Last data update: May 13, 2024. (Total: 46773 publications since 2009)
Records 1-6 (of 6 Records) |
Query Trace: Idowu R[original query] |
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Descriptive analysis of measles outbreak in Liberia, 2022
Shobayo B , Umeokonkwo CD , Jetoh RW , Gilayeneh JSM Sr , Akpan G , Amo-Addae M , Macauley J , Idowu RT . IJID Reg 2024 10 200-206 BACKGROUND: Liberia reported a large outbreak of measles involving all the counties in 2022. We conducted a descriptive analysis of the measles surveillance data to understand the trend of the outbreak and guide further policy action to prevent future outbreaks. METHODS: We analyzed the measles surveillance data from Epi week 1 to 51, 2022. All the laboratory-confirmed cases, clinically compatible and epidemiologically linked cases were included in the analysis, the variables of interest included the patient's age, sex, place of residence, measles classification, measles vaccination status, and outcome. We cleaned and analyzed the data using R version 4.2.0 and Arc GIS Pro. The demographic characteristics of the cases were presented, the progression of the cases was presented in Epicurve and the spatial distribution and the case fatality rate (CFR) of the case were presented at the district level using the Arc GIS Pro. RESULTS: The median age of the cases was 4 years (interquartile range: 2-8 years). Children under five years of age constituted 60% of the cases (4836/8127), and females accounted for 52% (4204/8127) of the cases. Only 1% (84/8127) of the cases had documentary evidence of receiving at least one dose of measles-containing vaccine (MCV). Only 3 out of 92 health districts in the country did not report a case of measles during the period under review. The overall cases fatality rate was 1% however CFR of up to 10% were reported in some districts. CONCLUSION: The outbreak of measles involved almost all the districts of the country, exposing a possible nationwide suboptimal immunization coverage for MCV. The high CFR reported in some districts needs further investigation. |
The COVID-19 pandemic in sub-Saharan Africa: The significance of presumed immune sufficiency
Idowu AO , Omosun YO , Igietseme JU , Azenabor AA . Afr J Lab Med 2023 12 (1) 1964 A novel coronavirus known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was first reported in China in 2019 and later ignited a global pandemic. Contrary to expectations, the effect of the pandemic was not as devastating to Africa and its young population compared to the rest of the world. To provide insight into the possible reasons for the presumed immune sufficiency to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Africa, this review critically examines literature published from 2020 onwards on the dynamics of COVID-19 infection and immunity and how other prevalent infectious diseases in Africa might have influenced the outcome of COVID-19. Studies characterising the immune response in patients with COVID-19 show that the correlates of protection in infected individuals are T-cell responses against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and neutralising titres of immunoglobin G and immunoglobin A antibodies. In some other studies, substantial pre-existing T-cell reactivity to SARS-CoV-2 was detected in many people from diverse geographical locations without a history of exposure. Certain studies also suggest that innate immune memory, which offers protection against reinfection with the same or another pathogen, might influence the severity of COVID-19. In addition, an initial analysis of epidemiological data showed that COVID‑19 cases were not severe in some countries that implemented universal Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccination policies, thus supporting the potential of BCG vaccination to boost innate immunity. The high burden of infectious diseases and the extensive vaccination campaigns previously conducted in Africa could have induced specific and non-specific protective immunity to infectious pathogens in Africans. |
HIV infection in Eastern and Southern Africa: Highest burden, largest challenges, greatest potential
Parker E , Judge MA , Macete E , Nhampossa T , Dorward J , Langa DC , de Schacht C , Couto A , Vaz P , Vitoria M , Molfino L , Idowu RT , Bhatt N , Naniche D , Le Souëf PN . South Afr J HIV Med 2021 22 (1) 1237 Background: The burden of HIV is especially concerning for Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA), as despite expansion of test-and-treat programmes, this region continues to experience significant challenges resulting from high rates of morbidity, mortality and new infections. Hard-won lessons from programmes on the ground in ESA should be shared. Objectives: This report summarises relevant evidence and regional experts’ recommendations regarding challenges specific to ESA. Method: This commentary includes an in-depth review of relevant literature, progress against global goals and consensus opinion from experts. Results: Recommendations include priorities for essential research (surveillance data collection, key and vulnerable population education and testing, in-country testing trials and evidence-based support services to improve retention in care) as well as research that can accelerate progress towards the prevention of new infections and achieving ambitious global goals in ESA. Conclusion: The elimination of HIV in ESA will require continued investment, commitment to evidence-based programmes and persistence. Local research is critical to ensuring that responses in ESA are targeted, efficient and evaluated. © 2021. The Authors. Licensee: AOSIS. |
Rare mutations in Pfmdr1 gene of Plasmodium falciparum detected in clinical isolates from patients treated with anti-malarial drug in Nigeria.
Idowu AO , Oyibo WA , Bhattacharyya S , Khubbar M , Mendie UE , Bumah VV , Black C , Igietseme J , Azenabor AA . Malar J 2019 18 (1) 319 BACKGROUND: Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest causative agent of malaria, has high prevalence in Nigeria. Drug resistance causing failure of previously effective drugs has compromised anti-malarial treatment. On this basis, there is need for a proactive surveillance for resistance markers to the currently recommended artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT), for early detection of resistance before it become widespread. METHODS: This study assessed anti-malarial resistance genes polymorphism in patients with uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria in Lagos, Nigeria. Sanger and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) methods were used to screen for mutations in thirty-seven malaria positive blood samples targeting the P. falciparum chloroquine-resistance transporter (Pfcrt), P. falciparum multidrug-resistance 1 (Pfmdr1), and P. falciparum kelch 13 (Pfk13) genes, which have been previously associated with anti-malarial resistance. RESULTS: Expectedly, the NGS method was more proficient, detecting six Pfmdr1, seven Pfcrt and three Pfk13 mutations in the studied clinical isolates from Nigeria, a malaria endemic area. These mutations included rare Pfmdr1 mutations, N504K, N649D, F938Y and S967N, which were previously unreported. In addition, there was moderate prevalence of the K76T mutation (34.6%) associated with chloroquine and amodiaquine resistance, and high prevalence of the N86 wild type allele (92.3%) associated with lumefantrine resistance. CONCLUSION: Widespread circulation of mutations associated with resistance to current anti-malarial drugs could potentially limit effective malaria therapy in endemic populations. |
Plasmodium falciparum Treated with Artemisinin-based Combined Therapy Exhibits Enhanced Mutation, Heightened Cortisol and TNF-a Induction.
Idowu AO , Bhattacharyya S , Gradus S , Oyibo W , George Z , Black C , Igietseme J , Azenabor AA . Int J Med Sci 2018 15 (13) 1449-1457 The artemisinin-based combined therapy (ACT) post-treatment illness in Plasmodium falciparum-endemic areas is characterized by vague malaria-like symptoms. The roles of treatment modality, persistence of parasites and host proinflammatory response in disease course are unknown. We investigated the hypothesis that ACT post-treatment syndrome is driven by parasite genetic polymorphisms and proinflammatory response to persisting mutant parasites. Patients were categorized as treated, untreated and malaria-negative. Malaria positive samples were analyzed for Pfcrt, Pfmdr1, K13 kelch gene polymorphisms, while all samples were evaluated for cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-12p70, IL-10, TGF-beta, IFN-gamma) and corticosteroids (cortisol and dexamethasone) levels. The treated patients exhibited higher levels of parasitemia, TNF-alpha, and cortisol, increased incidence of parasite genetic mutations, and greater number of mutant alleles per patient. In addition, corticosteroid levels declined with increasing number of mutant alleles. TGF-beta levels were negatively correlated with parasitemia, while IL-10 and TGF-beta were negatively correlated with increasing number of mutant alleles. However, IL-12 displayed slight positive correlation and TNF-alpha exhibited moderate positive correlation with increasing number of mutant alleles. Since post-treatment management ultimately results in patient recovery, the high parasite gene polymorphism may act in concert with induced cortisol and TNF-alpha to account for ACT post-treatment syndrome. |
Use of capture-recapture to estimate underreporting of Ebola virus disease, Montserrado County, Liberia
Gignoux E , Idowu R , Bawo L , Hurum L , Sprecher A , Bastard M , Porten K . Emerg Infect Dis 2015 21 (12) 2265-7 Underreporting of cases during a large outbreak of disease is not without precedent (1–5). Health systems in West Africa were ill-prepared for the arrival of Ebola virus disease (Ebola) (6). The Ebola outbreak in Liberia was declared on March 31, 2014, and peaked in September 2014. However, by mid-June, the outbreak had reached Montserrado County, where the capital, Monrovia, is located. In response, the Liberia Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MOHSW) created a National Ebola Hotline: upon receipt of a call, a MOHSW case investigation team was dispatched to the site of the possible case. Additionally, persons could seek care at an Ebola Treatment Unit (ETU) or be referred to an ETU by another health care facility. During June 1–August 14, 2014, MOHSW, Médecins Sans Frontières, and the US nongovernment organization Samaritan’s Purse managed 3 ETUs in Montserrado County, including 2 in Monrovia operated by Eternal Love Winning Africa (ELWA). | In August 2014, to assess the extent of underreporting in the midst of the Ebola outbreak, we analyzed 2 sources of data collected during June 1–August 14. The first comprised data collected by MOHSW case investigation teams. These data were collected on MOHSW case forms and entered into a database emulating these forms using Epi Info version 7 software (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA). The second data source (designed on Excel 2003; Microsoft, Redmond, WA, USA) comprised data on all patients admitted to the 2 ELWA ETUs (ELWA1 and ELWA2). We used a capture–recapture (CRC) approach. |
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