Infections In sub-Saharan Africa Research Articles

Prevalence of syphilis among adults and adolescents in five sub-Saharan African countries: findings from Population-based HIV Impact Assessment surveys

HIV and syphilis are common sexually transmitted infections in sub-Saharan Africa. We aimed to investigate the prevalence and distribution of active syphilis while considering HIV status, demographic characteristics, and behavioural characteristics. The Population-based HIV Impact Assessment surveys used a cross-sectional, two-stage, stratified cluster sample design to collect data in Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe from 2015 to 2018. Eligible participants were aged 15 years and older and provided demographic information, behavioural information, and blood specimens for HIV and syphilis testing. Active syphilis was defined as the presence of both treponemal and non-treponemal antibodies, measured using an antigen-based rapid test. Multivariable logistic regression models with survey weights were applied. The estimated number of participants with active syphilis in each country was calculated by multiplying the survey-weighted syphilis prevalence by the corresponding participant population size from the latest national census data. The total burden across the five countries was obtained by summing these estimates. 102 831 participants enrolled in the five surveys (54 583 [57·6%] participants were female, 48 248 [42·4%] participants were male, 9036 [9·9%] participants were HIV positive). Population-based syphilis prevalence was 0·9% (95% CI 0·7-1·1) in Tanzania and Zimbabwe, 2·1% (1·9-2·4) in Uganda, and 3·0% (2·7-3·4) in Zambia. Overall, an estimated 1 027 615 (95% CI 877 243-1 158 246) participants had active syphilis across the five countries (266 383 HIV-positive and 761 232 HIV-negative individuals). Syphilis prevalence was higher among people living with HIV (range from 2·6% [95% CI 1·1-4·0] in Ethiopia to 9·6% [8·1-11·0] in Zambia) than among those without HIV (range from 0·8% [0·7-1·0] in Tanzania to 2·1% [1·8-2·4] in Zimbabwe). The odds of active syphilis were higher among people living with HIV than in those who were HIV negative (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] range from 2·5 [95% CI 1·8-3·4] in Uganda to 5·9 [3·8-9·2] in Zimbabwe), among divorced, separated, or widowed individuals (aOR range from 1·5 [1·1-2·0] in Uganda to 2·7 [1·7-4·3] in Zimbabwe), and among those reporting two or more sexual partners in the previous 12 months (aOR range from 1·1 [CI 0·8-1·5] in Uganda to 1·9 [1·1-3·3] in Zimbabwe). This study shows the high burden of syphilis in five sub-Saharan African countries, with a correlation between HIV and active syphilis, underscoring the need for integrated sexual health services and targeted diagnosis, prevention, and treatment strategies to address this public health challenge. The President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief through the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Prevalence of human filovirus infections in sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

BackgroundRecent outbreaks of Ebola virus disease (EVD) and Marburg virus disease (MVD) in sub-Saharan Africa illustrate the need to better understand animal reservoirs, burden of disease, and human transmission of filoviruses. This protocol outlines a systematic literature review to assess the prevalence of filoviruses that infect humans in sub-Saharan Africa. A secondary aim is to qualitatively describe and evaluate the assays used to assess prevalence.MethodsThe data sources for this systematic review include PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. Titles, abstracts, and full texts will be reviewed for inclusion by a primary reviewer and then by a team of secondary reviewers, and data will be extracted using a pre-specified and piloted data extraction form. The review will include human cross-sectional studies, cohort studies, and randomized controlled trials conducted in sub-Saharan Africa up until March 13, 2024 that have been published in peer-reviewed scientific journals, with no language restrictions. Prevalence will be stratified by pathogen, population, assay, and sampling methodology and presented in forest plots with estimated prevalence and 95% confidence intervals. If there are enough studies within a stratum, I2 statistics will be calculated (using R statistical software), and data will be pooled if heterogeneity is low. In addition, assays used to detect infection will be evaluated. All studies included in the review will be assessed for quality and risk of bias using the JBI Prevalence Critical Appraisal Tool and for certainty using the GRADE certainty ratings.DiscussionAccurately measuring the rate of exposure to filoviruses infecting humans in sub-Saharan Africa using prevalence provides an essential understanding of natural history, transmission, and the role of subclinical infection. This systematic review will identify research gaps and provide directions for future research seeking to improve our understanding of filovirus infections. Understanding the natural history, transmission, and the role of subclinical infection is critical for predicting the impact of an intervention on disease burden.Systematic Review RegistrationIn accordance with the guidelines outlined in the PRISMA-P methodology, this protocol was registered with PROSPERO on April 7, 2023 (ID: CRD42023415358).

Prevalence of rectal carbapenem resistant Enterobacterales carriage among patients attending healthcare facilities in Ibadan, Nigeria: a descriptive study

BackgroundCarbapenem Resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) infections are increasingly associated with or directly responsible for morbidity and mortality from bacterial infections in sub-Saharan Africa where there are limited antibiotic options. CRE rectal colonization of patients in healthcare facilities provides a reservoir of these organisms and could potentially cause invasive infections in these settings. The prevalence of rectal carriage among patients attending healthcare facilities in Nigeria has not been previously described. We set out to assess the prevalence of rectal CRE carriage and their antibiotic susceptibility patterns among patients attending healthcare facilities in Nigeria.MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out from December 2021 to September 2022 in Ibadan, in which patients attending primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities were screened for rectal carriage of CRE by microscopy, culture and sensitivity of rectal swab specimens.ResultsA total of 291 patients were screened; 45 (15.5%), 66 (22.7%) and 180 (61.8%) at primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities, respectively. All but one of them had received a third-generation cephalosporin or carbapenem in the preceding 30 days. The mean age was 28.8 years and 55.7% were male. Overall, 51 (17.5%) participants had CRE colonization, with 5(11.1%), 9(13.6%) and 37(20.6%) at primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities, respectively (p = 0.243). Regarding antimicrobial susceptibility, 43(84.3%) CRE isolates were resistant to at least 3 different classes of antibiotics while two Escherichia coli isolates were resistant to all 5 classes of antibiotics tested. The lowest rates of CRE resistance were to tigecycline (6, 11.5%) and colistin (8, 15.7%).ConclusionsIn this first study on CRE colonization in Nigeria, we found that a substantial proportion of patients in three levels of healthcare facilities had rectal carriage of CRE, including pan-resistant isolates. Active surveillance and appropriate infection prevention and control practices (IPC) need to be urgently strengthened to mitigate the risk of active CRE infection.Trial registrationNot applicable.

The contribution of intimate partner violence to vertical HIV transmission: a modelling analysis of 46 African countries

Addressing gender inequities could be key to the elimination of vertical transmission of HIV. Women experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV) might be at an increased risk of vertical transmission due to their vulnerability to HIV acquisition and barriers to access to and retention in care. Sub-Saharan Africa, where IPV burden is among the highest globally, accounts for most new paediatric HIV infections. We aimed to examine the proportion of excess vertical transmission attributable to IPV in this region. In this modelling analysis, we created a probability tree model of vertical HIV transmission among women aged 15-49 years in 46 African countries. We estimated the proportion of vertical transmission attributable to past-year physical or sexual IPV, or both, as an age-standardised population attributable fraction (PAF) and as excess vertical transmission risk per 1000 births among women experiencing IPV. We incorporated perinatal and postnatal vertical transmission among women who acquired HIV before pregnancy, during pregnancy, and during breastfeeding. Fertility, HIV prevalence, HIV incidence, antiretroviral therapy (ART) uptake, and ART retention varied in the model by women's IPV experience. The model was parameterised using UNAIDS' 2023 Spectrum model data, WHO's Global Database on Violence Against Women, and the peer-reviewed literature. Uncertainty intervals (95% UI) were calculated through 1000 Monte Carlo simulations. Across 46 countries 13% (95% UI 6-21) of paediatric HIV infections in 2022 were attributed to IPV, corresponding to over 22 000 paediatric infections. The PAF ranged from 4% (2-7) in Niger to 28% (13-43) in Uganda. The PAF was highest among girls aged 15-19 years (20%, 8-33) and lowest among women aged 45-49 years (6%, 3-9). In southern Africa, where women's HIV prevalence is highest (23%), IPV led to 11 (5-20) additional infections per 1000 births among women affected by IPV. IPV might be responsible for one in eight paediatric HIV infections in sub-Saharan Africa. Ending IPV could accelerate vertical transmission elimination, especially among young women who bear the highest burden of violence. Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Canada Research Chair, and Fonds de recherche du Québec-Santé. For the French, Georgian and Spanish translations of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

Genome Sequences of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-Producing Escherichia coli Recovered from Mid-Stream Urine Samples in Accra, Ghana.

Escherichia coli, a member of the commensal intestinal microbiota, is a significant aetiology of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and has a propensity for acquiring multidrug resistance characteristics, such as extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs). Despite the increase in the incidence of ESBL-producing E. coli infections in sub-Saharan Africa, routine ESBL detection in Ghana is often absent, and molecular data on ESBL genotypes is scarce. Eleven ESBL-producing E. coli recovered from mid-stream urine samples were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing and whole-genome sequence analyses. All isolates exhibited multidrug resistance, demonstrating phenotypic resistance to third-generation cephalosporins, such as cefotaxime, ceftazidime, and cefpodoxime. Three isolates demonstrated resistance to norfloxacin (a fluoroquinolone), and one isolate demonstrated intermediate resistance to ertapenem (a carbapenem). Analysis of the draft genomes identified multiple antimicrobial resistance genes including ESBL genotypes blaTEM-1B/TEM-190 (6/11 and 1/11, respectively), blaCTX-M-15/CTX-M-3 (7/11 and 1/11) and blaOXA-1/OXA-181 (3/11 and 1/11). The strains belong to 10 different serotypes and 10 different multilocus sequence types. This study provides information on phenotypic resistance in 11 ESBL E. coli from Ghana and AMR genotypes within their genomes.

Rickettsia africae infections in sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic literature review of epidemiological studies and summary of case reports.

Rickettsia africae is a tick-borne bacteria known to cause African tick bite fever (ATBF). While the disease was first described more than 100 years ago, knowledge of transmission risk factors and disease burden remain poorly described. To better understand the burden of R. africae, this article reviewed and summarized the published literature related to ATBF epidemiology and clinical management. Using a systematic approach, consistent with the PRISMA guidelines, we identified more than 100 eligible articles, including 65 epidemiological studies and 41 case reports. Most reports described R. africae in ticks and livestock, while human studies were less common. Human disease case reports were exclusively among returning travellers from non-endemic areas, which limits our disease knowledge among at-risk populations: people living in endemic regions. Substantial efforts to elucidate the ATBF risk factors and clinical manifestations among local populations are needed to develop effective preventative strategies and facilitate appropriate and timely diagnosis.

Skin Disease Detection Using CNN

This study explores using advanced computer technology, specifically Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), for diagnosing diseases. By training the computer model with a variety of medical images, it learns to recognize patterns associated with different illnesses. The research investigates how well the model can accurately and quickly identify various medical conditions. Factors like the quality of the dataset, the design of the model, and fine-tuning its settings are considered. The results suggest that this method could enhance disease diagnosis speed and accuracy, contributing to discussions on AI's role in healthcare. Skin diseases are common across all age groups and a major source of infection in sub-Saharan Africa. Traditional diagnosis methods involve multiple tests, making the process laborious and time-consuming, requiring in-depth domain knowledge.

COVID-19 immune signatures in Uganda persist in HIV co-infection and diverge by pandemic phase

Little is known about the pathobiology of SARS-CoV-2 infection in sub-Saharan Africa, where severe COVID-19 fatality rates are among the highest in the world and the immunological landscape is unique. In a prospective cohort study of 306 adults encompassing the entire clinical spectrum of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Uganda, we profile the peripheral blood proteome and transcriptome to characterize the immunopathology of COVID-19 across multiple phases of the pandemic. Beyond the prognostic importance of myeloid cell-driven immune activation and lymphopenia, we show that multifaceted impairment of host protein synthesis and redox imbalance define core biological signatures of severe COVID-19, with central roles for IL-7, IL-15, and lymphotoxin-α in COVID-19 respiratory failure. While prognostic signatures are generally consistent in SARS-CoV-2/HIV-coinfection, type I interferon responses uniquely scale with COVID-19 severity in persons living with HIV. Throughout the pandemic, COVID-19 severity peaked during phases dominated by A.23/A.23.1 and Delta B.1.617.2/AY variants. Independent of clinical severity, Delta phase COVID-19 is distinguished by exaggerated pro-inflammatory myeloid cell and inflammasome activation, NK and CD8+ T cell depletion, and impaired host protein synthesis. Combining these analyses with a contemporary Ugandan cohort of adults hospitalized with influenza and other severe acute respiratory infections, we show that activation of epidermal and platelet-derived growth factor pathways are distinct features of COVID-19, deepening translational understanding of mechanisms potentially underlying SARS-CoV-2-associated pulmonary fibrosis. Collectively, our findings provide biological rationale for use of broad and targeted immunotherapies for severe COVID-19 in sub-Saharan Africa, illustrate the relevance of local viral and host factors to SARS-CoV-2 immunopathology, and highlight underemphasized yet therapeutically exploitable immune pathways driving COVID-19 severity.

How COVID-19 and malaria are strikingly alike: A short review

COVID-19 is a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that began in Wuhan, China, in late 2019 and has since spread globally, disrupting efforts to contain it. In Africa, the COVID-19 infection may be influenced by malaria coinfection. Global health is severely hampered by the co-infection of COVID-19 and malaria, especially in areas where both illnesses are endemic. Studies that have already been conducted indicate that those who have co-infection may have more severe symptoms and a higher risk of dying, even though there is little information on the prevalence and consequences of co-infection. More studies and focused initiatives are required to address this issue because of the difficulties in diagnosing the two diseases and the possibility that co-infection would worsen already existing health inequities. Methodology: This review follows the guidelines of PRISMA. In this article, we reviewed published articles from 2019 to May 2023 on COVID-19 and malaria co-infection that might influence the ontology of COVID-19. Results: Sub-Saharan African countries have fewer COVID-19 cases due to factors like young populations, warm weather, lack of proper diagnosis, malaria history, and antimalarial drug use. Population genetics also influence COVID-19 dynamics. Clinical and pathological similarities between malaria and COVID-19 have confused diagnosis and treatment in Africa. Conclusion: Understanding the dynamics of COVID-19 infection in Sub-Saharan Africa and how another endemic disease like malaria shapes it can provide insights into how to tailor successful diagnostic, intervention, and control plans that lower disease morbidity and mortality. Coinfection with COVID-19 and malaria is related to expanded all-cause in-hospital mortality compared to mono-infection with serious acute respiratory disorder coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).

Prevalence of carbapenem resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Carbapenems are effective drugs against bacterial pathogens and resistance to them is considered a great public health threat, especially in notorious nosocomial pathogens like Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of carbapenem resistance in A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa infections in Sub-Saharan Africa. Databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and African Journal Online) were systematically searched following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and meta-analysis protocols (PRISMA-P) 2020 statements for articles reporting carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) and carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA) prevalence between 2012 and 2022. Pooled prevalence was determined with the random effect model and funnel plots were used to determine heterogeneity in R. A total of 47 articles were scanned for eligibility, among which 25 (14 for carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii and 11 for carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa) were included in the study after fulfilling the eligibility criteria. The pooled prevalence of CRPA in the present study was estimated at 8% (95% CI; 0.02-0.17; I2 = 98%; P <0.01). There was high heterogeneity (Q = 591.71, I2 = 98.9%; P<0.0001). In addition, this study's pooled prevalence of CRAB was estimated at 20% (95% CI; 0.04-0.43; I2 = 99%; P <0.01). There was high heterogeneity (Q = 1452.57, I2 = 99%; P<0.0001). Also, a funnel plot analysis of the studies showed high degree of heterogeneity. The carbapenemase genes commonly isolated from A. baumannii in this study include blaOXA23, blaOXA48, blaGES., blaNDM, blaVIM, blaOXA24, blaOXA58, blaOXA51, blaSIM-1, blaOXA40, blaOXA66, blaOXA69, blaOXA91, with blaOXA23 and blaVIM being the most common. On the other hand, blaNDM, blaVIM, blaIMP, blaOXA48, blaOXA51, blaSIM-1, blaOXA181, blaKPC, blaOXA23, blaOXA50 were the commonly isolated carbapenemase genes in P. aeruginosa, among which blaVIM and blaNDM genes were the most frequently isolated. Surveillance of drug-resistant pathogens in Sub-Saharan Africa is essential in reducing the region's disease burden. This study has shown that the region has significantly high multidrug-resistant pathogen prevalence. This is a wake-up call for policymakers to put in place measures to reduce the spread of these critical priority pathogens.

Insecticide-treated net utilization and associated factors among pregnant women in East Africa: evidence from the recent national demographic and health surveys, 2011–2022

BackgroundThe pregnant woman, the fetus, and the newborn child are all at risk from malaria infection in sub-Saharan Africa. Employing insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITNs) is one of the most efficient methods for avoiding malaria among expectant mothers. However, there is no literature that describes ITN use among pregnant women in East Africa or the contributing factors. Therefore, this study sought to identify the factors affecting pregnant women’s ITN utilization in East Africa.MethodsThe most recent DHS (Demographic and Health Survey) data for the 11 East African countries from 2011 to 2022 was used. 13,729 pregnant women were examined. To identify factors associated with ITN use, a binary and multiple logistic regression model was built. Variables having a p-value of less than or equal to 0.2 in the binary logistic regression analysis were taken into consideration for the multivariable analysis. In the multiple logistic regression analysis, the adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) with the 95% Confidence Interval (CI) was provided to proclaim the statistical significance and degree of correlation.ResultsThe survey found that just 47.05% (95% CI 46.21, 47.88) of pregnant mothers reported using ITNs. The highest and lowest values were seen in Uganda (64.13%) and Zimbabwe (6.08%). Women age 25-34y (aOR = 1.19; 95% CI 1.11, 1.29), 35–49y (aOR = 1.26; 95% CI 1.13, 1.41) as compared to 15–24 years, poorer (aOR = 1.15; 95% CI 1.04–1.27), middle (aOR = 1.21; 95% CI 1.09, 1.35), and rich (aOR = 1.18; 95% CI 1.06, 1.31) wealth indexes as compared to poorest, having > 5 family size (AOR = 0.84; 95% CI 0.78, 0.91) primary (aOR = 1.49; 95% CI 1.36, 1.65), and secondary/higher education (aOR = 1.52; 95% CI 1.35, 1.70) as compared to not educated, and married women (aOR = 1.64; 95% CI 1.44, 1.86) have shown a statistically significant association with ITN utilization among pregnant women.ConclusionWith a variety of risk variables, including age, wealth, family size, and education, pregnant women in East Africa rarely use ITNs. There is a need to create and strengthen malaria prevention programmes, especially among pregnant women who do not use ITNs, based on the variables mentioned.

Surviving Covid-19 Diagnosis Among Registered Nurses: Reactions, Consequences, and Coping Mechanisms

BackgroundTo mitigate the spread of Covid-19, nurses infected with the virus were required to isolate themselves from their families and community. Isolated patients were reported to have experienced mental distress, posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, and suicide. Though studies have reported the psychological impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, less is known about the lived experiences of nurses who survived Covid-19 infection in sub-Saharan Africa. MethodsA descriptive phenomenological approach was used to study the lived experiences of registered nurses who survived Covid-19 disease. In-depth interviews were conducted among nurses diagnosed with Covid-19 from two hospitals in Kenya between March and May, 2021. Purposive and snowball sampling were used to recruit registered nurses. Data were analyzed using Giorgi's steps of analysis. ResultsThe study included ten nurses between 29 and 45 years of age. Nurses' experiences encompassed three themes: diagnosis reaction, consequences, and coping. Reactions to the diagnosis included fear, anxiety, and sadness. The consequence of the diagnosis and isolation was stigma, isolation, and loneliness. Nurses coping mechanisms included acceptance, creating routines, support, and spirituality. ConclusionOur findings aid in understanding how nurses experienced Covid-19 infection as patients and will provide evidence-based content for supporting nurses in future pandemics. Moreover, as we acknowledge the heroic contribution of frontline healthcare workers during the Covid-19 pandemic, it is prudent to recognize the considerable occupational risk as they balance their duty to care, and the risk of infection to themselves and their families.

An Automated Literature Review Tool (LiteRev) for Streamlining and Accelerating Research Using Natural Language Processing and Machine Learning: Descriptive Performance Evaluation Study.

Literature reviews (LRs) identify, evaluate, and synthesize relevant papers to a particular research question to advance understanding and support decision-making. However, LRs, especially traditional systematic reviews, are slow, resource-intensive, and become outdated quickly. LiteRev is an advanced and enhanced version of an existing automation tool designed to assist researchers in conducting LRs through the implementation of cutting-edge technologies such as natural language processing and machine learning techniques. In this paper, we present a comprehensive explanation of LiteRev's capabilities, its methodology, and an evaluation of its accuracy and efficiency to a manual LR, highlighting the benefits of using LiteRev. Based on the user's query, LiteRev performs an automated search on a wide range of open-access databases and retrieves relevant metadata on the resulting papers, including abstracts or full texts when available. These abstracts (or full texts) are text processed and represented as a term frequency-inverse document frequency matrix. Using dimensionality reduction (pairwise controlled manifold approximation) and clustering (hierarchical density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise) techniques, the corpus is divided into different topics described by a list of the most important keywords. The user can then select one or several topics of interest, enter additional keywords to refine its search, or provide key papers to the research question. Based on these inputs, LiteRev performs a k-nearest neighbor (k-NN) search and suggests a list of potentially interesting papers. By tagging the relevant ones, the user triggers new k-NN searches until no additional paper is suggested for screening. To assess the performance of LiteRev, we ran it in parallel to a manual LR on the burden and care for acute and early HIV infection in sub-Saharan Africa. We assessed the performance of LiteRev using true and false predictive values, recall, and work saved over sampling. LiteRev extracted, processed, and transformed text into a term frequency-inverse document frequency matrix of 631 unique papers from PubMed. The topic modeling module identified 16 topics and highlighted 2 topics of interest to the research question. Based on 18 key papers, the k-NNs module suggested 193 papers for screening out of 613 papers in total (31.5% of the whole corpus) and correctly identified 64 relevant papers out of the 87 papers found by the manual abstract screening (recall rate of 73.6%). Compared to the manual full text screening, LiteRev identified 42 relevant papers out of the 48 papers found manually (recall rate of 87.5%). This represents a total work saved over sampling of 56%. We presented the features and functionalities of LiteRev, an automation tool that uses natural language processing and machine learning methods to streamline and accelerate LRs and support researchers in getting quick and in-depth overviews on any topic of interest.

Cango Lyec (Healing the Elephant): HIV Prevalence and Vulnerabilities Among Adolescent Girls and Young Women in Postconflict Northern Uganda.

Adolescent girls and young women younger than 25 years (AGYW) account for disproportionate HIV infections in sub-Saharan Africa. Impacts of war in Northern Uganda continue to affect HIV-related health and wellbeing of young people postconflict. Prevalence and incidence of HIV infection were estimated, and factors associated with HIV prevalence among sexually active AGYW in Northern Uganda were investigated. Cango Lyec is a cohort involving conflict-affected populations in Northern Uganda. Nine randomly selected communities in Gulu, Nwoya, and Amuru districts were mapped. House-to-house census was conducted. Consenting participants aged 13-49 years were enrolled over 3 study rounds (2011-2015), of whom 533 were AGYW and had ever had sex. Data were collected on trauma, depression, and sociodemographic-behavioral characteristics. Venous blood was taken for HIV and syphilis serology. Multivariable logistic regression determined baseline factors associated with HIV prevalence. HIV prevalence among AGYW was 9.7% (95% CI: 7.3 to 12.6). AGYW living in Gulu (adjusted risk ratio, aRR: 2.48; 95% CI: 1.12 to 5.51) or Nwoya (aRR: 2.65; 95% CI: 1.03 to 6.83) were more likely than in Amuru to be living with HIV. Having self-reported genital ulcers (aRR: 1.93; 95% CI: 0.97 to 3.85) or active syphilis (aRR: 3.79; 95% CI: 2.35 to 6.12) was associated with increased risk of HIV infection. The likelihood of HIV was higher for those who experienced sexual violence in the context of war (aRR: 2.37; 95% CI: 1.21 to 4.62) and/or probable depression (aRR: 1.95; 95% CI: 1.08 to 3.54). HIV incidence was 8.9 per 1000 person-years. Ongoing legacies of war, especially gender violence and trauma, contribute to HIV vulnerability among sexually active AGYW. Wholistic approaches integrating HIV prevention with culturally safe initiatives promoting sexual and mental health in Northern Uganda are essential.

Prevalence of Soil-Transmitted Helminths and Schistosoma mansoni among Schoolchildren across Altitudinal Gradients in Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia.

Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) and Schistosoma mansoni infections are common parasitic infections in sub-Saharan Africa. Their distributions vary across altitudes in Ethiopia. Hence, ongoing updates of infection risk factors and prevalence data are necessary for successful intervention. A school-based, cross-sectional study was conducted from October to December 2019 involving 530 schoolchildren who were recruited by systematic random sampling from Amhara Regional State. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographic, geographical and environmental factors. Stool samples were collected and processed by Ritchie's and Kato Katz techniques. Data were entered into EpiData and analyzed using SPSS. Descriptive statistics were used to compute prevalence, and logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with STHs and S. mansoni infections. Variables with P < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Among 530 schoolchildren, 169 (31.9%) and 78 (14.7%) were infected with STHs and S. mansoni, respectively. The prevalence of STHs (40.2%) in the semi-highlands and S. mansoni (30.4%) in the lowlands was high. Infrequent shoes wearing, exposure to soil, not washing vegetables before eating, and living outside in lowland areas were significantly associated with STHs infections (P < 0.05). Schoolchildren who fetched water to irrigate fields, swam in rivers, and lived in lowland areas were significantly associated with S. mansoni infection (P < 0.05). In conclusion, prevalence rates of STHs and S. mansoni infections differed across altitudes in Amhara Regional State. Therefore, current control strategies including deworming and provision of clean water and education on sanitation and hygiene should be intensified and adapted to the local context.

Prevalence of gonococcal and chlamydial infections among men who have sex with men in sub-Saharan Africa: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundBacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis are common in men who have sex with men (MSM). These infections increase the risk of acquiring and transmitting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in this key population. Access to MSM in many countries in sub-Saharan Africa remains generally difficult due to discrimination or criminalization of their sexual orientation which could lead to depression and risky sexual practices associated with prevalence. This protocol therefore proposes to undertake a systematic review and meta-analysis of literature on the prevalence of gonococcal and chlamydial infections among MSM in Sub-Saharan Africa.MethodsThis review which aims to ascertain the pooled prevalence and risk factors of these infections in sub-Saharan Africa’s MSM population will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The search strategy will review relevant articles from the following databases: PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science and the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ). Articles screening for eligibility and data extraction will be conducted by two independent reviewers. All discrepancies will be resolved by the third and fourth reviewers. Heterogeneity in studies will be evaluated using the I2 statistic and where heterogeneity is high and significant, a random effect model will be used to estimate the pooled prevalence. Publication bias will be assessed using the Doi plot. Extracted data will be analysed using MetaXL add-on for Microsoft excel. Data will be presented in tables and graphically presented in forest plots.DiscussionIn this study, we anticipate being able to systematically determine the prevalence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis among MSM as well as explore possible risk factors associated with prevalence. The outcomes of the systematic review and meta-analyses will serve to support researchers and public health stakeholders in identifying healthcare priorities and in addressing issues pertaining to the overall wellbeing of the MSM community.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO CRD42022327095

Mortality associated with third-generation cephalosporin resistance in Enterobacterales bloodstream infections at eight sub-Saharan African hospitals (MBIRA): a prospective cohort study

Bacteria of the order Enterobacterales are common pathogens causing bloodstream infections in sub-Saharan Africa and are frequently resistant to third-generation cephalosporin antibiotics. Although third-generation cephalosporin resistance is believed to lead to adverse outcomes, this relationship is difficult to quantify and has rarely been studied in this region. We aimed to measure the effects associated with resistance to third-generation cephalosporins in hospitalised patients with Enterobacterales bloodstream infection in Africa. We conducted a prospective, matched, parallel cohort study at eight hospitals across sub-Saharan Africa. We recruited consecutive patients of all age groups with laboratory-confirmed Enterobacterales bloodstream infection and matched them to at least one patient without bloodstream infection on the basis of age group, hospital ward, and admission date. Date of infection onset (and enrolment) was defined as the day of blood sample collection for culturing. Patients infected with bacteria with a cefotaxime minimum inhibitory concentration of 1 mg/L or lower were included in the third-generation cephalosporin-susceptible (3GC-S) cohort, and the remainder were included in the third-generation cephalosporin-resistant (3GC-R) cohort. The primary outcomes were in-hospital death and death within 30 days of enrolment. We used adjusted multivariable regression models to first compare patients with bloodstream infection against matched patients within the 3GC-S and 3GC-R cohorts, then compared estimates between cohorts. Between Nov 1, 2020, and Jan 31, 2022, we recruited 878 patients with Enterobacterales bloodstream infection (221 [25·2%] to the 3GC-S cohort and 657 [74·8%] to the 3GC-R cohort) and 1634 matched patients (420 [25·7%] and 1214 [74·3%], respectively). 502 (57·2%) bloodstream infections occurred in neonates and infants (age 0-364 days). Klebsiella pneumoniae (393 [44·8%] infections) and Escherichia coli (224 [25·5%] infections) were the most common Enterobacterales species identified. The proportion of patients who died in hospital was higher in patients with bloodstream infection than in matched controls in the 3GC-S cohort (62 [28·1%] of 221 vs 22 [5·2%] of 420; cause-specific hazard ratio 6·79 [95% CI 4·06-11·37] from Cox model) and the 3GC-R cohort (244 [37·1%] of 657 vs 115 [9·5%] of 1214; 5·01 [3·96-6·32]). The ratio of these cause-specific hazard ratios showed no significant difference in risk of in-hospital death in the 3GC-R cohort versus the 3GC-S cohort (0·74 [0·42-1·30]). The ratio of relative risk of death within 30 days (0·82 [95% CI 0·53-1·27]) also indicated no difference between the cohorts. Patients with bloodstream infections with Enterobacterales bacteria either resistant or susceptible to third-generation cephalosporins had increased mortality compared with uninfected matched patients, with no differential effect related to third-generation cephalosporin-resistance status. However, this finding does not account for time to appropriate antibiotic treatment, which remains clinically important to optimise. Measures to prevent transmission of Enterobacterales could reduce bloodstream infection-associated mortality from both drug-resistant and drug-susceptible bacterial strains in Africa. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Incidence and outcomes of surgical site infection following emergency laparotomy during the COVID-19 pandemic in a low resource setting: A retrospective cohort

IntroductionSurgical site infection (SSI) is the commonest form of hospital acquired infection in sub-Saharan Africa, associated with increased morbidity and mortality. This study was aimed at determining the incidence and outcomes of surgical site infection following emergency laparotomy during the COVID -19 pandemic in a low resource setting. MethodsThis was a retrospective single Centre cohort of patients that had emergency laparotomy between July 2021–June 2022 (COVID period) and July 2018–June 2019 (pre-COVID period). Analysis was done using SPSS version 22 in which SSI rates were compared between the two periods using the chi squared test. Mortality, re-operation rates and length of hospital stay were also compared. ResultsOf the 453 patient files included in analysis, 244 (53.9%) were for the COVID period, while 209 (46.1%) were for the pre COVID period. The incidence of SSI was insignificantly higher in the COVID period (17.6% versus 16.7%; P = 0.901). Mortality was also insignificantly higher in the SSI group (3.8% versus 3.5%; P = 0.745). Presence of surgical site infection increased the risk for re-operation (P < 0.001) and prolonged hospital stay (P < 0.001). ConclusionSince the incidence and outcomes of surgical site infection appear not to have changed following the pandemic, the same measures that were previously used to prevent SSI could still be effective even during the pandemic if followed appropriately and combined with the COVID specific peri-operative care recommendations.

Fungal Skin Disease Classification Using the Convolutional Neural Network.

Skin is the outer cover of our body, which protects vital organs from harm. This important body part is often affected by a series of infections caused by fungus, bacteria, viruses, allergies, and dust. Millions of people suffer from skin diseases. It is one of the common causes of infection in sub-Saharan Africa. Skin disease can also be the cause of stigma and discrimination. Early and accurate diagnosis of skin disease can be vital for effective treatment. Laser and photonics-based technologies are used for the diagnosis of skin disease. These technologies are expensive and not affordable, especially for resource-limited countries like Ethiopia. Hence, image-based methods can be effective in reducing cost and time. There are previous studies on image-based diagnosis for skin disease. However, there are few scientific studies on tinea pedis and tinea corporis. In this study, the convolution neural network (CNN) has been used to classify fungal skin disease. The classification was carried out on the four most common fungal skin diseases: tinea pedis, tinea capitis, tinea corporis, and tinea unguium. The dataset consisted of a total of 407 fungal skin lesions collected from Dr. Gerbi Medium Clinic, Jimma, Ethiopia. Normalization of image size, conversion of RGB to grayscale, and balancing the intensity of the image have been carried out. Images were normalized to three sizes: 120 × 120, 150 × 150, and 224 × 224. Then, augmentation was applied. The developed model classified the four common fungal skin diseases with 93.3% accuracy. Comparisons were made with similar CNN architectures: MobileNetV2 and ResNet 50, and the proposed model was superior to both. This study may be an important addition to the very limited work on the detection of fungal skin disease. It can be used to build an automated image-based screening system for dermatology at an initial stage.

Clinicopathological Characteristics and Outcomes of Anal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients With and Without HIV Infection in Sub-Saharan Africa.

In the past 20 years, the burden of anal cancer (AC) increased by 60% in the United States and over three-fold in Africa. Rates of AC have increased by 20× in people living with HIV and the highest (50×) in men with HIV who have sex with men. However, in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) where HIV is endemic, data on clinicopathological characteristics and outcomes of patients with AC are lacking. To address this, we have investigated AC disease presentation, treatment outcomes, and its predictors in a cohort of patients who were either HIV-infected or HIV-uninfected in SSA. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients with anal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) treated at Ocean Road Cancer Institute in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania from January 2014 to December 2019. Associations between the study outcomes and their predictors were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analysis models. A total of 59 patients with anal SCC were retrieved and had at least 2-year follow-up. The mean age was 53.9 (standard deviation ±10.5) years. While none of the patients presented with stage I disease, 64.4% had locally advanced disease. HIV infection was the major comorbidity (64.4%). The rate of complete remission at the end of treatment was at 49% while the 2-year overall survival (OS) and local recurrence-free survival were 86.4% and 91.3%, respectively. Despite high HIV coinfection in the cohort, AC treatment outcomes were not significantly associated with HIV status. Disease stage (P = .012) and grade (P = .030) were significantly associated with 2-year OS. Patients with anal SCC in Tanzania present mainly with locally advanced disease associated with high HIV prevalence. In this cohort, the SCC grade was independently associated with treatment outcomes unlike other factors such as HIV coinfection.