E. Hudelson, Manjusha Thakar, Estelle Piwowar-Manning, William Clarke, Autumn Breaud, Joel Blankson, Ethan Wilson, Helen Ayles, Peter Bock, Ayana Moore, Barry Kosloff, Kwame Shanaube, Sue-Ann Meehan, Anneen van Deventer, Sarah Fidler, Richard Hayes, Ingo Ruczinski, Kai Kammers, Oliver Laeyendecker, H. Benjamin Larman, Susan H. Eshleman
Summary: This study analyzed the HIV antibody response in controllers and non-controllers and its association with viral load. It found that specific antibody responses prior to infection were associated with controller status and lower viral load, while another antibody response was associated with non-controller status and higher viral load. These findings may contribute to research on antibody-based interventions for HIV treatment.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Leyla Larsson, Chido Dziva Chikwari, Victoria Simms, Mandikudza Tembo, Agnes Mahomva, Owen Mugurungi, Richard J. Hayes, Constance R. S. Mackworth-Young, Sarah Bernays, Constancia Mavodza, Tinotenda Taruvinga, Tsitsi Bandason, Ethel Dauya, Rashida Abbas Ferrand, Katharina Kranzer
Summary: This study examined COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among youth in Zimbabwe and found that 60.2% of the participants had received at least one dose. Men had higher vaccination rates than women, and vaccination prevalence increased with age. Lack of time, safety concerns, and fear of side effects (particularly infertility) were the main reasons for non-uptake. The study also revealed vaccine inequities across age, sex, educational attainment, and socioeconomic status. Tailored vaccine campaigns addressing these inequities are needed.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Katherine Davis, Michael Pickles, Simon Gregson, James R. Hargreaves, Helen Ayles, Peter Bock, Triantafyllos Pliakas, Ranjeeta Thomas, Julius Ohrnberger, Justin Bwalya, Nomtha Bell-Mandla, Kwame Shanaube, William Probert, Graeme Hoddinott, Virginia Bond, Richard Hayes, Sarah Fidler, Katharina Hauck
Summary: This study examined the impact of Universal Testing and Treatment (UTT) on the Health-Related Quality-of-Life (HRQoL) of People Living with HIV (PLHIV). The results showed that UTT did not change the overall HRQoL of PLHIV, but it reduced the problems with pain/discomfort. The importance of this study lies in improving our understanding of the effects of UTT on the HRQoL of PLHIV, providing guidance for HIV treatment and management.
SSM-POPULATION HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Chido Dziva Chikwari, Victoria Simms, Katharina Kranzer, Ethel Dauya, Tsitsi Bandason, Mandikudza Tembo, Constancia Mavodza, Anna Machiha, Owen Mugurungi, Primrose Musiyandaka, Tinashe Mwaturura, Nkazimulo Tshuma, Sarah Bernays, Constance Mackworth-Young, Joanna Busza, Suzanna C. Francis, Richard J. Hayes
Summary: This study reports on the STI testing uptake, prevalence, and incidence within a community-based integrated HIV and sexual and reproductive health service for youth in Zimbabwe. The findings indicate high acceptability of STI testing among youth, with higher prevalence in females and HIV-positive youth, highlighting the need for integration of HIV and STI services.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Maria Ruperez, Kwame Shanaube, Linda Mureithi, Chali Wapamesa, Michael J. Burnett, Barry Kosloff, Petra de Haas, Richard Hayes, Sarah Fidler, Thomas Gachie, Albertus Schaap, Sian Floyd, Eveline Klinkenberg, Helen Ayles
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the performance of a point-of-care C-reactive protein test for tuberculosis screening in high-burden countries. By conducting a tuberculosis prevalence survey, we calculated the sensitivity and specificity of C-reactive protein testing combined with symptom screening. The results showed that C-reactive protein testing alone does not meet the sensitivity requirement of 90% stipulated by WHO, but when combined with symptom screening, it may improve the identification of individuals with tuberculosis in communities with high prevalence, especially where recommended tools are not readily available.
LANCET GLOBAL HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Hanlie Myburgh, Graeme Hoddinott, Janet Seeley, Virginia Bond, Peter Bock, Richard Hayes, Ria Reis, Lindsey Reynolds
Summary: This study explores how community members in South Africa make decisions around taking up home-based HIV testing and how the goal of achieving HIV epidemic control is internalized and enacted in the interactions between community members and health workers. The findings suggest that a community-wide health intervention can motivate individuals to be good, moral citizens in contexts of low social cohesion.
SSM-QUALITATIVE RESEARCH IN HEALTH
(2023)
