Article
Immunology
Gavin George, Phiwe Babalo Nota, Michael Strauss, Emma Lansdell, Remco Peters, Petra Brysiewicz, Nisha Nadesan-Reddy, Douglas Wassenaar
Summary: Healthcare workers in South Africa were offered COVID-19 vaccines first due to their higher risk of infection and importance to the health system. A survey and interviews revealed that 89% of HCWs were vaccinated, with concerns about vaccine safety and effectiveness among younger HCWs, males, and those in the private sector. These concerns were driven by witnessing side effects, perceived lack of scientific rigor in vaccine development, confidence in the immune system, and a lack of information and trust in available sources.
Article
Immunology
Anita Shallal, Evi Abada, Rami Musallam, Omar Fehmi, Linda Kaljee, Ziad Fehmi, Suma Alzouhayli, Deema Ujayli, Doreen Dankerlui, Seongho Kim, Michele L. Cote, Vijaya Arun Kumar, Marcus Zervos, Rouba Ali-Fehmi
Summary: The study examined the attitudes towards the COVID-19 vaccine among Arab American health professionals in the United States and found that individuals who had declined an influenza vaccine in the previous 5 years and allied health professionals were more likely to be vaccine hesitant. Furthermore, respondents earning over $150,000 annually were less likely to be vaccine hesitant.
Article
Immunology
Phiona Nalubega, Emilie Karafillakis, Lydia Atuhaire, Pamela Akite, Flavia Zalwango, Tracey Chantler, Madeleine Cochet, Janet Seeley, Kirsty Le Doare
Summary: The study found that pregnant women, community leaders, and some healthcare workers have limited knowledge of maternal immunization, with confusion over vaccine concepts. Many pregnant women do not receive vaccines due to mistrust of the government, reliance on traditional medicine, religious beliefs, fear of side effects, and logistical issues. The key facilitators of maternal vaccination include a desire to prevent diseases, positive influences from healthcare workers, and information about vaccine side effects.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Bijaya Kumar Padhi, Venkatesan Chakrapani, Madhu Gupta, Nikita Sharma, Binod Kumar Patro, Sitanshu Sekhar Kar, Ritesh Singh, Star Pala, Lalit Sankhe, Bhavesh Modi, Surya Bali, Neeti Rustagi, Lovely Jain, Jatina Vij, Prakasini Satapathy, Kapil Goel, Vineeth Rajagopal, Tanvi Kiran, Arun Kumar Aggarwal
Summary: The willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccines among healthcare workers in India increased over time as the severity of the pandemic increased. Factors such as trust in the healthcare system, confidence in domestic vaccines, and perceived risk of contracting COVID-19 were found to be associated with the willingness to receive vaccines. Being married and having a high socio-economic status were also significant factors.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Azure Tariro Makadzange, Patricia Gundidza, Charles Lau, Janan Dietrich, Norest Beta, Nellie Myburgh, Nyasha Elose, Chiratidzo Ndhlovu, Wilmot James, Lawrence Stanberry
Summary: Despite sufficient vaccine supply, less than 25% of the population in sub-Saharan Africa has received a COVID-19 vaccine. This study surveyed individuals who were late-adopters of vaccination in Zimbabwe to understand their attitudes towards vaccine mandates and vaccines for children. The findings suggest that vaccine mandates can help mitigate vaccine hesitancy and increase vaccine coverage in Africa.
Article
Immunology
Sara Cooper, Heidi van Rooyen, Charles Shey Wiysonge
Summary: COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in South Africa is influenced by multiple factors and requires broader trust-building measures to address it. Providing vaccine communication strategies during the pandemic also presents an opportunity for positive intervention and reducing trends of vaccine hesitancy.
EXPERT REVIEW OF VACCINES
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Federico Ciardi, Vidya Menon, Jamie L. Jensen, Masood A. Shariff, Anjana Pillai, Usha Venugopal, Moiz Kasubhai, Vihren Dimitrov, Balavenkatesh Kanna, Brian D. Poole
Summary: The study found that attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination among hospital employees are influenced by various factors, including demographics, roles within the hospital, knowledge about the virus, and confidence in personal protective measures and behaviors. The most predictive factors of vaccine attitudes were prior attitudes and concerns about the speed of vaccine testing and approval, with perceived personal risk also significant.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Rajeev Kumar, Majid Alabdulla, Nahid M. Elhassan, Shuja Mohd Reagu
Summary: The study evaluated vaccine hesitancy among healthcare workers in Qatar, finding that 12.9% were hesitant and 25.31% were unsure about COVID-19 vaccination. Female respondents showed more hesitancy, with safety and efficacy concerns being significant predictors. Better understanding of the disease and vaccine was the primary predictor for vaccine acceptance among HCWs.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Samuel M. Alobwede, Elvis B. Kidzeru, Patrick D. M. C. Katoto, Evelyn N. Lumngwena, Sara Cooper, Rene Goliath, Amanda Jackson, Charles S. Wiysonge, Muki S. Shey
Summary: This study investigated influenza vaccine hesitancy among healthcare workers in South Africa. It found that mistrust in the safety of influenza vaccines was a key factor contributing to hesitancy. Age and occupation, specifically being a physician, were associated with higher acceptance rates. Tailored education programs targeting younger healthcare workers could be effective in improving vaccine uptake.
Article
Immunology
Elizabeth O. Oduwole, Tonya M. Esterhuizen, Hassan Mahomed, Charles S. Wiysonge
Summary: A survey conducted among healthcare staff and students at a tertiary institution in South Africa found that the majority of participants were willing to receive COVID-19 vaccines and had high levels of confidence in the safety, effectiveness, and compatibility of vaccines with religion. The study also revealed that individuals who believed vaccines were safe, effective, important for themselves or children, and compatible with religion were more likely to accept COVID-19 vaccines.
Article
Immunology
Nihal Durmaz, Murat Suman, Murat Ersoy, Emel Orun
Summary: Vaccination hesitancy is an important public health issue. In Turkey, parents who hesitate to vaccinate their children have a negative attitude towards COVID-19 vaccines and are influenced by social media. Parents need more information about vaccines to build confidence.
Article
Immunology
Ruoyan Sun, Henna Budhwani
Summary: The study found that states in the southern U.S. had a significantly higher proportion of negative tweets towards COVID-19 vaccines compared to other regions, while higher-income states reported lower proportions of negative tweets. These results indicate the presence of geographic variability in vaccine sentiments, highlighting the need for tailored vaccine promotion strategies.
Article
Immunology
Maya Asami Takagi, Samantha Hess, Karissa Gawronski, Nicholas Haddad, Bernard Noveloso, Stephen Zyzanski, Neli Ragina
Summary: This study aimed to determine healthcare workers' attitudes towards the COVID-19 vaccine and reasons for vaccine hesitancy. The majority of healthcare workers received and recommended the vaccine, citing reasons such as vaccine efficacy, risk of virus spread, and vaccine safety. The study also found significant differences in COVID-19 attitudes among healthcare workers based on gender, age, ethnicity, provider type, and medical specialty.
Article
Immunology
Bent Steenberg, Nellie Myburgh, Andile Sokani, Nonhlanhla Ngwenya, Portia Mutevedzi, Shabir A. Madhi
Summary: COVID-19 immunization programs have been rolled out globally on an unprecedented scale. This article highlights the challenges faced in achieving vaccine acceptance in Soweto, South Africa. Despite normative hypothetical acceptance, vaccine uptake remains concerningly low in South Africa, particularly in Soweto. Factors such as distrust towards authorities and misinformation have contributed to hesitancy and denialism among the public. Stated intent to immunize does not necessarily translate to actual behavior. Unveiling and addressing barriers to vaccine confidence and selectivity is crucial, especially in lower-income groups with specific cultural, spiritual, historical, and socioeconomic contexts. Effective media communication and debunking of false claims are essential in promoting immunization.
Review
Immunology
Christopher J. Peterson, Benjamin Lee, Kenneth Nugent
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic and its associated vaccine have brought attention to vaccine hesitancy among healthcare workers. Reasons for hesitancy include concerns about safety and efficacy, mistrust of government and institutions, waiting for more data, and feeling that personal rights are being infringed upon. Being a physician, having more advanced education, and previous vaccination habits are frequently associated with vaccine acceptance.
Review
Dermatology
Elvis Banboye Kidzeru, Maribanyana Lebeko, Jyoti Rajan Sharma, Lucia Nkengazong, Henry Ademola Adeola, Hlumani Ndlovu, Nonhlanhla Khumalo, Ardeshir Bayat
Summary: This article discusses the importance of immune factors in the pathogenesis of raised dermal scarring, presents immune cells and associated molecular markers associated with dermal fibrosis, and proposes the potential of immune-modulated therapy in the management of raised dermal scarring.
EXPERIMENTAL DERMATOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Andrea Tonelli, Evelyn N. Lumngwena, Ntobeko A. B. Ntusi
Summary: Despite advances in our understanding of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and available therapies, the global burden of CVD-associated morbidity and mortality remains high. Recent research has focused on the link between the oral microbiome and CVD, specifically examining the relationship with coronary artery disease, stroke, peripheral artery disease, heart failure, infective endocarditis, and rheumatic heart disease. This review discusses the mechanisms by which oral dysbiosis contributes to CVD pathogenesis and potential strategies for prevention and treatment.
NATURE REVIEWS CARDIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Patrick D. M. C. Katoto, Mireille A. M. Kakubu, Jacques L. L. Tamuzi, Amanda S. S. Brand, Adaeze Ayuk, Liliane N. N. Byamungu, Charles S. S. Wiysonge, Glenda Gray
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the BNT162b2 vaccine in immunocompromised adolescents and young adults through a meta-analysis of post-marketing studies. The results showed that the BNT162b2 vaccine is safe and effective in immunocompromised individuals, although the evidence quality is low to moderate due to bias risk.
EXPERT REVIEW OF VACCINES
(2023)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Daniel W. Mutithu, Jennifer A. Kirwan, Henry A. Adeola, Olukayode O. Aremu, Evelyn N. Lumngwena, Lubbe Wiesner, Sebastian Skatulla, Richard Naidoo, Ntobeko A. B. Ntusi
Summary: High-throughput metabolomics techniques are a useful tool in understanding various disease conditions, including cardiovascular diseases such as valvular heart disease. This article reviews the contribution of metabolomics in the mechanism of development, diagnosis, and prognosis of valvular heart disease. It also discusses the biomarkers associated with different types of valvular heart disease and highlights the metabolic biomarkers that can predict patient outcomes after valve repair or replacement. The limitations and considerations when designing metabolomics studies are also reviewed.
REVIEWS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Patrick D. M. C. Katoto, Sandra L. Mukasa, Mahmoud U. Sani, Kamilu M. Karaye, Irina Mbanze, Albertino Damasceno, Ana O. Mocumbi, Anastase Dzudie, Karen Sliwa, Friedrich Thienemann
Summary: The study examined factors associated with increased right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) and the effect of HIV status on survival rate in patients with pulmonary hypertension due to left heart disease (PH-LHD) in sub-Saharan Africa. Exposure to biomass fuel smoke, moderate to severe NYHA/FC, and unknown HIV status predicted increased RVSP at the time of presentation. HIV infection, NYHA/FC, and alcohol consumption were associated with decreased survival probabilities after 6 months. The study also found that an incremental rise in RVSP and inter-ventricular septal thickness resulted in an increased probability of mortality due to PH-LHD, while an increase in BMI reduced the risk of death.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Editorial Material
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Marilyn A. Couch, Patrick D. M. C. Katoto, Samuel Fikiri Cinini, Charles S. Wiysonge
Summary: Concerns about COVID-19 vaccination safety have led to hesitancy and decreased uptake worldwide. Vaccine hesitancy varies across continents, countries, ethnic groups, and age groups, resulting in global inequities. Africa has the lowest COVID-19 coverage globally, with only 22% of its population fully vaccinated. Misinformation on social media, especially regarding depopulating Africa, may have contributed to vaccine acceptance challenges in the region. This study explores determinants of low vaccination coverage that have received limited attention in primary research and highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to ensure trust and convince individuals of the benefits of vaccination.
HUMAN VACCINES & IMMUNOTHERAPEUTICS
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Patrick DMC. Katoto, Jacques L. Tamuzi, Amanda S. Brand, Diana M. Marangu, Liliane N. Byamungu, Charles S. Wiysonge, Glenda Gray
Summary: This study investigates the effectiveness of the BNT162b2 vaccine in adolescents against symptomatic and severe COVID-19 diseases, the impact of COVID-19 variants on vaccine effectiveness, and the effect of age and time on vaccine effectiveness.
HUMAN VACCINES & IMMUNOTHERAPEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Muki Shehu Shey, Avuyonke Balfour, Nomawethu Masina, Abulele Bekiswa, Charlotte Schutz, Rene Goliath, Rachel Dielle, Patrick DMC. Katoto, Katalin Andrea Wilkinson, David Lewinsohn, Deborah Anne Lewinsohn, Graeme Meintjes
Summary: In this study, it was found that individuals who showed resistance to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection despite sustained exposure had lower secretion of IFN-gamma, a cytokine traditionally associated with Mtb infection. However, these individuals showed similar secretion levels of other immune response-related cytokines and chemokines, indicating their ability to mount non-IFN-gamma immune responses to Mtb infection.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Patrick D. M. C. Katoto, Liliane N. Byamungu, Amanda S. Brand, Jacques L. Tamuzi, Mireille A. M. Kakubu, Charles S. Wiysonge, Glenda Gray
Summary: Myocarditis and pericarditis occur at a low rate in adolescents after receiving the BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccine, with a higher risk after the second dose in males. National programs are advised to use a causality framework to reduce overreporting and extend the inter-dose interval policy to decrease the occurrence of myocarditis/pericarditis.
Review
Immunology
Edison J. Mavundza, Sara Cooper, Charles S. Wiysonge
Summary: Cooper and colleagues conducted a Cochrane review to explore the factors influencing caregivers' views and practices on routine childhood vaccines worldwide. In this review, they included 27 studies conducted in Africa and found that parents' views and practices in Africa were influenced by various factors, categorized into five themes. This finding suggests that addressing the lack of knowledge and information can help promote vaccine acceptance and uptake in Africa.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Abdu A. Adamu, Tene-Alima Essoh, Rabiu Jalo, Charles S. Wiysonge
Summary: There is a pressing need for African countries to allocate more domestic financial resources to immunization in order to achieve self-reliance in national immunization programs. Political economy analysis (PEA) can assist in guiding policy influencers to advocate for sustainable immunization financing. Applying a systems thinking lens can enhance the usefulness of PEA by considering the complexity of resource allocation and implementation within social systems.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Evelyn N. Lumngwena, Dipolelo Mokaila, Olukayode Aremu, Patrick D. M. C. Katoto, Jonathan Blackburn, Peter Zilla, Charles Shey Wiysonge, Ntobeko Ntusi
Summary: Socioeconomic factors in low- and middle-income countries may contribute to the recurrence of rheumatic fever and modify trends in rheumatic heart disease. Limited studies suggest a potential association between HIV infection and the occurrence and impact of rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease.
