Article
Veterinary Sciences
Ranya Oezcelik, Franziska Remy-Wohlfender, Susanne Kueker, Vivianne Visschers, Daniela Hadorn, Salome Durr
Summary: Animal owners, being in close contact with their animals, have the potential to observe and report clinical signs, which could fill gaps in surveillance and improve early detection. A study in Switzerland tested a community-based surveillance approach in the equine community, but the online tool received minimal reports. Critical issues for successful implementation of community-based surveillance include the need for surveillance within the community, sufficient clinical cases for owners to maintain tool awareness, and effective communication strategies.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Francois Cholette, Lisa Lazarus, Pascal Macharia, Laura H. Thompson, Samuel Githaiga, John Mathenge, Jeffrey Walimbwa, Irene Kuria, Silvia Okoth, Solomon Wambua, Harrison Albert, Peninah Mwangi, Joyce Adhiambo, Rosemary Kasiba, Esther Juma, Parinita Battacharjee, Joshua Kimani, Paul Sandstrom, Adrienne F. A. Meyers, Jeffrey B. Joy, Matthew Thomann, Paul J. McLaren, Souradet Shaw, Sharmistha Mishra, Marissa L. Becker, Lyle Mckinnon, Robert Lorway
Summary: Inferring HIV transmission networks from HIV sequences is gaining popularity in the field of HIV molecular epidemiology. However, these analyses often lack community involvement and fail to consider the lived experiences and socio-economic realities of the most affected communities. To address this gap, our team presents a protocol for engaging community activists in Nairobi, Kenya in a knowledge exchange process. Through a community-based participatory approach, we aim to explore the possibilities and limitations of HIV molecular epidemiology for key population programs, pilot a community-based HIV molecular study, and co-develop policy guidelines for ethically safe HIV molecular epidemiology.
GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Neil Parkin, Fei Gao, Eduard Grebe, Amy Cutrell, Moupali Das, Deborah Donnell, Ann Duerr, David Glidden, James P. Hughes, Jeffrey Murray, Michael N. Robertson, Joerg Zinserling, Joseph Lau, Veronica Miller
Summary: Standard-of-care HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is effective, but adherence to daily oral pills is low. To evaluate alternate PrEP products, a new approach using estimation of HIV incidence in non-PrEP users as a comparison is proposed. HIV recent infection testing algorithms (RITAs) can be used for this purpose, but sample size, RITA performance, and other factors need to be considered. Screening sample sizes for an 80% reduction in incidence are feasible, and this counterfactual approach offers high statistical power. Its performance during new HIV prevention product development should be monitored. If successful, it could be applied to preventive HIV vaccines and other infectious diseases.
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Latrice C. Pichon, Kristen Rae Rossi, Theresa Chapple-McGruder, Lisa Jane Krull, Jennifer Kmet, April L. Carswell
Summary: Memphis, a city in the Deep South of the U.S., ranks fourth in new HIV infections. The study showed high acceptance and uptake of rapid HIV testing offered in transitional housing, suggesting it is an effective strategy to engage high-risk individuals in getting tested.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Sabina Govere-Hwenje, Jana Jarolimova, Joyce Yan, Anele Khumalo, Gugulami Zondi, Marcia Ngcobo, Nafisa J. Wara, Dani Zionts, Laura M. Bogart, Robert A. Parker, Ingrid Bassett
Summary: A survey conducted in South Africa among people living with HIV showed that over half were willing to accept COVID-19 vaccination, but a substantial proportion remained unsure or were not willing to be vaccinated.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Alyssa G. Robillard, Carmen H. Julious, Stacy W. Smallwood, Mark Douglas, Bambi W. Gaddist, Tyler Singleton
Summary: Community-based organizations (CBOs) are crucial in achieving the goal of ending the HIV epidemic, but they face threats from structural inequities that hinder their survival and growth. The role of HIV CBOs in public health should be recognized, and steps should be taken to promote structural equity.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Gretel Jianlin Wong, Jerrald Lau, Emily Chew, Wen-Min Chow, Julia Choo, Ker-Kan Tan
Summary: This study aimed to understand CRC patients' views and receptiveness of having their surveillance consultations conducted in a community setting. Results showed that most participants still preferred to be managed by their primary surgeon and were hesitant towards having their follow-up surveillance consultations in community and primary care settings.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Benjamin R. Bavinton, Andrew E. Grulich
Summary: More than a decade after the first efficacy evidence for oral HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) was reported, global uptake of PrEP has been inadequate, with a need for more ambitious global targets and addressing individual-level barriers. New PrEP modalities are emerging and a greater understanding of long-term patterns of PrEP use in different populations is needed.
LANCET PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Wilbroad Mutale, Kellie Freeborn, Lauren A. Graybill, Mildred M. Lusaka, Katie R. Mollan, Oliver Mweemba, Margaret Kasaro, Rose Lungu, Andrew Kumwenda, Friday Saidi, Kimberly A. Powers, Suzanne Maman, Nora E. Rosenberg, Benjamin H. Chi
Summary: The study successfully increased HIV testing rates in male partners of pregnant women through a combination approach involving targeted education and self-testing kits, but reduced facility-based testing rates. The findings highlight the importance of considering comprehensive HIV programmes in designing interventions for HIV prevention and treatment during pregnancy.
LANCET GLOBAL HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Giuseppe Colucci, Sara Uceda Renteria, Giovanna Lunghi, Ferruccio Ceriotti, Enrico Sguazzini, Simona Spalenza, Costantina Regazzo, Pietro Lampertico, Massimo Colombo
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence of viral hepatitis among migrants and found a low to moderate prevalence of hepatitis B markers among African and Asian first arrival migrants. Migrants positive for hepatitis C and HIV likely acquired the infection after arrival in Italy.
CLINICS AND RESEARCH IN HEPATOLOGY AND GASTROENTEROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Martine Verelst, Ina Willemsen, Veronica Weterings, Pascal De Waegemaeker, Isabelle Leroux-Roels, Ellen Nieuwkoop, Veroniek Saegeman, Lieke van Alphen, Stefanie Van Kleef-van Koeveringe, Marjolein Kluytmans-Van den Bergh, Jan Kluytmans, Annette Schuermans
Summary: This article describes the implementation and results of the Infection Risk Scan tool in nine hospitals in the Dutch/Belgian border area to evaluate the quality of infection control and antimicrobial use. The tool identified differences between wards and countries, providing potential targets for improving the quality of care.
ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE AND INFECTION CONTROL
(2022)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Marsha Meyer, Susan Enguidanos, Yujun Zhu, Denise Likar, Romilla Batra
Summary: The C-MEDS program showed promise in improving medication self-efficacy, increasing adherence to select medications, and reducing the risk of non-adherence among community-dwelling older adults. Further studies are needed to assess replicability and impact on clinical outcomes.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Thomas Scheier, Stefan P. Kuster, Mesida Dunic, Christian Falk, Hugo Sax, Peter W. Schreiber
Summary: A positive correlation was found between CLABSI incidence rates and turnover of nursing personnel, especially those with advanced training, at University Hospital Zurich. However, there was no significant correlation between physician turnover and CLABSI incidence rates. Maintaining continuity in nursing staff may help in reducing CLABSI rates.
ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE AND INFECTION CONTROL
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Elizabeth Mueni Mutisya, Vincent Muturi-Kioi, Andrew Abaasa, Delvin Nyasani, Rhoda W. Kabuti, Laura Lunani, Timothy Kotikot, Moses Mundia, Gaudensia Mutua, Geoffrey Ombati, Hannah Nduta, Matt A. Price, Joshua Kimani, Aggrey Omu Anzala
Summary: This study assessed the feasibility of conducting HIV prevention trials among key populations in Nairobi. The results showed that the trial could be conducted successfully within the designated timeframe, and a high incidence of HIV infection was observed, highlighting the need for effective HIV prevention products in these populations.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Jodie L. Guest, Elizabeth Adam, Iaah L. Lucas, Cristian J. Chandler, Rebecca Filipowicz, Nicole Luisi, Laura Gravens, Kingsley Leung, Tanaka Chavanduka, Erin E. Bonar, Jose A. Bauermeister, Rob Stephenson, Patrick S. Sullivan
Summary: This study discusses electronic and manual authentication strategies used to monitor and prevent fraudulent enrollment in the iReach randomized controlled trial. By flagging suspicious enrollments and verifying age, IP addresses, email addresses, etc., the strategies successfully identified and prevented potential fraud and ineligible entries.
JMIR MHEALTH AND UHEALTH
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Han-Sol Park, Janna R. Shapiro, Ioannis Sitaras, Bezawit A. Woldemeskel, Caroline C. Garliss, Amanda Dziedzic, Jaiprasath Sachithanandham, Anne E. Jedlicka, Christopher A. Caputo, Kimberly E. Rousseau, Manjusha Thakar, San Suwanmanee, Pricila Hauk, Lateef Aliyu, Natalia Majewska, Sushmita Koley, Bela Patel, Patrick Broderick, Giselle Mosnaim, Sonya L. Heath, Emily S. Spivak, Aarthi Shenoy, Evan M. Bloch, Thomas J. Gniadek, Shmuel Shoham, Arturo Casadevall, Daniel Hanley, Andrea L. Cox, Oliver Laeyendecker, Michael J. Betenbaugh, Steven M. Cramer, Heba H. Mostafa, Andrew Pekosz, Joel N. Blankson, Sabra L. Klein, Aaron A. R. Tobian, David Sullivan, Kelly A. Gebo
Summary: Benchmarks for protective immunity from infection or severe disease after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination are still being defined. In this study, the researchers compared different immune responses and viral variants in different groups, including vaccinated individuals and symptomatic patients. The findings showed that neutralizing antibody levels declined over time and were lower against the Alpha variant. Partially and fully vaccinated patients had lower neutralizing antibody levels against the parent virus compared to healthy controls. The study also found that neutralization activity against the Alpha variant was lower in the partially and fully vaccinated infected patients. Parent virus neutralization was identified as a predictive factor for breakthrough infections with the Alpha variant.
Article
Immunology
Nigel Garrett, Asa Tapley, Jessica Andriesen, Ishen Seocharan, Leigh H. Fisher, Lisa Bunts, Nicole Espy, Carole L. Wallis, April Kaur Randhawa, Maurine D. Miner, Nzeera Ketter, Margaret Yacovone, Ameena Goga, Yunda Huang, John Hural, Philip Kotze, Linda-Gail Bekker, Glenda E. Gray, Lawrence Corey
Summary: We report a 23% asymptomatic SARS CoV-2 Omicron carriage rate in participants of a clinical trial in South Africa, which is 15 times higher than in previous trials. We also found a strong correlation between lower CD4( + )T-cell counts in HIV-infected individuals and increased odds of being SARS-CoV-2 PCR positive.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Andrew D. Redd, Alessandra Nardin, Hassen Kared, Evan M. Bloch, Brian Abel, Andrew Pekosz, Oliver Laeyendecker, Michael Fehlings, Thomas C. Quinn, Aaron A. R. Tobian
Summary: This study found that the newly identified Omicron variant of concern contains only one mutation in a low-prevalence epitope targeted by CD8(+) T cells, suggesting that the T-cell immune response in previously infected and vaccinated individuals should still be effective against Omicron.
Article
Health Policy & Services
Minja Milovanovic, Rachel Jewkes, Mokgadi Matuludi, Kristin Dunkle, Khuthadzo Hlongwane, Lieve Vanleeuw, Nevilene Slingers, Maya Jaffer, Venice Mbowane, Fareed Abdullah, Kennedy Otwombe, Glenda Gray, Jenny Coetzee
Summary: Adolescent girls and young women engaging in sex-for-money transactions in South Africa are at high risk of HIV infection. Economic factors play a significant role in their entry into sex work. A survey conducted in 2019 found that young female sex workers had a higher HIV prevalence rate compared to older sex workers, and they were less likely to be aware of their HIV status, receive antiretroviral therapy, and achieve viral suppression. This highlights the need for tailored services and interventions to improve access to HIV prevention and treatment for young sex workers.
AIDS CARE-PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIO-MEDICAL ASPECTS OF AIDS/HIV
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Janan J. Dietrich, Kim Jonas, Mireille Cheyip, Tracy McClinton Appollis, Oluwatobi Ariyo, Roxanne Beauclair, Carl Lombard, Glenda E. Gray, Catherine Mathews
Summary: Social support and resilience may increase knowledge of HIV-positive status and ART exposure among South African AGYW.
Article
Sport Sciences
Shirley Collie, Robin Terence Saggers, Rossella Bandini, Lizelle Steenkamp, Jared Champion, Glenda Gray, Linda-Gail Bekker, Ameena Goga, Nigel Garrett, Jon Patricios
Summary: Regular physical activity is associated with improved vaccine effectiveness against COVID-19 hospitalization, with higher levels of physical activity associated with greater vaccine effectiveness.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF SPORTS MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Vit Neuman, Stepanka Pruhova, Michal Kulich, Stanislava Kolouskova, Jan Vosahlo, Martina Romanova, Lenka Petruzelkova, Jaroslav Havlik, Anna Mascellani, Svatopluk Henke, Zdenek Sumnik, Ondrej Cinek
Summary: Gluten-free diet (GFD) can alter the composition of gut bacteriome but these changes do not affect the rate of beta cell capacity loss. The protective effect of GFD is likely mediated through other pathways.
Article
Pediatrics
Tereza Lerchova, Ondrej Hradsky, Michal Kulich, Gabor Veres, Jorge Amil Dias, Malgorzata Sladek, Sanja Kolacek, Stephanie Van Biervliet, Jan Melek, Daniela E. Serban, Katrine Winther, Tim de Meij, Jan Schwarz, Kaija-Leena Kolho, Johanna C. Escher, Jiri Bronsky
Summary: This study developed a predictive model based on six baseline parameters to potentially predict early azathioprine treatment failure in pediatric CD patients. A web-based tool has been created to estimate individual relapse risk in pediatric CD patients on a particular therapeutic regimen.
PEDIATRIC RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Andrew H. Karaba, Trevor S. Johnston, Evan Beck, Oliver Laeyendecker, Andrea L. Cox, Sabra L. Klein, David J. Sullivan
Summary: The relevance of preexisting immunity to the four endemic human coronaviruses in the first week of COVID-19 illness on the outcome of COVID-19 progression stems from the high prevalence of the ehCoV and SARS-CoV-2 coronaviruses. The question has been raised of whether therapeutic convalescent plasma or control plasma containing ehCoV antibodies might alter the outcome of COVID-19 progression to hospitalization.
Article
Microbiology
Youyi Fong, Adrian B. McDermott, David Benkeser, Sanne Roels, Daniel J. Stieh, An Vandebosch, Mathieu Le Gars, Griet A. Van Roey, Christopher R. Houchens, Karen Martins, Lakshmi Jayashankar, Flora Castellino, Obrimpong Amoa-Awua, Manjula Basappa, Britta Flach, Bob C. Lin, Christopher Moore, Mursal Naisan, Muhammed Naqvi, Sandeep Narpala, Sarah O'Connell, Allen Mueller, Leo Serebryannyy, Mike Castro, Jennifer Wang, Christos J. Petropoulos, Alex Luedtke, Ollivier Hyrien, Yiwen Lu, Chenchen Yu, Bhavesh Borate, Lars W. P. van der Laan, Nima S. Hejazi, Avi Kenny, Marco Carone, Daniel N. Wolfe, Jerald Sadoff, Glenda E. Gray, Beatriz Grinsztejn, Paul A. Goepfert, Susan J. Little, Leonardo Paiva de Sousa, Rebone Maboa, April K. Randhawa, Michele P. Andrasik, Jenny Hendriks, Carla Truyers, Frank Struyf, Hanneke Schuitemaker, Macaya Douoguih, James G. Kublin, Lawrence Corey, Kathleen M. Neuzil, Lindsay N. Carpp, Dean Follmann, Peter B. Gilbert, Richard A. Koup, Ruben O. Donis
Summary: Measuring immune correlates of disease acquisition and protection is crucial in vaccine design. This study showed that the ID50 neutralizing antibody titre is a strong correlate of risk and protection in COVID-19.
NATURE MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Health Policy & Services
Sahar Z. Zangeneh, Ethan A. Wilson, Surabhi Ahluwalia, Deborah J. Donnell, Ying Q. Chen, Beatriz Grinsztejn, Marineide G. Melo, Sheela V. Godbole, Mina C. Hosseinipour, Taha Taha, Johnston Kumwenda, Marybeth McCauley, Myron S. Cohen, Karin Nielsen-Saines
Summary: This study explored the impact of pregnancy on HIV disease stage and progression. The findings suggest that becoming pregnant does not pose a threat to maternal health in women with HIV when there is access to medical care and antiretroviral treatment.
AIDS CARE-PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIO-MEDICAL ASPECTS OF AIDS/HIV
(2023)
Article
Family Studies
Rachel Jewkes, Minja Milovanovic, Kennedy Otwombe, Khuthadzo Hlongwane, Naomi Hill, Venice Mbowane, Glenda Gray, Jenny Coetzee
Summary: To understand the stigma surrounding sex work and its drivers, an analysis was conducted on the South African National Sex Worker Survey using structural equation modelling. The study found that external/enacted and internalized stigma were prevalent among sex workers. Experiences of violence, external/enacted stigma, and food insecurity were major drivers of internalized stigma, impacting mental health. However, perceiving sex work positively provided significant protection against stigma, offering opportunities to change the narrative. Reducing exposure to stigmatizing behavior, ensuring better protection against violence, and ending the criminalization of sex work are crucial for improving the health and well-being of sex workers through specific programs.
CULTURE HEALTH & SEXUALITY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Roanne Keeton, Marius B. Tincho, Akiko Suzuki, Ntombi Benede, Amkele Ngomti, Richard Baguma, Masego Chauke, Mathilda Mennen, Sango Skelem, Marguerite Adriaanse, Alba Grifoni, Daniela Weiskopf, Alessandro Sette, Linda -Gail Bekker, Glenda Gray, Ntobeko A. B. Ntusi, Wendy A. Burgers, Catherine Riou
Summary: This study compares the presence and frequency of SARS-CoV-2-specific T cell and IgG antibody responses in 190 individuals with different SARS-CoV-2 exposure histories. The results show that repeated exposure to SARS-CoV-2 increases the number of T cells, but has less impact on the frequency of circulating SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells. Furthermore, the number and nature of exposures have a greater effect on the immune response, with hybrid immunity displaying a higher polyfunctional potential in spike-specific CD4 T cells compared to vaccination only. These findings are important for developing optimal vaccine strategies to enhance immune responses as the pandemic progresses.
CELL REPORTS MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Sinead Delany-Moretlwe, Nyaradzo Mgodi, Linda-Gail Bekker, Jared M. Baeten, Chuwen Li, Deborah Donnell, Yaw Agyei, Denni Lennon, Scott M. Rose, Marcia Mokgatle, Sheetal Kassim, Shorai Mukaka, Adeola Adeyeye, Connie Celum
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence, incidence, and factors associated with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among young African women seeking HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). The findings showed that despite PrEP usage, 55% of the participants had at least one STI detected. Therefore, alternative approaches for diagnosis and treatment are needed to reduce the burden of STIs in this population.
SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Feben Habtehyimer, Xianming Zhu, Andrew D. Redd, Kelly A. Gebo, Alison G. Abraham, Eshan U. Patel, Oliver Laeyendecker, Thomas J. Gniadek, Reinaldo E. Fernandez, Owen R. Baker, Malathi Ram, Edward R. Cachay, Judith S. Currier, Yuriko Fukuta, Jonathan M. Gerber, Sonya L. Heath, Barry Meisenberg, Moises A. Huaman, Adam C. Levine, Aarthi Shenoy, Shweta Anjan, Janis E. Blair, Daniel Cruser, Donald N. Forthal, Laura L. Hammitt, Seble Kassaye, Giselle S. Mosnaim, Bela Patel, James H. Paxton, Jay S. Raval, Catherine G. Sutcliffe, Matthew Abinante, Kevin S. Oei, Valerie Cluzet, Marie Elena Cordisco, Benjamin Greenblatt, William Rausch, David Shade, Amy L. Gawad, Sabra L. Klein, Andrew Pekosz, Shmuel Shoham, Arturo Casadevall, Evan M. Bloch, Daniel Hanley, Aaron A. R. Tobian, David J. Sullivan
Summary: Early convalescent plasma transfusion can reduce the risk of hospitalization for COVID-19 patients, possibly by decreasing IL-6 levels and reducing disease severity.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)