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Fwambah L, Andisi C, Streatfield C, Bromell R, Hare J, Esbjörnsson J, Ndung’u T, Sanders EJ, Hassan A, Nduati E. Exposure to common infections may shape basal immunity and potentially HIV-1 acquisition amongst a high-risk population in Coastal Kenya. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1283559. [PMID: 38274822 PMCID: PMC10808675 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1283559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The impact of exposure to endemic infections on basal immunity and susceptibility to HIV-1 acquisition remains uncertain. We hypothesized that exposure to infections such as cytomegalovirus (CMV), malaria and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in high-risk individuals may modulate immunity and subsequently increase susceptibility to HIV-1 acquisition. Methods A case-control study nested in an HIV-1 negative high-risk cohort from Coastal Kenya was used. Cases were defined as volunteers who tested HIV-1 positive during follow-up and had a plasma sample collected 3 ± 2 months prior to the estimated date of HIV-1 infection. Controls were individuals who remained HIV-1 negative during the follow-up and were matched 2:1 to cases by sex, age, risk group and follow-up time. STI screening was performed using microscopic and serologic tests. HIV-1 pre-infection plasma samples were used to determined exposure to CMV and malaria using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and to quantify forty-one cytokines and soluble factors using multiplexing assays. Multiplexing data were analyzed using principal component analysis. Associations between cytokines and soluble factors with subsequent HIV-1 acquisition were determined using conditional logistic regression models. Results and discussion Overall, samples from 47 cases and 94 controls were analyzed. While exposure to malaria (p=0.675) and CMV (p=0.470) were not associated with HIV-1 acquisition, exposure to STIs was (48% [95% CI, 33.3 - 63] vs. 26% [95% CI, 17.3 - 35.9]. Ten analytes were significantly altered in cases compared to controls and were clustered into four principal components: PC1 (VEGF, MIP-1β, VEGF-C and IL-4), PC2 (MCP-1, IL-2 and IL-12p70), PC3 (VEGF-D) and PC4 (Eotaxin-3). PC1, which is suggestive of a Th2-modulatory pathway, was significantly associated with HIV-1 acquisition after controlling for STIs (adjusted odds ratio, (95% CI), p-value: 1.51 [1.14 - 2.00], p=0.004). Elevation of Th2-associated pathways may dampen responses involved in viral immunity, leading to enhanced susceptibility to HIV-1 acquisition. Immunomodulatory interventions aimed at inhibiting activation of Th2-associated pathways may be an additional strategy to STI control for HIV-1 prevention and may reduce dampening of immune responses to vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn Fwambah
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- Department of Biological Sciences, Pwani University, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Cheryl Andisi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Pwani University, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Claire Streatfield
- International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) Human Immunology Laboratory, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel Bromell
- International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) Human Immunology Laboratory, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan Hare
- International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) Human Immunology Laboratory, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
- International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI), New York, NY, United States
| | - Joakim Esbjörnsson
- Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Thumbi Ndung’u
- Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI), Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Pathogenesis Programme, The Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Eduard J. Sanders
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- The Aurum Institute, HIV Division, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Amin S. Hassan
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Eunice Nduati
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- Department of Biological Sciences, Pwani University, Kilifi, Kenya
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Msemwa B, Mushi MF, Kidenya B, Okamo B, Keenan K, Sabiiti W, Miyaye DN, Konje ET, Silago V, Mirambo MM, Mwanga JR, Gillespie S, Maldonado-Barragan A, Sandeman A, Holden M, Mshana SE. Urogenital pathogens in urine samples of clinically diagnosed urinary tract infected patients in Tanzania: A laboratory based cross-sectional study. IJID REGIONS 2023; 7:170-175. [PMID: 37069922 PMCID: PMC10105482 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijregi.2022.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Background Urogenital pathogens such as Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Mycoplasma genitalium and Trichomonas vaginalis have been reported to cause pyuria, however they are not routinely cultured from urine samples of patients clinically diagnosed to have urinary tract infections (UTI). In this study, pathogen specific PCR was done to identify the urogenital pathogens in the urine samples among clinically diagnosed UTI patients with negative routine urine culture. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 227 archived urine samples from clinically diagnosed UTI patients with positive leucocyte esterase but negative urine culture results. The urogenital pathogens were detected using pathogen specific singleplex PCR. Data were cleaned and analyzed using STATA version 15. Results The median age of patients was 31[IQR 23 - 51] years and the majority (174, 76.7%) were females. Two thirds of patients had history of antibiotic use two weeks prior to recruitment (154, 67.8%). A total of 62(27.3%) urine samples were positive for at least one urogenital pathogen. Of 62 positive samples, 9 had two urogenital pathogens and 1 had three urogenital pathogens. The most predominant urogenital pathogen detected was Neisseria gonorrhoeae 25(34.2%) and Trichomonas vaginalis 24(32.9%). Being female (aOR 2.4; 95% CI: 1.04 - 5.49; p-value 0.039) and having history of using antibiotics in the past two weeks (aOR 1.9; 95%CI: 1.04 - 3.60; p-value 0.036) was independently associated with the presence of urogenital pathogens. Conclusion More than a quarter of female patients with clinical symptoms of UTI and routine urine culture negative results were infected with urogenital pathogens mainly Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Trichomonas vaginalis. Further research with a larger sample set in a range of settings is required to understand the implications of these finding generally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betrand Msemwa
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, Bugando, P. O. Box 1464 Mwanza
| | - Martha F Mushi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, Bugando, P. O. Box 1464 Mwanza
| | - Benson Kidenya
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular biology, Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, Bugando, P. O. Box 1464 Mwanza
| | - Bernard Okamo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular biology, Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, Bugando, P. O. Box 1464 Mwanza
| | - Katherine Keenan
- Geography and Sustainable Development, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
| | - Wilber Sabiiti
- School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
| | - Donald N Miyaye
- National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza Centre, P. O. Box 1462 Mwanza
| | - Eveline T Konje
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, and Behavioral Sciences, Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, Bugando, P. O. Box 1464 Mwanza
| | - Vitus Silago
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, Bugando, P. O. Box 1464 Mwanza
| | - Mariam M Mirambo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, Bugando, P. O. Box 1464 Mwanza
| | - Joseph R Mwanga
- School of Public Health, Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, Bugando, P. O. Box 1464 Mwanza
| | | | | | - Alison Sandeman
- School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
| | - Mathew Holden
- School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
| | - Stephen E Mshana
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, Bugando, P. O. Box 1464 Mwanza
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Genital microbiota of women using a 90 day tenofovir or tenofovir and levonorgestrel intravaginal ring in a placebo controlled randomized safety trial in Kenya. Sci Rep 2022; 12:12040. [PMID: 35835755 PMCID: PMC9283538 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-13475-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
In a phase-IIa trial, we investigated the influence of 90 days continuous-delivery tenofovir (TFV) intravaginal rings (IVRs) with/without levonorgestrel (LNG) on the genital microbiota of Kenyan women. Eligible women (n = 27; 18-34 years; negative for HIV, sexually transmitted infections, and Amsel-bacterial vaginosis) were randomized 2:2:1 to use of IVRs containing TFV, TFV/LNG, or placebo. Using vaginal wall and IVR swabs at IVR insertion and removal, the genital microbial composition was determined using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The presence of Candida spp. was determined using qPCR. The vaginal total bacterial burden appeared to decrease with TFV and TFV/LNG IVR use (log100.57 and log100.27 decrease respectively; p > 0.05). The TFV/LNG IVR was more 'stabilizing': 50% of the participants' microbiota community state types remained unchanged and 50% shifted towards higher Lactobacillus abundance. Specifically, TFV/LNG IVR use was accompanied by increased abundances of Lactobacillus gasseri/hominis/johnsonii/taiwanensis (16.3-fold) and L. fermentum/reuteri/vaginalis (7.0-fold; all p < 0.01). A significant shift in the overall microbial α-diversity or β-diversity was not observed for either IVR, and IVR use did not influence Candida spp. prevalence. TFV/LNG and TFV IVRs did not adversely affect the genital microbiota and are safe to use. Our findings support further studies assessing their efficacy in preventing HIV/HSV-2 and unintended pregnancies.
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Tsega NT, Abebe B, Ebabu T, Asmare T, Kassa M, Haile TT, Seyoum AT, Endalew M, Wondie KY. Sexually transmitted infections and associated factors during pregnancy in Gondar city, Northwest Ethiopia, 2021: A multicenter study. CLINICAL EPIDEMIOLOGY AND GLOBAL HEALTH 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cegh.2022.101096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
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Significant Associations between Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae Infections in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Pregnant Women. Infect Dis Obstet Gynecol 2022; 2022:7930567. [PMID: 35754526 PMCID: PMC9232329 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7930567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a lack of data on the burden of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae among human immunodeficiency virus- (HIV-) infected pregnant women in South Africa. We conducted a cross-sectional study which included 385 HIV-infected pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at the King Edward VIII Hospital in Durban, South Africa. The women provided vaginal swabs which were tested for C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae. The prevalence of the individual STIs was as follows: C. trachomatis (47/385, 12.2%) and N. gonorrhoeae (16/385, 4.1%). Having a circumcised partner, testing positive for N. gonorrhoeae, and perceiving themselves of being at risk for infection were shown to increase the risk for C. trachomatis infection. Without controlling for the other factors, testing positive for N. gonorrhoeae increased the risk for C. trachomatis infection by 10-fold (OR: 10.17, 95% CI: 3.39-29.66, p < 0.001). Similarly, adjusting for the other factors, the risk for C. trachomatis infection in women who tested positive for N. gonorrhoeae was 9-fold (OR: 9.16, 95% CI: 2.19-40.18, p = 0.003). The following factors were associated with the increased risk of N. gonorrhoeae infection: not knowing their partner's HIV status, partner having other partners, and C. trachomatis infection status. Without controlling for the other factors, testing positive for C. trachomatis increased the risk for N. gonorrhoeae infection by 6-fold (OR: 6.52, 95% CI: 2.22-18.49, p < 0.001). Similarly, adjusting for the other factors, the risk for N. gonorrhoeae infection in women who tested positive for C. trachomatis was 6-fold (OR: 6.09, 95% CI: 1.73-22.03, p = 0.005). We found a significant association between C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae in the pregnant women and the risk factors associated with these pathogens. Future studies are urgently required to investigate the impact of C. trachomatis/N. gonorrhoeae coinfections in HIV pregnant women since this data is lacking in our setting. In addition, etiological screening of C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae during antenatal clinic is urgently required to prevent adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes associated with these infections.
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Ahmed M, Admassu Ayana D, Abate D. Bacterial Vaginosis and Associated Factors Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care in Harar City, Eastern Ethiopia. Infect Drug Resist 2022; 15:3077-3086. [PMID: 35754781 PMCID: PMC9215287 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s364229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Bacterial vaginosis is one of the most common causes of abnormal vaginal discharge in women of reproductive age, especially pregnant women. It is characterized by the decrement of lactobacilli and increasing proliferation of diverse anaerobic bacteria. The prevalence of bacterial vaginosis and contributing factors vary between countries, within the same country, and among different populations. Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care from May 5-July 15, 2021 in health-care facilities found in Harar town, eastern Ethiopia. Methods and Materials An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 248 pregnant women attending antenatal care through systematic random sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and two vaginal swabs were collected using sterile swabs and transported to the microbiology laboratory. Samples were analyzed using Amsel's criteria or using Nugent scoring criteria and culture. Data were entered into EpiData version 3.1 and transferred to SPSS version 25 for analysis. Binary logistic regression was used to identify variables associated with bacterial vaginosis. P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Altogether 248 pregnant women were included in the study. Overall, 21.4% (95% CI: 16, 27) of study participants had bacterial vaginosis. History of sexually transmitted infection (AOR = 6.0, 95% CI: 1.94, 19.07; P = 0.002), history of spontaneous abortion (AOR = 5.8, 95% CI: 1.55, 22.02; P = 0.009), multiple sex partners (AOR = 8.6, 95% CI: 2.93, 25.79; P = 0.000) and having vaginal discharge (AOR = 5.5, 95% CI: 2.48, 12.41; P = 0.000) were significantly associated with bacterial vaginosis. Conclusion The prevalence of bacterial vaginosis is higher among symptomatic pregnant women and associated with a history of sexually transmitted infection, vaginal discharge, multiple sexual partners and spontaneous abortion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Ahmed
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Desalegn Admassu Ayana
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Degu Abate
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
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Sexually transmitted infection screening to prevent adverse birth and newborn outcomes: study protocol for a randomized-controlled hybrid-effectiveness trial. Trials 2022; 23:441. [PMID: 35610666 PMCID: PMC9128231 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06400-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) during pregnancy are associated with adverse birth outcomes, including preterm birth, low birth weight, perinatal death, and congenital infections such as increased mother-to-child HIV transmission. Prevalence of STIs among pregnant women in South Africa remains high, with most women being asymptomatic for their infection(s). Unfortunately, most STIs remain undetected and untreated due to standard practice syndromic management in accordance with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Although lab-based and point-of-care molecular tests are available, optimal screening strategies during pregnancy, their health impact, and cost-effectiveness are unknown. Methods We will implement a 3-arm (1:1:1) type-1 hybrid effectiveness-implementation randomized-controlled trial (RCT). We will enroll 2500 pregnant women attending their first antenatal care (ANC) visit for their current pregnancy at participating health facilities in Buffalo City Metro District, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Participants allocated to arms 1 and 2 (intervention) will receive GeneXpert® point-of-care diagnostic testing for Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, and Trichomonas vaginalis, with same-day treatment for detected infection(s). Arm 1 will additionally receive a test-of-cure 3 weeks post-treatment, while Arm 2 will receive a repeat test at 30–34 weeks’ gestation. Those allocated to Arm 3 will receive syndromic management (standard-of-care). The RE-AIM framework will be used to guide collection of implementation indicators to inform potential future scale up. Primary outcome measures include (1) frequency of adverse birth outcomes among study arms, defined by a composite measure of low birth weight and pre-term delivery, and (2) change in STI prevalence between baseline and birth outcome among intervention arms and compared to standard-of-care. Estimates and comparative costs of the different screening strategies relative to standard-of-care and the costs of managing adverse birth outcomes will be calculated. Cost-effectiveness will be assessed per STI and disability-adjusted life year averted. Discussion This trial is the first RCT designed to identify optimal, cost-effective screening strategies that decrease the burden of STIs during pregnancy and reduce adverse birth outcomes. Demonstrating the impact of diagnostic screening and treatment, compared to syndromic management, on birth outcomes will provide critical evidence to inform changes to WHO guidelines for syndromic management of STIs during pregnancy. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04446611. Registered on 25 June 2020.
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Prevalence of bacterial vaginosis and aerobic vaginitis and their associated risk factors among pregnant women from northern Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0262692. [PMID: 35213556 PMCID: PMC8880645 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0262692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis (BV) and aerobic vaginitis (AV) and their associated risk factors among pregnant women from Ethiopia. Also, this study investigated the bacterial pathogens and their antibiotic resistance in AV cases. A total of 422 pregnant women from northern Ethiopia were participated in this study. Socio-demographic and clinical data were recorded. Vaginal swabs were collected and used for wet mount and Gram stain methods to evaluate the AV and BV scores according to the Nugent’s and Donder’s criteria, respectively. In AV cases the bacterial pathogens and their antibiotic resistance were determined using standard methods. The possible risk factors for AV and BV in pregnant women were investigated. The prevalence rates of BV and AV were 20.1% (85/422) and 8.1% (34/422), respectively. BV was more common in symptomatic vs. asymptomatic people (P < 0.001), and in second trimester vs. first trimester samples (P = 0.042). However, AV was more common in secondary school vs. primary and those who were unable to read and write (P = 0.021) and in housewife women vs. employee (P = 0.013). A total of 44 bacterial strains were isolated from AV cases, of which the coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) (38.6%) and Staphylococcus aureus (29.5%) were the most predominant bacteria, respectively. The highest resistance rate was observed against penicillin (100.0%) in staphylococci, while 86.7% of them were sensitive to ciprofloxacin. The resistance rate of Enterobacteriaceae ranged from 0.0% for ciprofloxacin and chloramphenicol to 100.0% against amoxicillin/clavulanate. The prevalence of BV was higher than AV in pregnant women. This higher prevalence of BV suggests that measures should be taken to reduce the undesired consequences related to BV in the pregnancy. The circulation of drug-resistant bacteria in vaginal infections requires a global surveillance to reduce the risks to pregnant mothers and infants.
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Odhiambo JN, Sartorius B. Joint spatio-temporal modelling of adverse pregnancy outcomes sharing common risk factors at sub-county level in Kenya, 2016-2019. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:2331. [PMID: 34969386 PMCID: PMC8719408 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-12210-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Adverse pregnancy outcomes jointly account for a high proportion of mortality and morbidity among pregnant women and their infants. Furthermore, the burden attributed to adverse pregnancy outcomes remains high and inadequately characterised due to the intricate interplay of its etiology and shared set of important risk factors. This study sought to quantify and map the underlying risk of multiple adverse pregnancy outcomes in Kenya at sub-county level using a shared component space-time modelling framework. Methods Reported sub-county level adverse pregnancy outcomes count from January 2016 – December 2019 were obtained from the Kenyan District Health Information System. A Bayesian hierarchical spatio-temporal model was used to estimate the joint burden of adverse pregnancy outcomes in space (sub-county) and time (year). To improve the precision of our estimates over time and space, information across the outcomes were combined via the shared and the outcome-specific components using a shared component model with spatio-temporal interactions. Results Overall, the total number of adverse outcomes in pregnancy increased by 14.2% (95% UI: 14.0–14.5) from 88,816 cases in 2016 to 101,455 cases in 2019. Between 2016 and 2019, the estimated low birth weight rate and the pre-term birth rate were 4.5 (95% UI: 4.4–4.7) and 2.3 (95% UI: 2.2–2.5) per 100 live births. The stillbirth and neonatal death rates were estimated to be 18.7 (95% UI: 18.0–19.4) and 6.9 (95% UI: 6.4–7.4) per 1000 live births. The magnitude of the spatio-temporal variation attributed to shared risk was high for pre-term births, low birth weight, neonatal deaths, stillbirths and neonatal deaths, respectively. The shared risk patterns were dominant in sub-counties located along the Indian ocean coastline, central and western Kenya. Conclusions This study demonstrates the usefulness of a Bayesian joint spatio-temporal shared component model in exploiting specific and shared risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes sub-nationally. By identifying sub-counties with elevated risks and data gaps, our estimates not only assert the need for bolstering maternal health programs in the identified high-risk sub-counties but also provides a baseline against which to assess the progress towards the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-12210-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julius Nyerere Odhiambo
- Discipline of Public Health Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2nd Floor George Campbell Building, Howard College Campus, Durban, 4001, South Africa. .,Department of Management Science and Technology, The Technical University of Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya. .,Ignite Lab, Global Research Institute, William and Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia, USA.
| | - Benn Sartorius
- Discipline of Public Health Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2nd Floor George Campbell Building, Howard College Campus, Durban, 4001, South Africa.,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Department of Health Metrics Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
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Ngobese B, Abbai NS. Sexually transmitted infections in pregnant women from sub-Saharan Africa. S Afr J Infect Dis 2021; 36:312. [PMID: 34917679 PMCID: PMC8664065 DOI: 10.4102/sajid.v36i1.312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a major health problem in most countries of the world, particularly in developing countries where the resources and technology to diagnose and treat them are limited. Currently, there is limited data on STIs and risk factors for these infections in pregnant women living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), especially in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This review provides data on the prevalence and risk factors for STIs in pregnant women living with HIV from SSA. This review also describes the association between STIs and HIV on pregnancy and birth outcomes as well as highlights the importance of laboratory-based diagnosis of STIs. Method An electronic search of online databases was used to find and collect relevant research articles connected to the prevalence, adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes, health complications and risk factors associated with STIs and HIV in pregnant women from SSA. The search was limited to articles published in English. Relevant studies were identified by searching literature from January 2001 to date. The search yielded 4709 results. Results In SSA, STIs are highly prevalent in pregnant women and are widely known to be linked with an increased risk of poor maternal and neonatal outcomes. These infections are often asymptomatic and highly prevalent in pregnant women. The screening of STIs in pregnant women living with HIV can reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) and screening and treatment for STIs can also prevent adverse perinatal outcomes. It is important to recognise regional and national STI epidemics in order to promote STI prevention and control interventions considering the test and treat approach as opposed to syndromic management. Conclusion This review highlights the need to use diagnostic screening methods instead of syndromic STI management in SSA. Moreover, more research into effective prevention and treatment measures for STIs in pregnant women is urgently required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bongekile Ngobese
- Department of Clinical Medicine Laboratory, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Nathlee S Abbai
- Department of Clinical Medicine Laboratory, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Nyemba DC, Haddison EC, Wang C, Johnson LF, Myer L, Davey DJ. Prevalence of curable STIs and bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sex Transm Infect 2021; 98:484-491. [PMID: 34887350 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2021-055057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE STIs remain a global public health problem with a high burden among pregnant women. STIs in pregnant women may lead to various adverse pregnancy outcomes. In most sub-Saharan African countries, syndromic management is used for screening and treatment of STIs. We aimed to update and summarise pooled prevalence of curable STIs and bacterial vaginosis (BV) among pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS Electronic databases and reference lists of relevant published and unpublished studies were searched from March 2015 to October 2020. Studies were included if they estimated prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Trichomonas vaginalis (TV), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), Treponema pallidum (syphilis), Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) and BV among pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa. Meta-analyses were performed with observed prevalences corrected for diagnostic errors to estimate the pooled prevalence of diagnosed infections by region. RESULTS A total of 48 studies met the inclusion criteria, providing 85-point prevalence estimates for curable STIs and BV. Pooled prevalence estimates (with 95% CI and number of women tested) were as follows: MG: 13.5% (4.0-27.2, n=1076); CT: 10.8% (6.9-15.5, n=6700); TV: 13.8% (10.0-18.0, n=9264); NG: 3.3% (2.1-4.7, n=6019); syphilis: 2.9% (2.0-4.0, n=95 308) and BV: 36.6% (27.1-46.6, n=5042). By region, BV was the most prevalent and ranged from 28.5% (24.5-32.8, n=1030) in Eastern Africa to 52.4% (33.5-70.9, n=2305) in Southern Africa; NG had the lowest prevalence, ranging from 1.4% (95% CI 0.1 to 3.1, n=367) in Central Africa to 4.4% (95% CI 2.6 to 6.4, n=4042) in Southern Africa. CONCLUSION The prevalence of curable STIs and BV in sub-Saharan Africa is substantial in pregnant women but most prevalent in Southern Africa where HIV prevalence is highest. It is crucial to integrate screening of curable STIs into antenatal care programmes that have previously focused on diagnosis and treatment of syphilis and HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorothy Chiwoniso Nyemba
- Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa .,Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa
| | - Eposi C Haddison
- Saa Health District, Centre Regional Delegation of Public Health, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Colin Wang
- David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Leigh Francis Johnson
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa
| | - Landon Myer
- Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa
| | - Dvora Joseph Davey
- Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa.,Department of Epidemiology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
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12
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Whelan J, Abbing-Karahagopian V, Serino L, Unemo M. Gonorrhoea: a systematic review of prevalence reporting globally. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21:1152. [PMID: 34763670 PMCID: PMC8582208 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-06381-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends periodic gonorrhoea prevalence assessments in the general population or proxies thereof (including pregnant women, women attending family planning clinics, military recruits, and men undergoing employment physicals for example) and in population groups at increased risk, including men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM) and sex workers. METHOD We evaluated reported prevalence data, including estimates from proxy general population samples to reflect the WHO recommendations. We describe the outcomes from the general population country-by-country and extend previous reviews to include MSM, sex workers, and extragenital infections. RESULT AND CONCLUSION In our systematic search, 2015 titles were reviewed (January 2010-April 2019) and 174 full-text publications were included. National, population-based prevalence data were identified in only four countries (the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Peru, New Caledonia) and local population-based estimates were reported in areas within five countries (China, South Africa, Brazil, Benin, and Malawi). The remaining studies identified only reported test positivity from non-probability, proxy general population samples. Due to the diversity of the reviewed studies, detailed comparison across studies was not possible. In MSM, data were identified from 64 studies in 25 countries. Rectal infection rates were generally higher than urogenital or pharyngeal infection rates, where extragenital testing was conducted. Data on sex workers were identified from 41 studies in 23 countries; rates in female sex workers were high. Current prevalence monitoring was shown to be highly suboptimal worldwide. Serial prevalence monitoring of critical epidemiological variables, and guidelines to optimize prevalence study conduct and reporting beyond antenatal settings are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Whelan
- Clinical and Epidemiology Research and Development, GSK, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | | | - Laura Serino
- Clinical and Epidemiology Research and Development, GSK, Siena, Italy
| | - Magnus Unemo
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Gonorrhoea and other STIs, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
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13
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Mulinganya G, De Vulder A, Bisimwa G, Boelens J, Claeys G, De Keyser K, De Vos D, Hendwa E, Kampara F, Kujirakwinja Y, Mongane J, Mubalama I, Vaneechoutte M, Callens S, Cools P. Prevalence, risk factors and adverse pregnancy outcomes of second trimester bacterial vaginosis among pregnant women in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0257939. [PMID: 34695126 PMCID: PMC8544863 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0257939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common gynecological condition in women of reproductive age and associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), neonatal mortality rate is as high as 2.8 percent with preterm birth (PTB) and low birth weight (LBW) as leading causes. Because no studies have addressed BV in DRC, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of BV, the risk factors and the association between BV and adverse pregnancy outcomes in a population of pregnant women from Bukavu, DRC. METHODS A total of 533 pregnant women in the second trimester of pregnancy were recruited in the Provincial Reference Hospital of Bukavu, DRC, between January and October 2017, and followed until delivery. Clinical and sociodemographic data of mother and newborn, and data on (vaginal) hygiene practices, sexual behavior and reproductive history were collected. BV was diagnosed by Nugent scoring of Gram-stained vaginal smears. Two multivariate regression models were built to identify risk factors for BV and to investigate BV as a risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes. RESULTS The prevalence of BV was 26.3% and approximately half of the women with BV were asymptomatic. Independent risk factors for BV were the use of alternatives to water for intravaginal washing, concurrent partners, unemployed status, the presence of vaginal Candida and clay consumption. BV was independently associated with both LBW and PTB of an infant with LBW. CONCLUSION The prevalence of BV in Bukavu is high but in line with the global average. BV was associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes in our study population. Hence, research on modifiable risk factor-based interventions to reduce the prevalence of BV, and on screening/treatment of BV during antenatal care should be explored to reduce neonatal mortality and morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guy Mulinganya
- Faculty of Medicine, Catholic University of Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of The Congo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hôpital Provincial Général de Référence de Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of The Congo
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Annelies De Vulder
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ghislain Bisimwa
- Faculty of Medicine, Catholic University of Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of The Congo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hôpital Provincial Général de Référence de Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of The Congo
| | - Jerina Boelens
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Geert Claeys
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Karen De Keyser
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Daniel De Vos
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Technology, Burn Wound Center, Queen Astrid Military Hospital, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Erick Hendwa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hôpital Provincial Général de Référence de Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of The Congo
| | - Freddy Kampara
- Faculty of Medicine, Catholic University of Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of The Congo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hôpital Provincial Général de Référence de Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of The Congo
| | - Yvette Kujirakwinja
- Faculty of Medicine, Catholic University of Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of The Congo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hôpital Provincial Général de Référence de Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of The Congo
| | - Jules Mongane
- Faculty of Medicine, Catholic University of Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of The Congo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hôpital Provincial Général de Référence de Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of The Congo
| | - Innocent Mubalama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hôpital Provincial Général de Référence de Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of The Congo
| | - Mario Vaneechoutte
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Steven Callens
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Piet Cools
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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14
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Mabaso N, Abbai NS. A review on Trichomonas vaginalis infections in women from Africa. S Afr J Infect Dis 2021; 36:254. [PMID: 34485502 PMCID: PMC8377975 DOI: 10.4102/sajid.v36i1.254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Trichomoniasis is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) with an estimated annual incidence of 276.4 million cases globally and about 30 million cases in sub-Saharan Africa. Trichomoniasis has been found to be associated with various health complications including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), significant pregnancy complications, cervical cancer, prostatitis, infertility and the acquisition of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Aim Despite being a highly prevalent infection in the African continent, there is no review article published that solely focusses on Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis) infections in women from Africa. This review aims to fill this gap in the literature. Method An electronic search of online databases was used to identify and extract relevant research articles related to the epidemiology, health complications and treatment associated with T. vaginalis in women from Africa. Results Within the African continent, South Africa has reported the highest prevalence rate for this infection. A combination of sociodemographic, behavioural and biological factors has been shown to be associated with infection. Trichomonas vaginalis infection is associated with the acquisition of HIV, cervical cancer and PIDs in various female populations across the continent. Emerging patterns of resistance to metronidazole have been reported in women from South Africa. Currently, there is no effective vaccine against this pathogen despite efforts at vaccine development. Conclusion Based on the high prevalence and health consequences associated with T. vaginalis, there is a need for improved screening programmes that will lead to early diagnosis, detection of asymptomatic infections and effective treatment regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nonkululeko Mabaso
- School of Clinical Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Nathlee S Abbai
- School of Clinical Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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15
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Peters RP, Feucht UD, de Vos L, Ngwepe P, McIntyre JA, Klausner JD, Medina-Marino A. Mother-to-child transmission of Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Trichomonas vaginalis in HIV-infected pregnant women in South Africa. Int J STD AIDS 2021; 32:799-805. [PMID: 33769901 DOI: 10.1177/0956462421990218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can be transmitted from mother to neonate. We determined the frequency of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Trichomonas vaginalis to the newborn nasopharynx. METHODS This study was nested in a cohort study of etiologic testing versus syndromic management for STIs among pregnant women living with human immunodeficiency virus in South Africa. Mothers were tested for STIs using the GeneXpert platform within 60 days after delivery. Nasopharyngeal swabs were obtained from newborns of mothers with a positive STI test; these were then tested by Xpert® on the same day based on the maternal STI diagnosis. RESULTS We tested nasopharyngeal swabs from 85 STI-exposed newborns; 74 (87%) were tested within 2 weeks after birth (median five; range 2-12 days). MTCT frequency of any STI was 30/74 (41%); 43% (23/53) for C. trachomatis, 29% (2/7) for N. gonorrhoeae, and 24% (6/25) for T. vaginalis. Also, 4/11 (36%) swabs obtained between 14 and 60 days after delivery tested positive for STI. CONCLUSIONS There was a high frequency of MTCT of STIs to the nasopharynx of newborns in our setting. The impact of nasopharyngeal colonization and the benefits of STI testing on newborn health remain to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Remco Ph Peters
- Foundation for Professional Development, Research Unit, East London, South Africa.,Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.,Department of Medical Microbiology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, CAPRHI School of Public Health and Primary Care, Maastricht, South Africa
| | - Ute D Feucht
- Gauteng Department of Health, Pretoria, Tshwane District Clinical Specialist Team, Tshwane District Health Services, South Africa.,Research Centre for Maternal, Fetal, Newborn and Child Health Care Strategies, Department of Paediatrics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.,Maternal and Infant Health Care Strategies Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Lindsey de Vos
- Foundation for Professional Development, Research Unit, East London, South Africa
| | - Phuti Ngwepe
- Foundation for Professional Development, Research Unit, East London, South Africa
| | - James A McIntyre
- Main Office, Anova Health Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa.,School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jeffrey D Klausner
- David Geffen School of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases: Global Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Andrew Medina-Marino
- Foundation for Professional Development, Research Unit, East London, South Africa.,Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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16
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Zenebe MH, Mekonnen Z, Loha E, Padalko E. Prevalence, risk factors and association with delivery outcome of curable sexually transmitted infections among pregnant women in Southern Ethiopia. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0248958. [PMID: 33760867 PMCID: PMC7990168 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0248958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Curable sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as infection with Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (N. gonorrhoeae), and Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis) can lead to adverse pregnancy and birth outcome. There are limited data on the prevalence and correlate of STI in Ethiopia, yet pregnant women are not screened for curable STI. Hence in this study, the prevalence of STIs and associated risk factors were assessed. METHODOLOGY A cross- sectional study was conducted on consecutive women attending the delivery ward at the Hawassa comprehensive and specialized hospital. Vaginal swabs collected at the time of labor and delivery were tested for C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae and T. vaginalis using GeneXpert. Study participants responded to a questionnaire about their previous and current obstetric history and socio-demographic characteristics. Possible independent factors for curable STIs were assessed by chi-square, bivariable, and multivariable, logistic regression. RESULTS Of the 350 vaginal swabs tested, 51 (14.6%, 95% CI: 10.9-18.3) were positive for one or more curable STIs. The prevalence of C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae and T. vaginalis were 8.3%, 4.3%, and 3.1%, respectively. STIs was associated (p<0.005) with the delivery outcomes birth weight and gestational age. A 3-fold increase in odds of acquisition STIs was found in currently unmarried women (AOR, 3.5; 95% CI: 1.1-10.4; p = 0.028), in women <25 years (AOR, 2.7; 95% CI 1.1-6.6; p = 0.031). Women reporting presence of vaginal discharge (AOR, 7.7; 95% CI: 3.2-18.6; p < 0.001) and reporting pain during urination (AOR, 6.5; 95% CI: 2.6-16.2; p <0.001) found to associate with curable STIs. CONCLUSION The higher magnitude of STIs found in this population, and the absence of symptoms in many illustrate the need for systematic follow-up during routine antenatal care primarily history taking and asking for signs and symptoms to provide early management and avoid long term sequelae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengistu Hailemariam Zenebe
- School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Hawassa University college of Medicine and Health Sceinces, Hawassa, Ethiopia
- School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Jimma University Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Zeleke Mekonnen
- School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Jimma University Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Eskindir Loha
- Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Chr. Michelsen Institute, Bergen, Norway
| | - Elizaveta Padalko
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
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17
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ŞEKER S, ÇİTİL CANBAY F, FİROUZ N, CESUR C. Identifying Genital Hygiene Behaviours of Pregnant Women in Rural and Urban Regions: A Cross-Sectional Study. CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCES 2020. [DOI: 10.33808/clinexphealthsci.671328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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18
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Webb B, Crampton A, Francis MJ, Hamblin J, Korman TM, Graham M. Increased diagnostic yield of routine multiplex PCR compared to clinician requested testing for detection of Trichomonas vaginalis. Pathology 2020; 53:257-263. [PMID: 33036769 DOI: 10.1016/j.pathol.2020.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) infection is the leading cause of non-viral sexually transmitted infection (STI) globally and is endemic in rural and remote Australia. However, current accurate prevalence data for TV in urban Australia are scarce as TV is not a notifiable infection outside of the Northern Territory (NT). This study evaluated Australian guidelines for TV testing and determined TV prevalence among patients at a large urban public hospital in Melbourne, Australia. A retrospective analysis of genitourinary samples screened for STIs by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (MPCR) between May 2017 and April 2019 was performed. A total of 7155 results (5064 females) were included in the analysis. A prevalence for TV of 1.7% (n=123) was found, which was higher than Neisseria gonorrhoeae (1.4%, n=103) but less than Chlamydia trachomatis (5%, n=358). The highest rate of TV (3%) was found in females aged 30-44 years (n = 48). Routine MPCR improved TV detection almost six-fold compared with clinician request based testing. Current targeted testing guidelines for TV were inadequate for case finding in an urban setting, and clinical request among symptomatic patients was rare. MPCR testing provides a comprehensive testing strategy for curable STI, and removes the need for clinical suspicion of TV. Implementation of MPCR for STI screening can improve TV detection in populations not normally suspected to be at risk and therefore potentially reduce disease transmission or complications associated with undiagnosed infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke Webb
- Department of Microbiology, Monash Pathology, Clayton, Vic, Australia.
| | - Andrea Crampton
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia
| | | | - John Hamblin
- Department of Microbiology, Monash Pathology, Clayton, Vic, Australia
| | - Tony M Korman
- Department of Microbiology, Monash Pathology, Clayton, Vic, Australia; Monash Infectious Diseases, Monash Health, Clayton, Vic, Australia; Centre for Inflammatory Diseases, Monash University, Clayton, Vic, Australia
| | - Maryza Graham
- Department of Microbiology, Monash Pathology, Clayton, Vic, Australia; Monash Infectious Diseases, Monash Health, Clayton, Vic, Australia; Faculty of Medicine Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Vic, Australia
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19
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Macharia GN, Yue L, Staller E, Dilernia D, Wilkins D, Song H, McGowan E, King D, Fast P, Imami N, Price MA, Sanders EJ, Hunter E, Gilmour J. Infection with multiple HIV-1 founder variants is associated with lower viral replicative capacity, faster CD4+ T cell decline and increased immune activation during acute infection. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008853. [PMID: 32886726 PMCID: PMC7498102 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
HIV-1 transmission is associated with a severe bottleneck in which a limited number of variants from a pool of genetically diverse quasispecies establishes infection. The IAVI protocol C cohort of discordant couples, female sex workers, other heterosexuals and men who have sex with men (MSM) present varying risks of HIV infection, diverse HIV-1 subtypes and represent a unique opportunity to characterize transmitted/founder viruses (TF) where disease outcome is known. To identify the TF, the HIV-1 repertoire of 38 MSM participants' samples was sequenced close to transmission (median 21 days post infection, IQR 18-41) and assessment of multivariant infection done. Patient derived gag genes were cloned into an NL4.3 provirus to generate chimeric viruses which were characterized for replicative capacity (RC). Finally, an evaluation of how the TF virus predicted disease progression and modified the immune response at both acute and chronic HIV-1 infection was done. There was higher prevalence of multivariant infection compared with previously described heterosexual cohorts. A link was identified between multivariant infection and replicative capacity conferred by gag, whereby TF gag tended to be of lower replicative capacity in multivariant infection (p = 0.02) suggesting an overall lowering of fitness requirements during infection with multiple variants. Notwithstanding, multivariant infection was associated with rapid CD4+ T cell decline and perturbances in the CD4+ T cell and B cell compartments compared to single variant infection, which were reversible upon control of viremia. Strategies aimed at identifying and mitigating multivariant infection could contribute toward improving HIV-1 prognosis and this may involve strategies that tighten the stringency of the transmission bottleneck such as treatment of STI. Furthermore, the sequences and chimeric viruses help with TF based experimental vaccine immunogen design and can be used in functional assays to probe effective immune responses against TF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gladys N. Macharia
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- IAVI Human Immunology Laboratory, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ling Yue
- Emory Vaccine Centre, Yerkes National Primate Research Centre, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Ecco Staller
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- IAVI Human Immunology Laboratory, London, United Kingdom
| | - Dario Dilernia
- Emory Vaccine Centre, Yerkes National Primate Research Centre, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Daniel Wilkins
- Emory Vaccine Centre, Yerkes National Primate Research Centre, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Heeyah Song
- Emory Vaccine Centre, Yerkes National Primate Research Centre, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Edward McGowan
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- IAVI Human Immunology Laboratory, London, United Kingdom
| | - Deborah King
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- IAVI Human Immunology Laboratory, London, United Kingdom
| | - Pat Fast
- IAVI, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Nesrina Imami
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew A. Price
- IAVI, New York, NY, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Eduard J. Sanders
- Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust, Kilifi, Kenya
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, Centre for Clinical Vaccinology and Tropical Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, United Kingdom
| | - Eric Hunter
- Emory Vaccine Centre, Yerkes National Primate Research Centre, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Jill Gilmour
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- IAVI Human Immunology Laboratory, London, United Kingdom
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20
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Kassa ZY, Hussen S, Hadra N, Moges Y, Bonja F. Prevalence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection among women of reproductive age in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis. EUR J CONTRACEP REPR 2020; 25:365-371. [PMID: 32845194 DOI: 10.1080/13625187.2020.1779688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection is a global, major public health problem. It is the second leading bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) in sub-Saharan Africa and worldwide. As study findings on the topic are inconsistent, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the pooled prevalence of N. gonorrhoeae infection in sub-Saharan Africa among reproductive-aged women. METHODS Published studies were systematically retrieved from PubMed, Embase, CINHAL and Science Direct. Their quality was measured using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist for studies reporting prevalence data, and the score of each included study had to meet at least 4.5 out of 9 indicators of quality. RESULTS The meta-analysis of 35 studies showed that the pooled prevalence of N. gonorrhoeae infection among reproductive-aged women in sub-Saharan Africa was 3.28% (95% confidence interval 2.61%, 3.94%). CONCLUSION The prevalence of N. gonorrhoeae infection was higher than that found in other studies carried out in the region. The results suggest that greater attention should be paid to the primary prevention of N. gonorrhoeae. We recommend the implementation of STI education for reproductive-aged women and the use of specific and rapid diagnostic testing for N. gonorrhoeae infection in STI clinics. N. gonorrhoeae screening and treatment should be integrated into in- and outpatient clinics to reduce infection among reproductive-aged women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zemenu Yohannes Kassa
- Department of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Siraj Hussen
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Nebiha Hadra
- Department of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Yohannes Moges
- Department of Midwifery, Institute of Medicine and Health Sciences, Debre Berhan University, Debre Berhan, Ethiopia
| | - Fisseha Bonja
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
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Hailu K, Gebretsadik A. Determinants of gonorrhea and syphilis infections among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at Dilla University Referral Hospital, Ethiopia: Unmatched case-control study. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 16:1745506520940095. [PMID: 32628574 PMCID: PMC7338641 DOI: 10.1177/1745506520940095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Objective: This study was designed to determine the risk factors associated with
gonorrhea and syphilis infections among pregnant women attending antenatal
care clinic at Dilla University Referral Hospital. Method: A hospital-based unmatched case-control study (64 cases and 128 controls)
with 1:2 ratios was conducted from 29 January 2018 to 20 June 2018, at the
antenatal care clinic of the Dilla University Referral Hospital. Venous
blood and vaginal swab were collected to screen for gonorrhea and syphilis.
A pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to gather data
on sociodemographic and predisposing factors. Logistic regression analysis
used to identify risk factors for sexually transmitted infections among
pregnant women at 95% confidence interval and
p-value < 0.05. Result: A total of 64 cases of syphilis or gonorrhea were identified with a mean age
of 26 years (±4.1 years.). Of those cases, 40 were syphilis seropositive and
the remaining were gonorrhea cases. Lower educational status (adjusted odds
ratio = 2.4, 95% confidence interval: 1.1–4.9), age of first sex
<18 years (adjusted odds ratio = 2.8, 95% confidence interval: 1.3–5.9),
history of abortion (adjusted odds ratio = 3.1, 95% confidence interval:
1.4–6.6), and having two or more sexual partners in the past year (adjusted
odds ratio = 2.5, 95% confidence interval: 1.1–5.7) were significantly
associated with gonorrhea and syphilis infection. Conclusion: Demographic, behavioral, and obstetric factors are associated with the
occurrence of syphilis or gonorrhea among pregnant women. Strengthening the
existing antenatal care services, providing health education on risk
factors, and prioritizing women with the risk characteristics and initiation
of gonorrhea and syphilis screening during antennal care are mandatory.
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Masha SC, Owuor C, Ngoi JM, Cools P, Sanders EJ, Vaneechoutte M, Crucitti T, de Villiers EP. Comparative analysis of the vaginal microbiome of pregnant women with either Trichomonas vaginalis or Chlamydia trachomatis. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0225545. [PMID: 31830061 PMCID: PMC6907840 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0225545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Although the significance of the human vaginal microbiome for health and disease is increasingly acknowledged, there is paucity of data on the differences in the composition of the vaginal microbiome upon infection with different sexually transmitted pathogens. Method The composition of the vaginal bacterial community of women with Trichomonas vaginalis (TV, N = 18) was compared to that of women with Chlamydia trachomatis (CT, N = 14), and to that of controls (N = 21) (women negative for TV, CT and bacterial vaginosis). The vaginal bacterial composition was determined using high throughput sequencing with the Ion 16S metagenomics kit of the variable regions 2, 4 and 8 of the bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA gene from the vaginal swab DNA extract of the women. QIIME and R package “Phyloseq” were used to assess the α- and β-diversity and absolute abundance of the 16S rRNA gene per sample in the three groups. Differences in taxa at various levels were determined using the independent T-test. Results A total of 545 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were identified in all the three groups of which 488 occurred in all three groups (core OTUs). Bacterial α-diversity, by both Simpson’s and Shannon’s indices, was significantly higher, (p = 0.056) and (p = 0.001) respectively, among women with either TV or CT than among controls (mean α-diversity TV-infected > CT-infected > Controls). At the genus level, women infected with TV had a significantly (p < 0.01) higher abundance of Parvimonas and Prevotella species compared to both controls and CT-infected women, whereas women infected with CT had a significantly (p < 0.05) higher abundance of Anaerococcus, Collinsella, Corynebacterium and Dialister. Conclusion The vaginal microbiomes of TV and CT-infected women were markedly different from each other and from women without TV and CT. Future studies should determine whether the altered microbiomes are merely markers of disease, or whether they actively contribute to the pathology of the two genital infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Chengo Masha
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research-Coast, Kilifi, Kenya
- Laboratory for Bacteriology Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biological Sciences, Pwani University, Kilifi, Kenya
- * E-mail:
| | - Collins Owuor
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research-Coast, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Joyce Mwongeli Ngoi
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research-Coast, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Piet Cools
- Laboratory for Bacteriology Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Eduard J. Sanders
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research-Coast, Kilifi, Kenya
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Mario Vaneechoutte
- Laboratory for Bacteriology Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tania Crucitti
- HIV/STI Reference Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nationalestraat, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Etienne P. de Villiers
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research-Coast, Kilifi, Kenya
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine Research Building, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Public Health, Pwani University, Kilifi, Kenya
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Rowley J, Vander Hoorn S, Korenromp E, Low N, Unemo M, Abu-Raddad LJ, Chico RM, Smolak A, Newman L, Gottlieb S, Thwin SS, Broutet N, Taylor MM. Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis and syphilis: global prevalence and incidence estimates, 2016. Bull World Health Organ 2019; 97:548-562P. [PMID: 31384073 PMCID: PMC6653813 DOI: 10.2471/blt.18.228486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 822] [Impact Index Per Article: 164.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Revised: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To generate estimates of the global prevalence and incidence of urogenital infection with chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis and syphilis in women and men, aged 15-49 years, in 2016. METHODS For chlamydia, gonorrhoea and trichomoniasis, we systematically searched for studies conducted between 2009 and 2016 reporting prevalence. We also consulted regional experts. To generate estimates, we used Bayesian meta-analysis. For syphilis, we aggregated the national estimates generated by using Spectrum-STI. FINDINGS For chlamydia, gonorrhoea and/or trichomoniasis, 130 studies were eligible. For syphilis, the Spectrum-STI database contained 978 data points for the same period. The 2016 global prevalence estimates in women were: chlamydia 3.8% (95% uncertainty interval, UI: 3.3-4.5); gonorrhoea 0.9% (95% UI: 0.7-1.1); trichomoniasis 5.3% (95% UI:4.0-7.2); and syphilis 0.5% (95% UI: 0.4-0.6). In men prevalence estimates were: chlamydia 2.7% (95% UI: 1.9-3.7); gonorrhoea 0.7% (95% UI: 0.5-1.1); trichomoniasis 0.6% (95% UI: 0.4-0.9); and syphilis 0.5% (95% UI: 0.4-0.6). Total estimated incident cases were 376.4 million: 127.2 million (95% UI: 95.1-165.9 million) chlamydia cases; 86.9 million (95% UI: 58.6-123.4 million) gonorrhoea cases; 156.0 million (95% UI: 103.4-231.2 million) trichomoniasis cases; and 6.3 million (95% UI: 5.5-7.1 million) syphilis cases. CONCLUSION Global estimates of prevalence and incidence of these four curable sexually transmitted infections remain high. The study highlights the need to expand data collection efforts at country level and provides an initial baseline for monitoring progress of the World Health Organization global health sector strategy on sexually transmitted infections 2016-2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Rowley
- Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Avenue Appia 20, 1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland
| | - Stephen Vander Hoorn
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Nicola Low
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Magnus Unemo
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Gonorrhoea and Other STIs, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Laith J Abu-Raddad
- Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medical College - Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - R Matthew Chico
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, England
| | - Alex Smolak
- Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medical College - Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Lori Newman
- Enteric and Sexually Transmitted Infections Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Washington DC, United States of America
| | - Sami Gottlieb
- Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Avenue Appia 20, 1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland
| | - Soe Soe Thwin
- Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Avenue Appia 20, 1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland
| | - Nathalie Broutet
- Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Avenue Appia 20, 1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland
| | - Melanie M Taylor
- Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Avenue Appia 20, 1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland
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Azevedo MJND, Nunes SDS, Oliveira FGD, Rocha DAP. High prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis in pregnant women attended at Primary Health Care services in Amazon, Brazil. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2019; 61:e6. [PMID: 30785560 PMCID: PMC6376923 DOI: 10.1590/s1678-9946201961006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection is often silent and can
lead to long-term reproductive complications in women. In this study, we
determined the prevalence of CT infection and possible associations between the
presence of the infection and clinical-epidemiological variables in pregnant
women attended at the Basic Health Units of the Coari city, Amazonas, Brazil.
From July 2016 to March 2017, 164 pregnant women undergoing prenatal care were
recruited. One hundred of these women were tested for CT infection using two
types of samples: cervico-vaginal and urine. The diagnosis was confirmed by PCR
with primers specific for the omp1 gene of CT chromosomal DNA. Of the 100
pregnant women, 18 (18%) had CT infection, 8 (8%) of which were positive in both
samples, 7 (7%) only in the urine sample and 3 (3%) only in cervical-vaginal
sample. There was moderate agreement (Kappa=0.55) and no statistically
significant difference between sample types (p = 0.400). The mean age of
infected women was 21.1 years (SD = 4.6). Of the clinical-epidemiological
variables analyzed, “more than 2 partners in the last 12 months” (p = 0.022) and
gynecological complaint of “pain after intercourse” (p = 0.020) were associated
with CT infection. This study showed a high prevalence (18%) of CT infection
among pregnant women in Coari / Amazonas. Urine sampales were as good as
cervical-vaginal ones for the screening of CT infection during the prenatal
period.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Suzana Dos Santos Nunes
- Universidade Federal do Amazonas, Instituto de Saúde e Biotecnologia, Coari, Amazonas, Brazil
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Ignacio MADO, Andrade J, de Freitas APF, Pinto GVDS, da Silva MG, Duarte MTC. Prevalence of bacterial vaginosis and factors associated among women who have sex with women. Rev Lat Am Enfermagem 2018; 26:e3077. [PMID: 30462789 PMCID: PMC6248768 DOI: 10.1590/1518-8345.2491.3077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE to describe the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis and factors associated among women who have sex with women. METHOD cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study with 150 women. The vaginal microbiota profile was analyzed by microscopic examination of vaginal swabs according to the Gram method. Endocervical samples were collected with cytobrush for the investigation of endocervicitis by Chlamydia trachomatis. The polymerase chain reaction was used to diagnosis Human Papillomavirus infection. Socio-demographic data, sexual behavior and clinical history were obtained through an interview. Logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors independently associated with bacterial vaginosis. RESULTS among the 150 participants, 71 (47.3%) presented some alteration in the vaginal microbiota, 54 (36.0%) bacterial vaginosis and 12 (8.0%) Flora II. The variable independently associated with bacterial vaginosis was the use of sexual accessories [2.37(1.13-4.97), p=0.022]. CONCLUSION the high prevalence of bacterial vaginosis among women who have sex with women indicates the need for screening this population and association between use of sexual accessories and this disease suggests the possibility of transmission of sexual fluids between the partners during the sexual act, which demonstrates the need for educational actions on sexual and reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Juliane Andrade
- Universidade de Brasília, Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Brasília,
DF, Brazil
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26
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Masha SC, Cools P, Descheemaeker P, Reynders M, Sanders EJ, Vaneechoutte M. Urogenital pathogens, associated with Trichomonas vaginalis, among pregnant women in Kilifi, Kenya: a nested case-control study. BMC Infect Dis 2018; 18:549. [PMID: 30400890 PMCID: PMC6219184 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-018-3455-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Screening of curable sexually transmitted infections is frequently oriented towards the diagnosis of chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and trichomoniasis, whereas other pathogens, sometimes associated with similar urogenital syndromes, remain undiagnosed and/or untreated. Some of these pathogens are associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Methods In a nested case-control study, vaginal swabs from 79 pregnant women, i.e., 28 T. vaginalis-positive (cases) and 51 T. vaginalis-negative (controls), were screened by quantitative PCR for Adenovirus 1 and 2, Cytomegalovirus, Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2, Chlamydia trachomatis, Escherichia coli, Haemophilus ducreyi, Mycoplasma genitalium, M. hominis, candidatus M. girerdii, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Streptococcus agalactiae, Treponema pallidum, Ureaplasma parvum, U. urealyticum, and Candida albicans. Additionally, we determined whether women with pathogens highly associated with T. vaginalis had distinct clinical signs and symptoms compared to women with T. vaginalis mono-infection. Results M. hominis was independently associated with T. vaginalis (adjusted odds ratio = 6.8, 95% CI: 2.3–19.8). Moreover, M. genitalium and Ca M. girerdii were exclusively detected in women with T. vaginalis (P = 0.002 and P = 0.001), respectively. Four of the six women co-infected with T. vaginalis and Ca M. girerdii complained of vaginal itching, compared to only 4 out of the 22 women infected with T. vaginalis without Ca M. girerdii (P = 0.020). Conclusion We confirm M. hominis as a correlate of T. vaginalis in our population, and the exclusive association of both M. genitalium and Ca. M. girerdii with T. vaginalis. Screening and treatment of these pathogens should be considered. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12879-018-3455-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon C Masha
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research - Coast, Kenya Medical Research Institute, P.O. Box 230, Kilifi, Kenya. .,Laboratory Bacteriology Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, De Pintelaan, 185, Ghent, Belgium. .,Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, Pwani University, Kilifi, Kenya.
| | - Piet Cools
- Laboratory Bacteriology Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, De Pintelaan, 185, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Patrick Descheemaeker
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical Microbiology, AZ St-Jan Brugge-Oostende, Bruges, Belgium
| | - Marijke Reynders
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical Microbiology, AZ St-Jan Brugge-Oostende, Bruges, Belgium
| | - Eduard J Sanders
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research - Coast, Kenya Medical Research Institute, P.O. Box 230, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Mario Vaneechoutte
- Laboratory Bacteriology Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, De Pintelaan, 185, Ghent, Belgium
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Riang'a RM, Nangulu AK, Broerse JEW. Perceived causes of adverse pregnancy outcomes and remedies adopted by Kalenjin women in rural Kenya. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2018; 18:408. [PMID: 30340547 PMCID: PMC6194609 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-018-2041-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There have been few studies about the basis on which women in developing regions evaluate and choose traditional rather than western maternal care. This qualitative study explores the socio-cultural perceptions of complications associated with pregnancy and childbirth and how these perceptions influence maternal health and care-seeking behaviours in Kenya. Methods Kalenjin women (n = 42) aged 18–45 years, who were pregnant or had given birth within the last 12 months, were interviewed. A semi-structured interview guide was used for data collection. A further nine key informant interviews with Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) who were also herbalists (n = 6), community health workers (CHWs) (n = 3) and a Maternal and Child Health (MCH) nursing officer (n = 1) were conducted. The data were analysed using MAXQDA12 software and categorised, thematised and analysed based on the symbolic dimensions of Helman’s (2000) ill-health causation aetiologies model. Results Pregnancy complications are perceived as the consequence of pregnant women not observing culturally restricted and recommended behaviour during pregnancy, including diet; physical activities; evil social relations and spirits of the dead. These complications are considered to be preventable by following a restricted and recommended diet, and avoiding heavy duties, funerals, killing of animals and eating meat of animal carcasses, as well as restricting geographical mobility, and use of herbal remedies to counter evil and prevent complications. Conclusion Delay in deciding to seek maternal care is a result of women’s failure to recognise symptoms and maternal health problems as potential hospital cases, and this failure stems from culturally informed perceptions of symptoms of maternal morbidity and pregnancy complications that differ significantly from biomedical interpretations. Some of the cultural maternal care and remedies adopted to prevent pregnancy complications, such as restriction of diet and social mobility, may pose risks to the pregnant woman’s health and access to health facilities whereas other remedies such as restricting consumption of meat from animal carcasses and heavy duties, as well as maintaining good social relations, are cultural adaptive mechanisms that indirectly control the transmission of disease and improve maternal health, and thus should not be considered to be exclusively folk or primitive. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12884-018-2041-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roselyter Monchari Riang'a
- School of Arts and Social Sciences, Moi University, P.O. Box 3900-30100, Eldoret, Kenya. .,Athena Institute, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Anne Kisaka Nangulu
- School of Arts and Social Sciences, Moi University, P.O. Box 3900-30100, Eldoret, Kenya.,Commission for University Education, Red Hill Road, off Limuru Road, Gigiri, PO Box 54999 - 00200, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jacqueline E W Broerse
- Athena Institute, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Kaida A, Dietrich JJ, Laher F, Beksinska M, Jaggernath M, Bardsley M, Smith P, Cotton L, Chitneni P, Closson K, Lewis DA, Smit JA, Ndung’u T, Brockman M, Gray G. A high burden of asymptomatic genital tract infections undermines the syndromic management approach among adolescents and young adults in South Africa: implications for HIV prevention efforts. BMC Infect Dis 2018; 18:499. [PMID: 30285705 PMCID: PMC6171143 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-018-3380-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Youth in southern Africa, particularly adolescent girls and young women, are a key population for HIV prevention interventions. Untreated genital tract infections (GTIs) increase both HIV transmission and acquisition risks. South African GTI treatment guidelines employ syndromic management, which relies on individuals to report GTI signs and symptoms. Syndromic management may, however, underestimate cases, particularly among youth. We compared genital tract infection (GTI) prevalence by symptom-based and laboratory assessment among sexually-experienced youth in South Africa, overall and stratified by sex. METHODS Interviewer-administered surveys assessed socio-demographics, behaviors, and GTI symptoms among 352 youth (16-24 yrs., HIV-negative or unknown HIV status at enrollment) enrolled in community-based cohorts in Durban and Soweto (2014-2016). Laboratory tests assessed HIV, Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), Mycoplasma genitalium (MG), Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) infections and, among females, bacterial vaginosis (BV) and Candida species. Youth with genital ulcers were tested for HSV-2 and syphilis. We assessed sensitivity (and specificity) of symptom-based reporting in identifying laboratory-confirmed GTIs. RESULTS At baseline, 16.2% of females (32/198) and < 1% (1/154) of males reported ≥1 GTI symptom. However, laboratory tests identified ≥1 GTI in 70.2% and 10.4%, respectively. Female CT prevalence was 18.2%, NG 7.1%, MG 9.6%, TV 8.1%, and 5.1% were newly diagnosed with HIV. BV prevalence was 53.0% and candidiasis 9.6%. One female case of herpes was identified (0 syphilis). Male CT prevalence was 7.8%, NG 1.3%, MG 3.3%, TV < 1%, and 2.0% were newly diagnosed with HIV. Overall, 77.8% of females and 100% of males with laboratory-diagnosed GTIs reported no symptoms or were asymptomatic. Sensitivity (and specificity) of symptom-based reporting was 14% (97%) among females and 0% (99%) among males. CONCLUSION A high prevalence of asymptomatic GTIs and very poor sensitivity of symptom-based reporting undermines the applicability of syndromic GTI management, thus compromising GTI control and HIV prevention efforts among youth. Syndromic GTI management does not meet the sexual health needs of young people. Policy changes incorporating innovations in GTI diagnostic testing are needed to reduce GTIs and HIV-associated risks among youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Kaida
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Blusson Hall Rm 10522, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, B.C. V5A 1S6 Canada
| | - Janan J. Dietrich
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Fatima Laher
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Mags Beksinska
- Maternal Adolescent and Child Health (MatCH) Research Unit (MRU), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Manjeetha Jaggernath
- Maternal Adolescent and Child Health (MatCH) Research Unit (MRU), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Megan Bardsley
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Patricia Smith
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Blusson Hall Rm 10522, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, B.C. V5A 1S6 Canada
| | - Laura Cotton
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Blusson Hall Rm 10522, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, B.C. V5A 1S6 Canada
| | - Pooja Chitneni
- Harvard combined Infectious Diseases Fellowship, Boston, MA USA
| | - Kalysha Closson
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Blusson Hall Rm 10522, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, B.C. V5A 1S6 Canada
| | - David A. Lewis
- Centre for HIV and STIs, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Faculty of Medicine and Health & Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jenni A. Smit
- Maternal Adolescent and Child Health (MatCH) Research Unit (MRU), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Thumbi Ndung’u
- HIV Pathogenesis Programme and Africa Health Research Institute, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, Cambridge, MA USA
- Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mark Brockman
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Blusson Hall Rm 10522, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, B.C. V5A 1S6 Canada
| | - Glenda Gray
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
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Mehta SD, Nordgren RK, Agingu W, Otieno F, Odongo W, Odhiambo F, Bailey RC. Sexual Quality of Life and Association With HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections Among a Cohort of Heterosexual Couples in Kenya. J Sex Med 2018; 15:1446-1455. [PMID: 30219666 PMCID: PMC6193463 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2018.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Revised: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sexual quality of life (SQoL) is a critical component of sexual health and is understudied in Sub-Saharan African settings with endemic HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI). AIM We sought to assess SQoL among heterosexual couples in Kisumu, Kenya, and how this was associated with HIV status, STIs, and sexual practices. METHODS This was a prospective cohort study of community-recruited couples. SQoL, HIV status, herpes simplex virus (HSV)-2 status, bacterial vaginosis (BV), sexual practices, and sociodemographics were measured at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Multivariable linear regression with random intercept was fitted separately for females and males, accounting for partner characteristics. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE SQoL was assessed with an 18-item female and 11-item male survey. RESULTS From April 2014 through July 2016, 252 couples were enrolled, and followed up through September 2017. At baseline, women were median age 23 years, 10% HIV positive, 53% HSV-2 seropositive, and 22% with BV. At baseline men were median age 26 years, 12% HIV positive, 47% HSV-2 seropositive, and 56% circumcised. Mean SQoL was higher for men (88) than women (78), with consistent scores over time. In multivariable analysis (P < .05 each), SQoL Questionnaire-Female (SQoL-F) score was reduced with: male partner report that sex felt rougher than he would have liked (9.5-point decrease), female HSV-2 seropositivity (5.15-point decrease), female reported having dry vaginal sex (5.27-point decrease); among women with BV, SQoL-F score declined with recent sexual activity (8.27-point decrease) and increasing age (0.75-point decrease per 1 year increase in age). Age and recent sex did not affect SQoL-F for women without BV. SQoL Questionnaire-Male score was decreased 4.99 points if male was employed, 4.52 points if male reported multiple recent sex partners, and 29.5 points for HIV positive men whose female partner reported having sex when not in the mood. Men's SQoL increased by 0.84 points for each 1-U increase in female partner body mass index and 17.6 points for HIV positive men whose female partner reported recent sex with him. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Within sexual partnerships, men had greater SQoL than women, and the adverse impact of BV and STIs on SQoL was greater for women than men. STRENGTH & LIMITATIONS Research is needed to ensure relevant domains are measured in settings where measure of SQoL has not been validated, along with robust measures of physiologic and psychologic correlates. CONCLUSION More attention to SQoL as an outcome may strengthen interventions aimed at preventing HIV and STIs and improving sexual health holistically. Mehta SD, Nordgren RK, Agingu W, et al. Sexual Quality of Life and Association With HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections Among a Cohort of Heterosexual Couples in Kenya. J Sex Med 2018;15:1446-1455.
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Affiliation(s)
- Supriya D Mehta
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Rachel K Nordgren
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Robert C Bailey
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health, Chicago, IL, USA
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Obiero J, Rulisa S, Ogongo P, Wiysonge CS. Nifuratel-Nystatin combination for the treatment of mixed infections of bacterial vaginosis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, and trichomonal vaginitis. Hippokratia 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd013012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jael Obiero
- Institute of Primate Research; Department of Reproductive Health and Biology; Nairobi Kenya
| | - Stephen Rulisa
- University of Rwanda; Department of Obstetrics and gynecology, School of Medicine and Pharmacy; BP 655 Kigali Rwanda
| | - Paul Ogongo
- Institute of Primate Research; Tropical and Infectious Diseases; P.O Box 24481 -00502, Karen Nairobi Kenya
| | - Charles S Wiysonge
- South African Medical Research Council; Cochrane South Africa; Francie van Zijl Drive, Parow Valley Cape Town Western Cape South Africa 7505
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Masha SC, Cools P, Crucitti T, Sanders EJ, Vaneechoutte M. Molecular typing of Trichomonas vaginalis isolates by actin gene sequence analysis and carriage of T. vaginalis viruses. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:537. [PMID: 29084570 PMCID: PMC5663105 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2496-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis is the most common non-viral, sexually transmitted pathogen. Although T. vaginalis is highly prevalent among women in Kenya, there is lack of data regarding genetic diversity of isolates currently in circulation in Kenya. Methods Typing was performed on 22 clinical isolates of T. vaginalis collected from women attending the antenatal care clinic at Kilifi County Hospital, Kenya, in 2015. Genotyping followed a previously proposed restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) scheme, which involved in silico cleavage of the amplified actin gene by HindII, MseI and RsaI restriction enzymes. Phylogenetic analysis of all the sequences was performed to confirm the results obtained by RFLP-analysis and to assess the diversity within the RFLP genotypes. Additionally, we determined carriage of the four different types of Trichomonas vaginalis viruses (TVVs) by polymerase chain reaction. Results In silico RFLP-analysis revealed five actin genotypes; 50.0% of the isolates were of actin genotype E, 27.3% of actin genotype N, 13.6% of actin genotype G and 4.5% of actin genotypes I and P. Phylogenetic analysis was in agreement with the RFLP-analysis, with the different actin genotypes clustering together. Prevalence of TVVs was 43.5% (95% confidence interval, CI: 23.2–65.5). TVV1 was the most prevalent, present in 39.1% of the strains and 90% of the T. vaginalis isolates which harbored TVVs had more than one type of TVV. None of the isolates of actin genotype E harbored any TVV. Conclusion The presence of five actin genotypes in our study suggests notable diversity among T. vaginalis isolates occurring among pregnant women in Kilifi, Kenya. Isolates of the most prevalent actin genotype E lacked TVVs. We found no association between T. vaginalis genotype, carriage of TVVs and symptoms. Further studies with higher number of strains should be conducted in order to corroborate these results. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-017-2496-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon C Masha
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research - Coast, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), P.O. Box 230-80108, Kilifi, Kenya. .,Laboratory Bacteriology Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, De Pintelaan, 185 9000, Ghent, Belgium. .,Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, Pwani University, P.O. BOX 195-80108, Kilifi, Kenya.
| | - Piet Cools
- Laboratory Bacteriology Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, De Pintelaan, 185 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tania Crucitti
- HIV/STI Reference Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nationalestraat 155, 2000, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Eduard J Sanders
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research - Coast, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), P.O. Box 230-80108, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Mario Vaneechoutte
- Laboratory Bacteriology Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, De Pintelaan, 185 9000, Ghent, Belgium
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Musundi SM. Education, early screening and treatment of STIs could reduce infertility among women in Kenya. Facts Views Vis Obgyn 2017; 9:111-114. [PMID: 29209488 PMCID: PMC5707771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In Kenya, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoea, HIV, herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), syphilis and trichomoniasis tend to be prevalent, especially in women. Further, the research shows that women who test positive for STIs (other than HIV), have little knowledge of these infections. Of particular concern, is that there has been little attention on the part of government to educate the general public about STIs, yet these diseases can have devastating consequences on women's and men's health. In women, STIs can produce sequelae such as tubal infertility. To help reduce female factor infertility, the Kenya government should conduct a nationwide campaign to educate the public about the importance of screening and treatment of STIs.
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