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Kirenga BJ, Chakaya J, Yimer G, Nyale G, Haile T, Muttamba W, Mugenyi L, Katagira W, Worodria W, Aanyu-Tukamuhebwa H, Lugogo N, Joloba M, Mersha TB, Bekele A, Makumbi F, Mekasha A, Green CL, de Jong C, Kamya M, van der Molen T. The burden of severe asthma in sub-Saharan Africa: Findings from the African Severe Asthma Project. J Allergy Clin Immunol Glob 2024; 3:100209. [PMID: 38328803 PMCID: PMC10847773 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacig.2024.100209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Background Severe asthma is associated with high morbidity, mortality, and health care utilization, but its burden in Africa is unknown. Objective We sought to determine the burden (prevalence, mortality, and activity and work impairment) of severe asthma in 3 countries in East Africa: Uganda, Kenya, and Ethiopia. Methods Using the American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society case definition of severe asthma, we analyzed for the prevalence of severe asthma (requiring Global Initiative for Asthma [GINA] steps 4-5 asthma medications for the previous year to achieve control) and severe refractory asthma (remains uncontrolled despite treatment with GINA steps 4-5 asthma medications) in a cohort of 1086 asthma patients who had been in care for 12 months and had received all GINA-recommended medications. Asthma control was assessed by the asthma control questionnaire (ACQ). Results Overall, the prevalence of severe asthma and severe refractory asthma was 25.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 23.1-28.3) and 4.6% (95% CI, 3.5-6.0), respectively. Patients with severe asthma were (nonsevere vs severe vs severe refractory) older (39, 42, 45 years, P = .011), had high skin prick test reactivity (67.1%, 76.0%, 76.0%, P = .004), had lower forced expiratory volume in 1 second percentage (81%, 61%, 55.5%, P < .001), had lower quality of life score (129, 127 vs 121, P < .001), and had higher activity impairment (10%, 30%, 50%, P < .001). Factors independently associated with severe asthma were hypertension comorbidity; adjusted odds ratio 2.21 (1.10-4.47), P = .027, high bronchial hyperresponsiveness questionnaire score; adjusted odds ratio 2.16 (1.01-4.61), P = .047 and higher ACQ score at baseline 2.80 (1.55-5.08), P = .001. Conclusion The prevalence of severe asthma in Africa is high and is associated with high morbidity and poor quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce J. Kirenga
- Makerere University Lung Institute, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jeremiah Chakaya
- Kenya Association of Physicians Against TB and Lung Diseases, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Getnet Yimer
- Addis Ababa University College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - George Nyale
- Kenya Association of Physicians Against TB and Lung Diseases, Nairobi, Kenya
- Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Tewodros Haile
- Addis Ababa University College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Winters Muttamba
- Makerere University Lung Institute, Kampala, Uganda
- Division of Infection and Global Health, School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - Levicatus Mugenyi
- Makerere University Lung Institute, Kampala, Uganda
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | | | | | | | - Njira Lugogo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich
| | - Moses Joloba
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Tesfaye B. Mersha
- Division of Asthma Research, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Amsalu Bekele
- Addis Ababa University College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Fred Makumbi
- School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Amha Mekasha
- Addis Ababa University College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Cynthia L. Green
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - Corina de Jong
- Department of General Practice and Elderly Care, GRIAC-Primary Care, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Moses Kamya
- Department of Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Thys van der Molen
- Department of General Practice and Elderly Care, GRIAC-Primary Care, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Porsbjerg CM, Townend J, Bergeron C, Christoff GC, Katsoulotos GP, Larenas-Linnemann D, Tran TN, Al-Lehebi R, Bosnic-Anticevich SZ, Busby J, Hew M, Kostikas K, Papadopoulos NG, Pfeffer PE, Popov TA, Rhee CK, Sadatsafavi M, Tsai MJ, Ulrik CS, Al-Ahmad M, Altraja A, Beastall A, Bulathsinhala L, Carter V, Cosio BG, Fletton K, Hansen S, Heaney LG, Hubbard RB, Kuna P, Murray RB, Nagano T, Pini L, Cano Rosales DJ, Schleich F, Wechsler ME, Amaral R, Bourdin A, Brusselle GG, Chen W, Chung LP, Denton E, Fonseca JA, Hoyte F, Jackson DJ, Katial R, Kirenga BJ, Koh MS, Ławkiedraj A, Lehtimäki L, Liew MF, Mahboub B, Martin N, Menzies-Gow AN, Pang PH, Papaioannou AI, Patel PH, Perez-De-Llano L, Peters MJ, Ricciardi L, Rodríguez-Cáceres B, Solarte I, Tay TR, Torres-Duque CA, Wang E, Zappa M, Abisheganaden J, Assing KD, Costello RW, Gibson PG, Heffler E, Máspero J, Nicola S, Perng (Steve) DW, Puggioni F, Salvi S, Sheu CC, Sirena C, Taillé C, Tan TL, Bjermer L, Canonica GW, Iwanaga T, Jiménez-Maldonado L, Taube C, Brussino L, Price DB. Association between pre-biologic T2-biomarker combinations and response to biologics in patients with severe asthma. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1361891. [PMID: 38711495 PMCID: PMC11070939 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1361891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Background To date, studies investigating the association between pre-biologic biomarker levels and post-biologic outcomes have been limited to single biomarkers and assessment of biologic efficacy from structured clinical trials. Aim To elucidate the associations of pre-biologic individual biomarker levels or their combinations with pre-to-post biologic changes in asthma outcomes in real-life. Methods This was a registry-based, cohort study using data from 23 countries, which shared data with the International Severe Asthma Registry (May 2017-February 2023). The investigated biomarkers (highest pre-biologic levels) were immunoglobulin E (IgE), blood eosinophil count (BEC) and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO). Pre- to approximately 12-month post-biologic change for each of three asthma outcome domains (i.e. exacerbation rate, symptom control and lung function), and the association of this change with pre-biologic biomarkers was investigated for individual and combined biomarkers. Results Overall, 3751 patients initiated biologics and were included in the analysis. No association was found between pre-biologic BEC and pre-to-post biologic change in exacerbation rate for any biologic class. However, higher pre-biologic BEC and FeNO were both associated with greater post-biologic improvement in FEV1 for both anti-IgE and anti-IL5/5R, with a trend for anti-IL4Rα. Mean FEV1 improved by 27-178 mL post-anti-IgE as pre-biologic BEC increased (250 to 1000 cells/µL), and by 43-216 mL and 129-250 mL post-anti-IL5/5R and -anti-IL4Rα, respectively along the same BEC gradient. Corresponding improvements along a FeNO gradient (25-100 ppb) were 41-274 mL, 69-207 mL and 148-224 mL for anti-IgE, anti-IL5/5R, and anti-IL4Rα, respectively. Higher baseline BEC was also associated with lower probability of uncontrolled asthma (OR 0.392; p=0.001) post-biologic for anti-IL5/5R. Pre-biologic IgE was a poor predictor of subsequent pre-to-post-biologic change for all outcomes assessed for all biologics. The combination of BEC + FeNO marginally improved the prediction of post-biologic FEV1 increase (adjusted R2: 0.751), compared to BEC (adjusted R2: 0.747) or FeNO alone (adjusted R2: 0.743) (p=0.005 and <0.001, respectively); however, this prediction was not improved by the addition of IgE. Conclusions The ability of higher baseline BEC, FeNO and their combination to predict biologic-associated lung function improvement may encourage earlier intervention in patients with impaired lung function or at risk of accelerated lung function decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celeste M. Porsbjerg
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Research Unit, Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - John Townend
- Observational and Pragmatic Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
- Optimum Patient Care Global, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Celine Bergeron
- Department of Medicine, Centre for Lung Health, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Gregory P. Katsoulotos
- Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Medicine, Sydney Campus, The University of Notre Dame, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Trung N. Tran
- BioPharmaceuticals Medical, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, United States
| | - Riyad Al-Lehebi
- Department of Pulmonology, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sinthia Z. Bosnic-Anticevich
- Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - John Busby
- Centre for Public Health, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Hew
- Allergy, Asthma and Clinical Immunology Service, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Nikolaos G. Papadopoulos
- Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Allergy Department, 2nd Pediatric Clinic, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Paul E. Pfeffer
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Barts Health National Health Services (NHS) Trust, London, United Kingdom
- Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Chin Kook Rhee
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Mohsen Sadatsafavi
- Respiratory Evaluation Sciences Program, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Ming-Ju Tsai
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Charlotte Suppli Ulrik
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Copenhagen ;University Hospital - Hvidovre, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mona Al-Ahmad
- Microbiology Department, College of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
- Al-Rashed Allergy Center, Ministry of Health, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Alan Altraja
- Department of Pulmonology, University of Tartu and Lung Clinic, Tartu University Hospital, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Aaron Beastall
- Observational and Pragmatic Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
- Optimum Patient Care Global, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Lakmini Bulathsinhala
- Observational and Pragmatic Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
- Optimum Patient Care Global, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Victoria Carter
- Observational and Pragmatic Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
- Optimum Patient Care Global, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Borja G. Cosio
- Son Espases University Hospital-Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Illes Balears (IdISBa)-Ciberes, Mallorca, Spain
| | - Kirsty Fletton
- Observational and Pragmatic Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
- Optimum Patient Care Global, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Susanne Hansen
- Respiratory Research Unit, Bispebjerg University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Center for Clinical Research and Prevention, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Liam G. Heaney
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Richard B. Hubbard
- Observational and Pragmatic Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
- Optimum Patient Care Global, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Respiratory Medicine at the School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Piotr Kuna
- Division of Internal Medicine Asthma and Allergy, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | | | - Tatsuya Nagano
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Laura Pini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences – University of Brescia, Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Florence Schleich
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Sart-Tilman, GIGA I3, University of Liege, Liège, Belgium
| | - Michael E. Wechsler
- Department of Medicine, National Jewish Health (NJH) Cohen Family Asthma Institute, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, United States
| | - Rita Amaral
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- CINTESIS@RISE, MEDCIDS, Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Arnaud Bourdin
- PhyMedExp, Univ Montpellier, National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), The National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM), Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Guy G. Brusselle
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Departments of Epidemiology and Respiratory Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Wenjia Chen
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Li Ping Chung
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Eve Denton
- Allergy, Asthma and Clinical Immunology Service, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medicine, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Joao A. Fonseca
- CINTESIS@RISE, MEDCIDS, Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Flavia Hoyte
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, United States
| | - David J. Jackson
- Guy’s Severe Asthma Centre, Guy’s Hospital, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rohit Katial
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, United States
| | - Bruce J. Kirenga
- Department of Medicine, Lung Institute, Makerere University Lung Institute, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Mariko Siyue Koh
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Lauri Lehtimäki
- Allergy Centre, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Mei Fong Liew
- FAST and Chronic Programmes, Alexandra Hospital, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- Division of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Bassam Mahboub
- Rashid Hospital, Dubai Health Authority (DHA), Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Dubai Academic and Health Corporation, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Neil Martin
- BioPharmaceuticals Medical, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, United States
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew N. Menzies-Gow
- BioPharmaceutical Medical, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Lung Division, Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Pee Hwee Pang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Andriana I. Papaioannou
- 2nd Respiratory Medicine Department, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Pujan H. Patel
- Respiratory Medicine, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Luis Perez-De-Llano
- Pneumology Service, Lucus Augusti University Hospital, Sergas (Galician Healthcare Service) Integrated Management Structure (EOXI) Lugo, Cervo, Spain
| | - Matthew J. Peters
- Department of Thoracic Medicine, Concord Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Luisa Ricciardi
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology, G. Martino Hospital, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | | | - Ivan Solarte
- Pulmonary Unit, Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, Bogotá, Colombia
- School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Tunn Ren Tay
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Changi General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Carlos A. Torres-Duque
- Centro Internacional de Investigación en Neumología (CINEUMO), Respiratory Research Center, Fundación Neumológica Colombiana, Bogotá, Colombia
- Universidad de La Sabana, Doctoral Biosciences, Chia, Colombia
| | - Eileen Wang
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, United States
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Martina Zappa
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - John Abisheganaden
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Health Services and Outcomes Research, National Healthcare Group, Singapore, Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Karin Dahl Assing
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Richard W. Costello
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Clinical Research Centre, Smurfit Building Beaumont Hospital, Royal College of Surgeons Ireland (RCSI), Dublin, Ireland
| | - Peter G. Gibson
- Australian Severe Asthma Network, Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Hunter Medical Research Institute, John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Enrico Heffler
- Personalized Medicine, Asthma and Allergy, Istituto Clinico Humanitas, Humanitas Cancer Center (IRCCS) Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Italy
| | - Jorge Máspero
- Clinical Research for Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, CIDEA Foundation, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- University Career of Specialists in Allergy and Clinical Immunology at the Buenos Aires University School of Medicine, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Stefania Nicola
- Allergy and Immunology Unit, L'Azienda Ospedaliera (AO) Ordine Mauriziano di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Diahn-Warng Perng (Steve)
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Chest Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Francesca Puggioni
- Personalized Medicine, Asthma and Allergy, Istituto Clinico Humanitas, Humanitas Cancer Center (IRCCS) Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Sundeep Salvi
- Pulmocare Research and Education Foundation, Pune, India
| | - Chau-Chyun Sheu
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | | | - Camille Taillé
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Bichat Hospital, l'Assistance publique – Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP) Nord-Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Tze Lee Tan
- Department of Family Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Leif Bjermer
- Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Giorgio Walter Canonica
- Personalized Medicine, Asthma and Allergy, Istituto Clinico Humanitas, Humanitas Cancer Center (IRCCS) Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Italy
| | | | - Libardo Jiménez-Maldonado
- Universidad de La Sabana, Doctoral Biosciences, Chia, Colombia
- Fundación Neumológica Colombiana, ASMAIRE REXPIRA (Atención integral y rehabilitación en asma or Comprehensive Care and Rehabilitation in Asthma) Program, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Christian Taube
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, University Medical Center Essen-Ruhrlandklinik, Essen, Germany
| | - Luisa Brussino
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - David B. Price
- Observational and Pragmatic Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
- Optimum Patient Care Global, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Centre of Academic Primary Care, Division of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
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Komakech K, Nakiyingi L, Fred A, Achan B, Joloba M, Kirenga BJ, Ssengooba W. Effect of mixed Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection on rapid molecular diagnostics among patients starting MDR-TB treatment in Uganda. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:70. [PMID: 38200467 PMCID: PMC10782568 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08968-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mixed M. tuberculosis (MTB) infection occurs when one is infected with more than one clonally distinct MTB strain. This form of infection can assist MTB strains to acquire additional mutations, facilitate the spread of drug-resistant strains, and boost the rate of treatment failure. Hence, the presence of mixed MTB infection could affect the performance of some rapid molecular diagnostic tests such as Line Probe Assay (LPA) and GeneXpert MTB/RIF (Xpert) assays. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study that used sputum specimens collected from participants screened for STREAM 2 clinical trial between October 2017 and October 2019. Samples from 62 MTB smear-positive patients and rifampicin-resistant patients from peripheral health facilities were processed for Xpert and LPA as screening tests for eligibility in the trial. From November 2020, processed stored sputum samples were retrieved and genotyped to determine the presence of mixed-MTB strain infection using a standard 24-locus Mycobacterial Interspersed Repetitive Unit-Variable Number Tandem-Repeat (MIRU-VNTR). Samples with at least 20/24 MIRU-VNTR loci amplified were considered for analysis. Agar proportional Drug Susceptibility Test (DST) was performed on culture isolates of samples that had discordant results between LPA and Xpert. The impact of the presence of mixed-MTB strain on Xpert and LPA test interpretation was analyzed. RESULTS A total of 53/62 (85%) samples had analyzable results from MIRU-VNTR. The overall prevalence of mixed-MTB infection was 5/53 (9.4%). The prevalence was highest among male's 3/31 (9.7%) and among middle-aged adults, 4/30 (33.3%). Lineage 4 of MTB contributed 3/5 (60.0%) of the mixed-MTB infection prevalence. Having mixed MTB strain infection increased the odds of false susceptible Xpert test results (OR 7.556, 95% CI 0.88-64.44) but not for LPA. Being HIV-positive (P = 0.04) independently predicted the presence of mixed MTB infection. CONCLUSIONS The presence of mixed-MTB strain infection may affect the performance of the GeneXpert test but not for LPA. For patients with high pre-test probability of rifampicin resistance, an alternative rapid method such as LPA should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Komakech
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Mycobacteriology (BSL-3) Laboratory, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Lydia Nakiyingi
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ashab Fred
- Department of Immunology and Molecular Biology, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Beatrice Achan
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Mycobacteriology (BSL-3) Laboratory, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Moses Joloba
- Department of Immunology and Molecular Biology, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Bruce J Kirenga
- Makerere University Lung Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Willy Ssengooba
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Mycobacteriology (BSL-3) Laboratory, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
- Makerere University Lung Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda.
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Bongomin F, Kwizera R, Namusobya M, van Rhijn N, Andia-Biraro I, Kirenga BJ, Meya DB, Denning DW. Re-estimation of the burden of serious fungal diseases in Uganda. Ther Adv Infect Dis 2024; 11:20499361241228345. [PMID: 38328511 PMCID: PMC10848809 DOI: 10.1177/20499361241228345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background It is of utmost importance to monitor any change in the epidemiology of fungal diseases that may arise from a change in the number of the at-risk population or the availability of local data. Objective We sought to update the 2015 publication on the incidence and prevalence of serious fungal diseases in Uganda. Methods Using the Leading International Fungal Education methodology, we reviewed published data on fungal diseases and drivers of fungal diseases in Uganda. Regional or global data were used where there were no Ugandan data. Results With a population of ~45 million, we estimate the annual burden of serious fungal diseases at 4,099,357 cases (about 9%). We estimated the burden of candidiasis as follows: recurrent Candida vaginitis (656,340 cases), oral candidiasis (29,057 cases), and esophageal candidiasis (74,686 cases) in HIV-infected people. Cryptococcal meningitis annual incidence is estimated at 5553 cases, Pneumocystis pneumonia at 4604 cases in adults and 2100 cases in children. For aspergillosis syndromes, invasive aspergillosis annual incidence (3607 cases), chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (26,765 annual cases and 63,574 5-year-period prevalent cases), and prevalence of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis at 75,931 cases, and severe asthma with fungal sensitization at 100,228 cases. Tinea capitis is common with 3,047,989 prevalent cases. For other mycoses, we estimate the annual incidence of histoplasmosis to be 646 cases and mucormycosis at 9 cases. Conclusion Serious fungal diseases affect nearly 9% of Ugandans every year. Tuberculosis and HIV remain the most important predisposition to acute fungal infection necessitating accelerated preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic interventions for the management of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Bongomin
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Gulu University, Gulu, Uganda
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Richard Kwizera
- Infectious Diseases Institute, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Martha Namusobya
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Norman van Rhijn
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Bruce J. Kirenga
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - David B. Meya
- Infectious Diseases Institute, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - David W. Denning
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, CTF Building, The University of Manchester, Grafton Street, Manchester M13 9NT, UK
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Kirenga BJ, Mugenyi L, Sánchez-Rico M, Kyobe H, Muttamba W, Mugume R, Mwesigwa E, Kalimo E, Nyombi V, Segawa I, Namakula LO, Sekibira R, Kabweru W, Byanyima R, Aanyu H, Byakika-Kibwika P, Mwebesa HG, Hoertel N, Bazeyo W. Association of fluvoxamine with mortality and symptom resolution among inpatients with COVID-19 in Uganda: a prospective interventional open-label cohort study. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:5411-5418. [PMID: 36869228 PMCID: PMC9982784 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02004-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
Prior research suggests that fluvoxamine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder and major depressive disorder, could be repurposed against COVID-19. We undertook a prospective interventional open-label cohort study to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of fluvoxamine among inpatients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 in Uganda. The main outcome was all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes were hospital discharge and complete symptom resolution. We included 316 patients, of whom 94 received fluvoxamine in addition to standard care [median age, 60 years (IQR = 37.0); women, 52.2%]. Fluvoxamine use was significantly associated with reduced mortality [AHR = 0.32; 95% CI = 0.19-0.53; p < 0.001, NNT = 4.46] and with increased complete symptom resolution [AOR = 2.56; 95% CI = 1.53-5.51; p < 0.001, NNT = 4.44]. Sensitivity analyses yielded similar results. These effects did not significantly differ by clinical characteristic, including vaccination status. Among the 161 survivors, fluvoxamine was not significantly associated with time to hospital discharge [AHR 0.81, 95% CI (0.54-1.23), p = 0.32]. There was a trend toward greater side effects with fluvoxamine (7.45% versus 3.15%; SMD = 0.21; χ2 = 3.46, p = 0.06), most of which were light or mild in severity and none of which were serious. One hundred mg of fluvoxamine prescribed twice daily for 10 days was well tolerated and significantly associated with reduced mortality and with increased complete symptom resolution, without a significant increase in time to hospital discharge, among inpatients with COVID-19. Large-scale randomized trials are urgently needed to confirm these findings, especially for low- and middle-income countries, where access to vaccines and approved treatments against COVID-19 is limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce J Kirenga
- Department of Internal Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
- Makerere University Lung Institute, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Levicatus Mugenyi
- Makerere University Lung Institute, Kampala, Uganda
- Medical Research Council, Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Entebbe Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Marina Sánchez-Rico
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), DMU Psychiatrie et Addictologie, Hôpital Corentin-Celton, F-92130, Issy-les-Moulineaux, France
| | | | - Winters Muttamba
- Makerere University Lung Institute, Kampala, Uganda
- Division of Infection and Global Health, School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
| | | | - Eliya Mwesigwa
- Makerere University Lung Institute, Kampala, Uganda
- Mulago National Referral Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ezra Kalimo
- Mulago National Referral Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Vicky Nyombi
- Mulago National Referral Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ivan Segawa
- Makerere University Lung Institute, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Loryndah Olive Namakula
- Makerere University Lung Institute, Kampala, Uganda
- Mulago National Referral Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | | | - Hellen Aanyu
- Mulago National Referral Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | - Nicolas Hoertel
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), DMU Psychiatrie et Addictologie, Hôpital Corentin-Celton, F-92130, Issy-les-Moulineaux, France
- Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- INSERM U1266, Institut de Psychiatrie et Neuroscience de Paris, Paris, France
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Ingenhoff R, Robertson N, Munana R, Bodnar BE, Weswa I, Sekitoleko I, Gaal J, Kirenga BJ, Kalyesubula R, Knauf F, Siddharthan T. Challenges to Implementation of Community Health Worker-Led Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Screening and Referral in Rural Uganda: A Qualitative Study using the Implementation Outcomes Framework. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis 2023; 18:2769-2783. [PMID: 38046984 PMCID: PMC10693197 DOI: 10.2147/copd.s420137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death globally. The burden of COPD is expected to increase in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). COPD screening and diagnostics tools are often inaccessible in rural settings of LMICs. To contribute to the growing body of evidence on the effectiveness of Community Health Worker (CHW) interventions, this study aims to understand the facilitators and barriers of implementing a CHW-led COPD screening and referral program in rural Uganda. Methods This qualitative study was conducted from September to October 2022 to explore Community Members, CHWs, and Healthcare Providers (HCPs) perceptions on the challenges of CHW-delivered COPD programming in Nakaseke, rural Uganda. In total, we held eight individual in-depth interviews with CHWs, ten in-depth interviews with HCPs and six focus group discussions with 34 Community Members. Research assistants audio-recorded and transcribed interviews verbatim. The implementation outcomes framework guided the thematic analysis. Results Implementation acceptability was constrained by a lack of COPD awareness, a lack of perceived utility in COPD screening as well as stigma around the diagnostic process. Limited spirometry adoption was also attributed to Community Member accessibility and willingness to participate in the COPD diagnostic referral process. The high patient volume and the complex, time-consuming diagnostic and referral process hindered successful implementation. To enhance program sustainability, all participants suggested increasing CHW support, medication access, decentralizing COPD care and upscaling follow-up of Community Members by CHWs. Conclusion CHW-led interventions remain a potentially critical tool to alleviate barriers to treatment and self-management in settings where access to care is limited. While community-based interventions can create sustainable infrastructure to improve health outcomes, formative assessments of the potential barriers prior to intervention are required. Evidence-based, localized approaches and sustained funding are imperative to achieve this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Ingenhoff
- Department of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Charité Center for Global Health, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Richard Munana
- School of Public Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- African Community Center for Social Sustainability, Nakaseke, Uganda
| | - Benjamin E Bodnar
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ivan Weswa
- African Community Center for Social Sustainability, Nakaseke, Uganda
| | - Isaac Sekitoleko
- MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Kampala, Uganda
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Julia Gaal
- Department of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Robert Kalyesubula
- African Community Center for Social Sustainability, Nakaseke, Uganda
- Department of Physiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Felix Knauf
- Department of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Trishul Siddharthan
- Department of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
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Komakech K, Nakiyingi L, Fred A, Achan B, Joloba M, Kirenga BJ, Ssengooba W. Effect of mixed Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection on rapid molecular diagnostics among patients starting MDR-TB treatment in Uganda. Res Sq 2023:rs.3.rs-3324330. [PMID: 37841871 PMCID: PMC10571598 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3324330/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Background We evaluated the effect of mixed-MTB strain infection on the performance of Line Probe Assay (LPA) and GeneXpert MTB/RIF (Xpert) assays among patients initiating MDR-TB treatment in Uganda. Methods This was a cross-sectional study using sputum specimens collected from participants screened for STREAM 2 clinical trial between October 2017 and October 2019. Samples from 62 MTB smear-positive patients and rifampicin-resistant patients from the peripheral health facilities were processed for Xpert and LPA as screening tests for eligibility in the trial. From November 2020, processed stored sputum samples were retrieved and genotyped to determine the presence of mixed-MTB strain infection using a standard 24-locus Mycobacterial Interspersed Repetitive Unit-Variable Number Tandem-Repeat (MIRU-VNTR). Samples with at least 20/24 MIRU-VNTR loci amplified were considered for analysis. Agar proportional Drug Susceptibility Test (DST) was performed on culture isolates of samples that had discordant results between LPA and Xpert. The impact of the presence of mixed-MTB strain on Xpert and LPA test interpretation was analyzed. Results A total of 53/62 (85%) samples had analyzable results from MIRU-VNTR. The overall prevalence of mixed-MTB infection was 5/53 (9.4%). The prevalence was highest among males 3/33 (9.7%) and among middle-aged adults, 4/30 (13.3%). Lineage 4 of MTB contributed 3/33 (9.1%) of the mixed-MTB infection prevalence. Having mixed MTB strain infection increased the odds of false susceptible Xpert test results (OR 7.556, 95% CI 0.88-64.44) but not for LPA. Being HIV-positive (P=0.04) independently predicted the presence of mixed MTB infection. Conclusions The presence of mixed-MTB strain infection may affect the performance of the GeneXpert test but not for LPA. For patients with high pre-test probability of rifampicin resistance, an alternative rapid method such as LPA should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Bruce J Kirenga
- Makerere University Lung Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences
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8
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Kwizera A, Kabatooro D, Atumanya P, Tumukunde J, Kalungi J, Mwanje AK, Obua D, Agaba P, Sendagire C, Nakibuuka J, Owachi D, Dünser MW, Alenyo-Ngabirano A, Olaro C, Kyobe-Bosa H, Kirenga BJ, Nakiyingi L, Kiwanuka N, Kateete DP, Joloba M, Sewankambo N, Summers C. Respiratory Support Techniques for COVID-19-Related ARDS in a Sub-Saharan African Country: A Multicenter Observational Study. Chest 2023; 164:369-380. [PMID: 36773933 PMCID: PMC9911971 DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2023.01.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Limited data from low-income countries report on respiratory support techniques in COVID-19-associated ARDS. RESEARCH QUESTION Which respiratory support techniques are used in patients with COVID-19-associated ARDS in Uganda? STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS A multicenter, prospective, observational study was conducted at 13 Ugandan hospitals during the pandemic and included adults with COVID-19-associated ARDS. Patient characteristics, clinical and laboratory data, initial and most advanced respiratory support techniques, and 28-day mortality were recorded. Standard tests, log-rank tests, and logistic regression analyses were used for statistical analyses. RESULTS Four hundred ninety-nine patients with COVID-19-associated ARDS (mild, n = 137; moderate, n = 247; and severe, n = 115) were included (ICU admission, 38.9%). Standard oxygen therapy (SOX), high-flow nasal oxygen (HFNO), CPAP, noninvasive ventilation (NIV), and invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) was used as the first-line (most advanced) respiratory support technique in 37.3% (35.3%), 10% (9.4%), 11.6% (4.8%), 23.4% (14.4%), and 17.6% (36.6%) of patients, respectively. The first-line respiratory support technique was escalated in 19.8% of patients. Twenty-eight-day mortality was 51.9% (mild ARDS, 13.1%; moderate ARDS, 62.3%; severe ARDS, 75.7%; P < .001) and was associated with respiratory support techniques as follows: SOX, 19.9%; HFNO, 31.9%; CPAP, 58.3%; NIV 61.1%; and IMV, 83.9% (P < .001). Proning was used in 79 patients (15.8%; 59 of 79 awake) and was associated with lower mortality (40.5% vs 54%; P = .03). The oxygen saturation to Fio2 ratio (OR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.98-0.99; P < .001) and respiratory rate (OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.03-1.12; P = .002) at admission and NIV (OR, 6.31; 95% CI, 2.29-17.37; P < .001) or IMV (OR, 8.08; 95% CI, 3.52-18.57; P < .001) use were independent risk factors for death. INTERPRETATION SOX, HFNO, CPAP, NIV, and IMV were used as respiratory support techniques in patients with COVID-19-associated ARDS in Uganda. Although these data are observational, they suggest that the use of SOX and HFNO therapy as well as awake proning are associated with a lower mortality resulting from COVID-19-associated ARDS in a resource-limited setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur Kwizera
- Department of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Daphne Kabatooro
- Department of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Patience Atumanya
- Department of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Janat Tumukunde
- Department of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joyce Kalungi
- Department of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Arthur Kavuma Mwanje
- Department of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Daniel Obua
- Department of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Peter Agaba
- Department of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Cornelius Sendagire
- Department of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda; Uganda Heart Institute, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jane Nakibuuka
- Department of Medicine and Intensive Care Unit, Mulago National Referral Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Martin W Dünser
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Kepler University Hospital and Johannes Kepler University Linz, Linz, Austria
| | | | | | - Henry Kyobe-Bosa
- Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda; Uganda Peoples Defence Forces, Kampala, Uganda; Kellogg College, University of Oxford, Oxford, England
| | - Bruce J Kirenga
- Department of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda; Makerere University Lung Institute, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Lydia Nakiyingi
- Department of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Noah Kiwanuka
- School of Public Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - David Patrick Kateete
- Department of Immunology and Molecular Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Moses Joloba
- Department of Immunology and Molecular Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Nelson Sewankambo
- Department of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
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Kirenga BJ, Alupo P, van Gemert F, Jones R. Implication of the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease 2023 report for resource-limited settings: tracing the G in the GOLD. Eur Respir J 2023; 61:2300484. [PMID: 37321612 PMCID: PMC10269374 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.00484-2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The new Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) 2023 report provides a very useful synthesis of available scientific evidence to guide COPD management, research and prevention, as always [1, 2]. Important changes include the revision of the definition of the condition and the replacement of groups C and D with E, which highlights the importance of exacerbations in COPD [2]. COPD guidelines still have blind spots for low-resource settings. If GOLD is truly to be considered a global report on COPD, more attention will need to be paid to practical solutions in global settings. https://bit.ly/3zusjOd
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce J Kirenga
- Makerere University Lung Institute, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Frederik van Gemert
- Department of Health Sciences, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Rupert Jones
- Research and Knowledge Exchange, Plymouth Marjon University, Plymouth, UK
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Semulimi AW, Batte C, Bayiyana A, Nakabuye M, Mukisa J, Castelnuovo B, Ratanshi RP, Kirenga BJ, Ssinabulya I. Serum E-selectin and endothelial cell-specific Molecule-1 levels among people living with HIV on long term ART in Uganda: a pilot cross-sectional study. AIDS Res Ther 2023; 20:26. [PMID: 37161496 PMCID: PMC10169468 DOI: 10.1186/s12981-023-00519-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prolonged exposure to HIV and anti-retroviral therapy (ART) has been linked with endothelial cell activation which subsequently predisposes people living with HIV (PLWH) to cardiovascular diseases. Serum biomarkers of endothelial cell activation such as E-Selectin and endothelial cell-specific molecule-1 (ESM-1) could aid in early detection of PLWH at a risk of cardiovascular diseases. However, there is a paucity of data on these biomarkers like E-selectin and endothelial cell-specific molecule-1 (ESM-1) among PLWH on long term ART (≥ 10 years) in Uganda. The aim of this study is to determine the serum levels of these biomarkers in this population. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study where we randomly sampled 73 stored serum samples of PLWH who were enrolled in the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) ART long term (ALT cohort). We measured serum levels of E-selectin and ESM-1 by ELISA. Data was summarized using median and interquartile range. Inferential statistics were performed to determine predictors of elevated levels of E-selectin. RESULTS Of the 73 samples analyzed, 38 (52.1%) were from female participants. The mean age was 54 ± 9.0 years. Twenty participants (27.4%) had a history of smoking while 52 (71.2%) had a history of alcohol intake. Twenty-five (34.3%) of the participants were overweight whereas 4 (5.6%) were obese. Fifty-four (74%) had an undetectable viral load (≤ 0 copies/ml) and the mean duration of ART at the time of sampling (2014/2015) was 10.4 ± 0.4 years. While serum levels of ESM-1 were not detectable in any of our samples, the median E-selectin levels was 147.6 μm/L ranging from 8.44 μm/L and 1,979.36 μm/L. Sixty-seven participants (91.8%) had elevated levels of E-selectin (> 39 μm/L). CD4 count > 500 cells/µl compared to lower counts was a predictor of elevated levels of E-Selectin (adjusted Odd Ratio 12.5, 95% CI (1.03 - 149.95, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The majority (91.8%) of PLWH on long term ART had elevated levels of E-selectin. Having high CD4 count (> 500 cells/µl) was predictive of elevated levels of E-Selectin. Future work should longitudinally assess the trend of levels of E-selectin and ESM-1 while assessing for cardiovascular diseases endpoint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Weil Semulimi
- Lung Institute, Department of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Charles Batte
- Lung Institute, Department of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Alice Bayiyana
- Department of Immunology and Molecular Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Mariam Nakabuye
- Lung Institute, Department of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - John Mukisa
- Department of Immunology and Molecular Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Rosalind Parkes Ratanshi
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Bruce J Kirenga
- Lung Institute, Department of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Isaac Ssinabulya
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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11
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Semulimi AW, Kyazze AP, Kyalo E, Mukisa J, Batte C, Bongomin F, Ssinabulya I, Kirenga BJ, Okello E. Review of electrocardiographic abnormalities among people living with HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0283419. [PMID: 36952493 PMCID: PMC10035850 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0283419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities are increasingly being reported among people living with HIV (PLWH). However, the exact prevalence of ECG abnormalities among PLWH in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), a region with one of the highest burdens of HIV, is not known. Through a systematic review, we determined the prevalence and patterns of ECG abnormalities among PLWH in SSA. METHODS We conducted a search in online databases including EMBASE, MEDLINE, CINAHL and Research for Life for studies published between 1st January 2000 and 31st December 2020. Studies reporting any form of ECG abnormalities published in English were screened and reviewed for eligibility. Retrieved studies were assessed for validity using the modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Data was summarized qualitatively, and ECG abnormalities were further subcategorized into rate, conduction, and rhythm abnormalities as well as atrial and ventricular enlargements. RESULTS We retrieved seventeen of the 219 studies assessed for eligibility published between 2001 and 2020, with a total of 2,572 eligible participants. The mean age of the participants ranged between 6.8 years and 58.6 years. Of the 17 studies, 8 (47%) were case-control, 6 (35.3%) cross-sectional and 3 (17.6%) were cohort in design. Thirteen studies were conducted in the adult population while four were conducted in the pediatric population. The prevalence of ECG abnormalities ranged from 10% to 81% and 6.7% to 26.5% in the adult and pediatric population respectively. Among studies done in the adult population, conduction abnormalities were the most reported (9 studies) with a prevalence ranging from 3.4% to 53.5%. In the pediatric population, rate abnormalities were the most reported (4 studies) with a prevalence ranging from 3.9% to 20.9%. The heterogeneity in results could be attributed to the absence of uniform criteria to define ECG abnormalities. CONCLUSION Our findings highlight a high prevalence of ECG abnormalities among PLWH in SSA. Consideration of ECG in the comprehensive evaluation of cardiac dysfunction among PLWH in SSA maybe warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Weil Semulimi
- Department of Medicine, Lung Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Andrew Peter Kyazze
- Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Edward Kyalo
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - John Mukisa
- Department of Immunology and Molecular Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Charles Batte
- Department of Medicine, Lung Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Felix Bongomin
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, Gulu University, Gulu, Uganda
| | - Isaac Ssinabulya
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Division of Adult Cardiology, Uganda Heart Institute, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Bruce J Kirenga
- Department of Medicine, Lung Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Emmy Okello
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Division of Adult Cardiology, Uganda Heart Institute, Kampala, Uganda
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12
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Bongomin F, Kwizera R, Mande E, Aloyo SM, Achan B, Namusobya M, Sereke SG, Batte C, Kiguli S, Baluku JB, Joloba ML, Kirenga BJ. Aspergillus-specific IgM/IgG antibody serostatus of patients hospitalized with moderate-critical COVID-19 in Uganda. Afr Health Sci 2022; 22:506-511. [PMID: 36910368 PMCID: PMC9993298 DOI: 10.4314/ahs.v22i3.54] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis is known to complicate the coronavirus diseases-2019 (COVID-19), especially those with critical illness. We investigated the baseline anti-Aspergillus antibody serostatus of patients with moderate-critical COVID-19 hospitalized at 3 COVID-19 Treatment Units in Uganda. All 46 tested patients, mean age 30, and 11% with underlying respiratory disease had a negative serum anti-Aspergillus IgM/IgG antibody immunochromatographic test on day 3 (mean) of symptom onset (range 1-26), but follow up specimens to assess seroconversion were not available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Bongomin
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Gulu University Medical School, Gulu Uganda
| | - Richard Kwizera
- Translational research laboratory, Department of Research, Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O Box 22418, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Emmanuel Mande
- Translational research laboratory, Department of Research, Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O Box 22418, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Sharley Melissa Aloyo
- Department of Immunology and Molecular Biology, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Beatrice Achan
- Department of Medical Microbiology, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Martha Namusobya
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mulago National Referral Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Senai Goitom Sereke
- Department of Radiology and Radiotherapy, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Charles Batte
- Makerere University Lung Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Sarah Kiguli
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joseph Baruch Baluku
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mulago National Referral Hospital, Kampala, Uganda.,Directorate of Programs, Mildmay Uganda, Wakiso, Uganda
| | - Moses L Joloba
- Department of Immunology and Molecular Biology, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Bruce J Kirenga
- Makerere University Lung Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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Kirenga BJ, Nidoi J, Muttamba W, Walusimbi S, Lalitha R, Mayanja-Kizza H, Yoo S, Imoko J, Kawuma J, Worodria W. Tracing Makerere University's 100 years' contribution to lung science/medicine. Afr Health Sci 2022; 22:57-62. [PMID: 36321122 PMCID: PMC9590332 DOI: 10.4314/ahs.v22i2.9s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Dear Editor, African Health Sciences Journal, This year, 2022, Makerere University will be celebrating 100 years of existence. As current lung science/medicine experts, we felt it as important to trace the University's contribution to lung science and medicine. In this letter, we trace and describe some of the early work done by Makerere University/Mulago Hospital affiliated scientists, identify prominent players in lung science over the 100 years, and present the university's scholarly contribution to this field, as available in online databases. We include both Makerere University and Mulago Hospital affiliated scientists, because for many years, staff of these two institutions have worked together in teaching, research and patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce J Kirenga
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda, Makerere University Lung Institute, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jasper Nidoi
- Makerere University Lung Institute, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | - Rejani Lalitha
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Harriet Mayanja-Kizza
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Samuel Yoo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Health Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Joseph Imoko
- Former TB Advisor, WHO Country Office, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joseph Kawuma
- Former Medical Advisor, German Leprosy and TB Relief Association Uganda Office, Kampala, Uganda
| | - William Worodria
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
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Ingenhoff R, Nandawula J, Siddharthan T, Ssekitoleko I, Munana R, Bodnar BE, Weswa I, Kirenga BJ, Mutungi G, van der Giet M, Kalyesubula R, Knauf F. Effectiveness of a community health worker-delivered care intervention for hypertension control in Uganda: study protocol for a stepped wedge, cluster randomized control trial. Trials 2022; 23:440. [PMID: 35610712 PMCID: PMC9128241 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06403-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over 80% of the morbidity and mortality related to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) occurs in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). Community health workers (CHWs) may improve disease control and medication adherence among patients with NCDs in LMICs, particularly in sub-Saharan African settings. In Uganda, and the majority of LMICs, management of uncontrolled hypertension remains limited in constrained health systems. Intervening at the primary care level, using CHWs to improve medical treatment outcomes has not been well studied. We aim to determine the effectiveness of a CHW-led intervention in blood pressure control among confirmed hypertensive patients and patient-related factors associated with uncontrolled hypertension. METHODS We will conduct a stepped-wedge cluster randomized controlled trial study of 869 adult patients with hypertension attending two NCD clinics to test the effectiveness, acceptability, and fidelity of a CHW-led intervention. The multi-component intervention will be centered on monthly household visits by trained CHWs for a period of 1 year, consisting of the following: (1) blood pressure and sugar monitoring, (2) BMI monitoring, (3) cardiovascular disease risk assessment, (4) using checklists to guide monitoring and referral to clinics, and (5) healthy lifestyle counseling and education. During home visits, CHWs will remind patients of follow-up visits. We will measure blood pressure at baseline and 3-monthly for the entire cohort. We will conduct individual-level mixed effects analyses of study data, adjusting for time and clustering by patient and community. CONCLUSION The results of this study will inform community delivered HTN management across a range of LMIC settings. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05068505 . Registered on October 6, 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Ingenhoff
- Department of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Juliet Nandawula
- African Community Center for Social Sustainability, Nakaseke, Uganda
| | - Trishul Siddharthan
- Department of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of Miami, Coral Gables, USA
| | - Isaac Ssekitoleko
- MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Kampala, Uganda
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Richard Munana
- African Community Center for Social Sustainability, Nakaseke, Uganda
- School of Public Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Benjamin E Bodnar
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ivan Weswa
- African Community Center for Social Sustainability, Nakaseke, Uganda
| | | | | | - Markus van der Giet
- Department of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Robert Kalyesubula
- African Community Center for Social Sustainability, Nakaseke, Uganda
- Department of Physiology, Uganda Department of Internal Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Felix Knauf
- Department of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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15
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Ssengooba W, Komakech K, Namiiro S, Byabajungu H, Nalunjogi J, Katagira W, Kimuli I, Joloba ML, Adakun S, Nakiyingi L, Torrea G, Kirenga BJ. Rifampicin susceptibility discordance between Xpert MTB/RIF G4 and Xpert Ultra before MDRT-TB treatment initiation: A case report from Uganda. J Clin Tuberc Other Mycobact Dis 2021; 25:100286. [PMID: 34816021 PMCID: PMC8592849 DOI: 10.1016/j.jctube.2021.100286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) resistance to rifampicin, the most powerful drug leads to increase in mortality. Globally, half a million new patients develop such resistant TB each year, coupled with both inappropriate diagnosis and treatment initiation. We report a case of rifampicin resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis whose rifampicin resistance was missed by Xpert MTB/RIF Assay G4 but detected by the Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra assay at different time points leading to increased delays for MDR-TB treatment initiation at Mulago Hospital, Kampala, Uganda. Our case report compels greater urgency in accelerating the transition to the newer assay, Ultra, to benefit from higher sensitivity of rifampicin resistance detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willy Ssengooba
- Makerere University Lung Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Makerere University, Department of Medical Microbiology, Mycobacteriology (BSL-3) Laboratory, P.O.BOX 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Kevin Komakech
- Makerere University, Department of Medical Microbiology, Mycobacteriology (BSL-3) Laboratory, P.O.BOX 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Sharon Namiiro
- Makerere University Lung Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Henry Byabajungu
- National TB Reference Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joanitah Nalunjogi
- Makerere University Lung Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Winceslaus Katagira
- Makerere University Lung Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ivan Kimuli
- Makerere University Lung Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Moses L Joloba
- Makerere University Lung Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Makerere University, Department of Medical Microbiology, Mycobacteriology (BSL-3) Laboratory, P.O.BOX 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Susan Adakun
- Makerere University Lung Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- National Tuberculosis Treatment Unit, Mulago Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Lydia Nakiyingi
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Gabriela Torrea
- Unit of Mycobacteriology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Bruce J Kirenga
- Makerere University Lung Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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16
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Rossaki FM, Hurst JR, van Gemert F, Kirenga BJ, Williams S, Khoo EM, Tsiligianni I, Tabyshova A, van Boven JF. Strategies for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of COPD in low- and middle- income countries: the importance of primary care. Expert Rev Respir Med 2021; 15:1563-1577. [PMID: 34595990 DOI: 10.1080/17476348.2021.1985762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) bear a high proportion of the global morbidity and mortality caused by COPD. Increased exposure to risk factors throughout life (e.g. malnutrition, indoor and outdoor air pollution, and smoking) is associated with higher COPD prevalence in LMICs and the lack of treatment availability increases avoidable harm. AREAS COVERED This review covers the epidemiology and burden of COPD in LMICs, and challenges and recommendations related to health-care systems, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Main challenges are related to under-resourced health-care systems (such as limited availability of spirometry, rehabilitation, and medicines). Lack of policy and practical local guidelines on COPD diagnosis and management further contribute to the low diagnostic and treatment rates. In the absence of, or limited number of respiratory specialists, primary care practitioners (general practitioners, nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists, and community health workers) play an even more pivotal role in COPD management in LMICs. EXPERT OPINION Raising awareness on COPD, educating health-care workers, patients, and communities on cost-effective preventive measures as well as improving availability, affordability and proper use of diagnostic and pharmacological and non-pharmacologic treatment in primary care are the key interventions needed to improve COPD prevention, diagnosis, and care in LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Foteini M Rossaki
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (Griac), Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - John R Hurst
- UCL Respiratory, University College London, London, UK
| | - Frederik van Gemert
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (Griac), Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Bruce J Kirenga
- Makerere University Lung Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Siân Williams
- International Primary Care Respiratory Group, London, UK
| | - Ee Ming Khoo
- Department of Primary Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | - Aizhamal Tabyshova
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (Griac), Groningen, The Netherlands.,Pulmonology Department, National Center of Cardiology and Internal Medicine Named after M.m. Mirrakhimov, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
| | - Job Fm van Boven
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (Griac), Groningen, The Netherlands
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17
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Kwizera R, Bongomin F, Olum R, Worodria W, Bwanga F, Meya DB, Kirenga BJ, Gore R, Fowler SJ, Denning DW. Prevalence of Aspergillus fumigatus skin positivity in adults without an apparent/known atopic disease in Uganda. Ther Adv Infect Dis 2021; 8:20499361211039040. [PMID: 34422267 PMCID: PMC8371732 DOI: 10.1177/20499361211039040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Skin prick testing (SPT) is an important investigation in the evaluation of
allergy to fungal pathogens. However, the background sensitivity to fungal
allergens among healthy people in Uganda is unknown. Our aim was to assess
the background prevalence of Aspergillus fumigatus SPT
positivity in apparently healthy adults without known atopic disease in
Uganda. Methods: For this pilot study, we recruited 50 healthy volunteers using convenience
sampling, 56% of whom were health workers. We performed the SPT for
A. fumigatus according to manufacturer’s instructions.
A wheal diameter of ⩾3 mm was considered positive. Results: The prevalence of A. fumigatus skin positivity was 60%
(30/50). Participants with a positive A. fumigatus SPT were
significantly younger than those with a negative result [median age (years):
28 versus 35; p = 0.005]. Conclusion: There is a high skin positivity against A. fumigatus among
non-atopic healthy Ugandan adults. There is an urgent need to establish a
normal wheal cut-off value for this population. SPT alone may be an
unreliable test for the diagnosis of A. fumigatus
associated allergic syndromes. More studies are needed to define the
prevalence of A. fumigatus skin positivity among non-atopic
healthy population in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Kwizera
- Department of Research, Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. BOX 22418, Kampala, Central, Uganda,Makerere University Lung Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Felix Bongomin
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Gulu University, Gulu, Uganda, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ronald Olum
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - William Worodria
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda, Division of Pulmonology, Mulago National Referral Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Freddie Bwanga
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University Kampala, Uganda
| | - David B Meya
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Bruce J Kirenga
- Makerere University Lung Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda, Division of Pulmonology, Mulago National Referral Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Robin Gore
- Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Stephen J Fowler
- Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - David W Denning
- Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, UK
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18
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Ddungu A, Semitala FC, Castelnuovo B, Sekaggya-Wiltshire C, Worodria W, Kirenga BJ. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease prevalence and associated factors in an urban HIV clinic in a low income country. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0256121. [PMID: 34388209 PMCID: PMC8362990 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction In the last decade, survival of people living with HIV (PLHIV) has dramatically increased due wide availability of effective antiretroviral therapy. However, PLHIV remain at a comparatively higher risk of non-communicable comorbidities. We sought to determine the burden of COPD and its associations in an urban tertiary HIV clinic in Uganda. Methods and findings HIV-infected adults attending the Makerere University Joint AIDS program; aged ≥30 years without acute ailments were screened for COPD using study questionnaires and spirometry (post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC<0.7). We determined its prevalence and association with demographic characteristics, body mass index (BMI) and known risk factors. Of 288 participants enrolled, 177 (61%) were female; 253 (88%) were from urban residences, median age was 45 years (IQR: 39–51), 71(25%) were ‘ever’ smokers, 284(99%) reported biomass fuel use and 72(25%) had a history of tuberculosis. All except 1 participant were on antiretroviral therapy, median current CD4 (cells/mm3) was 558 (IQR 402–753) and 275(96%) were virologically suppressed. Nearly half (130/288, 45%) had recurrent respiratory symptoms. The prevalence of COPD was 3.1% (9/288) [95% CI: 1.63–5.92]. COPD was associated with: previous tuberculosis, (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 6.36, [95% CI 1.64–35.84], P = 0.036), self-reported chronic shortness of breath (AOR: 9.06, [95% CI 1.34–61.10], P = 0.024) and a BMI <21 Kg/m2 (AOR: 10.42 [95% CI: 1.61–100.00], P = 0.013). Conclusion In this HIV population, COPD prevalence was low and was associated with previous tuberculosis, self-reported chronic shortness of breath and BMI <21 Kg/m2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Ddungu
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kamplala, Uganda
- Makerere University Lung Institute, Kamplala, Uganda
- * E-mail: ,
| | - Fred C. Semitala
- Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kamplala, Uganda
- Makerere University Joint AIDS program, Kamplala, Uganda
- Mulago National Referral Hospital, Kamplala, Uganda
| | | | - Christine Sekaggya-Wiltshire
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kamplala, Uganda
- Mulago National Referral Hospital, Kamplala, Uganda
| | - William Worodria
- Makerere University Lung Institute, Kamplala, Uganda
- Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kamplala, Uganda
- Mulago National Referral Hospital, Kamplala, Uganda
| | - Bruce J. Kirenga
- Makerere University Lung Institute, Kamplala, Uganda
- Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kamplala, Uganda
- Mulago National Referral Hospital, Kamplala, Uganda
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19
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Katagira W, Orme MW, Jones AV, Kasiita R, Jones R, Barton A, Miah RB, Manise A, Matheson JA, Free RC, Steiner MC, Kirenga BJ, Singh SJ. Study protocol for a randomised controlled trial assessing the impact of pulmonary rehabilitation on maximal exercise capacity for adults living with post-TB lung disease: Global RECHARGE Uganda. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e047641. [PMID: 34376447 PMCID: PMC8356159 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-047641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The burden of post-tuberculosis (TB) lung disease (PTBLD) is steadily increasing in sub-Saharan Africa, causing disability among TB survivors. Without effective medicines, the mainstay of PTBLD treatment evolves around disease prevention and supportive treatment. Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR), a low-cost, non-pharmacological intervention has shown effectiveness in a group of PTBLD individuals but has not been tested in a clinical trial. This study aims to assess the impact of a 6-week PR programme on maximal exercise capacity and other outcomes among adults in Uganda living with PTBLD. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This is a randomised waiting-list controlled trial with blinded outcome measures, comparing PR versus usual care for patients with PTBLD. A total of 114 participants will be randomised (1:1) to receive either usual care (on the waiting list) or PR, with follow-up assessments at 6 weeks and 12 weeks postintervention. The primary outcome is change in walking distance measured by the Incremental Shuttle Walk Test from baseline to the end of 6 weeks of PR. All secondary outcomes will be compared between the PR and usual care arms from baseline to 6-week and 12-week follow-ups. Secondary outcomes include self-reported respiratory symptoms, physical activity, psychological well-being, health-related quality of life and cost-benefit analysis. All randomised participants will be included in the intention-to-treat analysis population. The primary efficacy analysis will be based on both per-protocol and modified intention-to-treat populations. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The trial has received ethical clearance from the Mulago Hospital Research and Ethics Committee (MHREC 1478), Kampala, Uganda as well as the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (SS 5105). Ethical approval has been obtained from the University of Leicester, UK research ethics committee (Ref No. 22349). Study findings will be published in appropriate peer-reviewed journals and disseminated at appropriate local, regional and international scientific meetings and conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ISRCTN18256843. PROTOCOL VERSION Version 1.0 July 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mark W Orme
- Department of Respiratory Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- Centre for Exercise and Rehabilitation Science (CERS), NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre - Respiratory, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
| | - Amy V Jones
- Department of Respiratory Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- Centre for Exercise and Rehabilitation Science (CERS), NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre - Respiratory, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
| | - Richard Kasiita
- Department of Physiotherapy, Mulago National Referral Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Rupert Jones
- Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - Andy Barton
- Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - Ruhme B Miah
- Department of Respiratory Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- Centre for Exercise and Rehabilitation Science (CERS), NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre - Respiratory, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
| | - Adrian Manise
- NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, Leicestershire, UK
| | | | - Robert C Free
- Centre for Exercise and Rehabilitation Science (CERS), NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre - Respiratory, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
| | - Michael C Steiner
- Department of Respiratory Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- Centre for Exercise and Rehabilitation Science (CERS), NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre - Respiratory, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
| | | | - Sally J Singh
- Department of Respiratory Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- Centre for Exercise and Rehabilitation Science (CERS), NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre - Respiratory, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
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20
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Ssengooba W, de Dieu Iragena J, Komakech K, Okello I, Nalunjogi J, Katagira W, Kimuli I, Adakun S, Joloba ML, Torrea G, Kirenga BJ. Discordance of the Repeat GeneXpert MTB/RIF Test for Rifampicin Resistance Detection Among Patients Initiating MDR-TB Treatment in Uganda. Open Forum Infect Dis 2021; 8:ofab173. [PMID: 34189166 PMCID: PMC8223903 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofab173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Global Laboratory Initiative (GLI) guidelines recommend repeat for GeneXpertMTB/RIF (XpertMTB/RIF) in patients with a low pretest probability of rifampicin resistance (RR). METHODS This was a cross-sectional study using results of sputum specimens collected from participants screened for the STREAM 2 trial. We recruited all patients with XpertMTB/RIF RR-TB detected who were referred for RR/multidrug-resistant (MDR) TB treatment initiation at Mulago National Referral Hospital, Kampala, between September 2017 and October 2019. At baseline, smear microscopy, repeat XpertMTB/RIF, Xpert Ultra, and MTBDRplus assays were done on sputum specimens. Culture-based drug susceptibility testing (DST) was performed on discordant specimens. We analyzed the prevalence and factors associated with discordance between initial and repeat XpertMTB/RIF RR and false XpertMTB/RIF RR. False XpertMTB/RIF RR was defined as no RR detected by any of Xpert Ultra, LPA, or culture DST (reference comparator). RESULTS A total of 126/130 patients had repeat XpertMTB/RIF results, of whom 97 (77.0%) had M. tuberculosis detected, 81 (83.5%) had RR detected, and 1 (1.0%) had RR indeterminate. The prevalence of discordant XpertMTB/RIF RR was 15/96 (15.6%), whereas false XpertMTB/RIF RR prevalence was 10/96 (10.4%).Low-bacillary load sputum specimens were more likely to have discordant XpertMTB/RIF RR and false XpertMTB/RIF RR results (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.04; 95% CI, 0.00-0.37; P = .01; aOR, 0.02; 95% CI, 0.01-0.35; P = .01, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Our findings show a high false-positive rifampicin resistance rate in low-TB burden patients, which calls for repeat testing in order to prevent unnecessary prescription of anti-MDR-TB therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willy Ssengooba
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University Lung Institute, Kampala, Uganda
- Mycobacteriology (BSL-3) Laboratory, Department of Medical Microbiology, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jean de Dieu Iragena
- Communicable Diseases Cluster, HIV/TB and Hepatitis Programme, World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Congo
| | - Kevin Komakech
- Mycobacteriology (BSL-3) Laboratory, Department of Medical Microbiology, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Iginitius Okello
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University Lung Institute, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joanitah Nalunjogi
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University Lung Institute, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Winceslaus Katagira
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University Lung Institute, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ivan Kimuli
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University Lung Institute, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Susan Adakun
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University Lung Institute, Kampala, Uganda
- National Tuberculosis Treatment Unit, Mulago Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Moses L Joloba
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University Lung Institute, Kampala, Uganda
- Mycobacteriology (BSL-3) Laboratory, Department of Medical Microbiology, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Gabriela Torrea
- Unit of Mycobacteriology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Bruce J Kirenga
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University Lung Institute, Kampala, Uganda
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Kwizera R, Bongomin F, Olum R, Worodria W, Bwanga F, Meya DB, Kirenga BJ, Gore R, Denning DW, Fowler SJ. Evaluation of an Aspergillus IgG/IgM lateral flow assay for serodiagnosis of fungal asthma in Uganda. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0252553. [PMID: 34048497 PMCID: PMC8162618 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diagnosis of fungal allergies in asthma remains problematic in low-and middle-income countries due to non-availability of point-of-care testing. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the performance of an Aspergillus immunochromatographic technology (ICT) IgG/M lateral flow device (LFD) for the serological diagnosis of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) and severe asthma with fungal sensitisation (SAFS) among Ugandan adult asthmatics. METHODS 374 adult (aged ≥18years) asthmatics in the African Severe Asthma Program study, Ugandan site constituted the study population. ABPA and SAFS were diagnosed according to standard criteria. Asthmatics who did not meet the above criteria constituted a control group. The LFD tests were performed and read according to manufacturer's instructions. RESULTS ABPA was found in 12/374 (3.2%) and SAFS in 60/374 (16%) participants. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) for the Aspergillus ICT for the diagnosis of ABPA were 0.0%, 96.4%, 0.0% and 96.7% respectively, and for SAFS 6.7%, 97.1%, 30.8% and 84.5% respectively. False positive and negative rates were 3.5% and 3.2% for ABPA and 2.4% and 14.9% for SAFS, respectively. Patients with a positive LFD significantly had higher median Aspergillus fumigatus-specific IgE levels compared to those with negative LFD (median: 0.06 kUA/l VS 0.03 kUA/L, P = 0.011). CONCLUSION The Aspergillus ICT IgG/M LFD had a poor diagnostic performance for the diagnosis of both ABPA and SAFS. Its greatest value may be in distinguishing chronic and allergic aspergillosis in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Kwizera
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Makerere University Lung Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- * E-mail:
| | - Felix Bongomin
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Gulu University, Gulu, Uganda
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ronald Olum
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - William Worodria
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Division of Pulmonology, Mulago National Referral Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Freddie Bwanga
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - David B. Meya
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Bruce J. Kirenga
- Makerere University Lung Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Division of Pulmonology, Mulago National Referral Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Robin Gore
- Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - David W. Denning
- Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen J. Fowler
- Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
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22
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce J Kirenga
- Lung Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Department of Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
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23
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Nantanda R, Bloch J, Østergaard MS, Kirenga BJ, Tumwine JK, Ndeezi G, Reventlow S, Poulsen A, Kjærgaard J. Health Workers' Practices in Assessment and Management of Children with Respiratory Symptoms in Primary Care Facilities in Uganda: A FRESH AIR Descriptive Study. J Trop Pediatr 2021; 67:6296314. [PMID: 34114631 DOI: 10.1093/tropej/fmab042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Globally, acute lower respiratory infections are the leading cause of mortality among children under 5 years. Following World Health Organization primary care guidelines, pneumonia is diagnosed based on cough/difficult breathing and fast breathing. We aimed to describe the practices of healthcare workers in primary care health facilities in Uganda in the management of young children with respiratory symptoms especially regarding asthma as opposed to pneumonia. METHODS Health workers were observed during clinical consultations with children 1-59 months of age presenting with cough and/or difficult breathing at recruitment. Afterward, an exit interview with the caregiver was conducted. Health center availability of clinical guidelines, equipment and supplies for management of children with respiratory symptoms was assessed systematically. RESULTS A total of 218 consultations with 50 health workers at six health centers were included. Median consultation time was 4 min. Health workers asked history relevant to distinguishing asthma from pneumonia in 16% of consultations. The respiratory rate was counted in 10%. Antibiotics were prescribed to 32% of all the children and to 39% of children diagnosed with pneumonia. Caregivers reported being informed of findings and possible diagnosis in 5% of cases. Medicine and equipment needed for diagnosing and treating asthma were generally unavailable. CONCLUSION Clinical practices among Ugandan health workers in primary care are insufficient to distinguish between main causes of respiratory symptoms, especially asthma as opposed to pneumonia, in children under five. Irrational use of antibiotics is widespread. Clear communication with caregivers is lacking. This could be due to lack of relevant competencies, medicines, time and supplies. LAY SUMMARY Globally, the most frequent cause of death for children under five is infections in the lower airways. The World Health Organization recommends that in local health clinics this is defined as cough/difficult breathing and fast breathing. This article focuses on the practices of local health workers in Uganda and how they in practice diagnose and treat children under five with these symptoms. In addition, we try to estimate how much the caregivers of the children understand from the consultation. This is done by observing the healthcare workers (HCWs) and by interviewing the caregivers. In general, we found that the consultations were too short, that too few of the health workers looked for important signs for lower airways disease such as fast breathing and that antibiotics were prescribed in too many of the consultations. Also, the length and quality of the consultations and the supplies at the local health clinics were not sufficient to diagnose and treat asthma, which can often be mistaken for an infection. We believe that it is an important problem that too few children with asthma are being diagnosed correctly and that antibiotics are being prescribed too frequently, the latter being an important cause of antibiotic resistance. Relevant action must be taken to improve this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Nantanda
- Makerere University Lung Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala +256, Uganda
| | - Joakim Bloch
- The Global Health Unit, Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Danish National Hospital "Rigshospitalet", Copenhagen 2100, Denmark
| | - Marianne Stubbe Østergaard
- The Research Unit for General Practice and Section of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 1165, Denmark
| | - Bruce J Kirenga
- Makerere University Lung Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala +256, Uganda.,Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala +256, Uganda
| | - James K Tumwine
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala +256, Uganda
| | - Grace Ndeezi
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala +256, Uganda
| | - Susanne Reventlow
- The Global Health Unit, Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Danish National Hospital "Rigshospitalet", Copenhagen 2100, Denmark.,The Research Unit for General Practice and Section of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 1165, Denmark
| | - Anja Poulsen
- The Global Health Unit, Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Danish National Hospital "Rigshospitalet", Copenhagen 2100, Denmark
| | - Jesper Kjærgaard
- The Global Health Unit, Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Danish National Hospital "Rigshospitalet", Copenhagen 2100, Denmark
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Bongomin F, Ssekamatte P, Nattabi G, Olum R, Ninsiima S, Kyazze AP, Nabakka W, Kukunda R, Cose S, Kibirige D, Batte C, Kaddumukasa M, Kirenga BJ, Nakimuli A, Baluku JB, Andia-Biraro I. Latent Tuberculosis Infection Status of Pregnant Women in Uganda Determined Using QuantiFERON TB Gold-Plus. Open Forum Infect Dis 2021; 8:ofab241. [PMID: 34113689 PMCID: PMC8186242 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofab241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The risk of progression of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) to active disease increases with pregnancy. This study determined the prevalence and risk factors associated with LTBI among pregnant women in Uganda. Methods We enrolled 261 pregnant women, irrespective of gestational age. Participants who had known or suspected active tuberculosis (TB) on the basis of clinical evaluation or who had recently received treatment for TB were excluded. LTBI was defined as an interferon-γ concentration ≥0.35 IU/mL (calculated as either TB1 [eliciting CD4+ T-cell responses] or TB2 [eliciting CD8+ T-cell responses] antigen minus nil) using QuantiFERON TB Gold-Plus (QFT-plus) assay. Results LTBI prevalence was 37.9% (n = 99) (95% confidence interval [CI], 32.3–44.0). However, 24 (9.2%) subjects had indeterminate QFT-plus results. Among participants with LTBI, TB1 and TB2 alone were positive in 11 (11.1%) and 18 (18.2%) participants, respectively. In multivariable analysis, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 4.4 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.1–18.0]; P = .04) and age 30–39 years (aOR, 4.0 [95% CI, 1.2–12.7]; P = .02) were independently associated with LTBI. Meanwhile, smoking status, alcohol use, nature of residence, crowding index, and TB contact were not associated with LTBI. Conclusions Our findings are in keeping with the evidence that HIV infection and advancing age are important risk factors for LTBI in pregnancy. In our setting, we recommend routine screening for LTBI and TB preventive therapy among eligible pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Bongomin
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Gulu University, Gulu, Uganda.,Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Phillip Ssekamatte
- Department of Immunology and Molecular Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Gloria Nattabi
- Department of Medicine, Uganda Martyrs Hospital Lubaga, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ronald Olum
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Sandra Ninsiima
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Andrew Peter Kyazze
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Winnie Nabakka
- Department of Medicine, Uganda Martyrs Hospital Lubaga, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Rebecca Kukunda
- Department of Medicine, Uganda Martyrs Hospital Lubaga, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Stephen Cose
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Davis Kibirige
- Department of Medicine, Uganda Martyrs Hospital Lubaga, Kampala, Uganda.,Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Charles Batte
- Lung Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Mark Kaddumukasa
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Bruce J Kirenga
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda.,Lung Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Annettee Nakimuli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joseph Baruch Baluku
- Division of Pulmonology, Kiruddu National Referral Hospital, Kampala, Uganda.,Directorate of Programs, Mildmay Uganda, Wakiso, Uganda
| | - Irene Andia-Biraro
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda.,Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda.,Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Disease, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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25
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Kwizera R, Bongomin F, Olum R, Meya DB, Worodria W, Bwanga F, Fowler SJ, Gore R, Denning DW, Kirenga BJ. Fungal asthma among Ugandan adult asthmatics. Med Mycol 2021; 59:923-933. [PMID: 33945622 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myab023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal sensitization is associated with poor asthma control. We aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with fungal asthma among Ugandan adults. Individuals aged ≥18 years with a new diagnosis of asthma in the last 12 months participating in the African Severe Asthma Program constituted the study population. Skin prick test results, clinical and demographic data were retrieved from the database, and serum Aspergillus fumigatus specific antibodies and total IgE were measured in stored blood. We enrolled 374 patients, median (IQR) age 34 (25-45) years, 286 (76.5%) females and 286 (76.5%) with severe asthma. Prevalence of Aspergillus fumigatus sensitization was 42.0% (95% CI: 37.1-47.0%), allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) 3.2% (1.8-5.5%), severe asthma with fungal sensitization (SAFS) 16% (12.7-20.1%) and allergic bronchopulmonary mycosis (ABPM) 2.9% (1.7-5.2%). Older age (55-64 years) (crude odds ratio (cOR) = 2.6), sensitization to at least one allergen (cOR = 9.38) and hypertension (cOR = 1.99) were significantly associated with Aspergillus sensitization, whereas tertiary education level (cOR = 0.29), severe depression (cOR = 0.15) and strong emotions (cOR = 0.47) were not. High occupational exposure to Aspergillus (cOR = 4.26) and contact with moulds (cOR = 14.28) were significantly associated with ABPA. Palpitations (cOR = 5.54), uncontrolled asthma (cOR = 3.54), eczema/dermatitis (cOR = 3.07), poor lung function (cOR = 2.11) and frequent exacerbations (cOR = 1.01) were significantly associated with SAFS. Eczema/dermatitis (cOR = 1.55) was significantly associated with ABPM, but cold weather trigger (cOR = 0.24) was not. Fungal asthma is a significant problem among Ugandans with asthma and should be particularly considered in individuals who remain uncontrolled despite optimal standard of care for asthma, as it is responsive to available and affordable oral antifungal therapy. LAY SUMMARY This study showed that fungal asthma is a significant problem among Ugandans with asthma with a high prevalence. Fungal asthma should be considered in patients with uncontrolled asthma despite receiving optimal standard of care. This is the first modern attempt to define these endotypes of asthma in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Kwizera
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 22418, Kampala, Uganda.,Makerere University Lung Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7749, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Felix Bongomin
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Gulu University, P.O. Box, 166, Gulu, Uganda.,Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ronald Olum
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - David B Meya
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 22418, Kampala, Uganda.,Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - William Worodria
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda.,Division of Pulmonology, Mulago National Referral Hospital, P.O. Box 7051, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Freddie Bwanga
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Stephen J Fowler
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - Robin Gore
- Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - David W Denning
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - Bruce J Kirenga
- Makerere University Lung Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7749, Kampala, Uganda.,Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda.,Division of Pulmonology, Mulago National Referral Hospital, P.O. Box 7051, Kampala, Uganda
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26
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Kwizera R, Katende A, Bongomin F, Nakiyingi L, Kirenga BJ. Misdiagnosis of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis as pulmonary tuberculosis at a tertiary care center in Uganda: a case series. J Med Case Rep 2021; 15:140. [PMID: 33781313 PMCID: PMC8007227 DOI: 10.1186/s13256-021-02721-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diagnosis of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) is based on a combination of clinical symptomatology, compatible chest imaging findings, evidence of Aspergillus infection and exclusion of alternative diagnosis, all occurring for more than 3 months. Recently, a rapid, highly sensitive and specific point-of-care lateral flow device (LFD) has been introduced for the detection of Aspergillus-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)G, especially in resource-limited settings where CPA is underdiagnosed and often misdiagnosed as smear-negative pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). Therefore, in our setting, where tuberculosis (TB) is endemic, exclusion of PTB is an important first step to the diagnosis of CPA. We used the recently published CPA diagnostic criteria for resource-limited settings to identify patients with CPA in our center. CASE PRESENTATION Three Ugandan women (45/human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) negative, 53/HIV infected and 18/HIV negative), with a longstanding history of cough, chest pain, weight loss and constitutional symptoms, were clinically and radiologically diagnosed with PTB and empirically treated with an anti-tuberculous regimen despite negative microbiological tests. Repeat sputum Mycobacteria GeneXpert assays were negative for all three patients. On further evaluation, all three patients met the CPA diagnostic criteria with demonstrable thick-walled cavities and fungal balls (aspergilomas) on chest imaging and positive Aspergillus-specific IgG/IgM antibody tests. After CPA diagnosis, anti-TB drugs were safely discontinued for all patients, and they were initiated on capsules of itraconazole 200 mg twice daily with good treatment outcomes. CONCLUSIONS The availability of simple clinical diagnostic criteria for CPA and a LFD have the potential to reduce misdiagnosis of CPA and in turn improve treatment outcomes in resource-limited settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Kwizera
- Department of Research, Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O.BOX, 22418, Kampala, Uganda.
- Makerere University Lung Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Andrew Katende
- Department of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Felix Bongomin
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Gulu University, Gulu, Uganda
| | - Lydia Nakiyingi
- Department of Research, Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O.BOX, 22418, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Bruce J Kirenga
- Makerere University Lung Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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Bongomin F, Olum R, Andia-Biraro I, Nakwagala FN, Hassan KH, Nassozi DR, Kaddumukasa M, Byakika-Kibwika P, Kiguli S, Kirenga BJ. COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among high-risk populations in Uganda. Ther Adv Infect Dis 2021; 8:20499361211024376. [PMID: 34178323 PMCID: PMC8193654 DOI: 10.1177/20499361211024376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunization is an important strategy for controlling the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 vaccination was recently launched in Uganda, with prioritization to healthcare workers and high-risk individuals. In this study, we aimed to determine the acceptability of COVID-19 vaccine among persons at high risk of COVID-19 morbidity and mortality in Uganda. METHODS Between 29 March and 14 April 2021, we conducted a cross-sectional survey consecutively recruiting persons at high risk of severe COVID-19 (diabetes mellitus, HIV and cardiovascular disease) attending Kiruddu National Referral Hospital outpatient clinics. A trained research nurse administered a semi-structured questionnaire assessing demographics, COVID-19 vaccine related attitudes and acceptability. Descriptive statistics, bivariate and multivariable analyses were performed using STATA 16. RESULTS A total of 317 participants with a mean age 51.5 ± 14.1 years were recruited. Of this, 184 (60.5%) were female. Overall, 216 (70.1%) participants were willing to accept the COVID-19 vaccine. The odds of willingness to accept COVID-19 vaccination were four times greater if a participant was male compared with if a participant was female [adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 4.1, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.8-9.4, p = 0.00]. Participants who agreed (AOR: 0.04, 95% CI: 0.01-0.38, p = 0.003) or strongly agreed (AOR: 0.04, 95% CI: 0.01-0.59, p = 0.005) that they have some immunity against COVID-19 were also significantly less likely to accept the vaccine. Participants who had a history of vaccination hesitancy for their children were also significantly less likely to accept the COVID-19 vaccine (AOR: 0.1, 95% CI: 0.01-0.58, p = 0.016). CONCLUSION The willingness to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in this group of high-risk individuals was comparable to the global COVID-19 vaccine acceptance rate. Increased sensitization, myth busting and utilization of opinion leaders to encourage vaccine acceptability is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Bongomin
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Gulu University, P.O. Box 166, Gulu, Uganda
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ronald Olum
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Irene Andia-Biraro
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Khalid Hudow Hassan
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Dianah Rhoda Nassozi
- Department of Dentistry, School of Health Sciences, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Mark Kaddumukasa
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Pauline Byakika-Kibwika
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Sarah Kiguli
- Department of Pediatrics & Child Health, School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Bruce J. Kirenga
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
- Lung Institute Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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28
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Nagourney EM, Robertson NM, Rykiel N, Siddharthan T, Alupo P, Encarnacion M, Kirenga BJ, Kalyesubula R, Quaderi SA, Hurst JR, Checkley W, Pollard SL. Illness representations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to inform health education strategies and research design-learning from rural Uganda. Health Educ Res 2020; 35:258-269. [PMID: 32702133 PMCID: PMC7787214 DOI: 10.1093/her/cyaa016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
More than 90% of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)-related deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries; however, few studies have examined the illness experiences of individuals living with and providing treatment for COPD in these settings. This study characterizes illness representations for COPD in Nakaseke, Uganda from the perspectives of health care providers, village health teams and community members (CMs) with COPD. We conducted 40 in-depth, semi-structured interviews (16 health care providers, 12 village health teams and 12 CMs, aged 25-80 years). Interviews were analyzed using inductive coding, and the Illness Representations Model guided our analysis. Stakeholder groups showed concordance in identifying causal mechanisms of COPD, but showed disagreement in reasons for care seeking behaviors and treatment preferences. CMs did not use a distinct label to differentiate COPD from other respiratory illnesses, and described both the physical and social consequences of COPD. Local representations can inform development of adapted educational and self-management tools for COPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily M Nagourney
- Department fo International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Center for Global Non-Communicable Disease Research and Training, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 1830 E. Monument St., Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Nicole M Robertson
- Center for Global Non-Communicable Disease Research and Training, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 1830 E. Monument St., Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 1830 E. Monument St., Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Natalie Rykiel
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 1830 E. Monument St., Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Trishul Siddharthan
- Center for Global Non-Communicable Disease Research and Training, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 1830 E. Monument St., Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 1830 E. Monument St., Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Patricia Alupo
- College of Health Sciences Lung Institute, Makerere University, Upper Mulago Hill Road, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Marysol Encarnacion
- Department fo International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Bruce J Kirenga
- College of Health Sciences Lung Institute, Makerere University, Upper Mulago Hill Road, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Upper Mulago Hill Road, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Robert Kalyesubula
- Department of Physiology, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Upper Mulago Hill Road, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Shumonta A Quaderi
- UCL Respiratory, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - John R Hurst
- UCL Respiratory, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - William Checkley
- Department fo International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Center for Global Non-Communicable Disease Research and Training, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 1830 E. Monument St., Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 1830 E. Monument St., Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Suzanne L Pollard
- Department fo International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Center for Global Non-Communicable Disease Research and Training, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 1830 E. Monument St., Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 1830 E. Monument St., Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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Nantanda R, Kayingo G, Jones R, van Gemert F, Kirenga BJ. Training needs for Ugandan primary care health workers in management of respiratory diseases: a cross sectional survey. BMC Health Serv Res 2020; 20:402. [PMID: 32393227 PMCID: PMC7212561 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-020-05135-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Respiratory diseases are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in Uganda, but there is little attention and capacity for management of chronic respiratory diseases in the health programmes. This survey assessed gaps in knowledge and skills among healthcare workers in managing respiratory illnesses. Methods A cross sectional study was conducted among primary care health workers, specialist physicians and healthcare planners to assess gaps in knowledge and skills and, training needs in managing respiratory illnesses. The perspectives of patients with respiratory diseases were also sought. Data were collected using questionnaires, patient panel discussions and review of pre-service training curricula for clinicians and nurses. Survey Monkey was used to collect data and descriptive statistical analysis was undertaken for quantitative data, while thematic content analysis techniques were utilized to analyze qualitative data. Results A total of 104 respondents participated in the survey and of these, 76.9% (80/104) were primary care health workers, 16.3% (17/104) specialist clinicians and 6.7% (7/104) healthcare planners. Over 90% of the respondents indicated that more than half of the patients in their clinics presented with respiratory symptoms. More than half (52%) of the primary care health workers were not comfortable in managing chronic respiratory diseases like asthma and COPD. Only 4% of them were comfortable performing procedures like pulse oximetry, nebulization, and interpreting x-rays. Majority (75%) of the primary care health workers had received in-service training but only 4% of the sessions focused on respiratory diseases. The pre-service training curricula included a wide scope of respiratory diseases, but the actual training had not sufficiently prepared health workers to manage respiratory diseases. The patients were unsatisfied with the care in primary care and reported that they were often treated for the wrong illnesses. Conclusions Respiratory illnesses contribute significantly to the burden of diseases in primary care facilities in Uganda. Management of patients with respiratory diseases remains a challenge partially because of inadequate knowledge and skills of the primary care health workers. A training programme to improve the competences of health workers in respiratory medicine is highly recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Nantanda
- Makerere University Lung Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda.
| | | | - Rupert Jones
- Peninsula Medical School, Plymouth University, Plymouth, UK
| | - Frederik van Gemert
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Bruce J Kirenga
- Makerere University Lung Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda.,Department of Internal Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
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Kwizera R, Katende A, Teu A, Apolot D, Worodria W, Kirenga BJ, Bongomin F. Algorithm-aided diagnosis of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis in low- and middle-income countries by use of a lateral flow device. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2019; 39:1-3. [PMID: 31811506 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-019-03782-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Richard Kwizera
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.,Makerere University Lung Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Andrew Katende
- Department of Internal Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Anneth Teu
- Department of Radiology, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Denise Apolot
- Department of Radiology, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - William Worodria
- Department of Internal Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Bruce J Kirenga
- Makerere University Lung Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.,Department of Internal Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Felix Bongomin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda. .,Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Gulu University, Gulu, Uganda.
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Bongomin F, Kwizera R, Atukunda A, Kirenga BJ. Cor pulmonale complicating chronic pulmonary aspergillosis with fatal consequences: Experience from Uganda. Med Mycol Case Rep 2019; 25:22-24. [PMID: 31333999 PMCID: PMC6614533 DOI: 10.1016/j.mmcr.2019.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Revised: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cor pulmonale is a rare complication of pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA). A 45-year-old Ugandan male with a history of recurrent community-acquired pneumonias was admitted with symptoms of progressive difficulty in breathing, chronic productive cough, non-exertional left sided chest pain and progressive weight loss occurring over a 12-month period. Chest CT scan and echocardiography confirmed the diagnosis of CPA with an aspergilloma complicating bronchiectasis, complicated with cor pulmonale. However, this was previously clinically misdiagnosed as PTB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Bongomin
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Gulu University, Gulu, Uganda
- Corresponding author. Department of Internal Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Richard Kwizera
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Makerere University Lung Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Angella Atukunda
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Bruce J. Kirenga
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Makerere University Lung Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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32
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Najjingo I, Muttamba W, Kirenga BJ, Nalunjogi J, Bakesiima R, Olweny F, Lusiba P, Katamba A, Joloba M, Ssengooba W. Comparison of GeneXpert cycle threshold values with smear microscopy and culture as a measure of mycobacterial burden in five regional referral hospitals of Uganda- A cross-sectional study. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0216901. [PMID: 31091275 PMCID: PMC6519814 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0216901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Determining mycobacterial burden is important in assessing severity of disease, evaluating infectiousness and predicting patient treatment outcomes. Mycobacterial burden assessed by smear microscopy grade and time to culture positivity is clearly interpretable by most physicians. GeneXpert (Xpert) has been recommended by WHO as a first line tuberculosis (TB) diagnostic test as an alternative to smear microscopy. Xpert gives cycle threshold (Ct) values as a potential measure for mycobacterial burden. For physicians to clearly interpret Ct values as measures of mycobacterial burden, this study compared the Xpert quantification capabilities with those of smear microscopy and culture. The study also determined a linear relationship between Xpert Ct values and MGIT culture time to positivity (MGIT-TTP) and associated factors. A cut off Ct value which best predicts smear positivity was also determined using the Receiver Operator Curve analysis method. Results Excluding missing results and rifampicin resistant TB cases, a moderately strong correlation of 0.55 between Xpert Ct value and smear grade was obtained. A weak correlation of 0.37 was obtained between Xpert Ct values and MGIT time to positivity while that between Xpert Ct values and LJ culture was 0.34. The Xpert Ct values were found to increase by 2.57 for every unit increase in days to positive and HIV status was significantly associated with this relationship. A cut off Ct value of 23.62 was found to best predict smear positivity regardless of HIV status. Conclusion Our study findings show that GeneXpert Ct values are comparable to smear microscopy as a measure of M. tuberculosis burden and can be used to replace smear microscopy. However, given the low correlation between Xpert Ct value and culture positivity, Xpert Ct values cannot replace culture as a measure of M. tuberculosis burden among TB patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Najjingo
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.,Lung Institute Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | - Joanitah Nalunjogi
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ritah Bakesiima
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Francis Olweny
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Pastan Lusiba
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Achilles Katamba
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Moses Joloba
- Department of Medical Microbiology, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Willy Ssengooba
- Lung Institute Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.,Department of Medical Microbiology, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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Simkovich SM, Goodman D, Roa C, Crocker ME, Gianella GE, Kirenga BJ, Wise RA, Checkley W. The health and social implications of household air pollution and respiratory diseases. NPJ Prim Care Respir Med 2019; 29:12. [PMID: 31028270 PMCID: PMC6486605 DOI: 10.1038/s41533-019-0126-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately three billion individuals are exposed to household air pollution (HAP) from the burning of biomass fuels worldwide. Household air pollution is responsible for 2.9 million annual deaths and causes significant health, economic and social consequences, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Although there is biological plausibility to draw an association between HAP exposure and respiratory diseases, existing evidence is either lacking or conflicting. We abstracted systematic reviews and meta-analyses for summaries available for common respiratory diseases in any age group and performed a literature search to complement these reviews with newly published studies. Based on the literature summarized in this review, HAP exposure has been associated with acute respiratory infections, tuberculosis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumoconiosis, head and neck cancers, and lung cancer. No study, however, has established a causal link between HAP exposure and respiratory disease. Furthermore, few studies have controlled for tobacco smoke exposure and outdoor air pollution. More studies with consistent diagnostic criteria and exposure monitoring are needed to accurately document the association between household air pollution exposure and respiratory disease. Better environmental exposure monitoring is critical to better separate the contributions of household air pollution from that of other exposures, including ambient air pollution and tobacco smoking. Clinicians should be aware that patients with current or past HAP exposure are at increased risk for respiratory diseases or malignancies and may want to consider earlier screening in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne M Simkovich
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Center for Global Non-Communicable Diseases, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Dina Goodman
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Center for Global Non-Communicable Diseases, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Christian Roa
- Center for Global Non-Communicable Diseases, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mary E Crocker
- Center for Global Non-Communicable Diseases, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Gonzalo E Gianella
- Facultad de Medicina Alberto Hurtado, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
- Servicio de Neumología, Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos, Clinica Ricardo Palma, Lima, Peru
| | - Bruce J Kirenga
- Makerere Lung Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Pulmonology Unit, Department of Medicine, Makerere University, Mulago Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Robert A Wise
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - William Checkley
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Center for Global Non-Communicable Diseases, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Kirenga BJ, de Jong C, Katagira W, Kasozi S, Mugenyi L, Boezen M, van der Molen T, Kamya MR. Prevalence and factors associated with asthma among adolescents and adults in Uganda: a general population based survey. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:227. [PMID: 30795752 PMCID: PMC6387513 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-6562-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2018] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Recent large-scale population data on the prevalence of asthma and its risk factors are lacking in Uganda. This survey was conducted to address this data gap. Methods A general population based survey was conducted among people ≥12 years. A questionnaire was used to collect participants socio-demographics, respiratory symptoms, medical history, and known asthma risk factors. Participants who reported wheeze in the past 12 months, a physician diagnosis of asthma or current use of asthma medications were classified as having asthma. Asthmatics who were ≥ 35 years underwent spirometry to determine how many had fixed airflow obstruction (i.e. post bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in one second/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) ratio < lower limit of normal (LLN). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize participants’ characteristics. Prevalence of asthma was calculated as a proportion of asthmatics over total survey population. To obtain factors independently associated with asthma, a random-effects model was fitted to the data. Results Of the 3416 participants surveyed, 61.2% (2088) were female, median age was 30 years (IQR, 20–45) and 323 were found to have asthma. Sixteen people with asthma ≥35 years had fixed airflow obstruction. The prevalence of asthma was 11.0% (95% CI:8.9–13.2; males 10.3%, females 11.4%, urban 13.0% and rural 8.9%. Significantly more people with asthma smoked than non-asthmatics: 14.2% vs. 6.3%, p < 0.001, were exposed to biomass smoke: 28.0% vs. 20.0%, p < 0.001, had family history of asthma: 26.9% vs. 9.4%, p, < 0.001, had history of TB: 3.1% vs. 1.30%, p = 0.01, and had hypertension: 17.9% vs. 12.0%, p = 0. 003. In multivariate analysis smoking, (adjusted odds ratio (AOR), 3.26 (1.96–5.41, p < 0.001) family history of asthma, AOR 2.90 (98–4.22 p- < 0.001), nasal congestion, AOR 3.56 (2.51–5.06, p < 0.001), biomass smoke exposure, AOR 2.04 (1.29–3.21, p = 0.002) and urban residence, AOR 2.01(1.23–3.27, p = 0.005) were independently associated with asthma. Conclusion Asthma is common in Uganda and is associated with smoking, biomass smoke exposure, urbanization, and allergic diseases. Health care systems should be strengthened to provide asthma care. Measures to reduce exposure to the identified associated factors are needed. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12889-019-6562-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce J Kirenga
- Makerere University Lung Institute & Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Corina de Jong
- GRIAC-Primary Care, department of General Practice and Elderly Care, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, The Netherlands.,Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and FIXED AIRFLOW OBSTRUCTION (GRIAC), University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Winceslaus Katagira
- Makerere University Lung Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Samuel Kasozi
- Makerere University Lung Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Levicatus Mugenyi
- Makerere University Lung Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda.,Center for Statistics, Interuniversity Institute for Biostatistics and statistical Bioinformatics, UHasselt (Hasselt University), Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Marike Boezen
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Thys van der Molen
- GRIAC-Primary Care, department of General Practice and Elderly Care, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, The Netherlands.,Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Moses R Kamya
- Makerere University Lung Institute & Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
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Robertson NM, Nagourney EM, Pollard SL, Siddharthan T, Kalyesubula R, Surkan PJ, Hurst JR, Checkley W, Kirenga BJ. Urban-Rural Disparities in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Management and Access in Uganda. Chronic Obstr Pulm Dis 2019; 6:17-28. [PMID: 30775421 PMCID: PMC6373590 DOI: 10.15326/jcopdf.6.1.2018.0143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Almost 90% of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where there are large rural populations and access to health care for COPD is poor. The purpose of this study was to compare urban-rural provider experiences regarding systemic facilitators and barriers to COPD management and treatment access. Methods: We conducted a qualitative study using direct observations and in-depth semi-structured interviews with 16 and 10 health care providers in urban Kampala and rural Nakaseke, Uganda, respectively. We analyzed interviews by performing inductive coding using generated topical codes. Results: In both urban and rural districts, exposure to evidence-based practices for COPD diagnosis and treatment was limited. The biomedical definition of COPD is not well distinguished in rural communities and was commonly confused with asthma and other respiratory diseases. Urban and rural participants alike described low availability of medications, limited access to diagnostic tools, poor awareness of the disease, and lack of financial means for medical care as common barriers to seeking and receiving care for COPD. While there was greater access to COPD treatment in urban areas, rural populations faced more pronounced barriers in access to diagnostic equipment, following standard treatment guidelines, and training medical personnel in non-communicable disease (NCD) management and treatment. Conclusion: Our results suggest that health system challenges for the treatment of COPD may disproportionately affect rural areas in Uganda. Implementation of diagnostic and treatment guidelines and training health professionals in COPD, with a special emphasis on rural communities, will assist in addressing these barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole M Robertson
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Emily M Nagourney
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Suzanne L Pollard
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Trishul Siddharthan
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Robert Kalyesubula
- Department of Physiology, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Pamela J Surkan
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - John R Hurst
- UCL Respiratory, University College London, United Kingdom
| | - William Checkley
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Bruce J Kirenga
- Department of Medicine and Lung Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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Kirenga BJ, Mugenyi L, de Jong C, Lucian Davis J, Katagira W, van der Molen T, Kamya MR, Boezen M. The impact of HIV on the prevalence of asthma in Uganda: a general population survey. Respir Res 2018; 19:184. [PMID: 30241519 PMCID: PMC6151019 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-018-0898-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background HIV and asthma are highly prevalent diseases in Africa but few studies have assessed the impact of HIV on asthma prevalence in high HIV burden settings. The objective of this analysis was to compare the prevalence of asthma among persons living with HIV (PLHIV) and those without HIV participating in the Uganda National Asthma Survey (UNAS). Methods UNAS was a population-based survey of persons aged ≥12 years. Asthma was diagnosed based on either self-reported current wheeze concurrently or within the prior 12 months; physician diagnosis; or use of asthma medication. HIV was defined based on confidential self-report. We used Poisson regression with robust standard errors to estimate asthma prevalence and the prevalence ratio (PR) for HIV and asthma. Results Of 3416 participants, 2067 (60.5%) knew their HIV status and 103 (5.0%) were PLHIV. Asthma prevalence was 15.5% among PLHIV and 9.1% among those without HIV, PR 1.72, (95%CI 1.07–2.75, p = 0.025). HIV modified the association of asthma with the following factors, PLHIV vs. not PLHIV: tobacco smoking (12% vs. 8%, p = < 0.001), biomass use (11% vs. 7%, p = < 0.001), allergy (17% vs. 11%, p = < 0.001), family history of asthma (17% vs. 11%, p = < 0.001), and prior TB treatment (15% vs. 10%, p = < 0.001). Conclusion In Uganda the prevalence of asthma is higher in PLHIV than in those without HIV, and HIV interacts synergistically with other known asthma risk factors. Additional studies should explore the mechanisms underlying these associations. Clinicians should consider asthma as a possible diagnosis in PLHIV presenting with respiratory symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce J Kirenga
- Makerere University Lung Institute & Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Levicatus Mugenyi
- Makerere University Lung Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Corina de Jong
- GRIAC-Primary Care, Department of General Practice and Elderly Care, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, The Netherlands.,Groningen Research Institute for Asthma COPD (GRIAC), University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - J Lucian Davis
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, and Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine Section, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Winceslaus Katagira
- Makerere University Lung Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Thys van der Molen
- GRIAC-Primary Care, Department of General Practice and Elderly Care, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, The Netherlands.,Groningen Research Institute for Asthma COPD (GRIAC), University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Moses R Kamya
- Department of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Marike Boezen
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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van Kampen SC, Wanner A, Edwards M, Harries AD, Kirenga BJ, Chakaya J, Jones R. International research and guidelines on post-tuberculosis chronic lung disorders: a systematic scoping review. BMJ Glob Health 2018; 3:e000745. [PMID: 30057796 PMCID: PMC6058174 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2018-000745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 05/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is an important risk factor for chronic respiratory disease due to residual lung damage. Yet, the WHO End TB strategy does not mention post-TB chronic lung disorders (PTBLDs) and programmatic interventions to address PTBLD are lacking. This study assessed the scope of current guidelines and evidence on PTBLD to inform policy and research action. Methods A systematic literature search was conducted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines. Eight databases (TRIP, International Guideline Library, MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Global Health, Cochrane Library) were searched for records on PTBLD published between 1 January 1990 and 1 December 2017. Non-English records, case series, conference abstracts and letters to editors were excluded. Data were extracted and charted on publication year, location, PTBLD condition(s) and main study outcome. Results A total of 212 guidelines and 3661 articles were retrieved. After screening, only three international TB guidelines mentioned TB sequelae, but none described how to identify or manage the condition. A total of 156 articles addressed PTBLD: 54 (35%) mentioned unspecified TB sequelae; 47 (30%) specific post-TB conditions including aspergillosis, bronchial stenosis or bronchiectasis; 52 (33%) post-TB obstructive disorders or lung function impairment; and 20 (13%) post-TB respiratory symptoms or chest X-ray abnormalities. The first two groups mostly assessed surgery or ventilation techniques for patient management, while the last two groups typically assessed prevalence or predictors of disease. Conclusion This is the first review to provide a comprehensive overview of the current literature on PTBLD. The scope of evidence around the burden of PTBLD warrants inclusion and recognition of the problem in international TB guidelines. Research is now needed on early detection of PTBLD and patient management options that are suitable for high-burden TB countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanne C van Kampen
- Clinical Trials and Population Studies Department, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, United Kingdom
| | - Amanda Wanner
- Clinical Trials and Population Studies Department, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, United Kingdom
| | - Miles Edwards
- Clinical Trials and Population Studies Department, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony D Harries
- Union Headquarters, International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Paris, France.,Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Bruce J Kirenga
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine and Lung Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jeremiah Chakaya
- Union Headquarters, International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Paris, France.,Department of Medicine, Therapeutics, Dermatology and Psychiatry, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Rupert Jones
- Clinical Trials and Population Studies Department, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, United Kingdom
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Kirenga BJ, de Jong C, Mugenyi L, Katagira W, Muhofa A, Kamya MR, Boezen HM, van der Molen T. Rates of asthma exacerbations and mortality and associated factors in Uganda: a 2-year prospective cohort study. Thorax 2018; 73:983-985. [PMID: 29752346 DOI: 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2017-211157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Revised: 04/06/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Data on asthma treatment outcomes in Africa are limited. 449 patients with asthma (age 5-93 years) in Uganda were followed up for 2 years to determine rates of exacerbations and mortality and associated factors. During follow-up the median number of exacerbations per patient was 1 (IQR 0-5) and 17 patients died (3.7%, 27.3 deaths per 1000 person years). Considering only the first year of follow-up, 59.6% of the patients experienced at least one exacerbation, 32.4% experienced three or more exacerbations. A multivariable model showed that the likelihood of experiencing at least one exacerbation in the first year of follow-up was lower with better baseline asthma control (higher asthma control test (ACT) score), with OR 0.87 (95% CI: 0.82 to 0.93, P=0.000), and was higher with more exacerbations in the year prior to enrolment (OR for log number of exacerbations 1.28, 95% CI: 1.04 to 1.57, P=0.018). Better asthma control (OR 0.93, 95% CI: 0.88 to 0.99, P=0.021) and number of baseline exacerbations (OR 1.35,95% CI: 1.11 to 1.66, P=0.005) were also the only factors that were independently associated with experiencing three or more exacerbations during the first year of follow-up. The only factor found to be associated with all-cause mortality was FEV1, with higher recent FEV1 associated with lower all-cause mortality (OR 0.30, 95% CI: 0.14 to 0.65; P=0.002). Rates of asthma exacerbations and mortality are high in Uganda and are associated with poor asthma control. Health systems should be strengthened to care for asthma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce J Kirenga
- Makerere University Lung Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda.,Department of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Corina de Jong
- GRIAC-Primary Care, Department of General Practice and Elderly Care, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, The Netherlands.,Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Levicatus Mugenyi
- Makerere University Lung Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda.,Center for Statistics, Interuniversity Institute for Biostatistics, and Statistical Bioinformatics, Hasselt University (UHasselt), Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Winceslaus Katagira
- Department of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Abdallah Muhofa
- Department of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Moses R Kamya
- Makerere University Lung Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - H Marike Boezen
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Thys van der Molen
- GRIAC-Primary Care, Department of General Practice and Elderly Care, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, The Netherlands.,Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, The Netherlands
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Kadobera D, Majwala RK, Kirenga BJ, Mugabe FR, Ndyanabangi S. Tobacco use and presumptive tuberculosis in Uganda: findings from the Uganda National TB Prevalence Survey 2014 - 2016. Tob Induc Dis 2018. [DOI: 10.18332/tid/84538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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van Gemert FA, Kirenga BJ, Gebremariam TH, Nyale G, de Jong C, van der Molen T. The complications of treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in low income countries of sub-Saharan Africa. Expert Rev Respir Med 2018; 12:227-237. [PMID: 29298106 DOI: 10.1080/17476348.2018.1423964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In most low and middle-income countries, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is on the rise. Areas covered: Unfortunately, COPD is a neglected disease in these countries. Taking sub-Saharan Africa as an example, in rural areas, COPD is even unknown regarding public awareness and public health planning. Programs for the management of COPD are poorly developed, and the quality of care is often of a low standard. Inhaled medication is often not available or not affordable. Tobacco smoking is the most common encountered risk factor for COPD. However, in sub-Saharan Africa, household air pollution is another major risk factor for the development of COPD. Communities are also exposed to a variety of other risk factors, such as low birth weight, malnutrition, severe childhood respiratory infections, occupational exposures, outdoor pollution, human-immunodeficiency virus and tuberculosis. All these factors contribute to the high burden of poor respiratory health in sub-Saharan Africa. Expert commentary: A silent growing epidemic of COPD seems to be unravelling. Therefore, prevention and intervention programs must involve all the stakeholders and start as early as possible. More research is needed to describe, define and inform treatment approaches, and natural history of biomass-related COPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederik A van Gemert
- a Groningen Research Institute for asthma and COPD (GRIAC) , University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen , Groningen , The Netherlands.,b Makerere University Lung Institute (MLI), Mulago Hospital , Kampala , Uganda
| | - Bruce J Kirenga
- a Groningen Research Institute for asthma and COPD (GRIAC) , University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen , Groningen , The Netherlands.,b Makerere University Lung Institute (MLI), Mulago Hospital , Kampala , Uganda.,c Department of Medicine , Makerere University , Kampala , Uganda
| | - Tewodros Haile Gebremariam
- d Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine , Addis Ababa University, College of Health Science , Addis Ababa , Ethiopia
| | - George Nyale
- e Respiratory and Infectious Disease Unit , Kenyatta National Referral & Teaching Hospital , Nairobi , Kenya.,f Kenya Association of Physicians for Tuberculosis and other Lung Disease (KAPTLD) , Nairobi , Kenya
| | - Corina de Jong
- a Groningen Research Institute for asthma and COPD (GRIAC) , University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen , Groningen , The Netherlands
| | - Thys van der Molen
- a Groningen Research Institute for asthma and COPD (GRIAC) , University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen , Groningen , The Netherlands.,b Makerere University Lung Institute (MLI), Mulago Hospital , Kampala , Uganda
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Jones R, Kirenga BJ, Katagira W, Singh SJ, Pooler J, Okwera A, Kasiita R, Enki DG, Creanor S, Barton A. A pre-post intervention study of pulmonary rehabilitation for adults with post-tuberculosis lung disease in Uganda. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis 2017; 12:3533-3539. [PMID: 29270007 PMCID: PMC5729823 DOI: 10.2147/copd.s146659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Setting The study was conducted at Mulago Hospital, Kampala, Uganda. Objective As chronic respiratory disease (CRD) is a huge, growing burden in Africa, with few available treatments, we aimed to design and evaluate a culturally appropriate pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) program in Uganda for people with post-tuberculosis lung disorder (p-TBLD). Design In a pre–post intervention study, a 6-week, twice-weekly PR program was designed for people with p-TBLD. Outcome measures included recruitment, retention, the Clinical COPD Questionnaire (CCQ), tests of exercise capacity, and biometrics. Given this was a developmental study, no formal statistical significance testing was undertaken. Results In all, 34 participants started PR and 29 (85%) completed all data collection. The mean age of the 29 participants was 45 years, and 52% were female. The mean (95% confidence interval) CCQ score at baseline was 1.8 (1.5, 2.0), at the end of PR was 1.0 (0.8, 1.2), and at 6 weeks after the end of PR was 0.8 (0.7, 1.0). The Incremental Shuttle Walking Test (ISWT) was 299 m (268.5, 329.4) at baseline, 377 (339.6, 413.8) at the end of PR, and 374 (334.2, 413.5) at 6 weeks after the end of PR. Improvements were seen in measures of chest pain; 13/29 (45%) participants reported chest pain at baseline but only 7/29 (24%) at the end of PR, and in those with persistent pain, the mean pain scores decreased. Mild hemoptysis was reported in 4/29 (17%) participants at baseline and in 2/29 (7%) at the end of PR. Conclusion PR for people with p-TBLD in Uganda was feasible and associated with clinically important improvements in quality of life, exercise capacity, and respiratory outcomes. PR uses local resources, requires little investment, and offers a new, sustainable therapy for p-TBLD in resource-limited settings. With the rising global burden of CRD, further studies are needed to assess the value of PR in p-TBLD and other prevalent forms of CRD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rupert Jones
- Population Studies and Clinical Trials, Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry, Plymouth University, Plymouth, UK
| | - Bruce J Kirenga
- Population Studies and Clinical Trials, Makerere Lung Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Mulago Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Wincelsas Katagira
- Population Studies and Clinical Trials, Makerere Lung Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Mulago Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Sally J Singh
- Cardio-Respiratory Directorate, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester
| | - Jill Pooler
- Population Studies and Clinical Trials, Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry, Plymouth University, Plymouth, UK
| | - Alphonse Okwera
- Population Studies and Clinical Trials, Makerere Lung Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Mulago Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Richard Kasiita
- Department of Physiotherapy, Mulago Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Doyo G Enki
- Medical Statistics, Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry, Plymouth University, Plymouth, UK
| | - Siobhan Creanor
- Medical Statistics, Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry, Plymouth University, Plymouth, UK
| | - Andy Barton
- Population Studies and Clinical Trials, Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry, Plymouth University, Plymouth, UK
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Schayck OCPV, Williams S, Barchilon V, Baxter N, Jawad M, Katsaounou PA, Kirenga BJ, Panaitescu C, Tsiligianni IG, Zwar N, Ostrem A. Erratum: Treating tobacco dependence: guidance for primary care on life-saving interventions. Position statement of the IPCRG. NPJ Prim Care Respir Med 2017; 27:52. [PMID: 28874667 PMCID: PMC5585317 DOI: 10.1038/s41533-017-0048-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- O C P Van Schayck
- Department of Family Medicine, CAPHRI, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - S Williams
- International Primary Care Respiratory Group, Aberdeen, UK
| | - V Barchilon
- Andalusian Health Service (SAS), Tobacco group of GRAP (Primary Care Respiratory Group), Andalusia, Spain
| | - N Baxter
- International Primary Care Respiratory Group, Aberdeen, UK.,Southwark Clinical Commissioning Group, London, UK
| | - M Jawad
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - P A Katsaounou
- Pulmonary Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistran University of Athens, Evaggelismos Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - B J Kirenga
- Lung Institute and Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - C Panaitescu
- Family Medicine Solo Practice, RespiRo- Romanian Primary Care Respiratory Group, Bucharest, Romania
| | - I G Tsiligianni
- Clinic of Social and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Crete, Greece
| | - N Zwar
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - A Ostrem
- General Practitioner, Gransdalen Legesenter, Oslo, Norway
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van Boven JFM, An PL, Kirenga BJ, Chavannes NH. Electric scooters: batteries in the battle against ambient air pollution? Lancet Planet Health 2017; 1:e168-e169. [PMID: 29851633 DOI: 10.1016/s2542-5196(17)30079-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Job F M van Boven
- Department of General Practice, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands.
| | - Pham Le An
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Bruce J Kirenga
- Department of Pulmonology, Makerere University, Makerere University Lung Institute, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Niels H Chavannes
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
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44
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Van Schayck OCP, Williams S, Barchilon V, Baxter N, Jawad M, Katsaounou PA, Kirenga BJ, Panaitescu C, Tsiligianni IG, Zwar N, Ostrem A. Treating tobacco dependence: guidance for primary care on life-saving interventions. Position statement of the IPCRG. NPJ Prim Care Respir Med 2017; 27:38. [PMID: 28600490 PMCID: PMC5466643 DOI: 10.1038/s41533-017-0039-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2016] [Revised: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tobacco smoking is the world's leading cause of premature death and disability. Global targets to reduce premature deaths by 25% by 2025 will require a substantial increase in the number of smokers making a quit attempt, and a significant improvement in the success rates of those attempts in low, middle and high income countries. In many countries the only place where the majority of smokers can access support to quit is primary care. There is strong evidence of cost-effective interventions in primary care yet many opportunities to put these into practice are missed. This paper revises the approach proposed by the International Primary Care Respiratory Group published in 2008 in this journal to reflect important new evidence and the global variation in primary-care experience and knowledge of smoking cessation. Specific for primary care, that advocates for a holistic, bio-psycho-social approach to most problems, the starting point is to approach tobacco dependence as an eminently treatable condition. We offer a hierarchy of interventions depending on time and available resources. We present an equitable approach to behavioural and drug interventions. This includes an update to the evidence on behaviour change, gender difference, comparative information on numbers needed to treat, drug safety and availability of drugs, including the relatively cheap drug cytisine, and a summary of new approaches such as harm reduction. This paper also extends the guidance on special populations such as people with long-term conditions including tuberculosis, human immunodeficiency virus, cardiovascular disease and respiratory disease, pregnant women, children and adolescents, and people with serious mental illness. We use expert clinical opinion where the research evidence is insufficient or inconclusive. The paper describes trends in the use of waterpipes and cannabis smoking and offers guidance to primary-care clinicians on what to do faced with uncertain evidence. Throughout, it recognises that clinical decisions should be tailored to the individual's circumstances and attitudes and be influenced by the availability and affordability of drugs and specialist services. Finally it argues that the role of the International Primary Care Respiratory Group is to improve the confidence as well as the competence of primary care and, therefore, makes recommendations about clinical education and evaluation. We also advocate for an update to the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines to optimise each primary-care intervention. This International Primary Care Respiratory Group statement has been endorsed by the Member Organisations of World Organization of Family Doctors Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- O C P Van Schayck
- Department of Family Medicine, CAPHRI, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - S Williams
- International Primary Care Respiratory Group, Aberdeen, UK
| | - V Barchilon
- Andalusian Health Service (SAS), Tobacco group of GRAP (Primary Care Respiratory Group), Andalusia, Spain
| | - N Baxter
- International Primary Care Respiratory Group, Aberdeen, UK
- Southwark Clinical Commissioning Group, London, UK
| | - M Jawad
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - P A Katsaounou
- Pulmonary Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistran University of Athens, Evaggelismos Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - B J Kirenga
- Lung Institute and Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - C Panaitescu
- Family Medicine Solo Practice, RespiRo- Romanian Primary Care Respiratory Group, Bucharest, Romania
| | - I G Tsiligianni
- Clinic of Social and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Crete, Greece
| | - N Zwar
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - A Ostrem
- General Practitioner, Gransdalen Legesenter, Oslo, Norway
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Kirenga BJ, Jones R, Muhofa A, Nyakoojo G, Williams S. Rapid assessment of the demand and supply of tobacco dependence pharmacotherapy in Uganda. Public Health Action 2016; 6:35-7. [PMID: 27051610 DOI: 10.5588/pha.15.0070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2015] [Accepted: 01/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Tobacco dependence pharmacotherapy (TDP) plays a major role in smoking cessation. We conducted a rapid assessment of current smoking, availability of TDP and the willingness to quit and to pay for TDP among 56 patients with tobacco-attributable diseases and 38 pharmacies in Uganda. Of the 56 patients, 63% were current smokers, 77.4% wanted to quit and 37% were willing to pay. Drugs were largely unavailable: nicotine replacement products were available in only seven pharmacies (18%) and bupropion in three (8%); these cost respectively US$15.7 and US$17.1 for a 1-month supply. Improving supplies and lowering prices could facilitate access to TDP in Uganda.
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Affiliation(s)
- B J Kirenga
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda ; Lung Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - R Jones
- Lung Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda ; Peninsula Medical School, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - A Muhofa
- Lung Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - G Nyakoojo
- Lung Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - S Williams
- International Primary Care Respiratory Group, Edinburgh, UK
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Kirenga BJ, Schwartz JI, de Jong C, van der Molen T, Okot-Nwang M. Guidance on the diagnosis and management of asthma among adults in resource limited settings. Afr Health Sci 2015; 15:1189-99. [PMID: 26958020 PMCID: PMC4765426 DOI: 10.4314/ahs.v15i4.18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Optimal management of asthma in resource limited settings is hindered by lack of resources, making it difficult for health providers to adhere to international guidelines. The purpose of this review is to identify steps for asthma diagnosis and management in resource limited settings. METHODS Review of international asthma guidelines and other published studies on diagnosis and management of asthma. RESULTS We establish that clinical diagnosis of asthma can be made if recurrent respiratory symptoms especially current wheeze or wheeze in the last 12 months are present. Presence of a trigger, other allergic diseases, personal or family history of asthma; clinical improvement and increase in the peak flow and forced expiratory volume in one second of ≥12% after salbutamol administration increases the likelihood of asthma. At diagnosis severity grading, patient education, removal or reduction of trigger should be done. Follow up 2-6 weeks and assessment of control during therapy is essential. Therapy should be adjusted up or down depending on control levels. Patients should be instructed to increase the frequency of their bronchodilators and/or steroids therapy when they start to experience worsening symptoms. CONCLUSION Good quality asthma care can be achieved in resource limited settings by use of clinical data and simple tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce J Kirenga
- Pulmonology unit, Department of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health sciences/Mulago Hospital
- Department of General Practice, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Corina de Jong
- Department of General Practice, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Thys van der Molen
- Department of General Practice, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Martin Okot-Nwang
- Pulmonology unit, Department of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health sciences/Mulago Hospital
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47
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Serugendo AN, Kirenga BJ, Hawkes M, Nakiyingi L, Worodria W, Okot-Nwang M. Evaluation of asthma control using Global Initiative for Asthma criteria and the Asthma Control Test in Uganda. Int J Tuberc Lung Dis 2015; 18:371-6. [PMID: 24670578 DOI: 10.5588/ijtld.13.0699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
SETTING Chest clinic of a national referral hospital in a resource-limited country. OBJECTIVES To determine the level of asthma control, factors influencing asthma control and the accuracy of the Asthma Control Test (ACT). DESIGN We collected demographic and clinical data and administered the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) criteria test and the ACT. The proportions of patients in each of the GINA and ACT control categories (uncontrolled, partly controlled and well controlled) were calculated. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify factors associated with asthma control. Diagnostic test parameters for the ACT using GINA criteria as gold standard were calculated. RESULTS Of 88 asthma patients enrolled, 67% were female. The median age was 34 years (range 12-85). Using GINA criteria, respectively 59 (67%), 17 (19%) and 12 (14%) patients had uncontrolled, partly controlled and well controlled asthma; per ACT, the corresponding figures were respectively 40% (35/88), 43% (38/88) and 17% (15/88). ACT sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive and negative predictive value were respectively 95%, 92%, 99% and 73%. Nasal congestion was associated with uncontrolled asthma (P = 0.031). CONCLUSION The majority of the patients at the Mulago Hospital have inadequately controlled asthma, and this is associated with nasal congestion. A simple symptom questionnaire, the ACT, can correctly classify asthma control.
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Affiliation(s)
- A N Serugendo
- Pulmonology Unit, Department of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - B J Kirenga
- Pulmonology Unit, Department of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - M Hawkes
- University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - L Nakiyingi
- Pulmonology Unit, Department of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - W Worodria
- Pulmonology Unit, Department of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - M Okot-Nwang
- Pulmonology Unit, Department of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
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48
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Bulage L, Imoko J, Kirenga BJ, Lo T, Byabajungu H, Musisi K, Joloba M, Bloss E. Quality of Sputum Specimen Samples Submitted for Culture and Drug Susceptibility Testing at the National Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory-Uganda, July-October 2013. J Tuberc Res 2015; 3:97-106. [PMID: 35911866 PMCID: PMC9335348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Setting The Uganda National Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory (NTRL) in Kampala. Objective The proportion of poor quality specimens received for drug susceptibility testing (DST) at the NTRL and factors contributing to poor specimen quality were assessed. Design A cross-sectional study was conducted of sputum samples received at the NTRL from patients at high risk for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR TB) during July-October 2013. Demographic, clinical, and bacteriological data were abstracted from laboratory records. A poor quality sample failed to meet any one of four criteria: ≥3 milliliter (ml) volume, delivered within 72 hours, triple packaged, and non-salivary appearance. Results Overall, 365 (64%) of 556 samples were of poor quality; 89 (16%) were not triple packaged, 44 (8%) were <3 mls, 164 (30%) were not delivered on time, and 215 (39%) were salivary in appearance. Poor quality specimens were more likely to be collected during the eighth month of TB treatment (OR = 2.5, CI = 1.2 - 5.1), from the East or Northeast zones (OR = 2.2, CI = 1.1 - 4.8), and from patients who previously defaulted from treatment (OR = 1.9, CI = 1.1 - 3.2). Conclusion The majority of sputum samples had poor quality. Additional efforts are needed to improve quality of samples collected at the end of treatment, from East and Northeast zones, and from patients who had previously defaulted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilian Bulage
- National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Programme, Kampala, Uganda,National Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory, Kampala, Uganda,Corresponding author. ,
| | - Joseph Imoko
- National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Programme, Kampala, Uganda,World Health Organization, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Bruce J. Kirenga
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Terry Lo
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, USA
| | - Henry Byabajungu
- National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Programme, Kampala, Uganda,National Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Keneth Musisi
- National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Programme, Kampala, Uganda,National Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Moses Joloba
- National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Programme, Kampala, Uganda,National Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Emily Bloss
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, USA
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Nakiyingi L, Nonyane BAS, Ssengooba W, Kirenga BJ, Nakanjako D, Lubega G, Byakika-Kibwika P, Joloba ML, Ellner JJ, Dorman SE, Mayanja-Kizza H, Manabe YC. Predictors for MTB Culture-Positivity among HIV-Infected Smear-Negative Presumptive Tuberculosis Patients in Uganda: Application of New Tuberculosis Diagnostic Technology. PLoS One 2015. [PMID: 26222142 PMCID: PMC4519276 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0133756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The existing World Health Organization diagnostic algorithms for smear-negative TB perform poorly in HIV-infected individuals. New TB diagnostics such as urine TB lipoarabinomannan (LAM) could improve the accuracy and reduce delays in TB diagnosis in HIV-infected smear-negative presumptive TB. We sought to determine predictors for MTB culture-positivity among these patients. Methods This study was nested into a prospective evaluation of HIV-infected outpatients and inpatients clinically suspected to have TB who were screened by smear-microscopy on two spot sputum samples. Data on socio-demographics, clinical symptoms, antiretroviral therapy, CXR, CD4 count, mycobacterial sputum and blood cultures and TB-LAM were collected. Logistic regression and conditional inference tree analysis were used to determine the most predictive indicators for MTB culture-positivity. Results Of the 418 smear-negative participants [female, 64%; median age (IQR) 32 (28-39) years, median CD4 106 (IQR 22 - 298) cells/mm3], 96/418 (23%) were sputum and/ or blood culture-positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) complex. Abnormal CXR (aOR 3.68, 95% CI 1.76- 7.71, p=0.001) and positive urine TB-LAM (aOR 6.21, 95% CI 3.14-12.27, p< 0.001) were significantly associated with MTB culture-positivity. Previous TB treatment (aOR 0.41, 95% CI 0.17-0.99, p=0.049) reduced the likelihood of a positive MTB culture. A conditional inference tree analysis showed that positive urine TB-LAM and abnormal CXR were the most predictive indicators of MTB culture-positivity. A combination of urine TB-LAM test and CXR had sensitivity and specificity of 50% and 86.1% respectively overall, and 70.8% and 84.1% respectively among those with CD4<100 cells/mm3. Conclusions A positive urine TB-LAM test and an abnormal CXR significantly predict MTB culture-positivity among smear-negative HIV-infected presumptive TB patients while previous TB treatment reduces the likelihood of a positive MTB culture. Validation studies to assess the performance of diagnostic algorithms that include urine TB-LAM in the diagnosis of smear-negative TB in HIV-infected individuals are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia Nakiyingi
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Heath Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
- * E-mail:
| | - Bareng A. S. Nonyane
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Willy Ssengooba
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Makerere University College of Heath Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Bruce J. Kirenga
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Heath Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Damalie Nakanjako
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Heath Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Gloria Lubega
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Pauline Byakika-Kibwika
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Heath Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Moses L. Joloba
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Makerere University College of Heath Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jerry J. Ellner
- Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Susan E. Dorman
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Harriet Mayanja-Kizza
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Heath Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Yukari C. Manabe
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
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Kirenga BJ, Meng Q, van Gemert F, Aanyu-Tukamuhebwa H, Chavannes N, Katamba A, Obai G, van der Molen T, Schwander S, Mohsenin V. The State of Ambient Air Quality in Two Ugandan Cities: A Pilot Cross-Sectional Spatial Assessment. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2015; 12:8075-91. [PMID: 26184273 PMCID: PMC4515709 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph120708075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2015] [Revised: 07/06/2015] [Accepted: 07/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Air pollution is one of the leading global public health risks but its magnitude in many developing countries' cities is not known. We aimed to measure the concentration of particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter <2.5 µm (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone (O3) pollutants in two Ugandan cities (Kampala and Jinja). PM2.5, O3, temperature and humidity were measured with real-time monitors, while NO2 and SO2 were measured with diffusion tubes. We found that the mean concentrations of the air pollutants PM2.5, NO2, SO2 and O3 were 132.1 μg/m3, 24.9 µg/m3, 3.7 µg/m3 and 11.4 μg/m3, respectively. The mean PM2.5 concentration is 5.3 times the World Health Organization (WHO) cut-off limits while the NO2, SO2 and O3 concentrations are below WHO cut-off limits. PM2.5 levels were higher in Kampala than in Jinja (138.6 μg/m3 vs. 99.3 μg/m3) and at industrial than residential sites (152.6 μg/m3 vs. 120.5 μg/m3) but residential sites with unpaved roads also had high PM2.5 concentrations (152.6 μg/m3). In conclusion, air pollutant concentrations in Kampala and Jinja in Uganda are dangerously high. Long-term studies are needed to characterize air pollution levels during all seasons, to assess related public health impacts, and explore mitigation approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce J Kirenga
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Qingyu Meng
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Center for Global Public Health, School of Public Health, Rutgers University, NJ 07107, USA.
| | - Frederik van Gemert
- Department of General Practice, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen 9700 RB, The Netherlands.
| | - Hellen Aanyu-Tukamuhebwa
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Niels Chavannes
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden 2333 ZA, The Netherlands.
| | - Achilles Katamba
- Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatics Unit, Department of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Gerald Obai
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Gulu University, Gulu, Uganda.
| | - Thys van der Molen
- Department of General Practice, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen 9700 RB, The Netherlands.
| | - Stephan Schwander
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Center for Global Public Health, School of Public Health, Rutgers University, NJ 07107, USA.
| | - Vahid Mohsenin
- Department of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.
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