Last data update: May 06, 2024. (Total: 46732 publications since 2009)
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Seroprevalence of SARS-cov-2 in 10 regional capitals of Cameroon, October-December 2020
Sachathep K , Duong YT , Reid G , Dokubo EK , Shang JD , Ndongmo CB , Gabriel E , Tharp G , Dimite LE , N'Dir A , Okpu G , Ogollah FM , Nguafack D , Ntse MC , Hrusa G , Yuengling K , Tebbenhoff M , René E , Françoise NS , Felicity NT , Okomo MC , Bissek AZ , Harris TG . Influenza Other Respir Viruses 2024 18 (4) e13267 BACKGROUND: Cameroon was among the most affected African countries during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic; however, the true prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 remains unknown. METHODS: From October to December 2020, we conducted a cross-sectional, age-stratified SARS-CoV-2 seroepidemiological survey at 30 purposively selected community-based sites across Cameroon's 10 regional capitals, sampling 10,000 individuals aged 5 years or older. We employed a parallel SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing algorithm (WANTAI ELISA and Abbott Architect) to improve both the positive predictive value and negative predictive value of seroprevalence. RESULTS: The overall weighted and adjusted seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies across the 10 urban capitals of Cameroon was 10.5% (95% CI: 9.1%-12.0%) among participants aged ≥5 years. Of the 9332 participants, 730 males (13.1%, 95% CI: 11.5%-14.9%) had SARS-CoV-2 antibodies compared to 293 females (8.0%, 95% CI: 6.8%-9.3%). Among those who reported a comorbidity at the time of testing, 15.8% (95% CI: 12.8%-19.4%) were seropositive. We estimated that over 2 million SARS-CoV-2 infections occurred in the 10 regional capitals of Cameroon between October and December 2020, compared to 21,160 cases officially reported at that time translating to one laboratory-confirmed case being reported for every 110 SARS-CoV-2 infections across the 10 urban capitals. CONCLUSION: This study's findings point to extensive and under-reported circulation of SARS-CoV-2 in Cameroon-an almost 100-fold more cases compared to the number of cases reported to the World Health Organization. This finding highlights the importance of conducting serosurveys, especially in settings where access to testing may be limited and to repeat such surveys as part of pandemic tracking. |
Risk factors for recent HIV infections among adults in 14 countries in Africa identified by population-based HIV impact assessment surveys, 2015-2019
Currie DW , West CA , Patel HK , Favaloro J , Asiimwe F , Ndagije F , Silver R , Mugurungi O , Shang J , Ndongmo CB , Williams DB , Dzinotyiweyi E , Waruru A , Pasipamire M , Nuwagaba-Biribonwoha H , Dlamini S , McLeod N , Kayirangwa E , Rwibasira G , Minchella PA , Auld AF , Nyirenda R , Getaneh Y , Hailemariam AH , Tondoh-Koui I , Kohemun N , Mgomella GS , Njau PF , Kirungi WL , Dalhatu I , Stafford KA , Bodika SM , Ussery F , McCracken S , Stupp P , Brown K , Duong YT , Parekh BS , Voetsch AC . Emerg Infect Dis 2023 29 (11) 2325-2334 Identifying persons who have newly acquired HIV infections is critical for characterizing the HIV epidemic direction. We analyzed pooled data from nationally representative Population-Based HIV Impact Assessment surveys conducted across 14 countries in Africa for recent infection risk factors. We included adults 15-49 years of age who had sex during the previous year and used a recent infection testing algorithm to distinguish recent from long-term infections. We collected risk factor information via participant interviews and assessed correlates of recent infection using multinomial logistic regression, incorporating each survey's complex sampling design. Compared with HIV-negative persons, persons with higher odds of recent HIV infection were women, were divorced/separated/widowed, had multiple recent sex partners, had a recent HIV-positive sex partner or one with unknown status, and lived in communities with higher HIV viremia prevalence. Prevention programs focusing on persons at higher risk for HIV and their sexual partners will contribute to reducing HIV incidence. |
Wastewater Surveillance for Monkeypox Virus in Nine California Communities (preprint)
Wolfe MK , Yu AT , Duong D , Rane MS , Hughes B , Chan-Herur V , Donnelly M , Chai S , White BJ , Vugia DJ , Boehm AB . medRxiv 2022 09 Background: Wastewater represents a composite biological sample from the entire contributing population. People infected with monkeypox virus (MPXV)1 may excrete viral DNA into wastewater via multiple ways such as in feces, urine, skin lesions, and/or saliva. We describe results from rapid establishment of wastewater surveillance in selected regions in California within a month of the first reported case of monkeypox in the United States. Method(s): PCR assays targeting genomic DNA from MPXV were deployed in an ongoing wastewater surveillance program in California. MPXV DNA concentrations were measured daily in settled solids samples from nine wastewater plants. Results over a four-week period were validated across different MPXV assays, compared using influent and solids samples, and correlated using non-parametric methods (Kendall's tau) with the number of monkeypox cases reported from each sewershed. Result(s): MPXV DNA was detected at all nine sites between June 19 and August 1, 2022; 5 of 9 sites detected MPXV DNA prior to or within a day of the first case identified in the source sewershed. At the four sites with >10 positive detections, we observed a positive, statistically significant correlation (p <0.001) between MPXV DNA in wastewater solids and incidence rate of reported cases. Conclusion(s): Our findings suggest wastewater can be used to effectively detect the introduction of MPXV and monitor its circulation in the community to inform public health and clinical response. This flexible wastewater surveillance infrastructure may be rapidly leveraged to monitor other pathogens of public health importance that are shed into wastewater. Copyright The copyright holder for this preprint is the author/funder, who has granted medRxiv a license to display the preprint in perpetuity. It is made available under a CC-BY-ND 4.0 International license. |
Genomic epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 in Cambodia, January 2020 to February 2021.
Su YCF , Ma JZJ , Ou TP , Pum L , Krang S , Raftery P , Kinzer MH , Bohl J , Ieng V , Kab V , Patel S , Sar B , Ying WF , Jayakumar J , Horm VS , Boukli N , Yann S , Troupin C , Heang V , Garcia-Rivera JA , Sengdoeurn Y , Heng S , Lay S , Chea S , Darapheak C , Savuth C , Khalakdina A , Ly S , Baril L , Manning JE , Simone-Loriere E , Duong V , Dussart P , Sovann L , Smith GJD , Karlsson EA . Virus Evol 2023 9 (1) veac121 The first case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Cambodia was confirmed on 27 January 2020 in a traveller from Wuhan. Cambodia subsequently implemented strict travel restrictions, and although intermittent cases were reported during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, no apparent widespread community transmission was detected. Investigating the routes of severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) introduction into the country was critical for evaluating the implementation of public health interventions and assessing the effectiveness of social control measures. Genomic sequencing technologies have enabled rapid detection and monitoring of emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2. Here, we detected 478 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Cambodia between 27 January 2020 and 14 February 2021, 81.3 per cent in imported cases. Among them, fifty-four SARS-CoV-2 genomes were sequenced and analysed along with representative global lineages. Despite the low number of confirmed cases, we found a high diversity of Cambodian viruses that belonged to at least seventeen distinct PANGO lineages. Phylogenetic inference of SARS-CoV-2 revealed that the genetic diversity of Cambodian viruses resulted from multiple independent introductions from diverse regions, predominantly, Eastern Asia, Europe, and Southeast Asia. Most cases were quickly isolated, limiting community spread, although there was an A.23.1 variant cluster in Phnom Penh in November 2020 that resulted in a small-scale local transmission. The overall low incidence of COVID-19 infections suggests that Cambodia's early containment strategies, including travel restrictions, aggressive testing and strict quarantine measures, were effective in preventing large community outbreaks of COVID-19. |
Point of care CD4 testing in national household surveys - results and quality indicators from eleven population-based HIV impact assessment (PHIA) surveys
Birhanu S , Winterhalter FS , Stupp P , Cates M , Rottinghaus E , Yavo D , Wray-Gordon F , Lupoli K , Ndongmo CB , Longwe H , Reid GA , Metz M , Saito S , McCracken S , Brown K , Voetsch AC , Duong YT , Parekh BS , Patel HK . Microbiol Spectr 2023 11 (3) e0314822 Population-based HIV Impact Assessments (PHIAs) are national household (HH) surveys that provide HIV diagnosis and CD4 testing with an immediate return of results. Accurate CD4 results improve HIV-positive participants' clinical care and inform the effectiveness of HIV programs. Here, we present CD4 results from the PHIA surveys that were conducted in 11 countries in sub-Saharan Africa between 2015 and 2018. All of the HIV-positive participants and 2 to 5% of the HIV-negative participants were offered Pima CD4 (Abbott, IL, USA) point-of-care (POC) tests. The quality of the CD4 test was ensured by conducting instrument verification, comprehensive training, quality control, a review of testing errors and an analysis of unweighted CD4 data by HIV status, age, gender, and antiretroviral (ARV) treatment status. Overall, CD4 testing was completed for 23,085 (99.5%) of the 23,209 HIV-positive and 7,329 (2.7%) of the 270,741 negative participants in 11 surveys. The instrument error rate was 11.3% (range, 4.4% to 15.7%). The median CD4 values among HIV-positive and HIV-negative participants (aged 15+) were 468 cells/mm(3) (interquartile range [IQR], 307 to 654) and 811 cells/mm(3) (IQR, 647 to 1,013), respectively (P < 0.0001). Among the HIV-positive participants (aged 15+), those with detectable ARVs had higher CD4 values (508 cells/mm(3)) than those with undetectable ARVs (385.5 cells/mm(3)). Among the HIV-positive participants (aged 15+), 11.4% (2,528/22,253) had a CD4 value of less than 200 cells/mm(3), and approximately half of them (1,225/2,528 = 48.5%) had detectable ARVs, whereas 51.5% (1,303/2,528) had no detectable ARVs. We successfully implemented high quality POC CD4 testing using Pima instruments. Our data come from nationally representative surveys in 11 countries and provide unique insights regarding the CD4 distribution among HIV-positive individuals as well as the baseline CD4 values among HIV-negative individuals. IMPORTANCE The manuscript describes CD4 levels among HIV-positive individuals and baseline CD4 levels among HIV-negative individuals from 11 sub-Saharan countries, thereby highlighting the importance of CD4 markers in the context of the HIV epidemic. Despite increased ARV access in each country, advanced HIV disease (CD4 < 200 cells/mm(3)) persists among approximately 11% of HIV-positive individuals. Therefore, it is important that our findings are shared with the scientific community to assist with similar implementations of point-of-care testing and to conduct a review of HIV programmatic gaps. |
Assessment of vitamin D status and association with inflammation: Biomarkers reflecting inflammation and nutritional determinants of anemia (BRINDA) project
Young MF , Ou J , Duong C , Luo H , Beyh YS , Meng J , Gernand AD , Roth DE , Suchdev PS . Am J Clin Nutr 2023 117 (1) 175-181 BACKGROUND: It is unclear whether 25(OH)D concentrations in children and female adults may be influenced by inflammation and thus require adjustment when estimating the population prevalence of vitamin D deficiency. OBJECTIVES: We examined correlations between inflammation biomarkers, CRP or alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP), and serum 25(OH)D concentrations among preschool children (PSC; 6-59 mo) and nonpregnant females of reproductive age (FRA; 15-49 y). METHODS: We analyzed cross-sectional data from 6 nationally representative nutrition surveys (Afghanistan, Cambodia, Pakistan, UK, USA, and Vietnam) conducted among PSC (n = 9880) and FRA (n = 14,749) from the Biomarkers Reflecting Inflammation and Nutritional Determinants of Anemia project. Rank correlations between CRP or AGP and 25(OH)D concentrations were examined while taking into account complex survey design effects. RESULTS: Among both PSC and FRA, correlations between inflammation and vitamin D biomarkers were weak and inconsistent across surveys. For PSC, correlation coefficients between CRP and 25(OH)D concentrations ranged from -0.04 to 0.08, and correlations between AGP and 25(OH)D ranged from 0.01 to 0.05. Correlation coefficients between CRP and 25(OH)D for FRA ranged from -0.11 to 0.14, and correlations between AGP and 25(OH)D concentrations ranged from -0.05 to 0.01. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the weak and inconsistent correlations between CRP or AGP and 25(OH)D, there is no rationale to adjust for these inflammation biomarkers when estimating population prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in PSC or FRA. |
Use of Wastewater for Mpox Outbreak Surveillance in California.
Wolfe MK , Yu AT , Duong D , Rane MS , Hughes B , Chan-Herur V , Donnelly M , Chai S , White BJ , Vugia DJ , Boehm AB . N Engl J Med 2023 388 (6) 570-572 In May 2022, cases of mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) virus (MPXV) infection were reported outside regions in Africa where it is endemic. The global spread of MPXV infection, coupled with evidence of human-to-human transmission of a typically zoonotic disease, triggered a rapid scale-up of public health response, including surveillance to identify cases and guide local response.1 However, access to and use of testing has been limited due in part to social stigma, difficulty recognizing a disease that is relatively new outside Africa, and potential for minimally symptomatic cases. A complementary surveillance approach that is independent of individual testing is through monitoring of wastewater, which represents a composite biologic sample from a community. The presence and concentration of pathogens that are shed into wastewater provide information about disease without the need for any involvement at the individual level, thereby offering an attractive means of attaining situational awareness for public health agencies and clinicians. |
Epidemiology of cutaneous lupus erythematosus among adults over four decades (1976-2018): A Lupus Midwest Network (LUMEN) Study
Hocaoğlu M , Davis MDP , Osei-Onomah SA , Valenzuela-Almada MO , Dabit JY , Duong SQ , Yang JX , Helmick CG , Crowson C , Duarte-García A . Mayo Clin Proc 2022 97 (12) 2282-2290 OBJECTIVE: To characterize the epidemiological trends and mortality of cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) between 1976 and 2018 in Olmsted County, Minnesota. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this retrospective population-based cohort study, all incident and prevalent CLE cases among adult residents in Olmsted County, Minnesota, between January 1, 1976, and December 31, 2018, were identified and categorized by subtype through medical record review using the resources of the Rochester Epidemiology Project. RESULTS: The overall incidence rate of CLE between 1976 and 2018 was 3.9 (95% CI, 3.4 to 4.5) per 100,000. The incidence of CLE was relatively stable, with no major trend across sexes or age groups. The age- and sex-adjusted prevalence of CLE was 108.9 per 100,000 on January 1, 2015. Mortality in CLE patients was similar to that of the general population, with a standardized mortality ratio of 1.23 (95% CI, 0.88 to 1.66) with no observed trends in mortality over time. CONCLUSION: In the past 4 decades, the incidence of CLE remained stable. Patients with CLE have mortality comparable to that of the general population. |
A pretest-posttest design to assess the effectiveness of an intervention to reduce HIV-related stigma and discrimination in healthcare settings in Vietnam
Pollack TM , Duong HT , Nhat Vinh DT , Phuong DT , Thuy DH , Nhung VTT , Uyen NK , Linh VT , Van Truong N , Le Ai KA , Ninh NT , Nguyen A , Canh HD , Cosimi LA . J Int AIDS Soc 2022 25 Suppl 1 e25932 INTRODUCTION: Stigma and discrimination are important barriers to HIV epidemic control. We implemented a multi-pronged facility-level intervention to reduce stigma and discrimination at health facilities across three high-burden provinces. Key components of the intervention included measurement of stigma, data review and use, participatory training of healthcare workers (HCWs), and engagement of people living with HIV and key populations in all stigma reduction activities. METHODS: From July 2018 to July 2019, we assessed HIV-related stigma and discrimination among patients and HCWs at 10 facilities at baseline and 9 months following an intervention. A repeated measures design was used to assess the change in stigma and discrimination among HCWs and a repeated cross-sectional design assessed the change in stigma and discrimination experienced by PLHIV. HCWs at target facilities were invited at random and PLHIV were recruited when presenting for care during the two assessment periods. McNemar's test was used to compare paired proportions among HCWs, and chi-square test was used to compare proportions among PLHIV. Mixed models were used to compare outcomes before and after the intervention. RESULTS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 649 and 652 PLHIV prior to and following the intervention, respectively. At baseline, over the previous 12 months, 21% reported experiencing discrimination, 16% reported self-stigma, 14% reported HIV disclosure without consent and 7% had received discriminatory reproductive health advice. Nine months after the intervention, there was a decrease in reported stigma and discrimination across all domains to 15%, 11%, 7% and 3.5%, respectively (all p-values <0.05). Among HCWs, 672 completed the pre- and post-intervention assessment. At baseline, 81% reported fear of HIV infection, 69% reported using unnecessary precautions when caring for PLHIV, 44% reported having observed other staff discriminate against PLHIV, 54% reported negative attitudes towards PLHIV and 41% felt uncomfortable working with colleagues living with HIV. The proportions decreased after the intervention to 52%, 34%, 32%, 35% and 24%, respectively (all p-values <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A multi-pronged facility-level intervention was successful at reducing healthcare-associated HIV-related stigma in Vietnam. The findings support the scale-up of this intervention in Vietnam and highlight key components potentially applicable in other settings. |
COVID-19 vaccine uptake among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus in the American Midwest: The Lupus Midwest Network (LUMEN).
Chevet B , Figueroa-Parra G , Yang JX , Hulshizer CA , Gunderson TM , Duong SQ , Putman MS , Barbour KE , Crowson CS , Duarte-Garca A . J Rheumatol 2022 49 (11) 1276-1282 OBJECTIVE: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients are at higher risk of poor outcomes from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The vaccination rate among such patients is unknown. We aimed to assess COVID-19 vaccine uptake among SLE patients. METHODS: We included 342 SLE patients from the Lupus Midwest Network and 350 age, sex, race, and county matched comparators. Vaccination uptake for influenza, pneumococcal, and zoster vaccines before pandemic restrictions began (up to February 29, 2020) was assessed. First-dose COVID-19 vaccine uptake was electronically retrieved and manually ascertained (December 15, 2020, to July 31, 2021). Time to COVID-19 vaccination, demographics, lupus manifestations, medications, comorbidity index, area deprivation index, and rurality measures were compared. RESULTS: On July 31, 2021, 83.3% of SLE patients and 85.5% of comparators were vaccinated against COVID-19. The COVID-19 vaccination rates were similar among SLE and comparators (hazard ratio: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.79-1.10). Non-vaccinated SLE patients were more likely to be men (27.3% versus 14.1% vaccinated), younger (mean 54.1 versus 58.8 years in vaccinated), have a shorter SLE duration (median 7.3 versus 10.7 years in vaccinated), and be less frequently vaccinated with influenza and pneumococcal vaccine. CONCLUSION: SLE patients in the Lupus Midwest Network had similar COVID-19 vaccination uptake as matched comparators, most of whom were vaccinated early when the vaccine became available. One in six remain unvaccinated. |
Prevalence of and factors associated with late diagnosis of HIV in Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe: results from population-based nationally representative surveys
Haas AD , Radin E , Birhanu S , Low AJ , Saito S , Sachathep K , Balachandra S , Manjengwa J , Duong YT , Jonnalagadda S , Payne D , Bello G , Hakim AJ , Smart T , Ahmed N , Cuervo-Rojas J , Auld A , Hetal Patel , Parekh B , Williams DB , Barradas DT , Mugurungi O , Mulenga LB , Voetsch AC , Justman JE . PLoS Glob Public Health 2022 2 (2) e0000080 Introduction: Late diagnosis of HIV (LD) increases the risk of morbidity, mortality, and HIV transmission. We used nationally representative data from population-based HIV impact assessment (PHIA) surveys in Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe (2015-2016) to characterize adults at risk of LD and to examine associations between LD and presumed HIV transmission to cohabiting sexual partners. |
Rising incidence and prevalence of systemic lupus erythematosus: a population-based study over four decades
Duarte-García A , Hocaoglu M , Valenzuela-Almada M , Osei-Onomah SA , Dabit JY , Sanchez-Rodriguez A , Duong SQ , Giblon RE , Langenfeld HE , Alarcón GS , Helmick CG , Crowson CS . Ann Rheum Dis 2022 OBJECTIVES: To determine the trends in incidence, prevalence and mortality of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in a US population over four decades. METHODS: We identified all the patients with SLE in Olmsted County, Minnesota who fulfilled the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)/American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria for SLE during 1976-2018. Age-specific and sex-specific incidence and prevalence dates were adjusted to the standard 2000 projected US population. The EULAR/ACR score was used as a proxy for disease severity. Standardised mortality ratio (SMR) was estimated. RESULTS: There were 188 incident SLE cases in 1976-2018 (mean age 46.3±SD 16.9; 83% women). Overall age-adjusted and sex-adjusted annual SLE incidence per 100 000 population was 4.77 (95% CI 4.09 to 5.46). Incidence was higher in women (7.58) than men (1.89). The incidence rate increased from 3.32 during 1976-1988 to 6.44 during 2009-2018. Incidence rates were higher among the racial and ethnic minority populations than non-Hispanic whites. The EULAR/ACR score did not change significantly over time. Overall prevalence increased from 30.6 in 1985 to 97.4 in 2015. During the study period, there was no improvement in SMR over time (p=0.31). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence and prevalence of SLE are increasing in this US population. The increase in incidence may be at least partially explained by the rising ethnic/racial diversity of the population. There was no evidence that the severity of SLE has changed over time. The survival gap between SLE and the general population remains unchanged. As the US population grows more diverse, we might continue to see an increase in the incidence of SLE. |
Genetic and Antigenic Characterization of an Influenza A(H3N2) Outbreak in Cambodia and the Greater Mekong Subregion during the COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020.
Siegers JY , Dhanasekaran V , Xie R , Deng YM , Patel S , Ieng V , Moselen J , Peck H , Aziz A , Sarr B , Chin S , Heng S , Khalakdina A , Kinzer M , Chau D , Raftery P , Duong V , Sovann L , Barr IG , Karlsson EA . J Virol 2021 95 (24) e0126721 Introduction of non-pharmaceutical interventions to control COVID-19 in early 2020 coincided with a global decrease in active influenza circulation. However, between July and November 2020, an influenza A(H3N2) epidemic occurred in Cambodia and in other neighboring countries in the Greater Mekong Subregion in Southeast Asia. We characterized the genetic and antigenic evolution of A(H3N2) in Cambodia and found that the 2020 epidemic comprised genetically and antigenically similar viruses of Clade3C2a1b/131K/94N, but they were distinct from the WHO recommended influenza A(H3N2) vaccine virus components for 2020-2021 Northern Hemisphere season. Phylogenetic analysis revealed multiple virus migration events between Cambodia and bordering countries, with Laos PDR and Vietnam also reporting similar A(H3N2) epidemics immediately following the Cambodia outbreak: however, there was limited circulation of these viruses elsewhere globally. In February 2021, a virus from the Cambodian outbreak was recommended by WHO as the prototype virus for inclusion in the 2021-2022 Northern Hemisphere influenza vaccine. IMPORTANCE The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly altered the circulation patterns of respiratory diseases worldwide and disrupted continued surveillance in many countries. Introduction of control measures in early 2020 against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has resulted in a remarkable reduction in the circulation of many respiratory diseases. Influenza activity has remained at historically low levels globally since March 2020, even when increased influenza testing was performed in some countries. Maintenance of the influenza surveillance system in Cambodia in 2020 allowed for the detection and response to an influenza A(H3N2) outbreak in late 2020, resulting in the inclusion of this virus in the 2021-2022 Northern Hemisphere influenza vaccine. |
HIV incidence, viremia, and the national response in Eswatini: Two sequential population-based surveys
Nkambule R , Philip NM , Reid G , Mnisi Z , Nuwagaba-Biribonwoha H , Ao TT , Ginindza C , Duong YT , Patel H , Saito S , Solmo C , Brown K , Moore CS , Voetsch AC , Bicego G , Bock N , Mhlanga F , Dlamini T , Mabuza K , Zwane A , Sahabo R , Dobbs T , Parekh BS , El-Sadr W , Ryan C , Justman J . PLoS One 2021 16 (12) e0260892 With the highest HIV incidence and prevalence globally, the government of Eswatini started a substantial scale-up of HIV treatment and prevention services in 2011. Two sequential large population-based surveys were conducted before and after service expansion to assess the impact of the national response. Cross-sectional, household-based, nationally representative samples of adults, ages 18 to 49 years, were sampled in 2011 and 2016. We measured HIV prevalence, incidence (recent infection based on limiting antigen ≤1.5 optical density units and HIV RNA ≥1000 copies/mL), viral load suppression (HIV RNA <1000 copies/mL among all seropositive adults) and unsuppressed viremia (HIV RNA ≥1000 copies/mL among all, regardless of HIV status) and assessed for temporal changes by conducting a trend analysis of the log ratio of proportions, using a Z statistic distribution. HIV prevalence remained stable from 2011 to 2016 [32% versus 30%, p = 0.10]. HIV incidence significantly declined 48% [2.48% versus 1.30%, p = 0.01]. Incidence remained higher among women than men [2011: 3.16% versus 1.83%; 2016: 1.76% versus 0.86%], with a smaller but significant relative reduction among women [44%; p = 0.04] than men [53%; p = 0.09]. The proportion of seropositive adults with viral load suppression significantly increased from 35% to 71% [p < .001]. The proportion of the total adult population with unsuppressed viremia decreased from 21% to 9% [p < .001]. National HIV incidence in Eswatini decreased by nearly half and viral load suppression doubled over a five-year period. Unsuppressed viremia in the total population decreased 58%. These population-based findings demonstrate the national impact of expanded HIV services in a hyperendemic country. |
Burden of influenza-associated respiratory hospitalizations, Vietnam, 2014-2016
Khanh NC , Fowlkes AL , Nghia ND , Duong TN , Tu NH , Tu TA , McFarland JW , Nguyen TTM , Ha NT , Gould PL , Thanh PN , Trang NTH , Mai VQ , Thi PN , Otsu S , Azziz-Baumgartner E , Anh DD , Iuliano AD . Emerg Infect Dis 2021 27 (10) 2648-2657 Influenza burden estimates are essential to informing prevention and control policies. To complement recent influenza vaccine production capacity in Vietnam, we used acute respiratory infection (ARI) hospitalization data, severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) surveillance data, and provincial population data from 4 provinces representing Vietnam's major regions during 2014-2016 to calculate provincial and national influenza-associated ARI and SARI hospitalization rates. We determined the proportion of ARI admissions meeting the World Health Organization SARI case definition through medical record review. The mean influenza-associated hospitalization rates per 100,000 population were 218 (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 197-238) for ARI and 134 (95% UI 119-149) for SARI. Influenza-associated SARI hospitalization rates per 100,000 population were highest among children <5 years of age (1,123; 95% UI 946-1,301) and adults >65 years of age (207; 95% UI 186-227), underscoring the need for prevention and control measures, such as vaccination, in these at-risk populations. |
Progress toward the 90-90-90 HIV targets in Zimbabwe and identifying those left behind
Hakim AJ , Tippett Barr BA , Kinchen S , Musuka G , Manjengwa J , Munyati S , Gwanzura L , Mugurungi O , Ncube G , Saito S , Parekh BS , Patel H , Duong YT , Gonese E , Sleeman K , Ruangtragool L , Justman J , Herman-Roloff A , Radin E . J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2021 88 (3) 272-281 OBJECTIVE: We present findings from the nationally representative Zimbabwe Population-based HIV Impact Assessment (ZIMPHIA) that characterize Zimbabwe's progress toward the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS 90-90-90 targets. DESIGN: We conducted a cross-sectional household survey. METHODS: Consenting adults and children in the household were eligible to participate in ZIMPHIA (October 2015-August 2016). Participants completed face-to-face interviews and provided blood for HIV, CD4, viral load, and syphilis testing. VLS was defined as HIV RNA <1,000 copies/mL. HIV-positive specimens were tested for the presence of selected antiretroviral drugs. Data were weighted. Analysis was restricted to HIV-positive adults aged 15-64 years. RESULTS: We enrolled 11,098 men and 14,033 women aged 15-64 years. HIV prevalence was 14.1%. Of those living with HIV, 76.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 74.9-78.7) were aware of their HIV status or had detectable antiretroviral levels. Of these, 88.4% (95% CI: 87.1-89.7) were receiving ART, and of these people, 85.3% (95% CI: 83.4-87.1) had VLS. Male sex age 15-34 years and having one or more sexual partners were associated with being unaware of one's HIV-positive status. Age <50 years and not taking cotrimoxazole were associated with being less likely to be being both aware and taking ART. Male sex, age <50 years, and taking cotrimoxazole were associated with being on ART but not having VLS. CONCLUSIONS: Zimbabwe has made great strides toward epidemic control. Focusing resources on case finding, particularly among men, people aged<35 years, and sexually active individuals can help Zimbabwe attain 90-90-90 targets. |
Successful Use of Near Point-of-Care Early Infant Diagnosis in NAMPHIA to Improve Turnaround Times in a National Household Survey
Domaoal RA , Sleeman K , Sawadogo S , Dzinamarira T , Frans N , Shatumbu SP , Kakoma LN , Shuumbwa TK , Cox MH , Stephens S , Nisbet L , Metz M , Saito S , Williams DB , Voetsch AC , Patel HK , Parekh BS , Duong YT . J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2021 87 S67-s72 BACKGROUND: In the population-based HIV impact assessment surveys, early infant diagnosis (EID) was provided to infants <18 months without a prior diagnosis. For the Namibia population-based HIV impact assessment (NAMPHIA), the GeneXpert platform was assessed for the feasibility of near POC EID testing compared with the standard Roche COBAS AmpliPrep/COBAS TaqMan (CAP/CTM) platform. Quality assurance measures and turnaround time were compared to improve EID results reporting. METHODS: NAMPHIA participants were screened for HIV exposure using Determine HIV-1/2 rapid test; samples reactive on Determine received EID testing on the GeneXpert instrument and Xpert HIV-1 Qual assay using whole blood. Results were confirmed at the Namibia Institute of Pathology using dried blood spots on the Roche CAP/CTM platform per national guidelines. RESULTS: Of the 762 screened infants, 61 (8.0%) were Determine-reactive and considered HIV-exposed. Of the 61 exposed infants, 2 were found to be HIV-infected whereas 59 were negative on both GeneXpert and Roche platforms, achieving 100% concordance. Average turnaround time was 3.4 days for the Xpert HIV-1 Qual assay, and average time from collection to testing was 1.0 days for GeneXpert compared with 10.7 days for Roche. No samples failed using GeneXpert whereas 1 sample failed using Roche and was repeated. CONCLUSION: Quality POC EID testing is feasible in a national survey through extensive training and external quality assurance measures. The use of decentralized POC EID for national testing would provide rapid diagnosis and improve TATs which may prevent loss to follow-up, ensure linkage to care, and improve clinical outcomes for infants. |
Data Architecture to Support Real-Time Data Analytics for the Population-Based HIV Impact Assessments
Metz M , Smith R , Mitchell R , Duong YT , Brown K , Kinchen S , Lee K , Ogollah FM , Dzinamarira T , Maliwa V , Moore C , Patel H , Chung H , Mtengo H , Saito S . J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2021 87 S28-s35 BACKGROUND AND SETTING: Electronic data capture facilitates timely use of data. Population-based HIV impact assessments (PHIAs) were led by host governments, with funding from the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, technical assistance from the Centers for Disease Control, and implementation support from ICAP at Columbia University. We described data architectures, code-based processes, and resulting data volume and quality for 14 national PHIA surveys with concurrent timelines and varied country-level data governance (2015-2020). METHODS: PHIA project data were collected through tablets, point-of-care and laboratory testing instruments, and inventory management systems, using open-source software, vendor solutions, and custom-built software. Data were securely uploaded to the PHIA data warehouse daily or weekly and then used to populate survey-monitoring dashboards and return timely laboratory-based test results on an ongoing basis. Automated data processing allowed timely reporting of survey results. RESULTS: Fourteen data architectures were successfully established, and data from more than 450,000 participants in 30,000 files across 13 countries with completed PHIAs, and blood draws producing approximately 6000 aliquots each week per country, were securely collected, transmitted, and processed by 17 full-time equivalent staff. More than 25,600 viral load results were returned to clinics of participants' choice. Data cleaning was not needed for 98.5% of household and 99.2% of individual questionnaires. CONCLUSION: The PHIA data architecture permitted secure, simultaneous collection and transmission of high-quality interview and biomarker data across multiple countries, quick turnaround time of laboratory-based biomarker results, and rapid dissemination of survey outcomes to guide President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief epidemic control. |
A Comprehensive Approach to Assuring Quality of Laboratory Testing in HIV Surveys: Lessons Learned From the Population-Based HIV Impact Assessment Project
Patel HK , Duong YT , Birhanu S , Dobbs T , Lupoli K , Moore C , Detorio M , Sleeman K , Manjengwa J , Wray-Gordon F , Yavo D , Jackson K , Domaoal RA , Yufenyuy EL , Vedapuri S , Ndongmo CB , Ogollah FM , Dzinamarira T , Rubinstein P , Sachathep KK , Metz M , Longwe H , Saito S , Brown K , Voetsch AC , Parekh BS . J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2021 87 S17-s27 BACKGROUND: Conducting HIV surveys in resource-limited settings is challenging because of logistics, limited availability of trained personnel, and complexity of testing. We described the procedures and systems deemed critical to ensure high-quality laboratory data in the population-based HIV impact assessments and large-scale household surveys. METHODS: Laboratory professionals were engaged in every stage of the surveys, including protocol development, site assessments, procurement, training, quality assurance, monitoring, analysis, and reporting writing. A tiered network of household, satellite laboratories, and central laboratories, accompanied with trainings, optimized process for blood specimen collection, storage, transport, and real-time monitoring of specimen quality, and test results at each level proved critical in maintaining specimen integrity and high-quality testing. A plausibility review of aggregate merged data was conducted to confirm associations between key variables as a final quality check for quality of laboratory results. RESULTS: Overall, we conducted a hands-on training for 3355 survey staff across 13 surveys, with 160-387 personnel trained per survey on biomarker processes. Extensive training and monitoring demonstrated that overall, 99% of specimens had adequate volume and 99.8% had no hemolysis, indicating high quality. We implemented quality control and proficiency testing for testing, resolved discrepancies, verified >300 Pima CD4 instruments, and monitored user errors. Aggregate data review for plausibility further confirmed the high quality of testing. CONCLUSIONS: Ongoing engagement of laboratory personnel to oversee processes at all levels of the surveys is critical for successful national surveys. High-quality population-based HIV impact assessments laboratory data ensured reliable results and demonstrated the impact of HIV programs in 13 countries. |
Population-Based HIV Impact Assessments Survey Methods, Response, and Quality in Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Zambia
Sachathep K , Radin E , Hladik W , Hakim A , Saito S , Burnett J , Brown K , Phillip N , Jonnalagadda S , Low A , Williams D , Patel H , Herman-Roloff A , Musuka G , Barr B , Wadondo-Kabonda N , Chipungu G , Duong Y , Delgado S , Kamocha S , Kinchen S , Kalton G , Schwartz L , Bello G , Mugurungi O , Mulenga L , Parekh B , Porter L , Hoos D , Voetsch AC , Justman J . J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2021 87 S6-s16 BACKGROUND: The population-based HIV impact assessment (population-based HIV impact assessments) surveys are among the first to estimate national adult HIV incidence, subnational prevalence of viral load suppression, and pediatric HIV prevalence. We summarize the survey methods implemented in Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Zambia, as well as response rates and quality metrics. METHODS: Each cross-sectional, household-based survey used a 2-stage cluster design. Survey preparations included sample design, questionnaire development, tablet programming for informed consent and data collection, community mobilization, establishing a network of satellite laboratories, and fieldworker training. Interviewers collected demographic, behavioral, and clinical information using tablets. Blood was collected for home-based HIV testing and counseling (HBTC) and point-of-care CD4+ T-cell enumeration with results immediately returned. HIV-positive blood samples underwent laboratory-based confirmatory testing, HIV incidence testing, RNA polymerase chain reaction (viral load), DNA polymerase chain reaction (early infant diagnosis), and serum antiretroviral drug detection. Data were weighted for survey design, and chi square automatic interaction detection-based methods were used to adjust for nonresponse. RESULTS: Each survey recruited a nationally representative, household-based sample of children and adults over a 6-10-month period in 2015 and 2016. Most (84%-90%) of the 12,000-14,000 eligible households in each country participated in the survey, with 77%-81% of eligible adults completing an interview and providing blood for HIV testing. Among eligible children, 59%-73% completed HIV testing. Across the 3 surveys, 97.8% of interview data were complete and had no errors. CONCLUSION: Conducting a national population-based HIV impact assessment with immediate return of HIV and other point-of-care test results was feasible, and data quality was high. |
HIV-1 Recent Infection Testing Algorithm With Antiretroviral Drug Detection to Improve Accuracy of Incidence Estimates
Voetsch AC , Duong YT , Stupp P , Saito S , McCracken S , Dobbs T , Winterhalter FS , Williams DB , Mengistu A , Mugurungi O , Chikwanda P , Musuka G , Ndongmo CB , Dlamini S , Nuwagaba-Biribonwoha H , Pasipamire M , Tegbaru B , Eshetu F , Biraro S , Ward J , Aibo D , Kabala A , Mgomella GS , Malewo O , Mushi J , Payne D , Mengistu Y , Asiimwe F , Shang JD , Dokubo EK , Eno LT , Zoung-Kanyi Bissek AC , Kingwara L , Junghae M , Kiiru JN , Mwesigwa RCN , Balachandra S , Lobognon R , Kampira E , Detorio M , Yufenyuy EL , Brown K , Patel HK , Parekh BS . J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2021 87 S73-s80 BACKGROUND: HIV-1 incidence calculation currently includes recency classification by HIV-1 incidence assay and unsuppressed viral load (VL ≥ 1000 copies/mL) in a recent infection testing algorithm (RITA). However, persons with recent classification not virally suppressed and taking antiretroviral (ARV) medication may be misclassified. SETTING: We used data from 13 African household surveys to describe the impact of an ARV-adjusted RITA on HIV-1 incidence estimates. METHODS: HIV-seropositive samples were tested for recency using the HIV-1 Limiting Antigen (LAg)-Avidity enzyme immunoassay, HIV-1 viral load, ARVs used in each country, and ARV drug resistance. LAg-recent result was defined as normalized optical density values ≤1.5. We compared HIV-1 incidence estimates using 2 RITA: RITA1: LAg-recent + VL ≥ 1000 copies/mL and RITA2: RITA1 + undetectable ARV. We explored RITA2 with self-reported ARV use and with clinical history. RESULTS: Overall, 357 adult HIV-positive participants were classified as having recent infection with RITA1. RITA2 reclassified 55 (15.4%) persons with detectable ARV as having long-term infection. Those with detectable ARV were significantly more likely to be aware of their HIV-positive status (84% vs. 10%) and had higher levels of drug resistance (74% vs. 26%) than those without detectable ARV. RITA2 incidence was lower than RITA1 incidence (range, 0%-30% decrease), resulting in decreased estimated new infections from 390,000 to 341,000 across the 13 countries. Incidence estimates were similar using detectable or self-reported ARV (R2 > 0.995). CONCLUSIONS: Including ARV in RITA2 improved the accuracy of HIV-1 incidence estimates by removing participants with likely long-term HIV infection. |
US Case Reports of Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis With Thrombocytopenia After Ad26.COV2.S Vaccination, March 2 to April 21, 2021.
See I , Su JR , Lale A , Woo EJ , Guh AY , Shimabukuro TT , Streiff MB , Rao AK , Wheeler AP , Beavers SF , Durbin AP , Edwards K , Miller E , Harrington TA , Mba-Jonas A , Nair N , Nguyen DT , Talaat KR , Urrutia VC , Walker SC , Creech CB , Clark TA , DeStefano F , Broder KR . JAMA 2021 325 (24) 2448-2456 IMPORTANCE: Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) with thrombocytopenia, a rare and serious condition, has been described in Europe following receipt of the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine (Oxford/AstraZeneca), which uses a chimpanzee adenoviral vector. A mechanism similar to autoimmune heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) has been proposed. In the US, the Ad26.COV2.S COVID-19 vaccine (Janssen/Johnson & Johnson), which uses a human adenoviral vector, received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) on February 27, 2021. By April 12, 2021, approximately 7 million Ad26.COV2.S vaccine doses had been given in the US, and 6 cases of CVST with thrombocytopenia had been identified among the recipients, resulting in a temporary national pause in vaccination with this product on April 13, 2021. OBJECTIVE: To describe reports of CVST with thrombocytopenia following Ad26.COV2.S vaccine receipt. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Case series of 12 US patients with CVST and thrombocytopenia following use of Ad26.COV2.S vaccine under EUA reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) from March 2 to April 21, 2021 (with follow-up reported through April 21, 2021). EXPOSURES: Receipt of Ad26.COV2.S vaccine. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Clinical course, imaging, laboratory tests, and outcomes after CVST diagnosis obtained from VAERS reports, medical record review, and discussion with clinicians. RESULTS: Patients' ages ranged from 18 to younger than 60 years; all were White women, reported from 11 states. Seven patients had at least 1 CVST risk factor, including obesity (n = 6), hypothyroidism (n = 1), and oral contraceptive use (n = 1); none had documented prior heparin exposure. Time from Ad26.COV2.S vaccination to symptom onset ranged from 6 to 15 days. Eleven patients initially presented with headache; 1 patient initially presented with back pain and later developed headache. Of the 12 patients with CVST, 7 also had intracerebral hemorrhage; 8 had non-CVST thromboses. After diagnosis of CVST, 6 patients initially received heparin treatment. Platelet nadir ranged from 9 ×103/µL to 127 ×103/µL. All 11 patients tested for the heparin-platelet factor 4 HIT antibody by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) screening had positive results. All patients were hospitalized (10 in an intensive care unit [ICU]). As of April 21, 2021, outcomes were death (n = 3), continued ICU care (n = 3), continued non-ICU hospitalization (n = 2), and discharged home (n = 4). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The initial 12 US cases of CVST with thrombocytopenia after Ad26.COV2.S vaccination represent serious events. This case series may inform clinical guidance as Ad26.COV2.S vaccination resumes in the US as well as investigations into the potential relationship between Ad26.COV2.S vaccine and CVST with thrombocytopenia. |
Examining sources of social norms supporting child corporal punishment among low-income Black, Latino, and white parents
Duong HT , Monahan JL , Mercer Kollar LM , Klevens J . Health Commun 2021 37 (11) 1-10 Child corporal punishment is a prevalent public health problem in the US. Although corporal punishment is sustained through parents' perceptions of social norms supporting this discipline behavior, little research has investigated where these normative perceptions come from. To fill this gap, we conducted 13 focus groups including 75 low-income Black, Latino, and White parents across five states in the US. Results revealed that one influential source of Black and White parents' perceived norms was their positive framing of corporal punishment experiences during childhood. Furthermore, Black parents formed normative perceptions based on identification with parents in their racial/ethnic group, while White parents did so with parents sharing the same generation. Results are interpreted in light of the false consensus effect and self-categorization theory. In contrast, Latino parents viewed their childhood experience of corporal punishment as negative and distanced their parenting practices from those practiced in their countries of origin, suggesting an influence of acculturation. Their perceived norms were likely transmitted through interpersonal communication within their social networks. These findings shed light on how social norms are formed and in turn guide parents' use of corporal punishment as a tool to discipline children. |
Identifying knowledge, self-efficacy and response efficacy of alternative discipline strategies among low-income Black, Latino and White parents
Duong HT , Monahan JL , Kollar LMM , Klevens J . Health Educ Res 2021 36 (2) 192-205 Corporal punishment (CP) leads to detrimental mental and physical consequences for a child. One way to prevent CP is to encourage parents to apply alternative discipline strategies that do not involve violence. Based on the knowledge-behavior gap framework in public health education, this study analyzed the focus group data of 75 low-income Black, Latino and White parents to uncover commonalties and differences in their knowledge, self-efficacy and response efficacy of alternative discipline strategies. Findings revealed that parents knew several alternative discipline strategies and had confidence in their ability to conduct these strategies. However, parents reported that some strategies were hard to implement because they lacked the relevant resources. Moreover, parents did not perceive that alternative discipline strategies were effective without using some forms of CP. Knowledge, self-efficacy and response efficacy of alternative discipline strategies are risk factors for child physical abuse and addressing them will help prevent injury and health impacts on children, while providing safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments for child development. |
Social and behavioral determinants of attitudes towards and practices of hepatitis B vaccine birth dose in Vietnam
Thanh Thi Le X , Ishizumi A , Thi Thu Nguyen H , Thi Duong H , Thi Thanh Dang H , Manh Do C , Thi Pham Q , Thi Le H , Iijima M , Tohme RA , Patel P , Abad N . Vaccine 2020 38 (52) 8343-8350 BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a significant public health issue in Vietnam. Our goal was to understand the determinants of attitudes towards and practices of hepatitis B vaccine birth dose (HepB-BD) in certain regions of Vietnam. METHOD: A rapid qualitative assessment was conducted in three geographically diverse provinces that reported low coverage (<50%) of HepB-BD. Using purposive sampling of participants, 29 focus group discussions and 20 in-depth interviews were held with caregivers (n = 96), healthcare providers (n = 75), and healthcare administrators (n = 16). Summary notes from these were translated, and inductive coding was used to derive themes. The SAGE Vaccine Hesitancy Determinants Matrix was used as a theoretical framework to organize barriers and facilitators associated with the themes into three levels of influence. RESULTS: At the individual and group level, caregivers who had higher levels of knowledge about HepB-BD sought the vaccine proactively, while others with lower knowledge faced barriers to the vaccine. Some caregivers reported a negative attitude toward health services because of a language barrier or had generalized concerns about HepB-BD due to media reporting of the past adverse events. Distress arising from potential adverse events was equally common among healthcare providers. At the contextual level, the physical environment made it difficult for caregivers to access healthcare facilities and for providers to conduct outreach. Home births posed a challenge for timely administration of HepB-BD, while health facility births facilitated it. Vaccination-specific barriers included misinterpretation of pre-vaccination screening criteria and asking for the consent of caregivers. Inadequate resources for service delivery negatively influenced HepB-BD attitudes and practices. CONCLUSION: Given the diversity of barriers associated with attitudes towards and practices of HepB-BD in the three provinces, tailored interventions will be necessary for both demand- and supply-side factors. Rural areas, often with more home births and geographic barriers, may require focused attention. |
Enhanced Zika virus susceptibility of globally invasive Aedes aegypti populations.
Aubry F , Dabo S , Manet C , Filipović I , Rose NH , Miot EF , Martynow D , Baidaliuk A , Merkling SH , Dickson LB , Crist AB , Anyango VO , Romero-Vivas CM , Vega-Rúa A , Dusfour I , Jiolle D , Paupy C , Mayanja MN , Lutwama JJ , Kohl A , Duong V , Ponlawat A , Sylla M , Akorli J , Otoo S , Lutomiah J , Sang R , Mutebi JP , Cao-Lormeau VM , Jarman RG , Diagne CT , Faye O , Faye O , Sall AA , McBride CS , Montagutelli X , Rašić G , Lambrechts L . Science 2020 370 (6519) 991-996 The drivers and patterns of zoonotic virus emergence in the human population are poorly understood. The mosquito Aedes aegypti is a major arbovirus vector native to Africa that invaded most of the world's tropical belt over the past four centuries, after the evolution of a "domestic" form that specialized in biting humans and breeding in water storage containers. Here, we show that human specialization and subsequent spread of A. aegypti out of Africa were accompanied by an increase in its intrinsic ability to acquire and transmit the emerging human pathogen Zika virus. Thus, the recent evolution and global expansion of A. aegypti promoted arbovirus emergence not solely through increased vector-host contact but also as a result of enhanced vector susceptibility. |
Prevalence and correlates of active syphilis and HIV co-Infection among sexually active persons aged 15-59 years in Zambia: Results from the Zambia Population-based HIV Impact Assessment (ZAMPHIA) 2016
Solomon H , Moraes AN , Williams DB , Fotso AS , Duong YT , Ndongmo CB , Voetsch AC , Patel H , Lupoli K , McAuley JB , Mulundu G , Kasongo W , Mulenga L . PLoS One 2020 15 (7) e0236501 OBJECTIVES: The main objectives of the study are to estimate HIV prevalence, active syphilis prevalence, and correlates of co-infection with HIV in Zambia, among recently sexually active individuals aged 15 to 59 years old. METHODS: We used data from the 2016 Zambia Population-based HIV Impact Assessment (ZAMPHIA), a national household survey that included biomarker testing for HIV and syphilis. Chembio DPP® Syphilis Screen and Confirm Assay was used to distinguish between active and older syphilis infections. This is the first time Chembio DPP® has been used in a national survey. Log-binominal modelling was utilized to understand the risk of acquiring HIV/active syphilis co-infection using select socio-demographic and sexual behavior variables. Multivariable analysis compared those with co-infection and those with no infection. All reported results account for the complex survey design and are weighted. RESULTS: A total of 19,114 individuals aged 15-59 years responded to the individual interview and had a valid syphilis and/or HIV test. The prevalence for those sexually active in the 12 months preceding ZAMPHIA 2016 was 3.5% and 13% for active syphilis and HIV, respectively. The prevalence of HIV/active syphilis co-infection was 1.5%. Factors associated with higher prevalence of co-infection versus no infection among females included, but were not limited to, those living in urban areas (adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) = 3.0, 95% CI = 1.8, 4.8), those had sexual intercourse before age 15 years (aPR = 1.8, 95% CI = 1.1, 2.9), and those who had two or more sexual partners in the 12 months preceding the survey (aPR = 2.7, 95% CI = 1.6, 4.7). CONCLUSION: These findings show high prevalence for both mono-infection with HIV and syphilis, as well as co-infection with HIV/active syphilis in Zambia. There is a need for better screening and partner services, particularly among those engaging in high-risk sexual behaviors (e.g., engaging in transactional sex). |
Comparison of HIV incidence in the Zimbabwe Population-Based HIV Impact Assessment Survey (2015-2016), with modeled estimates: Progress toward epidemic control
Gonese E , Musuka G , Ruangtragool L , Hakim A , Parekh B , Dobbs T , Duong YT , Patel H , Mhangara M , Mugurungi O , Mapingure M , Saito S , Herman-Roloff A , Gwanzura L , Tippett-Barr B , Kilmarx P , Justman J . AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2020 36 (8) 656-662 BACKGROUND: Zimbabwe conducted a Population-Based HIV Impact Assessment (ZIMPHIA) cross-sectional survey, October 2015 and August 2016 to determine progress toward epidemic control. METHODS: Of 25,131 eligible adults 15-64 years, 20,577 (81.8%) consented to face-to-face questionnaire and biomarker testing in this nationally representative household survey. Home-based rapid HIV testing was performed using Determine, First Response and Stat-Pak as the tie-breaker. HIV-positive tests were confirmed in a laboratory using Geenius HIV-1/2, viral load (VL) was measured using Roche TaqMan and BioMerieux NucliSENS. Recency of infection was tested using Sedia HIV-1 Limiting Antigen-Avidity (LAg). Presence of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs was detected using HPLC/MS. The recent infection testing algorithm (RITA) included LAg-Avidity Enzyme-immuno-assay (EIA (normalised-optical density (ODn<=1.5), viral load>/=1000 copies/mL, and absence of antiretroviral drugs. Weighted annual HIV incidence was compared to UNAIDS Spectrum models estimates. RESULTS: Overall, 26 of 2,901 HIV-seropositive individuals had a recent infection (men, 8; women, 18). Overall weighted annual incidence among persons 15-64 years was 0.42% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.25-0.59) and 0.44% (95% CI: 0.25-0.62) for 15-49 years, similar to 2016 Spectrum model estimate (0.54%; 95% CI: 0.49-0.66) for this age group. Among persons aged 15-49 years, HIV prevalence was 13.35 % (95% CI: 12.71-14.02), estimated HIV-positive individuals were 968,951 (95% CI: 911,473-1,026,430), of these, 41,911 (95% CI: 37,412-44,787) were annual-new infections and this was similar to 2016 Spectrum estimates. CONCLUSION: The observed HIV incidence in ZIMPHIA 2015/16 validated the 2016 Spectrum estimates and Zimbabwe's progress toward epidemic control. |
Strengthening quality of tuberculosis laboratories toward accreditation in Viet Nam
Gumma V , Bennett DL , Nguyen Thi Phong L , Duong Ngoc C , Bond KB , Nguyen Thi Hoang Y , Erni D , Nguyen Van N , Nguyen Van H , Albert H . Am J Clin Pathol 2019 152 (6) 808-817 OBJECTIVES: Early diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) and multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) is a priority for Viet Nam's National TB Control Programme. In many laboratories, quality systems are weak; few have attained accreditation. We implemented a structured training and mentoring program for TB laboratories and measured impact on quality. METHODS: Six TB culture laboratories implemented the Strengthening TB Laboratory Management Towards Accreditation (TB SLMTA) program, consisting of three training workshops and on-site mentoring between workshops to support improvement projects. Periodic audits, using standardized checklists, monitored laboratories' progress toward accreditation readiness. RESULTS: At baseline, all six laboratories achieved a zero-star level. At exit, five laboratories attained three stars and another one star. Overall checklist scores increased by 44.2% on average, from 29.8% to 74.0%; improvements occurred across all quality system essentials. CONCLUSIONS: The program led to improved quality systems. Sites should be monitored to ensure sustainability of improvements and country capacity expanded for national scaleup. |
Geospatial analysis for reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health: gaps and opportunities
Matthews Z , Rawlins B , Duong J , Molla YB , Moran AC , Singh K , Serbanescu F , Tatem AJ , Nilsen K . BMJ Glob Health 2019 4 e001702 Reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health (RMNCAH) indicators, such as the maternal mortality ratio, often serve as a litmus test for health system performance, because women’s and children’s health lies at the core of any health system.1 The health and survival of women and children does not depend on a single intervention, but on packages of interventions delivered at all levels of the health system. Mapping and tracking RMNCAH therefore captures changes in wider health system performance. But mapping has traditionally been the domain of disease-specific tracking, providing useful, but limited snapshots of progress embedded in vertical intervention mechanisms. Although disease-specific spatial mapping and research are effective ways to identify geographic inequities and to inform service provision, geographic and spatial analyses of RMNCAH have the potential to provide a broader perspective. But such analyses, especially for routine RMNCAH care provision, have been underused despite their potential to inform programmes and policies in low/middle-income countries. This commentary also argues that visualisation of RMNCAH data provides a potent social accountability and decision-making tool. Given the topic’s importance, a supplement on the use of geographic information systems (GIS) in RMNCAH is long overdue. |
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