Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Khululiwe Dlamini, Boitumelo Moetlhoa, Astrid Turner, Kuhlula Maluleke, Tivani Mashamba-Thompson
Summary: This article aims to map and translate evidence on cryptococcal antigen infection among HIV-infected individuals in sub-Saharan Africa, with the potential to guide future research and interventions to improve management in this population.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Boris-Enock Zinsou, Diane Letourneur, Joel Siko, Raissa Muriel de Souza, Frejus Adjagba, Pascal Pineau
Summary: A study on the correlation between COVID-19 data and various factors in 47 sub-Saharan African countries found that COVID-19 mortality in the region is positively correlated with medical, socioeconomic, and health system factors, but negatively correlated with population age structure and malaria index. Economically developed regions show higher COVID-19 mortality rates.
Review
Immunology
Allan Kalungi, Eugene Kinyanda, Dickens Howard Akena, Pontiano Kaleebu, Innocent M. Bisangwa
Summary: The low cases of COVID-19 in Sub-Saharan Africa may be due to population characteristics, early lockdown measures, and potential underreporting, with recent malaria infection possibly offering protection against severe COVID-19 cases. The hypothesis suggests that immunological memory against malaria may prime cells for early phagocytosis of SARS-CoV-2, protecting individuals with recent malaria infection against COVID-19. This highlights the potential biological link between malaria and COVID-19 infection, emphasizing the importance of CD147 immunoglobulin as an entry point for both viruses.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Sokoine Kivuyo, Josephine Birungi, Joseph Okebe, Duolao Wang, Kaushik Ramaiya, Samafilan Ainan, Faith Tumuhairwe, Simple Ouma, Ivan Namakoola, Anupam Garrib, Erik van Widenfelt, Gerald Mutungi, Gerard Abou Jaoude, Neha Batura, Joshua Musinguzi, Mina Nakawuka Ssali, Bernard Michael Etukoit, Kenneth Mugisha, Meshack Shimwela, Omary Said Ubuguyu, Abel Makubi, Caroline Jeffery, Stephen Watiti, Jolene Skordis, Luis Cuevas, Nelson K. Sewankambo, Geoff Gill, Anne Katahoire, Peter G. Smith, Max Bachmann, Jeffrey V. Lazarus, Sayoki Mfinanga, Moffat J. Nyirenda, Shabbar Jaffar
Summary: Integrated management of chronic conditions can improve care for patients with diabetes or hypertension without adversely affecting outcomes for HIV patients in sub-Saharan Africa.
Letter
Immunology
Angel N. Desai, Amir M. Mohareb, Mubarak Mustafa Elkarsany, Hailemichael Desalegn, Lawrence C. Madoff, Britta Lassmann
Summary: This article describes hepatitis E outbreaks among forcibly displaced populations in sub-Saharan Africa from 2010 to 2020. A total of 12 independent outbreaks occurred, with over 30,000 cases reported. Transmission was primarily attributed to poor sanitation and overcrowding.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
John Mark Wiginton, Sanyukta Mathur, Ann Gottert, Nanlesta Pilgrim, Julie Pulerwitz
Summary: Engaging men in HIV services remains a challenge in sub-Saharan Africa. A study conducted in four countries found that factors facilitating men's successful engagement include individual-level illness motivation, interpersonal/network-level social support, and institutional/health systems-level supportive counseling and male-friendly services. Health literacy regarding viral suppression was highest in Uganda, while participants in other countries had less understanding. Leveraging these facilitators across the HIV-care continuum can encourage early HIV testing/diagnosis and improve health literacy for men.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Wolfgang Hladik, Paul K. Stupp, Stephen McCracken, Jessica Justman, Clement Ndongmo, Judith Shang, Emily Dokubo, Elizabeth Gummerson, Isabelle Koui, Stephane Bodika, Roger Lobognon, Hermann Brou, Caroline Ryan, Kristin Brown, Harriet Nuwagaba-Biribonwoha, Leonard Kingwara, Peter Young, Megan Bronson, Duncan Chege, Optatus Malewo, Yohannes Mengistu, Frederix Koen, Andreas B. Jahn, Andrew Auld, Sasi Jonnalagadda, Elizabeth Radin, Ndapewa Hamunime, Daniel Williams, Eugenie Kayirangwa, Veronicah Mugisha, Rennatus Mdodo, Stephen Delgado, Wilford Kirungi, Lisa Nelson, Christine West, Samuel H. Biraro, Kumbutso Dzekedzeke, Danielle Barradas, Owen Mugurungi, Shirish Balachandra, Peter A. Kilmarx, Godfrey Musuka, Hetal Patel, Bharat Parekh, Katrina Sleeman, Robert C. Domaoal, George Rutherford, Tsietso Motsoane, Anne-Cecile Zoung-Kanyi Bissek, Mansoor Farahani, Andrew Voetsch
Summary: The epidemiology and transmission potential of HIV population viral load (VL) were examined in 12 sub-Saharan African countries. It was found that the number of female PLHIV with unsuppressed viral load outnumbered males, and just 5% of PLHIV accounted for almost two-thirds of countries' total VL.
Article
Immunology
Allahna L. Esber, Nicole F. Dear, David King, Leilani V. Francisco, Valentine Sing'oei, John Owuoth, Jonah Maswai, Michael Iroezindu, Emmanuel Bahemana, Hannah Kibuuka, Neha Shah, Christina S. Polyak, Julie A. Ake, Trevor A. Crowell, AFRICOS Study Group
Summary: This study compared the performance of two supervised learning algorithms in predicting viral failure in people with HIV. The lasso regression model was slightly better than the random forest model, and both models identified CD4+ count, ART regimen, age, self-reported ART adherence, and duration on ART as important factors associated with viral failure.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Euzebiusz Jamrozik, Nchangwi Syntia Munung, Lucie Abeler-Dorner, Michael Parker
Summary: Phylogenetic analyses of HIV help clarify transmission patterns and identify high-risk populations for targeted public health interventions. While transmission clusters are significant in high-income countries, they play a minor role in sub-Saharan Africa. Nevertheless, phylogenetic analysis can still guide HIV program design for sub-populations with concentrated transmission events.
Article
Microbiology
Luis Fonte, Maria Ginori, Enrique J. Calderon, Yaxsier de Armas
Summary: Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest prevalence of helminth infections worldwide. Helminths modulate their immune responses to protect themselves from host defensive mechanisms, which has clinical and epidemiological consequences. Despite the high incidence of HIV infection in the sub-Saharan region, the prevalence of Pneumocystis pneumonia is lower than expected, which may be related to helminth immune modulation. This immune modulation achieved by helminths may also be an important factor to consider during the design and evaluation of vaccines against Pneumocystis jirovecii in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sandra Van Puyvelde, Tessa de Block, Sushmita Sridhar, Matt Bawn, Robert A. Kingsley, Brecht Ingelbeen, Mathew A. Beale, Barbara Barbe, Hyon Jin Jeon, Lisette Mbuyi-Kalonji, Marie-France Phoba, Dadi Falay, Delphine Martiny, Olivier Vandenberg, Dissou Affolabi, Jean Pierre Rutanga, Pieter-Jan Ceyssens, Wesley Mattheus, Wim L. Cuypers, Marianne A. B. van der Sande, Se Eun Park, Simon Kariuki, Kephas Otieno, John P. A. Lusingu, Joyce R. Mbwana, Samuel Adjei, Anima Sarfo, Seth O. Agyei, Kwaku P. Asante, Walter Otieno, Lucas Otieno, Marc C. Tahita, Palpouguini Lompo, Irving F. Hoffman, Tisungane Mvalo, Chisomo Msefula, Fatimah Hassan-Hanga, Stephen Obaro, Grant Mackenzie, Stijn Deborggraeve, Nicholas Feasey, Florian Marks, Calman A. Maclennan, Nicholas R. Thomson, Jan Jacobs, Gordon Dougan, Samuel Kariuki, Octavie Lunguya
Summary: Invasive non-typhoidal Salmonella (iNTS) disease, characterized by high mortality bloodstream infections, poses a significant public health burden in sub-Saharan Africa. A study analyzing whole genome sequence data from 1303 S. Typhimurium isolates collected between 1979 and 2017 in 19 African countries reveals the population structure of iNTS disease caused by S. Typhimurium. The study identifies six invasive S. Typhimurium clades, with the ST313-L2 lineage driving the current pandemic. Additionally, the study observes the emergence of fluoroquinolone resistance through plasmid and chromosomal encoding, leading to extensive-drug and pan-drug resistance. This research provides valuable insights for targeting control measures.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Kadimo Nthobatsang, Tshimologo Lone Ncenga, Chipo Mwangi-Woto, Tuelo J. Wedu, Tebogo Gabatlhaolwe, Sikhulile Moyo, Richard Marlink, Ishmael Kasvosve, Lesego Gabaitiri, Modisa S. Motswaledi
Summary: The study found that the RH2 blood group may be a critical host genetic factor determining susceptibility to HIV infection, with RH2-negative individuals being more likely to be HIV positive than heterozygotes. RH2-positive patients had higher CD4(+) cell counts, lower viral loads, and slower rates of CD4(+) decline compared to RH2-negative individuals.
Article
Immunology
Caroline E. Boeke, Jessica Joseph, Charles Atem, Clement Banda, Khady Diatou Coulibaly, Naoko Doi, Andrews Gunda, James Kandulu, Brianan Kiernan, Leonard Kingwara, Werner Maokola, Tatenda Maparo, Rose Nadege Mbaye, Esther Mtumbuka, Joseph Mziray, Catherine Ngugi, Jeanine Nkakulu, Divine Nzuobontane, Marie Claire Okomo Assoumo, Trevor Peter, Maria R. Rioja, Jilian A. Sacks, Raiva Simbi, Lara Vojnov, Shaukat A. Khan
Summary: The study evaluated the impact of near point-of-care (POC) viral load (VL) testing in public health sectors in several countries in Africa, showing that near POC testing can improve the speed of result receipt for high-risk populations and prompt clinical action.
JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL AIDS SOCIETY
(2021)
Review
Microbiology
Danisile Tembe, Mokgadi P. Malatji, Samson Mukaratirwa
Summary: This study compiled existing data on haemoparasites of poultry in sub-Saharan Africa, investigating their occurrence, distribution, and prevalence. A literature search was conducted on three electronic search databases using specific search terms. The results identified 16 haemoparasites infecting various poultry species across multiple countries. Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon species were the most common infections, recorded in eight out of ten reviewed countries. Mixed infections were observed in multiple poultry species, with co-infections by Plasmodium spp. and Haemoproteus spp. being the most common. This review provides crucial information for improving preventive and control measures of these parasites in sub-Saharan Africa.
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.
Article
Virology
Farah M. Shurrab, Duaa W. Al-Sadeq, Fatima Humaira Amanullah, Enas S. Al-Absi, Hamda Qotba, Hadi M. Yassine, Laith J. Abu-Raddad, Gheyath K. Nasrallah
Summary: There is a low risk of serological cross-reactivity between DENV and SARS-CoV-2 when using advanced detection assays.
Letter
Medicine, General & Internal
Laith J. Abu-Raddad, Hiam Chemaitelly, Roberto Bertollini
NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2022)
Letter
Medicine, General & Internal
Laith J. Abu-Raddad, Hiam Chemaitelly, Roberto Bertollini
NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Shimaa S. El-Malah, Jayaprakash Saththasivam, Khadeeja Abdul Jabbar, K. K. Arun, Tricia A. Gomez, Ayeda A. Ahmed, Yasmin A. Mohamoud, Joel A. Malek, Laith J. Abu Raddad, Hussein A. Abu Halaweh, Roberto Bertollini, Jenny Lawler, Khaled A. Mahmoud
Summary: This study evaluates a new normalization approach using human RNase P for the logical estimation of SARS-CoV-2 viral load in wastewater and finds that this method allows for a more accurate assessment of incidence trends within the population.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jeffrey Lazarus, Diana Romero, Christopher J. Kopka, Salim Abdool Karim, Laith J. Abu-Raddad, Gisele Almeida, Ricardo Baptista-Leite, Joshua A. Barocas, Mauricio L. Barreto, Yaneer Bar-Yam, Quique Bassat, Carolina Batista, Morgan Bazilian, Shu-Ti Chiou, Carlos del Rio, Gregory J. Dore, George F. Gao, Lawrence O. Gostin, Margaret Hellard, Jose L. Jimenez, Gagandeep Kang, Nancy Lee, Mojca Maticic, Martin McKee, Sabin Nsanzimana, Miquel Oliu-Barton, Bary Pradelski, Oksana Pyzik, Kenneth Rabin, Sunil Raina, Sabina Faiz Rashid, Magdalena Rathe, Rocio Saenz, Sudhvir Singh, Malene Trock-Hempler, Sonia Villapol, Peiling Yap, Agnes Binagwaho, Adeeba Kamarulzaman, Ayman El-Mohandes
Summary: Despite scientific and medical advances, political, socioeconomic, and behavioral factors continue to undermine the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. A Delphi study involving a diverse panel of experts from 112 countries and territories developed a set of recommendations across various domains to address this global threat to public health.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Sachin Silva, Houssein H. Ayoub, Christine Johnston, Rifat Atun, Laith J. Abu-Raddad
Summary: This study estimated the economic and quality-of-life losses due to genital herpes in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and the potential contribution of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infections to HIV transmission. The findings showed that the economic losses caused by genital herpes can be substantial, and the quality-of-life losses outweigh the spending on treatment and productivity reduction. If HSV-2 has indeed contributed to the spread of HIV, then a significant proportion of the costs associated with HIV treatment and wage losses can be attributed to HSV-2. Therefore, developing a vaccine against HSV-2 should be a global priority.
Article
Psychology, Clinical
K. Sorsdahl, C. van der Westhuizen, N. Hornsby, Y. Jacobs, M. Poole, M. Neuman, H. A. Weiss, B. Myers
Summary: The ASPIRE intervention was found to be feasible and acceptable among South African adolescents, although modifications to the trial design and intervention delivery are needed to optimize validity.
PSYCHOTHERAPY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Family Studies
Emily Nyariki, Rhoda Wanjiru, Pooja Shah, Mary Kungu, Hellen Babu, Helen A. Weiss, Janet Seeley, Joshua Kimani, Tara S. Beattie
Summary: Women who sell sex face challenges in raising their children due to socio-economic difficulties and the stigma associated with their work. This paper presents findings from a qualitative study conducted in Nairobi, Kenya, which explored the experiences of female sex workers who are also mothers. Interviews with 39 women revealed themes related to their entry into sex work, childcare arrangements, maintaining respectability for their children, and prioritizing safety and security. Results indicate that poverty and lack of reliable income sources drove women to engage in sex work, but they demonstrated agency in balancing their stigmatized work with their roles as mothers.
CULTURE HEALTH & SEXUALITY
(2023)
Review
Virology
Manale Harfouche, Asalah Alareeki, Aisha M. M. Osman, Ahmed S. Alaama, Joumana G. Hermez, Laith J. Abu-Raddad
Summary: This study characterized the epidemiology of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The prevalence of HSV-2 infection in MENA was found to be lower compared to other world regions, but the infection rate may be increasing. Despite conservative sexual norms, 1 in 20 adults in MENA is chronically infected. These findings highlight the need for expanded surveillance and monitoring of HSV-2 infection in MENA.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Mandikudza Tembo, Leyla Sophie Larsson, Helen A. Weiss, Tsitsi Bandason, Nicol Redzo, Ethel Dauya, Tafadzwa Nzanza, Pauline Ishumael, Nancy Gweshe, Precious Ndlovu, Chido Dziva Chikwari, Constancia Vimbayi Mavodza, Jenny Renju, Suzanna C. Francis, Rashida Ferrand, Constance R. S. Mackworth-Young
Summary: This study investigated the effectiveness of a comprehensive menstrual health intervention on improving menstrual knowledge, perceptions, and practices among young women in Harare, Zimbabwe. The intervention resulted in improved menstrual health outcomes, although sociocultural norms, stigma, and environmental factors influenced the intervention's impact.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Pooja Shah, Tara S. Beattie, Rhoda Kabuti, Jennifer Liku, Mary Kungu, Hellen Babu, Zaina Jama, Rupert Kaul, Helen Anne Weiss, Nambusi Kyegombe, Graham F. Medley, Karen Devries, Mitzy Gafos, Emily Nyariki, Joshua Kimani, Janet Seeley
Summary: This study aims to explore the structural and social factors that influence the early lives of women who enter sex work in Nairobi, Kenya. The findings revealed that childhood experiences of violence, poverty, and incomplete education were intertwined with early pregnancy, marriage, and relationship breakdown, leading to entry into sex work. Sex workers perceived sex work as risky but providing them with some financial independence and agency.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Iornum Shambe, Katherine Thomas, John Bradley, Tanya Marchant, Helen A. Weiss, Emily L. Webb
Summary: This case study examines the representation of authors from low and middle-income country (LMIC) institutions in research publications. The findings indicate that authors affiliated with LMIC institutions are under-represented in first and last authorship positions compared to those from high-income country (HIC) institutions. Additionally, the study reveals a lower proportion of senior authors from LMIC institutions in high impact journals and multicountry studies.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Sonal Mathur, Helen A. Weiss, Melissa Neuman, Andy P. Field, Baptiste Leurent, Tejaswi Shetty, E. J. James, Pooja Nair, Rhea Mathews, Kanika Malik, Daniel Michelson, Vikram Patel
Summary: This study aims to evaluate the effects of a digital training course on the competency of nonspecialists to deliver a problem-solving intervention for adolescents with common mental health problems in India. The study will recruit participants to receive either a self-guided digital training or a digital training with coaching. The findings will be used to support the scaling up of evidence-based mental health interventions for young people.
JMIR RESEARCH PROTOCOLS
(2023)
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Asalah Alareeki, Aisha M. M. Osman, Mohannad N. Khandakji, Katharine J. Looker, Manale Harfouche, Laith J. Abu-Raddad
Summary: This study investigated the HSV-2 seroprevalence in Europe among at-risk populations and its detection rates in genital ulcer disease and genital herpes. The findings showed a high HSV-2 infection rate in Europe and emphasized the importance of investing in HSV-2 vaccine development and sexual and reproductive health services.
LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH-EUROPE
(2023)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Sawsan AlMukdad, Manale Harfouche, Uzma S. Farooqui, Lana Aldos, Laith J. Abu-Raddad
Summary: This study aimed to characterize the epidemiology of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) in Australia and New Zealand. The findings revealed a high seroprevalence of HSV-1 among adults in Australia and an increasing proportion of genital acquisition among young individuals.
EPIDEMIOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2023)
