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Di Salvo I, Mnzava D, Nicoletti GJ, Senkoro E, Ndege RC, Huang DJ, Makunja NT, Kassiga GI, Kaufmann AM, Weisser M, Kind AB. Upscaling cervical cancer screening and treatment for women living with HIV at a rural referral hospital in Tanzania: protocol of a before-and-after study exploring HPV testing and novel diagnostics. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:234. [PMID: 36894985 PMCID: PMC9998252 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09113-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cervical cancer (CC) is nearly always caused by persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. It is the most common cancer among women living with HIV (WLWH) and is the leading cause of cancer-related death in women in East Africa, with 10,241 new cases reported in Tanzania in 2020. In 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) presented a global strategy for the elimination of CC as a public health problem, proposing targets to meet by 2030 for HPV vaccine coverage (90% of all 15-year-old girls), CC screening (70% of all women once at 35 and again at 45 years of age) and treatment delivery, to be scaled at national and subnational levels with a context-sensitive approach. This study aims to evaluate the upscaling of screening and treatment services at a rural referral hospital in Tanzania in order to address the second and third WHO targets. METHODS This is an implementation study with a before-and-after design performed at St. Francis Referral Hospital (SFRH) in Ifakara (south-central Tanzania). CC screening and treatment services are integrated within the local HIV Care and Treatment Center (CTC). The standard of care, consisting of visualization of the cervix with acetic acid (VIA) and cryotherapy has been up-scaled with self-sampled HPV testing and also involved the introduction of mobile colposcopy, thermal ablation and loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP). Participants are WLWH aged 18 to 65 years. Outcome measures included the percentage of women screened, HPV prevalence and genotype, and adherence to screening, treatment and follow-up plan. Additionally, we will explore the performance of novel diagnostic tests (QG-MPH®, Prevo-Check® and PT Monitor®), which share the features of being manageable and inexpensive, and thus a potential tool for effective triage in HPV high-prevalence cohorts. DISCUSSION The study will provide relevant information about HPV prevalence and persistence, as well as reproductive and lifestyle indicators in a CC high-risk cohort of WLWH and about upscaling screening and treatment services at the level of a rural referral hospital in Tanzania. Furthermore, it will provide exploratory data on novel assays. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05256862, date of registration 25/02/2022. Retrospectively registered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Di Salvo
- Colposcopy Unit, Department of Gynaecology and Gynaecologic Oncology, University Hospital of Basel, Spitalstrasse 21, Basel, 4031, Switzerland.,Chronic Disease Clinic, Department for Interventions and Clinical Trials, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, United Republic of Tanzania.,Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Dorcas Mnzava
- Chronic Disease Clinic, Department for Interventions and Clinical Trials, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Giovanni Jacopo Nicoletti
- Chronic Disease Clinic, Department for Interventions and Clinical Trials, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, United Republic of Tanzania.,Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Elizabeth Senkoro
- Chronic Disease Clinic, Department for Interventions and Clinical Trials, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, United Republic of Tanzania.,Saint Francis Referral Hospital, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Robert C Ndege
- Chronic Disease Clinic, Department for Interventions and Clinical Trials, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, United Republic of Tanzania.,Saint Francis Referral Hospital, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Dorothy J Huang
- Colposcopy Unit, Department of Gynaecology and Gynaecologic Oncology, University Hospital of Basel, Spitalstrasse 21, Basel, 4031, Switzerland
| | - Nathalia Tobias Makunja
- Saint Francis Referral Hospital, Ifakara, Tanzania.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Francis Referral District Hospital, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - George I Kassiga
- Saint Francis Referral Hospital, Ifakara, Tanzania.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Francis Referral District Hospital, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Andreas M Kaufmann
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Gynaecology, HPV Laboratory, Berlin, Germany
| | - Maja Weisser
- Chronic Disease Clinic, Department for Interventions and Clinical Trials, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, United Republic of Tanzania.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Infectious Diseases & Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - André B Kind
- Colposcopy Unit, Department of Gynaecology and Gynaecologic Oncology, University Hospital of Basel, Spitalstrasse 21, Basel, 4031, Switzerland. .,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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Causes of death and associated factors over a decade of follow-up in a cohort of people living with HIV in rural Tanzania. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:37. [PMID: 34991496 PMCID: PMC8739638 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-06962-3] [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: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Nearly half of HIV-related deaths occur in East and Southern Africa, yet data on causes of death (COD) are scarce. We determined COD and associated factors among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in rural Tanzania. Methods PLHIV attending the Chronic Diseases Clinic of Ifakara, Morogoro are invited to enrol in the Kilombero and Ulanga Antiretroviral Cohort (KIULARCO). Among adults (≥ 15 years) enrolled in 2005–2018, with follow-up through April 2019, we classified COD in comprehensive classes and as HIV- or non-HIV-related. In the subset of participants enrolled in 2013–2018 (when data were more complete), we assessed cause-specific mortality using cumulative incidences, and associated factors using proportional hazards models. Results Among 9871 adults (65% female, 26% CD4 count < 100 cells/mm3), 926 (9%) died, among whom COD were available for 474 (51%), with missing COD mainly in earlier years. The most common COD were tuberculosis (N = 127, 27%), non-AIDS-related infections (N = 72, 15%), and other AIDS-related infections (N = 59, 12%). Cardiovascular and renal deaths emerged as important COD in later calendar years, with 27% of deaths in 2018 attributable to cardiovascular causes. Most deaths (51%) occurred within the first six months following enrolment. Among 3956 participants enrolled in 2013–2018 (N = 203 deaths, 200 with COD ascertained), tuberculosis persisted as the most common COD (25%), but substantial proportions of deaths from six months after enrolment onwards were attributable to renal (14%), non-AIDS-related infections (13%), other AIDS-related infections (10%) and cardiovascular (10%) causes. Factors associated with higher HIV-related mortality were sex, younger age, living in Ifakara town, HIV status disclosure, hospitalisation, not being underweight, lower CD4 count, advanced WHO stage, and gaps in care. Factors associated with higher non-HIV-related mortality included not having an HIV-positive partner, lower CD4 count, advanced WHO stage, and gaps in care. Conclusion Incidence of HIV-related mortality was higher than that of non-HIV-related mortality, even in more recent years, likely due to late presentation. Tuberculosis was the leading specific COD identified, particularly soon after enrolment, while in later calendar years cardiovascular and renal causes emerged as important, emphasising the need for improved screening and management. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12879-021-06962-3.
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Magnolini R, Senkoro E, Kalinjuma AV, Kitau O, Kivuma B, Samson L, Eichenberger A, Mollel GJ, Krinke E, Okuma J, Ndege R, Glass T, Mapesi H, Vanobberghen F, Battegay M, Weisser M. Stigma-directed services (Stig2Health) to improve 'linkage to care' for people living with HIV in rural Tanzania: study protocol for a nested pre-post implementation study within the Kilombero and Ulanga Antiretroviral Cohort. AAS Open Res 2022; 5:14. [PMID: 36420449 PMCID: PMC9648364 DOI: 10.12688/aasopenres.13353.2] [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] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: HIV-related stigma is a major barrier to the timely linkage and retention of patients in HIV care in sub-Saharan Africa, where most people living with HIV/AIDS reside. In this implementation study we aim to evaluate the effect of stigma-directed services on linkage to care and other health outcomes in newly diagnosed HIV-positive patients. Methods: In a nested project of the Kilombero and Ulanga Antiretroviral Cohort in rural Tanzania, we conduct a prospective observational pre-post study to assess the impact of a bundle of stigma-directed services for newly diagnosed HIV positive patients. Stigma-directed services, delivered by a lay person living with HIV, are i) post-test counseling, ii) post-test video-assisted teaching, iii) group support therapy and group health education, and iv) mobile health. Patients receiving stigma services (enrolled from 1 st February 2020 to 31 st August 2021) are compared to a historical control receiving the standard of care (enrolled from 1 st July 2017 to 1 st February 2019). The primary outcome is 'linkage to care'. Secondary endpoints are retention in care, viral suppression, death and clinical failure at 6-12 months (up to 31 st August 2022). Self-reported stigma and depression are assessed using the Berger Stigma scale and the PHQ-9 questionnaire, respectively. The sample size calculation was based on cohort data from 2018. Assuming a pre-intervention cohort of 511 newly diagnosed adults of whom 346 (68%) were in care and on antiretroviral treatment (ART) at 2 months, a 10% increase in linkage (from 70 to 80%), a two-sided type I error rate of 5%, and 90% power, 321 adults are required for the post-implementation group. Discussion: We expect that integration of stigma-directed services leads to an increase of proportions of patients in care and on ART. The findings will provide guidance on how to integrate stigma-directed services into routine care in rural sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael Magnolini
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Elizabeth Senkoro
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- St. Francis Referral Hospital, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Aneth Vedastus Kalinjuma
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Bernard Kivuma
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- St. Francis Referral Hospital, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Leila Samson
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- St. Francis Referral Hospital, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Anna Eichenberger
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Inselspital, University Hospital Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Getrud Joseph Mollel
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- St. Francis Referral Hospital, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Eileen Krinke
- University Psychiatric Clinics Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - James Okuma
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Robert Ndege
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- St. Francis Referral Hospital, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Tracy Glass
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Herry Mapesi
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Fiona Vanobberghen
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Manuel Battegay
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Maja Weisser
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Magnolini R, Senkoro E, Kalinjuma AV, Kitau O, Kivuma B, Samson L, Eichenberger A, Mollel GJ, Krinke E, Okuma J, Ndege R, Glass T, Mapesi H, Vanobberghen F, Battegay M, Weisser M. Stigma-directed services (Stig2Health) to improve 'linkage to care' for people living with HIV in rural Tanzania: study protocol for a nested pre-post implementation study within the Kilombero and Ulanga Antiretroviral Cohort. AAS Open Res 2022; 5:14. [PMID: 36420449 PMCID: PMC9648364 DOI: 10.12688/aasopenres.13353.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: HIV-related stigma is a major barrier to the timely linkage and retention of patients in HIV care in sub-Saharan Africa, where most people living with HIV/AIDS reside. In this implementation study we aim to evaluate the effect of stigma-directed services on linkage to care and other health outcomes in newly diagnosed HIV-positive patients. Methods: In a nested project of the Kilombero and Ulanga Antiretroviral Cohort in rural Tanzania, we conduct a prospective observational pre-post study to assess the impact of a bundle of stigma-directed services for newly diagnosed HIV positive patients. Stigma-directed services, delivered by a lay person living with HIV, are i) post-test counseling, ii) post-test video-assisted teaching, iii) group support therapy and group health education, and iv) mobile health. Patients receiving stigma services (enrolled from 1 st February 2020 to 31 st August 2021) are compared to a historical control receiving the standard of care (enrolled from 1 st July 2017 to 1 st February 2019). The primary outcome is 'linkage to care'. Secondary endpoints are retention in care, viral suppression, death and clinical failure at 6-12 months (up to 31 st August 2022). Self-reported stigma and depression are assessed using the Berger Stigma scale and the PHQ-9 questionnaire, respectively. The sample size calculation was based on cohort data from 2018. Assuming a pre-intervention cohort of 511 newly diagnosed adults of whom 346 (68%) were in care and on antiretroviral treatment (ART) at 2 months, a 10% increase in linkage (from 70 to 80%), a two-sided type I error rate of 5%, and 90% power, 321 adults are required for the post-implementation group. Discussion: We expect that integration of stigma-directed services leads to an increase of proportions of patients in care and on ART. The findings will provide guidance on how to integrate stigma-directed services into routine care in rural sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael Magnolini
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Elizabeth Senkoro
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- St. Francis Referral Hospital, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Aneth Vedastus Kalinjuma
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Bernard Kivuma
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- St. Francis Referral Hospital, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Leila Samson
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- St. Francis Referral Hospital, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Anna Eichenberger
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Inselspital, University Hospital Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Getrud Joseph Mollel
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- St. Francis Referral Hospital, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Eileen Krinke
- University Psychiatric Clinics Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - James Okuma
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Robert Ndege
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- St. Francis Referral Hospital, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Tracy Glass
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Herry Mapesi
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Fiona Vanobberghen
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Manuel Battegay
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Maja Weisser
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Prevalence, incidence and predictors of renal impairment in persons with HIV receiving protease-inhibitors in rural Tanzania. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0261367. [PMID: 34910776 PMCID: PMC8673654 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0261367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Ritonavir-boosted protease inhibitors (bPI) in people living with HIV (PLWH) have been associated with renal impairment. Limited data are available from rural sub-Saharan Africa. Methods Using data from the Kilombero and Ulanga Antiretroviral Cohort Study (KIULARCO) in rural Tanzania from 2005-01/2020, we assessed the prevalence of renal impairment (estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73m2) at the time of switch from first-line antiretroviral treatment (ART) to bPI-regimen and the incidence of renal impairment on bPI. We assessed risk factors for renal impairment using logistic and Cox regression models. Results Renal impairment was present in 52/687 PLWH (7.6%) at the switch to bPI. Among 556 participants with normal kidney function at switch, 41 (7.4%) developed renal impairment after a median time of 3.5 (IQR 1.6–5.1) years (incidence 22/1,000 person-years (95%CI 16.1–29.8)). Factors associated with renal impairment at switch were older age (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.55 per 10 years; 95%CI 1.15–2.11), body mass index (BMI) <18.5 kg/m2 (aOR 2.80 versus ≥18kg/m2; 95%CI 1.28–6.14) and arterial hypertension (aOR 2.33; 95%CI 1.03–5.28). The risk of renal impairment was lower with increased duration of ART use (aOR 0.78 per one-year increase; 95%CI 0.67–0.91). The renal impairment incidence under bPI was associated with older age (adjusted hazard ratio 2.01 per 10 years; 95%CI 1.46–2.78). Conclusions In PLWH in rural sub-Saharan Africa, prevalence and incidence of renal impairment among those who were switched from first-line to bPI-regimens were high. We found associations between renal impairment and older age, arterial hypertension, low BMI and time on ART.
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Vanobberghen F, Weisser M, Kasuga B, Katende A, Battegay M, Tanner M, Glass on behalf of the KIULARCO Study Group TR. Mortality Rate in a Cohort of People Living With HIV in Rural Tanzania After Accounting for Unseen Deaths Among Those Lost to Follow-up. Am J Epidemiol 2021; 190:251-264. [PMID: 33524120 PMCID: PMC7850129 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwaa176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mortality assessment in cohorts with high numbers of persons lost to follow-up (LTFU) is challenging in settings with limited civil registration systems. We aimed to assess mortality in a clinical cohort (the Kilombero and Ulanga Antiretroviral Cohort (KIULARCO)) of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected persons in rural Tanzania, accounting for unseen deaths among participants LTFU. We included adults enrolled in 2005-2015 and traced a nonrandom sample of those LTFU. We estimated mortality using Kaplan-Meier methods 1) with routinely captured data (method A), 2) crudely incorporating tracing data (method B), 3) weighting using tracing data to crudely correct for unobserved deaths among participants LTFU (method C), and 4) weighting using tracing data accounting for participant characteristics (method D). We investigated associated factors using proportional hazards models. Among 7,460 adults, 646 (9%) died, 883 (12%) transferred to other clinics, and 2,911 (39%) were LTFU. Of 2,010 (69%) traced participants, 325 (16%) were found: 131 (40%) had died and 130 (40%) had transferred. Five-year mortality estimates derived using the 4 methods were 13.1% (A), 16.2% (B), 36.8% (C), and 35.1% (D), respectively. Higher mortality was associated with male sex, referral as a hospital inpatient, living close to the index clinic, lower body mass index, more advanced World Health Organization HIV clinical stage, lower CD4 cell count, and less time since initiation of antiretroviral therapy. Adjusting for unseen deaths among participants LTFU approximately doubled the 5-year mortality estimates. Our approach is applicable to other cohort studies adopting targeted tracing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Vanobberghen
- Correspondence to Dr. Fiona Vanobberghen, Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051 Basel, Switzerland (e-mail: )
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Mapesi H, Gupta R, Wilson HI, Lukau B, Amstutz A, Lyimo A, Muhairwe J, Senkoro E, Byakuzana T, Mphunyane M, Bresser M, Glass TR, Lambiris M, Fink G, Gingo W, Battegay M, Paris DH, Rohacek M, Vanobberghen F, Labhardt ND, Burkard T, Weisser M. The coArtHA trial-identifying the most effective treatment strategies to control arterial hypertension in sub-Saharan Africa: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials 2021; 22:77. [PMID: 33478567 PMCID: PMC7818218 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-021-05023-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Arterial hypertension is the most prevalent risk factor for cardiovascular disease in sub-Saharan Africa. Only a few and mostly small randomized trials have studied antihypertensive treatments in people of African descent living in sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS In this open-label, three-arm, parallel randomized controlled trial conducted at two rural hospitals in Lesotho and Tanzania, we compare the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of three antihypertensive treatment strategies among participants aged ≥ 18 years. The study includes patients with untreated uncomplicated arterial hypertension diagnosed by a standardized office blood pressure ≥ 140/90 mmHg. The trial encompasses a superiority comparison between a triple low-dose antihypertensive drug combination versus the current standard of care (monotherapy followed by dual treatment), as well as a non-inferiority comparison for a dual drug combination versus standard of care with optional dose titration after 4 and 8 weeks for participants not reaching the target blood pressure. The sample size is 1268 participants with parallel allocation and a randomization ratio of 2:1:2 for the dual, triple and control arms, respectively. The primary endpoint is the proportion of participants reaching a target blood pressure at 12 weeks of ≤ 130/80 mmHg and ≤ 140/90 mmHg among those aged < 65 years and ≥ 65 years, respectively. Clinical manifestations of end-organ damage and cost-effectiveness at 6 months are secondary endpoints. DISCUSSION This trial will help to identify the most effective and cost-effective treatment strategies for uncomplicated arterial hypertension among people of African descent living in rural sub-Saharan Africa and inform future clinical guidelines on antihypertensive management in the region. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinicaltrials.gov NCT04129840 . Registered on 17 October 2019 ( https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ ).
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Affiliation(s)
- Herry Mapesi
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara branch, Ifakara, United Republic of Tanzania.,Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ravi Gupta
- SolidarMed, Partnerships for Health, Maseru, Lesotho
| | | | - Blaise Lukau
- SolidarMed, Partnerships for Health, Maseru, Lesotho
| | - Alain Amstutz
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Aza Lyimo
- St. Francis Referral Hospital, Ifakara, United Republic of Tanzania.,Tanzania Training Center for International Health, Ifakara, United Republic of Tanzania
| | | | - Elizabeth Senkoro
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara branch, Ifakara, United Republic of Tanzania
| | | | | | - Moniek Bresser
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tracy Renée Glass
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mark Lambiris
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Günther Fink
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Winfrid Gingo
- St. Francis Referral Hospital, Ifakara, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Manuel Battegay
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Henry Paris
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Martin Rohacek
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara branch, Ifakara, United Republic of Tanzania.,Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,St. Francis Referral Hospital, Ifakara, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Fiona Vanobberghen
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Niklaus Daniel Labhardt
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Thilo Burkard
- Medical Outpatient and Hypertension Clinic, ESH Hypertension Centre of Excellence, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Maja Weisser
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara branch, Ifakara, United Republic of Tanzania. .,Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), Basel, Switzerland. .,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland. .,Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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Kalinjuma AV, Glass TR, Weisser M, Myeya SJ, Kasuga B, Kisung'a Y, Sikalengo G, Katende A, Battegay M, Vanobberghen F. Prospective assessment of loss to follow-up: incidence and associated factors in a cohort of HIV-positive adults in rural Tanzania. J Int AIDS Soc 2020; 23:e25460. [PMID: 32128998 PMCID: PMC7054631 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Lifelong antiretroviral therapy (ART) improves health outcomes for HIV‐positive individuals, but is jeopardized by irregular clinic attendance and hence poor adherence. Loss to follow‐up (LTFU) is typically defined retrospectively but this may lead to biased inferences. We assessed incidence of and factors associated with LTFU, prospectively and accounting for recurrent LTFU episodes, in the Kilombero and Ulanga Antiretroviral Cohort (KIULARCO) of HIV‐positive persons in rural Tanzania. Methods We included adults (≥15 years) enrolled in 2005 to 2016, regardless of ART status, with follow‐up through April 2017. LTFU was defined as >60 days late for a scheduled appointment. Participants could experience multiple LTFU episodes. We performed analyses based on the first (prospective) and last (retrospective) events observed during follow‐up, and accounting for recurrent LTFU episodes. Time to LTFU was estimated using cumulative incidence functions. We assessed factors associated with LTFU using cause‐specific proportional hazards, marginal means/rates, and Prentice, Williams and Peterson models. Results Among 8087 participants (65% female, 60% aged ≥35 years, 42% WHO stage 3/4, and 47% CD4 count <200 cells/mm3), there were 8140 LTFU episodes, after which there were 2483 (31%) returns to care. One‐year LTFU probabilities were 0.41 (95% confidence interval 0.40, 0.42) and 0.21 (0.20, 0.22) considering the first and last events respectively. Factors associated with LTFU were broadly consistent across different models: being male, younger age, never married, living far from the clinic, not having an HIV‐positive partner, lower BMI, advanced WHO stage, not having tuberculosis, and shorter time since ART initiation. Associations between LTFU and pregnancy, CD4 count, and enrolment year depended on the analysis approach. Conclusions LTFU episodes were common and prompt tracing efforts are urgently needed. We identified socio‐demographic and clinical characteristics associated with LTFU that can be used to target tracing efforts and to help inform the design of appropriate interventions. Incidence of and risk factors for LTFU differed based on the LTFU definition applied, highlighting the importance of appropriately accounting for recurrent LTFU episodes. We recommend using a prospective definition of LTFU combined with recurrent event analyses in cohorts where repeated interruptions in care are common.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tracy R Glass
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Maja Weisser
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania.,Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Manuel Battegay
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Fiona Vanobberghen
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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9
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Chimukuche RS, Wringe A, Songo J, Hassan F, Luwanda L, Kalua T, Moshabela M, Renju J, Seeley J. Investigating the implementation of differentiated HIV services and implications for pregnant and postpartum women: A mixed methods multi-country study. Glob Public Health 2020; 16:274-287. [PMID: 32726177 PMCID: PMC7612752 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2020.1795221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Universal antiretroviral therapy (ART) for pregnant and postpartum women in sub-Saharan Africa has required adaptations to service delivery. We compared national policies on differentiated HIV service delivery with facility-level implementation, and explored provider and user experiences in rural Malawi, Tanzania and South Africa. Four national policies and two World Health Organization guidelines on HIV treatment for pregnant and postpartum women published between 2013 and 2017 were reviewed and summarised. Results were compared with implementation data from surveys undertaken in 34 health facilities. Eighty-seven in-depth interviews were conducted with pregnant and post-partum women living with HIV, their partners and providers. In 2018, differentiated service policies varied across countries. None specifically accounted for pregnant or postpartum women. Malawian policies endorsed facility-based multi-month scripting for clinically-stable adult ART patients, excluding pregnant or breastfeeding women. In Tanzania and South Africa, national policies proposed community-based and facility-based approaches, for which pregnant women were not eligible. Interview data suggested some implementation of differentiated services for pregnant and postpartum women beyond stipulated policies in all settings. Although these adaptations were appreciated by pregnant and postpartum women, they could lead to frustrations among other users when criteria for fast-track services or multi-month prescriptions were not clear.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alison Wringe
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - John Songo
- Malawi Epidemiology & Intervention Research Unit, Karonga, Malawi
| | | | | | - Thoko Kalua
- Department of HIV and AIDS, Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Mosa Moshabela
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.,University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Jenny Renju
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Janet Seeley
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.,London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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10
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Ndege R, Ngome O, Bani F, Temba Y, Wilson H, Vanobberghen F, Hella J, Gingo W, Sasamalo M, Mnzava D, Kimera N, Hiza H, Wigayi J, Mapesi H, Kato IB, Mhimbira F, Reither K, Battegay M, Paris DH, Weisser M, Rohacek M. Ultrasound in managing extrapulmonary tuberculosis: a randomized controlled two-center study. BMC Infect Dis 2020; 20:349. [PMID: 32414338 PMCID: PMC7226714 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-020-05073-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with clinically suspected tuberculosis are often treated empirically, as diagnosis - especially of extrapulmonary tuberculosis - remains challenging. This leads to an overtreatment of tuberculosis and to underdiagnosis of possible differential diagnoses. METHODS This open-label, parallel-group, superiority randomized controlled trial is done in a rural and an urban center in Tanzania. HIV-positive and -negative adults (≥18 years) with clinically suspected extrapulmonary tuberculosis are randomized in a 1:1 ratio to an intervention- or control group, stratified by center and HIV status. The intervention consists of a management algorithm including extended focused assessment of sonography for HIV and tuberculosis (eFASH) in combination with chest X-ray and microbiological tests. Treatment with anti-tuberculosis drugs is started, if eFASH is positive, chest X-ray suggests tuberculosis, or a microbiological result is positive for tuberculosis. Patients in the control group are managed according national guidelines. Treatment is started if microbiology is positive or empirically according to the treating physician. The primary outcome is the proportion of correctly managed patients at 6 months (i.e patients who were treated with anti-tuberculosis treatment and had definite or probable tuberculosis, and patients who were not treated with anti-tuberculosis treatment and did not have tuberculosis). Secondary outcomes are the proportion of symptom-free patients at two and 6 months, and time to death. The sample size is 650 patients. DISCUSSION This study will determine, whether ultrasound in combination with other tests can increase the proportion of correctly managed patients with clinically suspected extrapulmonary tuberculosis, thus reducing overtreatment with anti-tuberculosis drugs. TRIAL REGISTRATION PACTR, Registration number: PACTR201712002829221, registered December 1st 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Ndege
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, United Republic of Tanzania, Off Mlabani Passage, P. O Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania.
- St Francis Referral Hospital, Ifakara, United Republic of Tanzania.
| | - Omary Ngome
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, United Republic of Tanzania, Off Mlabani Passage, P. O Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania
- Mwananyamala Regional Referral Hospital, Dar es salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Farida Bani
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, United Republic of Tanzania, Off Mlabani Passage, P. O Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania
- St Francis Referral Hospital, Ifakara, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Yvan Temba
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, United Republic of Tanzania, Off Mlabani Passage, P. O Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania
- Mwananyamala Regional Referral Hospital, Dar es salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Herieth Wilson
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, United Republic of Tanzania, Off Mlabani Passage, P. O Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania
- St Francis Referral Hospital, Ifakara, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Fiona Vanobberghen
- Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jerry Hella
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, United Republic of Tanzania, Off Mlabani Passage, P. O Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Winfrid Gingo
- St Francis Referral Hospital, Ifakara, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Mohamed Sasamalo
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, United Republic of Tanzania, Off Mlabani Passage, P. O Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Dorcas Mnzava
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, United Republic of Tanzania, Off Mlabani Passage, P. O Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Namvua Kimera
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, United Republic of Tanzania, Off Mlabani Passage, P. O Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Helen Hiza
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, United Republic of Tanzania, Off Mlabani Passage, P. O Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - John Wigayi
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, United Republic of Tanzania, Off Mlabani Passage, P. O Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Herry Mapesi
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, United Republic of Tanzania, Off Mlabani Passage, P. O Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Irene B Kato
- Mwananyamala Regional Referral Hospital, Dar es salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Francis Mhimbira
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, United Republic of Tanzania, Off Mlabani Passage, P. O Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Klaus Reither
- Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Manuel Battegay
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Daniel H Paris
- Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Maja Weisser
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, United Republic of Tanzania, Off Mlabani Passage, P. O Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Martin Rohacek
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, United Republic of Tanzania, Off Mlabani Passage, P. O Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania.
- St Francis Referral Hospital, Ifakara, United Republic of Tanzania.
- Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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11
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Arpagaus A, Franzeck FC, Sikalengo G, Ndege R, Mnzava D, Rohacek M, Hella J, Reither K, Battegay M, Glass TR, Paris DH, Bani F, Rajab ON, Weisser M. Extrapulmonary tuberculosis in HIV-infected patients in rural Tanzania: The prospective Kilombero and Ulanga antiretroviral cohort. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0229875. [PMID: 32130279 PMCID: PMC7055864 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0229875] [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: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In sub-Saharan Africa, diagnosis and management of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) in people living with HIV (PLHIV) remains a major challenge. This study aimed to characterize the epidemiology and risk factors for poor outcome of extrapulmonary tuberculosis in people living with HIV (PLHIV) in a rural setting in Tanzania. METHODS We included PLHIV >18 years of age enrolled into the Kilombero and Ulanga antiretroviral cohort (KIULARCO) from 2013 to 2017. We assessed the diagnosis of tuberculosis by integrating prospectively collected clinical and microbiological data. We calculated prevalence- and incidence rates and used Cox regression analysis to evaluate the association of risk factors in extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) with a combined endpoint of lost to follow-up (LTFU) and death. RESULTS We included 3,129 subjects (64.5% female) with a median age of 38 years (interquartile range [IQR] 31-46) and a median CD4+ cell count of 229/μl (IQR 94-421) at baseline. During the median follow-up of 1.25 years (IQR 0.46-2.85), 574 (18.4%) subjects were diagnosed with tuberculosis, whereof 175 (30.5%) had an extrapulmonary manifestation. Microbiological evidence by Acid-Fast-Bacillus stain (AFB-stain) or Xpert® MTB/RIF was present in 178/483 (36.9%) patients with pulmonary and in 28/175 (16.0%) of patients with extrapulmonary manifestations, respectively. Incidence density rates for pulmonary Tuberculosis (PTB and EPTB were 17.9/1000person-years (py) (95% CI 14.2-22.6) and 5.8/1000 py (95% CI 4.0-8.5), respectively. The combined endpoint of death and LTFU was observed in 1058 (33.8%) patients, most frequently in the subgroup of EPTB (47.2%). Patients with EPTB had a higher rate of the composite outcome of death/LTFU after TB diagnosis than with PTB [HR 1.63, (1.14-2.31); p = 0.006]. The adjusted hazard ratios [HR (95% CI)] for death/LTFU in EPTB patients were significantly increased for patients aged >45 years [HR 1.95, (1.15-3.3); p = 0.013], whereas ART use was protective [HR 0.15, (0.08-0.27); p <0.001]. CONCLUSIONS Extrapulmonary tuberculosis was a frequent manifestation in this cohort of PLHIV. The diagnosis of EPTB in the absence of histopathology and mycobacterial culture remains challenging even with availability of Xpert® MTB/RIF. Patients with EPTB had increased rates of mortality and LTFU despite early recognition of the disease after enrollment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armon Arpagaus
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Fabian Christoph Franzeck
- Division of Infectious Diseases & Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - George Sikalengo
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, United Republic of Tanzania
- Saint Francis Referral Hospital, Ifakara, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Robert Ndege
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, United Republic of Tanzania
- Saint Francis Referral Hospital, Ifakara, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Dorcas Mnzava
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Martin Rohacek
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Jerry Hella
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Klaus Reither
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Manuel Battegay
- Division of Infectious Diseases & Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tracy Renee Glass
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Henry Paris
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Farida Bani
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, United Republic of Tanzania
| | | | - Maja Weisser
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Division of Infectious Diseases & Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, United Republic of Tanzania
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12
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Bircher RE, Ntamatungiro AJ, Glass TR, Mnzava D, Nyuri A, Mapesi H, Paris DH, Battegay M, Klimkait T, Weisser M. High failure rates of protease inhibitor-based antiretroviral treatment in rural Tanzania - A prospective cohort study. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0227600. [PMID: 31929566 PMCID: PMC6957142 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0227600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Poor adherence to antiretroviral drugs and viral resistance are the main drivers of treatment failure in HIV-infected patients. In sub-Saharan Africa, avoidance of treatment failure on second-line protease inhibitor therapy is critical as treatment options are limited. Methods In the prospective observational study of the Kilombero & Ulanga Antiretroviral Cohort in rural Tanzania, we assessed virologic failure (viral load ≥1,000 copies/mL) and drug resistance mutations in bio-banked plasma samples 6–12 months after initiation of a protease inhibitor-based treatment regimen. Additionally, viral load was measured before start of protease inhibitor, a second time between 1–5 years after start, and at suspected treatment failure in patients with available bio-banked samples. We performed resistance testing if viral load was ≥1000 copies/ml. Risk factors for virologic failure were analyzed using logistic regression. Results In total, 252 patients were included; of those 56% were female and 21% children. Virologic failure occurred 6–12 months after the start of a protease inhibitor in 26/199 (13.1%) of adults and 7/53 of children (13.2%). The prevalence of virologic failure did not change over time. Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors drug resistance mutation testing performed at 6–12 months showed a positive signal in only 9/16 adults. No cases of resistance mutations for protease inhibitors were seen at this time. In samples taken between 1–5 years protease inhibitor resistance was demonstrated in 2/7 adults. In adult samples before protease inhibitor start, resistance to nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors was detected in 30/41, and to non-nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitors in 35/41 patients. In 15/16 pediatric samples, resistance to both drug classes but not for protease inhibitors was present. Conclusion Our study confirms high early failure rates in adults and children treated with protease inhibitors, even in the absence of protease inhibitors resistance mutations, suggesting an urgent need for adherence support in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahel E. Bircher
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Molecular Virology, Department Biomedicine Petersplatz, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Tracy R. Glass
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Herry Mapesi
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- St. Francis Referral Hospital, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Daniel H. Paris
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Manuel Battegay
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Departments of Medicine and Clinical Research, Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Klimkait
- Molecular Virology, Department Biomedicine Petersplatz, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Maja Weisser
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Departments of Medicine and Clinical Research, Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
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13
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Schlaeppi C, Vanobberghen F, Sikalengo G, Glass TR, Ndege RC, Foe G, Kuemmerle A, Paris DH, Battegay M, Marzolini C, Weisser M. Prevalence and management of drug-drug interactions with antiretroviral treatment in 2069 people living with HIV in rural Tanzania: a prospective cohort study. HIV Med 2020; 21:53-63. [PMID: 31532898 PMCID: PMC6916175 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.12801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Widespread access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) has substantially increased life expectancy in sub-Saharan African countries. As a result, the rates of comorbidities and use of co-medications among people living with HIV are increasing, necessitating a sound understanding of drug-drug interactions (DDIs). We aimed to assess the prevalence and management of DDIs with ART in a rural Tanzanian setting. METHODS We included consenting HIV-positive adults initiating ART in the Kilombero and Ulanga Antiretroviral Cohort (KIULARCO) between January 2013 and December 2016. DDIs were classified using www.hiv-druginteractions.org as red (contra-indicated), amber (potential clinical relevance requiring dosage adjustment/monitoring), yellow (weak clinical significance unlikely to require further management) or green (no interaction). We assessed management of amber DDIs by evaluating monitoring of laboratory or clinical parameters, or changes in drug dosages. RESULTS Of 2069 participants, 1945 (94%) were prescribed at least one co-medication during a median follow-up of 1.8 years. Of these, 645 (33%) had at least one potentially clinically relevant DDI, with the highest grade being red in nine (< 1%) and amber in 636 (33%) participants. Of the 23 283 prescriptions, 19 (< 1%) and 1745 (7%) were classified as red and amber DDIs, respectively. Overall, 351 (2%) prescriptions were red DDIs or not appropriately managed amber DDIs. CONCLUSIONS Co-medication use was common in this rural sub-Saharan cohort. A third of participants had DDIs requiring further management. Of the 9% of participants with not appropriately managed DDIs, most were with cardiovascular and analgesic drugs. This highlights the importance of physicians' awareness of DDIs for their recognition and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Schlaeppi
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health InstituteBaselSwitzerland
- University of BaselBaselSwitzerland
| | - F Vanobberghen
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health InstituteBaselSwitzerland
- University of BaselBaselSwitzerland
| | - G Sikalengo
- Ifakara Health InstituteIfakaraTanzania
- St Francis Referral HospitalIfakaraTanzania
| | - TR Glass
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health InstituteBaselSwitzerland
- University of BaselBaselSwitzerland
| | - RC Ndege
- Ifakara Health InstituteIfakaraTanzania
- St Francis Referral HospitalIfakaraTanzania
| | - G Foe
- St Francis Referral HospitalIfakaraTanzania
| | - A Kuemmerle
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health InstituteBaselSwitzerland
- University of BaselBaselSwitzerland
| | - DH Paris
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health InstituteBaselSwitzerland
- University of BaselBaselSwitzerland
| | - M Battegay
- University of BaselBaselSwitzerland
- Division of Infectious Diseases & Hospital EpidemiologyUniversity Hospital BaselBaselSwitzerland
| | - C Marzolini
- University of BaselBaselSwitzerland
- Division of Infectious Diseases & Hospital EpidemiologyUniversity Hospital BaselBaselSwitzerland
- Department of Molecular and Clinical PharmacologyInstitute of Translational MedicineUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolUK
| | - M Weisser
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health InstituteBaselSwitzerland
- University of BaselBaselSwitzerland
- Ifakara Health InstituteIfakaraTanzania
- Division of Infectious Diseases & Hospital EpidemiologyUniversity Hospital BaselBaselSwitzerland
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14
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Laboratory-Reflex Cryptococcal Antigen Screening Is Associated With a Survival Benefit in Tanzania. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2019; 80:205-213. [PMID: 30422904 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000001899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) screening in persons with advanced HIV/AIDS is recommended to prevent death. Implementing CrAg screening only in outpatients may underestimate the true CrAg prevalence and decrease its potential impact. Our previous 12-month survival/retention in CrAg-positive persons not treated with fluconazole was 0%. METHODS HIV testing was offered to all antiretroviral therapy-naive outpatients and hospitalized patients in Ifakara, Tanzania, followed by laboratory-reflex CrAg screening for CD4 <150 cells/μL. CrAg-positive individuals were offered lumbar punctures, and antifungals were tailored to the presence/absence of meningitis. We assessed the impact on survival and retention-in-care using multivariate Cox-regression models. RESULTS We screened 560 individuals for CrAg. The median CD4 count was 61 cells/μL (interquartile range 26-103). CrAg prevalence was 6.1% (34/560) among individuals with CD4 ≤150 and 7.5% among ≤100 cells/μL. CrAg prevalence was 2.3-fold higher among hospitalized participants than in outpatients (12% vs 5.3%, P = 0.02). We performed lumbar punctures in 94% (32/34), and 31% (10/34) had cryptococcal meningitis. Mortality did not differ significantly between treated CrAg-positive without meningitis and CrAg-negative individuals (7.3 vs 5.4 deaths per 100 person-years, respectively, P = 0.25). Independent predictors of 6-month death/lost to follow-up were low CD4, cryptococcal meningitis (adjusted hazard ratio 2.76, 95% confidence interval: 1.31 to 5.82), and no antiretroviral therapy initiation (adjusted hazard ratio 3.12, 95% confidence interval: 2.16 to 4.50). CONCLUSIONS Implementing laboratory-reflex CrAg screening among outpatients and hospitalized individuals resulted in a rapid detection of cryptococcosis and a survival benefit. These results provide a model of a feasible, effective, and scalable CrAg screening and treatment strategy integrated into routine care in sub-Saharan Africa.
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15
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Mkindi CG, Marandu EA, Masawa N, Bani F, Nyuri A, Byakuzana T, Klimkait T, Ding S, Pantaleo G, Battegay M, Orlova-Fink N, Weisser-Rohacek M, Daubenberger C. Safety and tolerance of lymph node biopsies from chronic HIV-1 volunteers in rural Tanzania. BMC Res Notes 2019; 12:561. [PMID: 31492170 PMCID: PMC6729032 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-019-4600-x] [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: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective HIV-1 rapidly establishes a persistent infection that can be contained under life-long antiretroviral therapy (ART) but not cured. One major viral reservoir is the peripheral lymph node (LN) follicles. Studying the impact of novel HIV-1 treatment and vaccination approaches on cells residing in germinal centers is essential for rapid progress towards HIV-1 prevention and cure. Results We enrolled 9 asymptomatic adult volunteers with a newly diagnosed HIV-1 infection and CD4 T cell counts ≥ 350/ml. The patients underwent venous blood collection and inguinal lymph node excision surgery in parallel. Mononuclear cells were extracted from blood and tissues simultaneously. Participants were followed up regularly for 2 weeks until complete healing of the surgical wounds. All participants completed the lymph node excision surgery without clinical complications. Among the 9 volunteers, one elite controller was identified. The number of mononuclear cells recovered from lymph nodes ranged from 68 to 206 million and correlated positively with lymph node size. This is the first study to show that lymph node biopsy is a safe procedure and can be undertaken with local experts in rural settings. It provides a foundation for detailed immune response investigations during future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Gerald Mkindi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Clinical Immunology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstr. 57, 4002, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo, Tanzania
| | | | | | - Farida Bani
- Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo, Tanzania
| | - Amina Nyuri
- Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo, Tanzania
| | | | | | - Song Ding
- EuroVacc Foundation, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Giuseppe Pantaleo
- Service of Immunology and Allergy, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Swiss Vaccine Research Institute, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Manuel Battegay
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nina Orlova-Fink
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Clinical Immunology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstr. 57, 4002, Basel, Switzerland.,Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo, Tanzania
| | - Maja Weisser-Rohacek
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Clinical Immunology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstr. 57, 4002, Basel, Switzerland.,Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo, Tanzania.,Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Claudia Daubenberger
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Clinical Immunology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstr. 57, 4002, Basel, Switzerland. .,Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo, Tanzania.
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16
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Ndege R, Weisser M, Elzi L, Diggelmann F, Bani F, Gingo W, Sikalengo G, Mapesi H, Mchomvu E, Kamwela L, Mnzava D, Battegay M, Reither K, Paris DH, Rohacek M. Sonography to Rule Out Tuberculosis in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Prospective Observational Study. Open Forum Infect Dis 2019; 6:ofz154. [PMID: 31041350 PMCID: PMC6483805 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofz154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 03/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Patients with suspected tuberculosis are often overtreated with antituberculosis drugs. We evaluated the diagnostic value of the focused assessment with sonography for HIV-associated tuberculosis (FASH) in rural Tanzania. Methods In a prospective cohort study, the frequency of FASH signs was compared between patients with confirmed tuberculosis and those without tuberculosis. Clinical and laboratory examination, chest x-ray, Xpert MTB/RIF assay, and culture from sputum, sterile body fluids, lymph node aspirates, and Xpert MTB/RIF urine assay was done. Results Of 191 analyzed patients with a 6-month follow-up, 52.4% tested positive for human immunodeficiency virus, 21.5% had clinically suspected pulmonary tuberculosis, 3.7% had extrapulmonary tuberculosis, and 74.9% had extrapulmonary and pulmonary tuberculosis. Tuberculosis was microbiologically confirmed in 57.6%, probable in 13.1%, and excluded in 29.3%. Ten of eleven patients with splenic or hepatic hypoechogenic lesions had confirmed tuberculosis. In a univariate model, abdominal lymphadenopathy was significantly associated with confirmed tuberculosis. Pleural- and pericardial effusion, ascites, and thickened ileum wall lacked significant association. In a multiple regression model, abnormal chest x-ray (odds ratio [OR] = 6.19; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.96–19.6; P < .002), ≥1 FASH-sign (OR = 3.33; 95% CI, 1.21–9.12; P = .019), and body temperature (OR = 2.48; 95% CI, 1.52–5.03; P = .001 per °C increase) remained associated with tuberculosis. A combination of ≥1 FASH sign, abnormal chest x-ray, and temperature ≥37.5°C had 99.1% sensitivity (95% CI, 94.9–99.9), 35.2% specificity (95% CI, 22.7–49.4), and a positive and negative predictive value of 75.2% (95% CI, 71.3–78.7) and 95.0% (95% CI, 72.3–99.3). Conclusions The absence of FASH signs combined with a normal chest x-ray and body temperature <37.5°C might exclude tuberculosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Ndege
- Ifakara Health Institute, United Republic of Tanzania.,St. Francis Referral Hospital, Ifakara, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Maja Weisser
- Ifakara Health Institute, United Republic of Tanzania.,Division of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Switzerland
| | - Luigia Elzi
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Switzerland.,Regional Hospital of Bellinzona e Valli, Switzerland
| | | | - Farida Bani
- Ifakara Health Institute, United Republic of Tanzania.,St. Francis Referral Hospital, Ifakara, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Winfrid Gingo
- St. Francis Referral Hospital, Ifakara, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - George Sikalengo
- Ifakara Health Institute, United Republic of Tanzania.,St. Francis Referral Hospital, Ifakara, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Herry Mapesi
- Ifakara Health Institute, United Republic of Tanzania.,St. Francis Referral Hospital, Ifakara, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Elisante Mchomvu
- St. Francis Referral Hospital, Ifakara, United Republic of Tanzania
| | | | - Dorcas Mnzava
- Ifakara Health Institute, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Manuel Battegay
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Basel, Switzerland.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Switzerland
| | - Klaus Reither
- Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Switzerland
| | - Daniel H Paris
- Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Switzerland
| | - Martin Rohacek
- Ifakara Health Institute, United Republic of Tanzania.,St. Francis Referral Hospital, Ifakara, United Republic of Tanzania.,Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Switzerland
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17
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Effect of schistosomiasis on the outcome of patients infected with HIV-1 starting antiretroviral therapy in rural Tanzania. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006844. [PMID: 30332404 PMCID: PMC6205655 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2018] [Revised: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background It has been hypothesized that schistosomiasis negatively influences immune reconstitution in people living with HIV starting antiretroviral therapy (ART). In this study, we investigated the effect of schistosomiasis on the course of HIV infection in patients starting ART in a rural part of Tanzania. Methodology Retrospective study including patients prospectively enrolled in a HIV cohort in Ifakara, south-central Tanzania between January 1, 2013 and April 1, 2015. Schistosomal circulating anodic antigen (CAA) was assessed in pre-ART cryopreserved plasma. Regression models were utilized to estimate the effect of CAA positivity on virological and immunological failure and a composite outcome of death/loss to follow-up (LFU). Principal findings At ART-initiation 19.1% (88/461) of patients were CAA-positive. A tendency of higher CD4 increases was seen in CAA-positive patients (+182 cells/μl, interquartile range (IQR), 87–285 cells/μl) compared to CAA-negative patients (+147 cells/μl, IQR, 55–234 cells/μl, p = 0.09) after 10 months of follow-up. After adjustment for baseline risk factors, CAA-positivity showed no association with virological or immunological failure. In CAA-positive patients, 22.7% (20/88) died or were LFU, compared to 29.5% (110/373) of CAA-negative patients (hazard ratio (HR): 0.76, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.47–1.22, p = 0.25). After adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, educational attainment, WHO-stage, tuberculosis status, and year of ART initiation, CAA-positivity showed a trend of a decreased hazard of death/LFU (HR: 0.58, 95% CI: 0.32–1.05, p = 0.07), while CD4 count at baseline (HR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.76–1.00, p = 0.02) and MXD (sum of eosinophils, basophils, and monocytes counts) >1,100 cells/μl (HR: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.34–0.93, p = 0.03) were identified as independently protective factors. Conclusions/Significance Schistosomiasis is prevalent in this HIV cohort and may be beneficial for immunological reconstitution, while no effect on virological failure was apparent. A positive effect of schistosomiasis-induced immunomodulation on survival and retention in care needs confirmation in future studies. Infections with HIV and blood flukes (Schistosoma) both exert chronic modulatory effects on the host’s immune system. Coinfections, meaning the host is simultaneously infected with both pathogens, are common in sub-Saharan Africa. In this situation the induced immune modulation of one pathogen may affect the course of the disease induced by the other pathogen. One study showed that coinfection with Schistosoma in people living with HIV who begin antiretroviral therapy (ART) may have deleterious effects on the reconstitution of the HIV-induced immunosuppression. In the current study, we investigated the effect of Schistosoma coinfection on the recovery of the patient’s immune system, on the efficacy of ART to suppress HIV replication, and on a combined endpoint of lost to follow-up or death. We found that schistosomiasis may have beneficial effects on immune reconstitution, while no deleterious effect was detected on HIV-suppressive efficacy of ART. Surprisingly, our data suggest that schistosomiasis-induced immunomodulatory effects might be beneficial for survival and retention in care. Future studies are warranted to confirm these findings. In the era of increasing access to ART in sub-Saharan Africa, the issue of schistosomiasis-HIV coinfection may have major consequences on the outcome of HIV treatment programs.
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Mapesi H, Kalinjuma AV, Ngerecha A, Franzeck F, Hatz C, Tanner M, Mayr M, Furrer H, Battegay M, Letang E, Weisser M, Glass TR. Prevalence and Evolution of Renal Impairment in People Living With HIV in Rural Tanzania. Open Forum Infect Dis 2018; 5:ofy072. [PMID: 29707599 PMCID: PMC5912087 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofy072] [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: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background We assessed the prevalence, incidence, and predictors of renal impairment among people living with HIV (PLWHIV) in rural Tanzania. Methods In a cohort of PLWHIV aged ≥15 years enrolled from January 2013 to June 2016, we assessed the association between renal impairment (estimated glomerural filtration rate < 90 mL/min/1.73 m2) at enrollment and during follow-up with demographic and clinical characteristcis using logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models. Results Of 1093 PLWHIV, 172 (15.7%) had renal impairment at enrollment. Of 921 patients with normal renal function at baseline, 117 (12.7%) developed renal impairment during a median follow-up (interquartile range) of 6.2 (0.4–14.7) months. The incidence of renal impairment was 110 cases per 1000 person-years (95% confidence interval [CI], 92–132). At enrollment, logistic regression identified older age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.79; 95% CI, 1.52–2.11), hypertension (aOR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.08–3.15), CD4 count <200 cells/mm3 (aOR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.23–2.65), and World Health Organization (WHO) stage III/IV (aOR, 3.00; 95% CI, 1.96–4.58) as risk factors for renal impairment. Cox regression model confirmed older age (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.85; 95% CI, 1.56–2.20) and CD4 count <200 cells/mm3 (aHR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.36–3.09) to be associated with the development of renal impairment. Conclusions Our study found a low prevalence of renal impairment among PLWHIV despite high usage of tenofovir and its association with age, hypertension, low CD4 count, and advanced WHO stage. These important and reassuring safety data stress the significance of noncommunicable disease surveillance in aging HIV populations in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herry Mapesi
- Ifakara Branch, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania.,Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Fabian Franzeck
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christoph Hatz
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marcel Tanner
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Michael Mayr
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Medical Outpatient Clinic, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Hansjakob Furrer
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Manuel Battegay
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Emilio Letang
- Ifakara Branch, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania.,Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,ISGlobal, Barcelona Ctr. Int. Health Res. (CRESIB), Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maja Weisser
- Ifakara Branch, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania.,Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tracy R Glass
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Sikalengo G, Hella J, Mhimbira F, Rutaihwa LK, Bani F, Ndege R, Sasamalo M, Kamwela L, Said K, Mhalu G, Mlacha Y, Hatz C, Knopp S, Gagneux S, Reither K, Utzinger J, Tanner M, Letang E, Weisser M, Fenner L. Distinct clinical characteristics and helminth co-infections in adult tuberculosis patients from urban compared to rural Tanzania. Infect Dis Poverty 2018; 7:24. [PMID: 29580279 PMCID: PMC5868052 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-018-0404-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Differences in rural and urban settings could account for distinct characteristics in the epidemiology of tuberculosis (TB). We comparatively studied epidemiological features of TB and helminth co-infections in adult patients from rural and urban settings of Tanzania. Methods Adult patients (≥ 18 years) with microbiologically confirmed pulmonary TB were consecutively enrolled into two cohorts in Dar es Salaam, with ~ 4.4 million inhabitants (urban), and Ifakara in the sparsely populated Kilombero District with ~ 400 000 inhabitants (rural). Clinical data were obtained at recruitment. Stool and urine samples were subjected to diagnose helminthiases using Kato-Katz, Baermann, urine filtration, and circulating cathodic antigen tests. Differences between groups were assessed by χ2, Fisher’s exact, and Wilcoxon rank sum tests. Logistic regression models were used to determine associations. Results Between August 2015 and February 2017, 668 patients were enrolled, 460 (68.9%) at the urban and 208 (31.1%) at the rural site. Median patient age was 35 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 27–41.5 years), and 454 (68%) were males. Patients from the rural setting were older (median age 37 years vs. 34 years, P = 0.003), had a lower median body mass index (17.5 kg/m2 vs. 18.5 kg/m2, P < 0.001), a higher proportion of recurrent TB cases (9% vs. 1%, P < 0.001), and in HIV/TB co-infected patients a lower median CD4 cell counts (147 cells/μl vs. 249 cells/μl, P = 0.02) compared to those from urban Tanzania. There was no significant difference in frequencies of HIV infection, diabetes mellitus, and haemoglobin concentration levels between the two settings. The overall prevalence of helminth co-infections was 22.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 20.4–27.0%). The significantly higher prevalence of helminth infections at the urban site (25.7% vs. 17.3%, P = 0.018) was predominantly driven by Strongyloides stercoralis (17.0% vs. 4.8%, P < 0.001) and Schistosoma mansoni infection (4.1% vs. 16.4%, P < 0.001). Recurrent TB was associated with living in a rural setting (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 3.97, 95% CI: 1.16–13.67) and increasing age (aOR: 1.06, 95% CI: 1.02–1.10). Conclusions Clinical characteristics and helminth co-infections pattern differ in TB patients in urban and rural Tanzania. The differences underline the need for setting-specific, tailored public health interventions to improve clinical management of TB and comorbidities. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s40249-018-0404-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jerry Hella
- Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. .,Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland. .,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Francis Mhimbira
- Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.,Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Liliana K Rutaihwa
- Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.,Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Farida Bani
- Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Robert Ndege
- Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Mohamed Sasamalo
- Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.,Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Khadija Said
- Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.,Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Grace Mhalu
- Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.,Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Yeromin Mlacha
- Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.,Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christoph Hatz
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stefanie Knopp
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sébastien Gagneux
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Klaus Reither
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jürg Utzinger
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marcel Tanner
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Emilio Letang
- Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.,Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Maja Weisser
- Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.,Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lukas Fenner
- Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. .,Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland. .,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland. .,Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
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Prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV Option B+ cascade in rural Tanzania: The One Stop Clinic model. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0181096. [PMID: 28704472 PMCID: PMC5507522 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0181096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Accepted: 06/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Strategies to improve the uptake of Prevention of Mother-To-Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT) are needed. We integrated HIV and maternal, newborn and child health services in a One Stop Clinic to improve the PMTCT cascade in a rural Tanzanian setting. Methods The One Stop Clinic of Ifakara offers integral care to HIV-infected pregnant women and their families at one single place and time. All pregnant women and HIV-exposed infants attended during the first year of Option B+ implementation (04/2014-03/2015) were included. PMTCT was assessed at the antenatal clinic (ANC), HIV care and labour ward, and compared with the pre-B+ period. We also characterised HIV-infected pregnant women and evaluated the MTCT rate. Results 1,579 women attended the ANC. Seven (0.4%) were known to be HIV-infected. Of the remainder, 98.5% (1,548/1,572) were offered an HIV test, 94% (1,456/1,548) accepted and 38 (2.6%) tested HIV-positive. 51 were re-screened for HIV during late pregnancy and one had seroconverted. The HIV prevalence at the ANC was 3.1% (46/1,463). Of the 39 newly diagnosed women, 35 (90%) were linked to care. HIV test was offered to >98% of ANC clients during both the pre- and post-B+ periods. During the post-B+ period, test acceptance (94% versus 90.5%, p<0.0001) and linkage to care (90% versus 26%, p<0.0001) increased. Ten additional women diagnosed outside the ANC were linked to care. 82% (37/45) of these newly-enrolled women started antiretroviral treatment (ART). After a median time of 17 months, 27% (12/45) were lost to follow-up. 79 women under HIV care became pregnant and all received ART. After a median follow-up time of 19 months, 6% (5/79) had been lost. 5,727 women delivered at the hospital, 20% (1,155/5,727) had unknown HIV serostatus. Of these, 30% (345/1,155) were tested for HIV, and 18/345 (5.2%) were HIV-positive. Compared to the pre-B+ period more women were tested during labour (30% versus 2.4%, p<0.0001). During the study, the MTCT rate was 2.2%. Conclusions The implementation of Option B+ through an integrated service delivery model resulted in universal HIV testing in the ANC, high rates of linkage to care, and MTCT below the elimination threshold. However, HIV testing in late pregnancy and labour, and retention during early ART need to be improved.
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