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Chirwa M, Taghinejadi N, Macaulay G, Mandalia S, Bellone C, Panay N, Brum R, Nwokolo N. Reflections on a specialist HIV menopause service. HIV Med 2022; 23:426-433. [DOI: 10.1111/hiv.13256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mimie Chirwa
- Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust London UK
| | | | | | | | - Claire Bellone
- Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust London UK
| | - Nicholas Panay
- Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust London UK
| | - Roberta Brum
- Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust London UK
| | - Nneka Nwokolo
- Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust London UK
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Mazzitelli M, Branca Isabel P, Muramatsu T, Chirwa M, Mandalia S, Moyle G, Marta B, Milinkovic A. FRAX assessment in people ageing with HIV. HIV Med 2021; 23:103-108. [PMID: 34541758 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.13170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Current British HIV Association (BHIVA) guidelines recommend the use of FRAX for the routine assessment of bone fracture risk in people living with HIV over 50 years of age every 3 years. Bone mineral density measurement with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan is recommended for those with increased fracture risk (FRAX major > 10%). Our objectives were to estimate the prevalence of and risk factors for osteoporosis in a population of PLWH aged > 50 years and assess the utility of FRAX in predicting the presence of DXA-proven osteoporosis in this cohort. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study of a cohort of PLWH aged > 50 years attending the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and who had a DXA scan between January 2009 and December 2018. FRAX scores were calculated using the Sheffield algorithm. Multiple regression models and Cohen's kappa values were used to assess risk factors for osteoporosis and agreement between FRAX and DXA scan results, respectively. RESULTS In all, 744 patients were included (92.9% male, mean age 56 ± 5 years). The prevalence rates of osteoporosis (at DXA scans) and osteopenia were 12.2% and 63.7%, respectively. FRAX major was > 10% in only two patients, while 90/91 (98.9%) patients with osteoporosis had a normal FRAX score. The presence of osteoporosis was significantly associated with low body mass index and estimated glomerular filtration rate (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Our results indicate that FRAX scores did not predict the presence of osteoporosis in our population of PLWH over 50 years of age and therefore FRAX scores may not be the appropriate tool to define eligibility to perform DXA scans in PLWH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Mazzitelli
- Research and Development Department, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, UK.,Medical and Surgical Sciences Department, "Magna Graecia" University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | - Takashi Muramatsu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Tokyo Medical University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mimie Chirwa
- Research and Development Department, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, UK
| | - Sundhiya Mandalia
- Research and Development Department, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, UK
| | - Graeme Moyle
- Research and Development Department, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, UK
| | - Boffito Marta
- Research and Development Department, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, UK.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Ana Milinkovic
- Research and Development Department, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, UK
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Chirwa M, Davies O, Castelino S, Mpenge M, Nyatsanza F, Sethi G, Shabbir M, Rayment M. United Kingdom British association for sexual health and HIV national guideline for the management of epididymo-orchitis, 2020. Int J STD AIDS 2021; 32:884-895. [PMID: 34009058 DOI: 10.1177/09564624211003761] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) UK guideline for the management of epididymo-orchitis has been updated in 2020. It offers advice on diagnostic tests, treatment and health promotion principles in the effective management of epididymo-orchitis. Empirical treatment should be started in patients with objective swelling and tenderness on testicular examination. First-line empirical treatment for sexually acquired epididymo-orchitis has changed to ceftriaxone 1g intramuscularly and doxycycline. Higher dose of ceftriaxone in line with the BASHH 2018 gonorrhoea guideline ensures effective treatment of strains with reduced susceptibility. Ofloxacin or doxycycline is recommended in patients with epididymo-orchitis probably due to non-gonococcal organisms (e.g. negative microscopy for gram-negative intracellular diplococci or no risk factors for gonorrhoea identified). Where Mycoplasma genitalium is tested and identified, treatment should include an appropriate antibiotic (e.g. moxifloxacin). If enteric pathogens are a likely cause (e.g. older patient, not sexually active, recent instrumentation, men who practice insertive anal intercourse, men with known abnormalities of the urinary tract or a positive urine dipstick for leucocytes and nitrites), ofloxacin and levofloxacin are recommended. A clinical care pathway has been produced to simplify the management of epididymo-orchitis. A patient information leaflet has been developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mimie Chirwa
- Genitourinary Medicine, 9762Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Luton, UK
| | - Olubanke Davies
- Genitourinary Medicine, Epsom & St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Sheena Castelino
- Genitourinary Medicine, Guy's & St Thomas' Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Mbiye Mpenge
- Consultant Microbiologist, Weston Area Health NHS Trust, Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, UK
| | - Farai Nyatsanza
- Genitourinary Medicine, Cambridge Community Services NHS Trust, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Gulshan Sethi
- Genitourinary Medicine, Guy's & St Thomas' Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Majid Shabbir
- Urologist, Guy's & St Thomas' Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Michael Rayment
- Genitourinary Medicine, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Chilengi R, Mwila-Kazimbaya K, Chirwa M, Sukwa N, Chipeta C, Velu RM, Katanekwa N, Babji S, Kang G, McNeal MM, Meyer N, Gompana G, Hazra S, Tang Y, Flores J, Bhat N, Rathi N. Immunogenicity and safety of two monovalent rotavirus vaccines, ROTAVAC® and ROTAVAC 5D® in Zambian infants. Vaccine 2021; 39:3633-3640. [PMID: 33992437 PMCID: PMC8204902 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2021.04.060] [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] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS ROTAVAC® (frozen formulation stored at -20 °C) and ROTAVAC 5D® (liquid formulation stable at 2-8 °C) are rotavirus vaccines derived from the 116E human neonatal rotavirus strain, developed and licensed in India. This study evaluated and compared the safety and immunogenicity of these vaccines in an infant population in Zambia. METHODS We conducted a phase 2b, open-label, randomized, controlled trial wherein 450 infants 6 to 8 weeks of age were randomized equally to receive three doses of ROTAVAC or ROTAVAC 5D, or two doses of ROTARIX®. Study vaccines were administered concomitantly with routine immunizations. Blood samples were collected pre-vaccination and 28 days after the last dose. Serum anti-rotavirus IgA antibodies were measured by ELISA, with WC3 and 89-12 rotavirus strains as viral lysates in the assays. The primary analysis was to assess non-inferiority of ROTAVAC 5D to ROTAVAC in terms of the geometric mean concentration (GMC) of serum IgA (WC3) antibodies. Seroresponse and seropositivity were also determined. Safety was evaluated as occurrence of immediate, solicited, unsolicited, and serious adverse events after each dose. RESULTS The study evaluated 388 infants in the per-protocol population. All three vaccines were well tolerated and immunogenic. The post-vaccination GMCs were 14.0 U/mL (95% CI: 10.4, 18.8) and 18.1 U/mL (95% CI: 13.7, 24.0) for the ROTAVAC and ROTAVAC 5D groups, respectively, yielding a ratio of 1.3 (95% CI: 0.9, 1.9), thus meeting the pre-set non-inferiority criteria. Solicited and unsolicited adverse events were similar across all study arms. No death or intussusception case was reported during study period. CONCLUSIONS Among Zambian infants, both ROTAVAC and ROTAVAC 5D were well tolerated and the immunogenicity of ROTAVAC 5D was non-inferior to that of ROTAVAC. These results are consistent with those observed in licensure trials in India and support use of these vaccines across wider geographical areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Chilengi
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Zambia
| | | | - M Chirwa
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Zambia
| | - N Sukwa
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Zambia
| | - C Chipeta
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Zambia
| | - R M Velu
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Zambia
| | - N Katanekwa
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Zambia
| | - S Babji
- The Wellcome Trust Research Laboratory, Vellore, India
| | - G Kang
- The Wellcome Trust Research Laboratory, Vellore, India
| | - M M McNeal
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - N Meyer
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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Abstract
Objective One in three women living with HIV (WLHIV) in the UK is aged 45–56, and therefore of potentially menopausal age. Little is known about the management of menopause in WLHIV in primary care. We aim to describe current knowledge and practice in the management of menopause in WLWH among primary care practitioners (PCPs). Methods A questionnaire-based study of 88 PCPs attending two sexual and reproductive health conferences. Results Almost all respondents (n = 87, 99%) routinely managed women with menopause-related symptoms; however, only 18 (20%) reported having managed menopause in WLHIV. Over 95% (n = 85) reported being confident in managing menopause in general, whereas less than half (n = 40) reported confidence in managing menopause in WLHIV (p < 0.001). The majority of respondents (n = 84) felt that menopause should be routinely managed in primary care, whereas just over half thought that menopause in WLHIV should be managed in primary care (n = 50, p < 0.001). Almost all respondents (n = 85) reported concerns about managing menopause in WLHIV. Conclusion PCPs reported limited experience of and low levels of confidence in managing menopause-related symptoms in WLHIV. Nearly all PCPs had concerns about managing menopause-related symptoms in WLHIV, many stating that this should be managed outside primary care. Development of national guidance and specialised training, coupled with good liaison between HIV services and PCPs, may improve confidence in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Shema Tariq
- 3 Mortimer Market Centre, UK.,4 University College London, London, UK
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Sorensen JPR, Lapworth DJ, Read DS, Nkhuwa DCW, Bell RA, Chibesa M, Chirwa M, Kabika J, Liemisa M, Pedley S. Tracing enteric pathogen contamination in sub-Saharan African groundwater. Sci Total Environ 2015; 538:888-95. [PMID: 26363144 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.08.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2015] [Revised: 08/20/2015] [Accepted: 08/20/2015] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Quantitative PCR (qPCR) can rapidly screen for an array of faecally-derived bacteria, which can be employed as tracers to understand groundwater vulnerability to faecal contamination. A microbial DNA qPCR array was used to examine 45 bacterial targets, potentially relating to enteric pathogens, in 22 groundwater supplies beneath the city of Kabwe, Zambia in both the dry and subsequent wet season. Thermotolerant (faecal) coliforms, sanitary risks, and tryptophan-like fluorescence, an emerging real-time reagentless faecal indicator, were also concurrently investigated. There was evidence for the presence of enteric bacterial contamination, through the detection of species and group specific 16S rRNA gene fragments, in 72% of supplies where sufficient DNA was available for qPCR analysis. DNA from the opportunistic pathogen Citrobacter freundii was most prevalent (69% analysed samples), with Vibrio cholerae also perennially persistent in groundwater (41% analysed samples). DNA from other species such as Bifidobacterium longum and Arcobacter butzleri was more seasonally transient. Bacterial DNA markers were most common in shallow hand-dug wells in laterite/saprolite implicating rapid subsurface pathways and vulnerability to pollution at the surface. Boreholes into the underlying dolomites were also contaminated beneath the city highlighting that a laterite/saprolite overburden, as occurs across much of sub-Saharan aquifer, does not adequately protect underlying bedrock groundwater resources. Nevertheless, peri-urban boreholes all tested negative establishing there is limited subsurface lateral transport of enteric bacteria outside the city limits. Thermotolerant coliforms were present in 97% of sites contaminated with enteric bacterial DNA markers. Furthermore, tryptophan-like fluorescence was also demonstrated as an effective indicator and was in excess of 1.4μg/L in all contaminated sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P R Sorensen
- British Geological Survey, Maclean Building, Wallingford OX10 8BB, UK.
| | - D J Lapworth
- British Geological Survey, Maclean Building, Wallingford OX10 8BB, UK
| | - D S Read
- Centre of Ecology and Hydrology, Maclean Building, Wallingford OX10 8BB, UK
| | - D C W Nkhuwa
- University of Zambia, Great East Road Campus, P.O. Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - R A Bell
- British Geological Survey, Maclean Building, Wallingford OX10 8BB, UK
| | - M Chibesa
- Lukanga Water and Sewerage Company Limited, P.O. Box 81745, Kabwe, Zambia
| | - M Chirwa
- University of Zambia, Great East Road Campus, P.O. Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - J Kabika
- University of Zambia, Great East Road Campus, P.O. Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - M Liemisa
- Lukanga Water and Sewerage Company Limited, P.O. Box 81745, Kabwe, Zambia
| | - S Pedley
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7XH, UK
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Chirwa M, Mulwafu W, Aswani JM, Masinde PW, Mkakosya R, Soko D. Microbiology of chronic suppurative otitis media at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi: A cross-sectional descriptive study. Malawi Med J 2015; 27:120-4. [PMID: 26955432 PMCID: PMC4761701] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is still a significant health problem in developing countries. Therefore, it was pertinent to determine the local Malawian microbiology in order to guide adequate treatment, avoid complications, and provide records for future reference. AIM The study sought to determine the CSOM-causing microorganisms at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre, Malawi, and establish their relationship signs and symptoms, and with the demographic pattern of the study. METHODS This was a hospital-based cross-sectional descriptive study carried out at the ENT outpatient clinic and the Microbiology Department of Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital.The sample comprised 104 patients with unilateral or bilateral active CSOM, who met the inclusion criteria. All patients were evaluated through a detailed history and clinical examination. Pus samples from draining ears were collected by aspiration with a sterile pipette. The specimens were immediately sent for microbiological analysis. Data were analyzed using SPSS.version 20. RESULTS The study found that Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus were the most prevalent aerobic bacteria, while Bacteroides spp. and Peptostreptococcus spp. were the commonest anaerobic bacteria causing CSOM. These CSOM-causing microorganisms were predominant among males aged 18 years and below. Some CSOM-causing microorganisms were-significantly more so than the others-characteristically associated with each of the following clinical features: quantity of pus drainage, mode of onset, otalgia, hearing loss, location of tympanic membrane perforation, and mucosal appearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Chirwa
- ENT Department, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - W Mulwafu
- College of Medicine, Univeristy of Malawi and Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - J M Aswani
- Department of ENT/Head and Neck Surgery, University of Nairobi, Kenya
| | - P W Masinde
- Department of ENT/Head and Neck Surgery, University of Nairobi, Kenya
| | - R Mkakosya
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine, Blantyre Malawi
| | - D Soko
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine, Blantyre Malawi
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Sorensen JPR, Lapworth DJ, Marchant BP, Nkhuwa DCW, Pedley S, Stuart ME, Bell RA, Chirwa M, Kabika J, Liemisa M, Chibesa M. In-situ tryptophan-like fluorescence: A real-time indicator of faecal contamination in drinking water supplies. Water Res 2015; 81:38-46. [PMID: 26026711 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2015.05.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2014] [Revised: 05/14/2015] [Accepted: 05/18/2015] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Enteric pathogens are typically inferred from the presence of surrogate indicator organisms such as thermotolerant (faecal) coliforms (TTCs). The analysis of TTCs requires time-consuming incubation in suitable laboratories, which can limit sampling resolution, particularly during critical pollution events. Here, we demonstrate the use of in-situ fluorimeters targeting tryptophan-like compounds as a rapid, reagentless indicator of TTCs in groundwater-derived potable water supplies in Africa. A range of other common indicators of TTCs were also determined including nitrate, turbidity, and sanitary risk survey scores. Sampling was conducted during both the dry and wet seasons to investigate seasonality. Tryptophan-like fluorescence was the most effective predictor of both presence/absence and number of TTCs during both seasons. Seasonal changes in tryptophan-like fluorescence in deeper supplies suggest it is transported more efficiently through the aquifer than TTCs. Moreover, the perennial elevated concentrations in some wells suggest it is more resilient than TTCs in groundwater. Therefore tryptophan-like fluorescence could also be a better indicator of some smaller, more easily transported, and long-lived, pathogenic enteric viruses. These sensors have the potential to be included in real-time pollution alert systems for drinking water supplies throughout the world, as well as for mapping enteric pathogen risks in developing regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P R Sorensen
- British Geological Survey, Maclean Building, Wallingford, OX10 8BB, UK.
| | - D J Lapworth
- British Geological Survey, Maclean Building, Wallingford, OX10 8BB, UK
| | - B P Marchant
- British Geological Survey, Nicker Hill, Keyworth, Nottingham, NG12 5GG, UK
| | - D C W Nkhuwa
- University of Zambia, Great East Road Campus, P.O. Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - S Pedley
- Robens Centre for Public and Environmental Health, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7XH, UK
| | - M E Stuart
- British Geological Survey, Maclean Building, Wallingford, OX10 8BB, UK
| | - R A Bell
- British Geological Survey, Nicker Hill, Keyworth, Nottingham, NG12 5GG, UK
| | - M Chirwa
- University of Zambia, Great East Road Campus, P.O. Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - J Kabika
- University of Zambia, Great East Road Campus, P.O. Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - M Liemisa
- Lukanga Water and Sewerage Company Limited, P.O. Box 81745, Kabwe, Zambia
| | - M Chibesa
- Lukanga Water and Sewerage Company Limited, P.O. Box 81745, Kabwe, Zambia
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Sorensen JPR, Lapworth DJ, Nkhuwa DCW, Stuart ME, Gooddy DC, Bell RA, Chirwa M, Kabika J, Liemisa M, Chibesa M, Pedley S. Emerging contaminants in urban groundwater sources in Africa. Water Res 2015; 72:51-63. [PMID: 25172215 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2014.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2014] [Revised: 07/11/2014] [Accepted: 08/01/2014] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence of emerging organic contaminants within the aquatic environment in Africa is currently unknown. This study provides early insights by characterising a broad range of emerging organic contaminants (n > 1000) in groundwater sources in Kabwe, Zambia. Groundwater samples were obtained during both the dry and wet seasons from a selection of deep boreholes and shallow wells completed within the bedrock and overlying superficial aquifers, respectively. Groundwater sources were distributed across the city to encompass peri-urban, lower cost housing, higher cost housing, and industrial land uses. The insect repellent DEET was ubiquitous within groundwater at concentrations up to 1.8 μg/L. Other compounds (n = 26) were detected in less than 15% of the sources and included the bactericide triclosan (up to 0.03 μg/L), chlorination by-products - trihalomethanes (up to 50 μg/L), and the surfactant 2,4,7,9-tetramethyl-5-decyne-4,7-diol (up to 0.6 μg/L). Emerging contaminants were most prevalent in shallow wells sited in low cost housing areas. This is attributed to localised vulnerability associated with inadequate well protection, sanitation, and household waste disposal. The five-fold increase in median DEET concentration following the onset of the seasonal rains highlights that more mobile compounds can rapidly migrate from the surface to the aquifer suggesting the aquifer is more vulnerable than previously considered. Furthermore it suggests DEET is potentially useful as a wastewater tracer in Africa. There was a general absence of personal care products, life-style compounds, and pharmaceuticals which are commonly detected in the aquatic environment in the developed world. This perhaps reflects some degree of attenuation within the subsurface, but could also be a result of the current limited use of products containing emerging contaminants by locals due to unaffordability and unavailability. As development and population increases in Africa, it is likely a wider-range of emerging contaminants will be released into the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P R Sorensen
- British Geological Survey, Maclean Building, Wallingford OX10 8BB, UK.
| | - D J Lapworth
- British Geological Survey, Maclean Building, Wallingford OX10 8BB, UK
| | - D C W Nkhuwa
- University of Zambia, Great East Road Campus, P.O. Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - M E Stuart
- British Geological Survey, Maclean Building, Wallingford OX10 8BB, UK
| | - D C Gooddy
- British Geological Survey, Maclean Building, Wallingford OX10 8BB, UK
| | - R A Bell
- British Geological Survey, Maclean Building, Wallingford OX10 8BB, UK
| | - M Chirwa
- University of Zambia, Great East Road Campus, P.O. Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - J Kabika
- University of Zambia, Great East Road Campus, P.O. Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - M Liemisa
- Lukanga Water and Sewerage Company Limited, P.O. Box 81745, Kabwe, Zambia
| | - M Chibesa
- Lukanga Water and Sewerage Company Limited, P.O. Box 81745, Kabwe, Zambia
| | - S Pedley
- Robens Centre for Public and Environmental Health, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK
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Chirwa M, Mulwafu W, Aswani JM, Masinde PW, Mkakosya R, Soko D. Microbiology of chronic suppurative otitis media at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi: A cross-sectional descriptive study. Malawi Med J 1970. [DOI: 10.4314/mmj.v27i4.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is still a significant health problem in developing countries. Therefore, it was pertinent to determine the local Malawian microbiology in order to guide adequate treatment, avoid complications, and provide records for future reference.Aim The study sought to determine the CSOM-causing microorganisms at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre, Malawi, and establish their relationship signs and symptoms, and with the demographic pattern of the study.Methods This was a hospital-based cross-sectional descriptive study carried out at the ENT outpatient clinic and the Microbiology Department of Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital.The sample comprised 104 patients with unilateral or bilateral active CSOM, who met the inclusion criteria. All patients were evaluated through a detailed history and clinical examination. Pus samples from draining ears were collected by aspiration with a sterile pipette. The specimens were immediately sent for microbiological analysis. Data were analyzed using SPSS.version 20.Results The study found that Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus were the most prevalent aerobic bacteria, while Bacteroides spp. and Peptostreptococcus spp. were the commonest anaerobic bacteria causing CSOM. These CSOM-causing microorganisms were predominant among males aged 18 years and below. Some CSOMcausing microorganisms were—significantly more so than the others—characteristically associated with each of the following clinical features: quantity of pus drainage, mode of onset, otalgia, hearing loss, location of tympanic membrane perforation, and mucosal appearance.
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