Review
Medicine, General & Internal
McEwen Khundi, James R. Carpenter, Marriott Nliwasa, Ted Cohen, Elizabeth L. Corbett, Peter MacPherson
Summary: This study aimed to systematically evaluate the effectiveness of spatially targeted community public health interventions for HIV, tuberculosis, leprosy, and malaria. The results showed that studies investigating spatially targeted interventions were limited in number and often had methodological limitations, impacting the interpretation of intervention impacts. Applying advanced epidemiological methodologies supporting robust hotspot identification and larger or more intensive interventions would strengthen the evidence base for this important approach.
Article
Critical Care Medicine
Cheleka A. M. Mpande, Munyaradzi Musvosvi, Virginie Rozot, Boitumelo Mosito, Timothy D. Reid, Constance Schreuder, Tessa Lloyd, Nicole Bilek, Huang Huang, Gerlinde Obermoser, Mark M. Davis, Morten Ruhwald, Mark Hatherill, Thomas J. Scriba, Elisa Nemes
Summary: The Delta HLA-DR biomarker can accurately identify individuals with recent QuantiFERON-TB conversion and disease progression, enabling targeted preventive treatment for those at highest risk of tuberculosis. Further validation studies in various settings and at-risk populations are necessary.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF RESPIRATORY AND CRITICAL CARE MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Marta Schaaf, Victoria Boydell, Stephanie M. Topp, Aditi Iyer, Gita Sen, Ian Askew
Summary: This paper uses summative content analysis to explore the power relations in sexual and reproductive health programs in low-income and middle-income countries. The study finds that these programs exhibit diversity and are largely based in a biomedical framework. However, there is a mismatch between the focus on proximate behaviors and the broader literature on power-related drivers of SRH health inequities.
Article
Microbiology
Nicole L. Grant, Kristen Kelly, Pauline Maiello, Helena Abbott, Shelby O'Connor, Philana Ling Lin, Charles A. Scanga, JoAnne L. Flynn
Summary: Despite research focus on CD4 T cells in Mtb infections, little is known about Mtb-specific T cells within lung granulomas. We identified immunodominant epitopes for two Mtb proteins using a macaque model, facilitating the identification of Mtb-specific cells. Granulomas were found to be enriched sites for Mtb-specific cells, which expressed activation markers and transcription factors. Our data highlighted the importance of activated, polarized Mtb-specific cells for controlling Mtb in lung granulomas.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Mary Kagujje, Winnie Mwanza, Paul Somwe, Lophina Chilukutu, Jacob Creswell, Monde Muyoyeta
Summary: This study evaluated the performance of point-of-care CRP as a screening tool for tuberculosis in PLHIV and HIV-negative individuals. The sensitivity and specificity of CRP were similar to symptom screening in HIV-positive individuals, but offered limited additional benefit in HIV-negative individuals. However, parallel use of CRP and symptom screening improved sensitivity and accurately ruled out TB in PLHIV.
Article
Microbiology
Maya Gough, Dhiraj K. Singh, Chivonne Moodley, Tianhua Niu, Nadia A. Golden, Deepak Kaushal, Smriti Mehra
Summary: This study analyzes peripheral blood samples from experimentally infected rhesus macaques, and identifies biomarkers that are associated with the activity and latency of tuberculosis. These biomarkers can predict bacterial load and differentiate between different states of tuberculosis infection.
Article
Immunology
C. Robert Horsburgh, Youngji Jo, Brooke Nichols, Helen E. Jenkins, Colin A. Russell, Laura F. White
Summary: Background modeling studies have found that most tuberculosis infections result from reinfection. The annual rate of infection (ARI) may not accurately reflect the risk of infection among previously infected individuals. Using a simulation model, we found that ARI underestimates the true risk of infection, especially in populations with heterogeneous risk. These findings suggest that the true force of tuberculosis infection in a community may be greater than previously appreciated.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Ying Luo, Ying Xue, Yimin Cai, Qun Lin, Guoxing Tang, Huijuan Song, Wei Liu, Liyan Mao, Xu Yuan, Yu Zhou, Weiyong Liu, Shiji Wu, Ziyong Sun, Feng Wang
Summary: Inadequate tuberculosis diagnostics, especially in discriminating between active TB and latent TB infection, are major obstacles in disease burden reduction. The study investigated the role of lymphocyte non-specific function detection for TB diagnosis. Results show that CD4(+) T cell non-specific function has the potential for differentiating T-SPOT results, and the three-index diagnostic model is a potent tool for identifying different events in TB infection.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Emmanuel Osei Bonsu, Isaac Yeboah Addo, Benjamin Noble Adjei, Muhib Mohammed Alhassan, Emmanuel Kweku Nakua
Summary: This study retrospectively reviewed the TB case register for the Kwabre East Municipality from 2010 to 2020 and found that 18% of TB patients were coinfected with HIV. The prevalence of TB-HIV coinfection was highest in 2015, accounting for 40% of all registered TB cases. Patients' age and TB treatment outcomes were significantly associated with TB-HIV coinfection.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Mary Kagujje, Paul Somwe, Sisa Hatwiinda, Joel Bwalya, Tamala Zgambo, Moomba Thornicroft, Fiammetta Maria Bozzani, Clement Moonga, Monde Muyoyeta
Summary: The study found high prevalence of tuberculosis and HIV in Zambian correctional facilities, highlighting the need for strengthening TB and HIV programs, especially tailored for juveniles and gender-specific initiatives.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Patrick Lungu, Andrew D. Kerkhoff, Clara C. Kasapo, Judith Mzyece, Sulani Nyimbili, Rhehab Chimzizi, Andrew Silumesii, Mary Kagujje, Ramnath Subbaraman, Monde Muyoyeta, Kennedy Malama
Summary: Tuberculosis remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Zambia, especially for PLHIV. In 2018, the total burden of TB in Zambia was estimated at 72,495 cases, with significant gaps identified in the TB care cascade. Patients with HIV were less likely to complete treatment compared to HIV-negative individuals, and there was substantial attrition among those with drug-resistant TB.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Bang Nguyen Pham, Norah Abori, Vinson D. Silas, Ronny Jorry, Chalapati Rao, Tony Okely, Willie Pomat
Summary: Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS are significant public health concerns in Papua New Guinea. This study found that young adults, urban populations, and individuals from middle household wealth quintiles are at higher risk of mortality from these diseases.
Article
Immunology
Nicole C. Ammerman, Eric L. Nuermberger, Andrew Owen, Steve P. Rannard, Caren Freel Meyers, Susan Swindells
Summary: This article provides an overview of the specific considerations and current preclinical advancements related to the development of long-acting technologies for tuberculosis drugs to treat latent infection, including target product profiles, suitability of drugs for long-acting formulations, ongoing research efforts, and translation to clinical studies.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Yaping Wang, Wenzhan Jing, Jue Liu, Min Liu
Summary: This study describes the global trends, regional differences, and age distribution of HIV-tuberculosis (TB) co-infection. HIV-infected drug-resistant TB is common in Oceania and Eastern Europe, and the prevalence of HIV-XDR-TB among elderly people is increasing. Collaboration in HIV and TB management should be intensified in Oceania and Eastern Europe, with greater focus on the elderly population.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Ying Luo, Ying Xue, Liyan Mao, Qun Lin, Guoxing Tang, Huijuan Song, Wei Liu, Shutao Tong, Hongyan Hou, Min Huang, Renren Ouyang, Feng Wang, Ziyong Sun
Summary: The study demonstrated that HLA-DR on MTB-specific cells is a potentially useful biomarker for accurately discriminating between ATB and LTBI individuals.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fawzi Thomas, Onome T. Abiri, James P. Komeh, Thomas A. Conteh, Abdulai Jawo Bah, Joseph Sam Kanu, Robert Terry, Arpine Abrahamyan, Pruthu Thekkur, Rony Zachariah
Summary: This study assessed country-wide adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting on antimicrobials and their outcomes, and found inconsistent reporting, delays, and incomplete data. The study highlights the need for active reporting and setting performance targets.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Philippe Mulenga-Cilundika, Joel Ekofo, Chrispin Kabanga, Bart Criel, Wim Van Damme, Faustin Chenge
Summary: The Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) epidemics have been documented and received significant attention since 1976. The indirect effects of EVD outbreaks on healthcare systems have been mapped and measured in countries such as DRC, Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia. The disruptions caused by the epidemics include declines in healthcare utilization, immunization levels, and disease control activities. Shortages of healthcare personnel, poor data management, insufficient funding, and drug shortages were commonly observed. The importance of investing in and strengthening healthcare systems, even in the absence of imminent epidemics, has been highlighted.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Delphin Kolie, Fatoumata Namaren Keita, Alexandre Delamou, Jean-Paul Dossou, Wim Van Damme, Irene Akua Agyepong
Summary: This study assesses the response triggered in Guinea during the COVID-19 pandemic, identifying five phases of response. Several learning points are identified, including the establishment of an epidemic governance framework, mobilization of emergency funds, recognition that each epidemic is a new experience, and the avoidance of excessive securitization. Health system actors should learn to cope with political decision-making while safeguarding trusted and efficient responses. Reimagining epidemic governance and funding mechanisms in Guinea is necessary to improve the health system response to epidemics.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Srean Chhim, Vannarath Te, Veerle Buffel, Josefien van Olmen, Savina Chham, Sereyraksmey Long, Sokunthea Yem, Wim Van Damme, Edwin Wouters, Ir Por
Summary: This study aimed to assess the usage of public and private healthcare, related healthcare expenditure, and associated factors for people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and/or hypertension (HTN) and for people without those conditions in Cambodia. The results showed that the majority of healthcare visits took place in the private sector, with only 22.0% of visits occurring in public healthcare facilities. Increased public healthcare usage was significantly associated with Health Equity Fund (HEF) membership and living in areas with community-based care for people with T2D and/or HTN. The use of public healthcare facilities, especially among HEF members, was associated with a reduction in healthcare expenditure.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Monika Martens, Edwin Wouters, Josefien van Olmen, Zalika Klemenc Ketis, Srean Chhim, Savina Chham, Veerle Buffel, Katrien Danhieux, Natasa Stojnic, Crt Zavrnik, Antonija Poplas Susic, Wim Van Damme, Por Ir, Roy Remmen, Grace Marie Ku, Kerstin Klipstein-Grobusch, Daniel Boateng
Summary: The SCUBY Project aims to facilitate the scale-up of integrated care for T2D and HT through the co-creation and implementation of contextualised scale-up roadmaps in Belgium, Cambodia, and Slovenia. The process and scale-up evaluation will analyze the implementation of the roadmap, assess the influence of differing contexts on the scale-up process, and evaluate the progress of the scale-up. A comprehensive framework with key implementation outcomes and qualitative tools has been developed for the evaluation. The project emphasizes the importance of considering context and continuously assessing barriers and facilitators to scale-up.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Savina Chham, Josefien Van Olmen, Wim Van Damme, Srean Chhim, Veerle Buffel, Edwin Wouters, Por Ir
Summary: The study aims to explore the macro-level barriers of the health system that have impeded the scaling-up of integrated type-2 diabetes and hypertension care in Cambodia. The major barriers identified include weak leadership and governance, resource constraints (especially financial resources), and poor arrangement of the current health service delivery.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Srean Chhim, Grace Ku, Sovathiro Mao, Willem Van De Put, Wim Van Damme, Por Ir, Chhorvann Chhea, Vandine Or
Summary: Cambodia, as a member state of the International Health Regulations 2005, has been continuously strengthening its capacity to respond to health emergencies and prevent the international spread of diseases. The country implemented a series of measures and strategies to detect, isolate/quarantine cases, promote face coverings and hand hygiene, close schools and borders, cancel public events, and boost vaccination coverage. Cambodia successfully contained the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in the first year and achieved high vaccine coverage in the second year, thanks to strong political will and public cooperation. However, improvements are still needed in terms of infrastructure and laboratory capacity for future health emergencies.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Vannarath Te, Srean Chhim, Veerle Buffel, Wim Van Damme, Josefien van Olmen, Por Ir, Edwin Wouters
Summary: This study assessed the performance of diabetes care initiatives in Cambodia and found significant unmet needs in testing and control stages, highlighting the importance of early detection and management. Rapid scale-up of diabetes care at public health facilities is crucial to increase testing, diagnosis, care retention, treatment, and blood glucose control for the population with diabetes.
JMIR PUBLIC HEALTH AND SURVEILLANCE
(2023)
Editorial Material
Infectious Diseases
Rony Zachariah, Olga Goncharova, Chynara Kamarli, Timur Bazikov, Sevim Ahmedov, Kudaibergen Osmonaliev, Anthony D. Harries, Hayk Davtyan, Pruthu Thekkur, Gulmira Kalmambetova, Abdullaat Kadyrov
TROPICAL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Senesie Margao, Bobson Derrick Fofanah, Pruthu Thekkur, Christiana Kallon, Ramatu Elizabeth Ngauja, Ibrahim Franklyn Kamara, Rugiatu Zainab Kamara, Sia Morenike Tengbe, Matilda Moiwo, Robert Musoke, Mary Fullah, Joseph Sam Kanu, Sulaiman Lakoh, Satta Sylvia T. K. Kpagoi, Kadijatu Nabie Kamara, Fawzi Thomas, Margaret Titty Mannah, Victoria Katawera, Rony Zachariah
Summary: This study highlights sub-optimal infection prevention and control (IPC) performance in healthcare facilities in Sierra Leone and provides actionable recommendations for improvement. The study involved the national IPC unit and twelve district-level secondary public hospitals. The findings indicate improved IPC performance following the implementation of recommended actions.
TROPICAL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Yuhong Liu, Yan Lin, Yuxian Sun, Pruthu Thekkur, Changhao Cheng, Yuecui Li, Yunzhen Shi, Jun Jiang, Jiong Liao, Chuangui Nie, Wenyan Sun, Chengyuan Liang, Xiaojuan Zhang, Sang Liu, Yan Ma, Selma Dar Berger, Srinath Satyanarayana, Ajay M. V. Kumar, Mohammed Khogali, Rony Zachariah, Jonathan E. Golub, Liang Li, Anthony D. Harries
Summary: Many patients with tuberculosis in China have comorbidities, risk factors, and disabilities. This study evaluated the burden of these issues and the functionality of referral mechanisms for further care during TB treatment. The majority of patients successfully completed treatment, but there is room for improvement in mental health and pulmonary rehabilitation services.
TROPICAL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Olga Goncharova, Arpine Abrahamyan, Divya Nair, Mher Beglaryan, Aibek Bekbolotov, Elena Zhdanova, Abdullaat Kadyrov, Rony Zachariah
Summary: This cohort study in the Kyrgyz Republic examined the characteristics and treatment outcomes of individuals co-infected with tuberculosis (TB) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The majority of individuals with TB/HIV co-infection were from two regions of the country, and most of them had affiliations with key population groups. The study found that unsuccessful treatment outcomes were more common among individuals with affiliations to multiple key population groups, as well as those with co-morbidities and other risk factors such as migration and alcohol use.
TROPICAL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Srean Chhim, Wuddhika In Vong, Kimsorn Pa, Chanboroth Chhorn, Tambri Housen, Amy Elizabeth Parry, Wim Van Damme, Por Ir, Chhorvann Chhea
Summary: This paper examines the contributions made by the National Institute of Public Health to Cambodia's response to the COVID-19 pandemic during 2020-2021. The Institute played a crucial role in laboratory services and incident management and planning, providing technical support and guidance. However, it had no active role in risk communication and community engagement.
WESTERN PACIFIC SURVEILLANCE AND RESPONSE
(2023)
Letter
Medicine, General & Internal
Wim Van Damme, Richard Wamai, Yibeltal Assefa, Laurens Liesenborghs, Dieudonne Mumba
Article
Infectious Diseases
Tshokey Tshokey, Ugyen Tshering, Karma Lhazeen, Arpine Abrahamyan, Collins Timire, Bikash Gurung, Devi Charan Subedi, Kencho Wangdi, Victor Del Rio Vilas, Rony Zachariah
Summary: This study investigated the emergency ambulance response and transport times in Bhutan, and found that the ambulance exit outcomes were acceptable. However, there is room for improvement in ambulance response and transport times to further reduce morbidity and mortality.
TROPICAL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2022)