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Uranw S, Bhattarai NR, Cloots K, Roy L, Rai K, Kiran U, Pyakurel UR, Lal BK, Burza S, Rijal S, Karki P, Khanal B, Hasker E. Visceral leishmaniasis in the hills of western Nepal: A transmission assessment. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0289578. [PMID: 38630746 PMCID: PMC11023194 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289578] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
In Nepal, visceral leishmaniasis (VL) has been targeted for elimination as a public health problem by 2026. Recently, increasing numbers of VL cases have been reported from districts of doubtful endemicity including hills and mountains, threatening the ongoing VL elimination program in Nepal. We conducted a multi-disciplinary, descriptive cross-sectional survey to assess the local transmission of Leishmania donovani in seven such districts situated at altitudes of up to 1,764 meters in western Nepal from March to December 2019. House-to-house surveys were performed for socio-demographic data and data on past and current VL cases. Venous blood was collected from all consenting individuals aged ≥2 years and tested with the rK39 RDT. Blood samples were also tested with direct agglutination test, and a titer of ≥1:1600 was taken as a marker of infection. A Leishmania donovani species-specific PCR (SSU-rDNA) was performed for parasite species confirmation. We also captured sand flies using CDC light traps and mouth aspirators. The house-to-house surveys documented 28 past and six new VL cases of which 82% (28/34) were without travel exposure. Overall, 4.1% (54/1320) of healthy participants tested positive for L. donovani on at least one serological or molecular test. Among asymptomatic individuals, 17% (9/54) were household contacts of past VL cases, compared to 0.5% (6/1266) among non-infected individuals. Phlebotomus argentipes, the vector of L. donovani, was found in all districts except in Bajura. L. donovani was confirmed in two asymptomatic individuals and one pool of sand flies of Phlebotomus (Adlerius) sp. We found epidemiological and entomological evidence for local transmission of L. donovani in areas previously considered as non-endemic for VL. The national VL elimination program should revise the endemicity status of these districts and extend surveillance and control activities to curb further transmission of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surendra Uranw
- Department of Internal Medicine, B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal
| | - Narayan Raj Bhattarai
- Department of Microbiology, B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal
| | - Kristien Cloots
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Lalita Roy
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
- Tropical & Infectious Diseases Center, B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal
| | - Keshav Rai
- Department of Microbiology, B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal
| | - Usha Kiran
- World Health Organization, Country Office for Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Uttam Raj Pyakurel
- Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, Department of Health Services, Government of Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Bibek Kumar Lal
- Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, Department of Health Services, Government of Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Sakib Burza
- Faculty of Infectious Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Suman Rijal
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative, India Office, New Delhi, India
| | - Prahlad Karki
- Department of Internal Medicine, B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal
| | - Basudha Khanal
- Department of Microbiology, B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal
| | - Epco Hasker
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
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Vo LT, Nguyen DT, Tran TN, Tran HHT, Đoan TTH, Pham TN, Mai TTH, Nguyen QXT, Nguyen TK, Nguyen TTK, Burza S, Nguyen TT. Pediatric Profound Dengue Shock Syndrome and Use of Point-of-Care Ultrasound During Mechanical Ventilation to Guide Treatment: Single-Center Retrospective Study, 2013-2021. Pediatr Crit Care Med 2024; 25:e177-e185. [PMID: 37966344 PMCID: PMC10986784 DOI: 10.1097/pcc.0000000000003413] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Profound dengue shock syndrome (DSS) complicated by severe respiratory failure necessitating mechanical ventilation (MV) accounts for high case fatality rates among PICU-admitted patients. A major challenge to management is the assessment of intravascular volume, which can be hampered by severe plasma leakage and the use of MV. DESIGN Retrospective cohort, from 2013 to 2021. PATIENTS Sixty-seven children with profound DSS supported by MV, some of whom underwent bedside point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) for assessment and monitoring of hemodynamics and fluid administration. SETTING PICU of the tertiary Children's Hospital No. 2 in Vietnam. INTERVENTIONS None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS We analyzed data clinical and laboratory data during PICU stay. In particular, during use of MV (i.e., at times 0-, 6-, and 24-hr after commencement) and fluid resuscitation. The primary study outcome was 28-day in-hospital mortality, and the secondary outcomes were associations with changes in hemodynamics, blood lactate, and vasoactive-inotrope score (VIS). Patients had a median age of 7 years (interquartile range, 4-9). Use of POCUS during fluid management (39/67), as opposed to not using (28/67), was associated with lower mortality (6/39 [15%] vs. 18/28 [64%]; difference 49 % [95% CI, 28-70%], p < 0.001). Use of POCUS was associated with lower odds of death (adjusted odds ratio 0.17 [95% CI, 0.04-0.76], p = 0.02). The utilization of POCUS, versus not, was associated with greater use of resuscitation fluid, and reductions in VIS and pediatric logistic organ dysfunction (PELOD-2) score at 24 hours after MV and PICU discharge. CONCLUSIONS In our experience of pediatric patients with profound DSS and undergoing MV (2013-2021), POCUS use was associated with lower odds of death, a higher volume of resuscitation fluid, and improvements in the blood lactate levels, VIS, and PELOD-2 score.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luan Thanh Vo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Children Hospital No. 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Dat Tat Nguyen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Children Hospital No. 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Thinh Ngoc Tran
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Children Hospital No. 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Hang Hoang-Thanh Tran
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Children Hospital No. 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Trang Thi-Hoai Đoan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Children Hospital No. 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Tram Ngoc Pham
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Children Hospital No. 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Thanh Thi-Hoai Mai
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Children Hospital No. 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | | | - Thuan Khac Nguyen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Children Hospital No. 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Thuong Thi-Kim Nguyen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Children Hospital No. 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Sakib Burza
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Health in Harmony, London, United Kingdom
| | - Thanh Tat Nguyen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Children Hospital No. 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Texila American University, Georgetown, Guyana
- Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Hanoi, Vietnam
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Monsieurs P, Cloots K, Uranw S, Banjara MR, Ghimire P, Burza S, Hasker E, Dujardin JC, Domagalska MA. Source Tracing of Leishmania donovani in Emerging Foci of Visceral Leishmaniasis, Western Nepal. Emerg Infect Dis 2024; 30:611-613. [PMID: 38407178 PMCID: PMC10902524 DOI: 10.3201/eid3003.231160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
We sequenced Leishmania donovani genomes in blood samples collected in emerging foci of visceral leishmaniasis in western Nepal. We detected lineages very different from the preelimination main parasite population, including a new lineage and a rare one previously reported in eastern Nepal. Our findings underscore the need for genomic surveillance.
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Kumar V, Murali S, Goldberg J, Alonso B, Moretó-Planas L, Reid A, Harshana A, Burza S, Mahajan R. Antibiotic susceptibility patterns of pathogens isolated from hospitalized patients with advanced HIV disease (AHD) in Bihar, India. JAC Antimicrob Resist 2024; 6:dlad151. [PMID: 38170073 PMCID: PMC10759003 DOI: 10.1093/jacamr/dlad151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives To describe the prevalence of common bacterial pathogens and antibiotic susceptibility patterns amongst advanced HIV disease (AHD) patients admitted between May 2019 and March 2021 to a Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)-supported AHD inpatient unit in Bihar, India. Methods A retrospective analysis of routinely collected demographic, clinical and microbiological data. Antibacterial susceptibility testing was done by an accredited referral laboratory using the modified Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Results A total of 238 isolates from 577 patients were identified through culture testing. Patient median (IQR) age was 38 (31-45) years, and 75% were male. Predominant sample types included blood (600; 38%), urine (266; 17%) and sputum (178; 11%). Of the isolated bacteria, Escherichia coli (80; 13.9%) was the most prevalent, followed by Klebsiella pneumonia (54; 9.4%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (22; 3.8%), Klebsiella oxytoca (10; 1.7%), Proteus mirabilis (9; 1.6%), and Acinetobacter baumannii (7; 1.2%). The resistance pattern showed that most bacterial isolates were highly resistant to commonly prescribed antibiotics such as third-generation cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones and co-trimoxazole. Most pathogens were moderately resistant to antibiotics from the WHO Watch group, such as meropenem and piperacillin/tazobactam. In contrast, isolates were more susceptible to aminoglycosides, such as amikacin, gentamicin and nitrofurantoin. Conclusions In Bihar, inpatients with AHD displayed a concerning array of antibiotic-resistant infections. This study provides a starting point from which further work on antimicrobial resistance in this vulnerable cohort of patients can be conducted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikash Kumar
- Operational Centre Barcelona-Athens, Médecins Sans Frontières, New Delhi, India
| | - Shreyas Murali
- Operational Centre Barcelona-Athens, Médecins Sans Frontières, Patna, India
| | - Jacob Goldberg
- Medical Department, Médecins Sans Frontières, London, UK
| | - Beatriz Alonso
- Medical Department, Médecins Sans Frontières, London, UK
| | - Laura Moretó-Planas
- Operational Centre Barcelona-Athens, Médecins Sans Frontières, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anthony Reid
- Opérationnel Research Unit, Médecins Sans Frontières, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Amit Harshana
- Operational Centre Barcelona-Athens, Médecins Sans Frontières, New Delhi, India
| | - Sakib Burza
- Operational Centre Barcelona-Athens, Médecins Sans Frontières, New Delhi, India
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Raman Mahajan
- Operational Centre Barcelona-Athens, Médecins Sans Frontières, New Delhi, India
- Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Yantzi R, Hadiuzzaman M, Sen Gupta PK, Lamrous A, Richardson K, Pringle J, Schwartz L, Hossain P, Kizito D, Burza S. Correction: Doing our best and doing no harm: A focused ethnography of staff moral experiences of providing palliative care at a Médecins Sans Frontières pediatric hospital in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298091. [PMID: 38271439 PMCID: PMC10810480 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288938.].
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Bao NT, Luan VT, Liem BT, Nhu VHT, Viet DC, Tung TH, Burza S, Thanh NT. Extracorporeal life support and continuous renal replacement therapy in a patient with Enterovirus A71 associated cardiopulmonary failure: A case report. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e36797. [PMID: 38181280 PMCID: PMC10766259 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000036797] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD) caused by Enterovirus A71, complicated by cardiopulmonary failure, is associated with a high mortality rate despite intensive treatment. To date, there is a paucity of clinical management data, regarding the use of extracorporeal life support (VA-ECMO) for Enterovirus-A71 associated cardiopulmonary failure reported. PATIENT CONCERNS The patient in this study presented with severe HFMD complicated by cardiopulmonary failure, polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, and cardiac arrest. DIAGNOSES Clinical presentations, laboratory data, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results from rectal swabs were used to confirm the diagnosis of severe HFMD caused by Enterovirus A71. INTERVENTIONS The patient was managed with chest compression and an automatic external defibrillator, mechanical ventilation, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) and inotrope (milrinone). The patient did not respond to these interventions and subsequently required further management with VA-ECMO. OUTCOMES The patient achieved a favorable outcomes. LESSONS Our study highlights that extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and CRRT can enhance the survival outcomes of patients with severe HFMD with cardiopulmonary failure complications. Furthermore, we propose specific indications for the initiation of VA-ECMO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nguyen Trung Bao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Children Hospital No.2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Vo Thanh Luan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Children Hospital No.2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Bui Thanh Liem
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Children Hospital No.2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Faculty of Pediatrics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | | | - Do Chau Viet
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Children Hospital No.2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Trinh Huu Tung
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Children Hospital No.2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Sakib Burza
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Health in Harmony, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nguyen Tat Thanh
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Children Hospital No.2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
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van Griensven J, Dorlo TP, Diro E, Costa C, Burza S. The status of combination therapy for visceral leishmaniasis: an updated review. Lancet Infect Dis 2024; 24:e36-e46. [PMID: 37640031 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(23)00353-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
For the past 15 years, trials of combination therapy options for visceral leishmaniasis have been conducted with the aim of identifying effective, and safe treatment regimens that were shorter than existing monotherapy regimens and could also prevent or delay the emergence of drug resistance. Although first-line treatment currently relies on combination therapy in east Africa, this is not true in Latin America owing to disappointing trial results, with lower than expected efficacy seen for the combination treatment group. By contrast, several effective combination therapy regimens have been identified through trials on the Indian subcontinent; yet, first-line therapy is still AmBisome monotherapy as the drug is part of a free donation programme and is highly effective in this region. Achieving a short all-oral combination treatment will require new chemical entities, several of which are currently under evaluation. Future studies should systematically include pharmacological substudies to ensure optimal dosing for all patient groups. To achieve maximal impact of new combination treatments, mechanisms to ensure drug availability and access after trials should be established. Enhancing the longevity of current and novel treatments will require effective systems for early detection of emerging drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thomas Pc Dorlo
- Department of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ermias Diro
- Department of General Internal Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Carlos Costa
- Intelligence Center on Emerging and Neglected Tropical Diseases and Injuries, Federal University of Piauí, Teresina, Brazil
| | - Sakib Burza
- Médecins Sans Frontières, New Delhi, India; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Chandna A, Mahajan R, Gautam P, Mwandigha L, Dittrich S, Kumar V, Osborn J, Kumar P, Koshiaris C, Varghese GM, Lubell Y, Burza S. Point-of-care prognostication in moderate Covid-19: Analytical validation and prognostic accuracy of a soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) rapid test. PLOS Glob Public Health 2023; 3:e0001538. [PMID: 37603548 PMCID: PMC10441780 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
The soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) has been proposed as a biomarker for risk stratification of patients presenting with acute infections. However, most studies evaluating suPAR have used platform-based assays, the accuracy of which may differ from point-of-care tests capable of informing timely triage in settings without established laboratory capacity. Using samples and data collected during a prospective cohort study of 425 patients presenting with moderate Covid-19 to two hospitals in India, we evaluated the analytical performance and prognostic accuracy of a commercially-available rapid diagnostic test (RDT) for suPAR, using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) as the reference standard. Our hypothesis was that the suPAR RDT might be useful for triage of patients presenting with moderate Covid-19 irrespective of its analytical performance when compared with the reference test. Although agreement between the two tests was limited (bias = -2.46 ng/mL [95% CI = -2.65 to -2.27 ng/mL]), prognostic accuracy to predict supplemental oxygen requirement was comparable, whether suPAR was used alone (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC] of RDT = 0.73 [95% CI = 0.68 to 0.79] vs. AUC of ELISA = 0.70 [95% CI = 0.63 to 0.76]; p = 0.12) or as part of a published multivariable prediction model (AUC of RDT-based model = 0.74 [95% CI = 0.66 to 0.83] vs. AUC of ELISA-based model = 0.72 [95% CI = 0.64 to 0.81]; p = 0.78). Lack of agreement between the RDT and ELISA in our cohort warrants further investigation and highlights the importance of assessing candidate point-of-care tests to ensure management algorithms reflect the assay that will ultimately be used to inform patient care. Availability of a quantitative point-of-care test for suPAR opens the door to suPAR-guided risk stratification of patients with Covid-19 and other acute infections in settings with limited laboratory capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjun Chandna
- Cambodia Oxford Medical Research Unit, Angkor Hospital for Children, Siem Reap, Cambodia
- Centre for Tropical Medicine & Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Priyanka Gautam
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| | - Lazaro Mwandigha
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Sabine Dittrich
- Centre for Tropical Medicine & Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Foundation for Innovative Diagnostics, Geneva, Switzerland
- Deggendorf Institut of Technology, European-Campus Rottal Inn, Pfarrkirchen, Germany
| | | | | | - Pragya Kumar
- Department of Community & Family Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, India
| | - Constantinos Koshiaris
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - George M. Varghese
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| | - Yoel Lubell
- Centre for Tropical Medicine & Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sakib Burza
- Médecins Sans Frontières, New Delhi, India
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Yantzi R, Hadiuzzaman M, Sen Gupta PK, Lamrous A, Richardson K, Pringle J, Schwartz L, Hossain P, Kizito D, Burza S. Doing our best and doing no harm: A focused ethnography of staff moral experiences of providing palliative care at a Médecins Sans Frontières pediatric hospital in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0288938. [PMID: 37471393 PMCID: PMC10358957 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Goyalmara Hospital in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh is a referral centre offering the highest level of care available in the Rohingya camps for pediatrics and neonatology. Efforts are underway to integrate pediatric palliative care due to high mortality and medical complexity of patients, yet little is known about the experiences of staff delivering palliative and end-of-life care. The purpose of this study was to understand the moral experiences of MSF staff to inform program planning and implementation. METHODS This focused ethnography was conducted between March-August 2021 at Goyalmara Hospital. Data collection involved participant-observation, individual interviews (22), focus group discussions (5), and analysis of documents including MSF clinical guidelines, admission and referral criteria, reports, and training materials. Data analysis followed a modified version of the Qualitative Analysis Guide of Leuven and data were coded using NVivo software. RESULTS The prevailing understanding of pediatric palliative care among national and international staff was care that prioritized comfort for infants and children who were not expected to survive. Staff's views were informed by their sense of obligation to do no harm, to do their best on behalf of their patients, and religious beliefs about God's role in determining the child's outcome. The authority of doctors, international staff, as well as protocols and guidelines shaped palliative care decision-making. Staff saw clinical guidelines as valuable resources that supported a consistent approach to care over time, while others were concerned that palliative care guidelines were rigidly applied. CONCLUSION When integrating palliative care into humanitarian programs, it is important to emphasize the active role of palliative care in reducing suffering. Advocacy for access to the highest level of care possible should continue alongside palliative care integration. While palliative care guidelines are valuable, it is essential to encourage open discussion of staff concerns and adapt care plans based on the family's needs and preferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Yantzi
- Médecins Sans Frontières, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence & Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Lisa Schwartz
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence & Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Puspita Hossain
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence & Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - David Kizito
- Médecins Sans Frontières, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh
| | - Sakib Burza
- Médecins Sans Frontières, Barcelona, Spain
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Moretó-Planas L, Sagrado MJ, Mahajan R, Gallo J, Biague E, Gonçalves R, Nuozzi P, Rocaspana M, Fonseca JV, Medina C, Camará M, Nadimpalli A, Alonso B, Llosa AE, Heuvelings L, Burza S, Molina I, Ruby LC, Stratta E, Bélard S. Point-of-care ultrasound for tuberculosis diagnosis in children: a Médecins Sans Frontières cross-sectional study in Guinea-Bissau. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e066937. [PMID: 37208138 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-066937] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Description of tuberculosis (TB)-focused point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) findings for children with presumptive TB. DESIGN Cross-sectional study (July 2019 to April 2020). SETTING Simão Mendes hospital in Bissau, a setting with high TB, HIV, and malnutrition burdens. PARTICIPANTS Patients aged between 6 months and 15 years with presumptive TB. INTERVENTIONS Participants underwent clinical, laboratory and unblinded clinician-performed POCUS assessments, to assess subpleural nodules (SUNs), lung consolidation, pleural and pericardial effusion, abdominal lymphadenopathy, focal splenic and hepatic lesions and ascites. Presence of any sign prompted a POCUS positive result. Ultrasound images and clips were evaluated by expert reviewers and, in case of discordance, by a second reviewer. Children were categorised as confirmed TB (microbiological diagnosis), unconfirmed TB (clinical diagnosis) or unlikely TB. Ultrasound findings were analysed per TB category and risk factor: HIV co-infection, malnutrition and age. RESULTS A total of 139 children were enrolled, with 62 (45%) women and 55 (40%) aged <5 years; 83 (60%) and 59 (42%) were severely malnourished (SAM) and HIV-infected, respectively. TB confirmation occurred in 27 (19%); 62 (45%) had unconfirmed TB and 50 (36%) had unlikely TB. Children with TB were more likely to have POCUS-positive results (93%) compared with children with unlikely TB (34%). Common POCUS signs in patients with TB were: lung consolidation (57%), SUNs (55%) and pleural effusion (30%), and focal splenic lesions (28%). In children with confirmed TB, POCUS sensitivity was 85% (95% CI) (67.5% to 94.1%). In those with unlikely TB, specificity was 66% (95% CI 52.2% to 77.6%). Unlike HIV infection and age, SAM was associated with a higher POCUS-positivity. Cohen's kappa coefficient for concordance between field and expert reviewers ranged from 0.6 to 0.9. CONCLUSIONS We found a high prevalence of POCUS signs in children with TB compared with children with unlikely TB. POCUS-positivity was dependent on nutritional status but not on HIV status or age. TB-focused POCUS could potentially play a supportive role in the diagnosis of TB in children. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT05364593.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Moretó-Planas
- Medical Department, Médecins Sans Frontières, Barcelona, Spain
- Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Merce Rocaspana
- Medical Department, Médecins Sans Frontières, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Candida Medina
- Simão Mendes Hospital, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
- National HIV Programme, Ministry of Health, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
| | - Miguel Camará
- National Tuberculosis Program, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
| | | | - Beatriz Alonso
- Medical Department, Médecins Sans Frontières, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Augusto E Llosa
- Medical Department, Médecins Sans Frontières, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Israel Molina
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lisa C Ruby
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Respiratory Medicine, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Erin Stratta
- Medecins Sans Frontières, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Sabine Bélard
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tubingen, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research, Tübingen, Germany
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11
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Nair M, Engel N, Zeegers MP, Burza S. Perceptions of effective policy interventions and strategies to address antibiotic misuse within primary healthcare in India: A qualitative study. J Infect Prev 2023; 24:113-118. [PMID: 37065277 PMCID: PMC10090571 DOI: 10.1177/17571774231158778] [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] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Antimicrobial resistance poses a major public health threat. Despite Indian retail sector antibiotic consumption per capita increasing by approximately 22% between 2008 and 2016, empirical studies that examine policy or behavioural interventions addressing antibiotic misuse in primary healthcare are scarce. Our study aimed to assess perceptions of interventions and gaps in policy and practice with respect to outpatient antibiotic misuse in India. Methods We conducted 23 semi-structured, in-depth interviews with a variety of key informants with diverse backgrounds in academia, non-government organisations, policy, advocacy, pharmacy, medicine and others. Data were charted into a framework matrix and analysed using a hybrid, inductive and deductive thematic analysis. Themes were analysed and organised according to the socio-ecological model at various levels ranging from the individual to the enabling environment. Results Key informants largely focused on the importance of adopting a structural perspective to addressing socio-ecological drivers of antibiotic misuse. There was a recognition that educational interventions targeting individual or interpersonal interactions were largely ineffective, and policy interventions should incorporate behavioural nudge interventions, improve the healthcare infrastructure and embrace task shifting to rectify staffing disparities in rural areas. Conclusions Prescription behaviour is perceived to be governed by structural issues of access and limitations in public health infrastructure that create an enabling environment for antibiotic overuse. Interventions should move beyond a clinical and individual focus on behaviour change with respect to antimicrobial resistance and aim for structural alignment between existing disease specific programs and between the informal and formal sector of healthcare delivery in India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohit Nair
- Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Nora Engel
- Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | | | - Sakib Burza
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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12
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Chandna A, Mahajan R, Gautam P, Mwandigha L, Kumar P, Varghese GM, Koshiaris C, Lubell Y, Burza S. Host biomarkers reflect prognosis in patients presenting with moderate Covid-19 – a prospective cohort study. Open Forum Infect Dis 2022; 9:ofac526. [PMID: 36320192 PMCID: PMC9605705 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofac526] [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: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Efficient resource allocation is essential for effective pandemic response. We measured host biomarkers in 420 patients presenting with moderate Covid-19 and found that different biomarkers predict distinct clinical outcomes. IL-1ra, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-8 exhibit dose-response relationships with subsequent disease progression and could potentially be useful for multiple use-cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjun Chandna
- Cambodia Oxford Medical Research Unit, Angkor Hospital for Children , Siem Reap , Cambodia
- Centre for Tropical Medicine & Global Health, University of Oxford , Oxford , UK
| | | | - Priyanka Gautam
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Christian Medical College , Vellore , India
| | - Lazaro Mwandigha
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford , Oxford , UK
| | - Pragya Kumar
- Department of Community & Family Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences , Patna , India
| | - George M Varghese
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Christian Medical College , Vellore , India
| | | | - Yoel Lubell
- Centre for Tropical Medicine & Global Health, University of Oxford , Oxford , UK
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Mahidol University , Bangkok , Thailand
| | - Sakib Burza
- Médecins Sans Frontières , New Delhi , India
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine , London , UK
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13
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Mahajan R, Owen SI, Kumar S, Pandey K, Kazmi S, Kumar V, Adams ER, Harshana A, Burza S. Prevalence and determinants of asymptomatic Leishmania infection in HIV-infected individuals living within visceral leishmaniasis endemic areas of Bihar, India. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010718. [PMID: 36040931 PMCID: PMC9467307 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
People living with HIV (PLHIV) have an increased risk of developing visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and poor outcomes compared to HIV negative individuals. Here, we aim to establish the prevalence and determinants of asymptomatic Leishmania infection (ALI) in a cohort of PLHIV in Bihar, India. We hoped to evaluate optimal diagnostic algorithms to detect ALI in PLHIV. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of PLHIV ≥18 years of age with no history or current diagnosis of VL or post kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) at anti-retroviral therapy centres within VL endemic districts of Bihar. ALI was defined as a positive rK39 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), rK39 rapid diagnostic test (RDT) and/or quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Additionally, the urinary Leishmania antigen ELISA was evaluated. Determinants for ALI were established using logistic regression and agreement between diagnostic tests calculated using Cohen’s Kappa. A total of 1,296 PLHIV enrolled in HIV care, 694 (53.6%) of whom were female and a median age of 39 years (interquartile range 33–46), were included in the analysis. Baseline prevalence of ALI was 7.4% (n = 96). All 96 individuals were positive by rK39 ELISA, while 0.5% (n = 6) and 0.4% (n = 5) were positive by qPCR and rK39 RDT, respectively. Negligible or weak agreement was seen between assays. Independent risk factors for ALI were CD4 counts <100 (OR 3.1; 95% CI 1.2–7.6) and CD4 counts 100–199 (OR = 2.1;95% CI:1.1–4.0) compared to CD4 counts ≥300, and a household size ≥5 (OR = 1.9;95% CI:1.1–3.1). A total of 2.2% (n = 28) participants were positive by Leishmania antigen ELISA, detecting 20 additional participants to the asymptomatic cohort. Prevalence of ALI in PLHIV in VL endemic villages in Bihar was relatively high. Using the Leishmania antigen ELISA, prevalence increased to 9.0%. Patients with low CD4 counts and larger household size were found to have significantly higher risk of ALI. Trial Registration: Clinical Trial Registration CTRI/2017/03/008120. People living with HIV (PLHIV) are more likely to develop visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and are more likely to have poor outcomes associated with VL-HIV coinfection than HIV-negative individuals. While an estimated 3–14% of immunocompetent individuals living in endemic areas show serological evidence of asymptomatic infection with VL, such data on Leishmania infection in PLHIV in India are lacking. As such we sought to establish the prevalence and determinants of asymptomatic Leishmania infection (ALI) in PLHIV in VL endemic districts of Bihar, India using a combination of molecular and serological assays. We further expand our definition of ALI to include the urinary Leishmania antigen ELISA. The prevalence of ALI in a population of PLHIV residing in VL endemic districts of Bihar, India was found to be as high as 9.0% (n = 116). The majority of individuals were detected by the rK39 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (7.4%, n = 96), and very few individuals were detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) (0.5%, n = 6) or the rK39 rapid diagnostic test (RDT) (0.4%, n = 5). In total, 2.2% (n = 28) were positive by urinary Leishmania antigen ELISA. Low CD4 counts and larger household size were found to be risk factors for ALI. Here, we add to the evidence base for Leishmania-HIV coinfection on the Indian subcontinent.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sophie I. Owen
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Shiril Kumar
- Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Science, Patna, Bihar, India
| | - Krishna Pandey
- Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Science, Patna, Bihar, India
| | | | | | - Emily R. Adams
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | | | - Sakib Burza
- Médecins Sans Frontières, New Delhi, India
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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14
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Chandna A, Mahajan R, Gautam P, Mwandigha L, Gunasekaran K, Bhusan D, Cheung ATL, Day N, Dittrich S, Dondorp A, Geevar T, Ghattamaneni SR, Hussain S, Jimenez C, Karthikeyan R, Kumar S, Kumar S, Kumar V, Kundu D, Lakshmanan A, Manesh A, Menggred C, Moorthy M, Osborn J, Richard-Greenblatt M, Sharma S, Singh VK, Singh VK, Suri J, Suzuki S, Tubprasert J, Turner P, Villanueva AMG, Waithira N, Kumar P, Varghese GM, Koshiaris C, Lubell Y, Burza S. Facilitating Safe Discharge Through Predicting Disease Progression in Moderate Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): A Prospective Cohort Study to Develop and Validate a Clinical Prediction Model in Resource-Limited Settings. Clin Infect Dis 2022; 75:e368-e379. [PMID: 35323932 PMCID: PMC9129107 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciac224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In locations where few people have received coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines, health systems remain vulnerable to surges in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections. Tools to identify patients suitable for community-based management are urgently needed. METHODS We prospectively recruited adults presenting to 2 hospitals in India with moderate symptoms of laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 to develop and validate a clinical prediction model to rule out progression to supplemental oxygen requirement. The primary outcome was defined as any of the following: SpO2 < 94%; respiratory rate > 30 BPM; SpO2/FiO2 < 400; or death. We specified a priori that each model would contain three clinical parameters (age, sex, and SpO2) and 1 of 7 shortlisted biochemical biomarkers measurable using commercially available rapid tests (C-reactive protein [CRP], D-dimer, interleukin 6 [IL-6], neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio [NLR], procalcitonin [PCT], soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cell-1 [sTREM-1], or soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor [suPAR]), to ensure the models would be suitable for resource-limited settings. We evaluated discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility of the models in a held-out temporal external validation cohort. RESULTS In total, 426 participants were recruited, of whom 89 (21.0%) met the primary outcome; 257 participants comprised the development cohort, and 166 comprised the validation cohort. The 3 models containing NLR, suPAR, or IL-6 demonstrated promising discrimination (c-statistics: 0.72-0.74) and calibration (calibration slopes: 1.01-1.05) in the validation cohort and provided greater utility than a model containing the clinical parameters alone. CONCLUSIONS We present 3 clinical prediction models that could help clinicians identify patients with moderate COVID-19 suitable for community-based management. The models are readily implementable and of particular relevance for locations with limited resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjun Chandna
- Cambodia Oxford Medical Research Unit, Angkor Hospital for Children, Siem Reap, Cambodia
- Centre for Tropical Medicine & Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Priyanka Gautam
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| | - Lazaro Mwandigha
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Divendu Bhusan
- Department of Internal Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, India
| | - Arthur T L Cheung
- Centre for Tropical Medicine & Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nicholas Day
- Centre for Tropical Medicine & Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sabine Dittrich
- Centre for Tropical Medicine & Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Foundation for Innovative Diagnostics, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Arjen Dondorp
- Centre for Tropical Medicine & Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Tulasi Geevar
- Department of Transfusion Medicine & Immunohaematology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| | | | | | | | - Rohini Karthikeyan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| | - Sanjeev Kumar
- Department of Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgery, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, India
| | - Shiril Kumar
- Department of Virology, Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, India
| | | | - Debasree Kundu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| | | | - Abi Manesh
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| | - Chonticha Menggred
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Mahesh Moorthy
- Department of Clinical Virology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| | | | | | - Sadhana Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, India
| | - Veena K Singh
- Department of Burns & Plastic Surgery, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, India
| | | | | | - Shuichi Suzuki
- School of Tropical Medicine & Global Health, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Jaruwan Tubprasert
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Paul Turner
- Cambodia Oxford Medical Research Unit, Angkor Hospital for Children, Siem Reap, Cambodia
- Centre for Tropical Medicine & Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Naomi Waithira
- Centre for Tropical Medicine & Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pragya Kumar
- Department of Community & Family Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, Indiaand
| | - George M Varghese
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| | - Constantinos Koshiaris
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Yoel Lubell
- Centre for Tropical Medicine & Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sakib Burza
- Médecins Sans Frontières, New Delhi, India
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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15
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Chandna A, Richard-Greenblatt M, Tustin R, Lee SJ, Kain KC, Burza S, Lubell Y, Turner P. Practical Methods to Permit the Analysis of Host Biomarkers in Resource-Limited Settings. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2022; 106:tpmd211045. [PMID: 35436761 PMCID: PMC9209911 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.21-1045] [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] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Host biomarker testing can be used as an adjunct to the clinical assessment of patients with infections and might be particularly impactful in resource-constrained settings. Research on the merits of this approach at peripheral levels of low- and middle-income country health systems is limited. In part, this is due to resource-intense requirements for sample collection, processing, and storage. We evaluated the stability of 16 endothelial and immune activation biomarkers implicated in the host response to infection stored in venous plasma and dried blood spot specimens at different temperatures for 6 months. We found that -80°C storage offered no clear advantage over -20°C for plasma aliquots, and most biomarkers studied could safely be stored as dried blood spots at refrigeration temperatures (4°C) for up to 3 months. These results identify more practical methods for host biomarker testing in resource-limited environments, which could help facilitate research in rural and remote environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjun Chandna
- Cambodia Oxford Medical Research Unit, Angkor Hospital for Children, Siem Reap, Cambodia
- Centre for Tropical Medicine & Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Melissa Richard-Greenblatt
- University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Richard Tustin
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Sue J. Lee
- Centre for Tropical Medicine & Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kevin C. Kain
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, UHN-Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Yoel Lubell
- Centre for Tropical Medicine & Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Paul Turner
- Cambodia Oxford Medical Research Unit, Angkor Hospital for Children, Siem Reap, Cambodia
- Centre for Tropical Medicine & Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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16
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Burza S, Mahajan R, Kazmi S, Alexander N, Kumar D, Kumar V, Lasry E, Harshana A, de Lima Pereira A, Das P, Verma N, Das VNR, Lal CS, Rewari B, Goyal V, Rijal S, Alves F, Gill N, Pandey K. AmBisome monotherapy and combination AmBisome - miltefosine therapy for the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis in patients co-infected with HIV in India: a randomised open label, parallel arm, phase 3 trial. Clin Infect Dis 2022; 75:1423-1432. [PMID: 35147680 PMCID: PMC9555838 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciac127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [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: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) presents an increasingly important patient cohort in areas where both infections are endemic. Evidence for treatment is sparce, with no high-quality studies from the Indian subcontinent. Methods This is a randomized, open-label, parallel-arm, phase 3 trial conducted within a single hospital in Patna, India. One hundred and fifty patients aged ≥18 years with serologically confirmed HIV and parasitologically confirmed VL were randomly allocated to 1 of 2 treatment arms, either a total 40 mg/kg intravenous liposomal amphotericin B (AmBisome; Gilead Pharmaceuticals) administered in 8 equal doses over 24 days or a total 30 mg/kg intravenous AmBisome administered in 6 equal doses given concomitantly with a total 1.4 g oral miltefosine administered through 2 daily doses of 50 mg over 14 days. The primary outcome was intention-to-treat relapse-free survival at day 210, defined as absence of signs and symptoms of VL or, if symptomatic, negative parasitological investigations. Results Among 243 patients assessed for eligibility, 150 were recruited between 2 January 2017 and 5 April 2018, with no loss to follow-up. Relapse-free survival at day 210 was 85% (64/75; 95% CI, 77–100%) in the monotherapy arm, and 96%, (72/75; 90–100%) in the combination arm. Nineteen percent (28/150) were infected with concurrent tuberculosis, divided equally between arms. Excluding those with concurrent tuberculosis, relapse-free survival at day 210 was 90% (55/61; 82–100%) in the monotherapy and 97% (59/61; 91–100%) in the combination therapy arm. Serious adverse events were uncommon and similar in each arm. Conclusions Combination therapy appears to be safe, well tolerated, and effective, and halves treatment duration of current recommendations. Clinical Trials Registration Clinical Trial Registry India (CTRI/2015/05/005807; the protocol is available online at https://osf.io/avz7r).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakib Burza
- Médecins Sans Frontières, New Delhi, India.,London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | | | - Neal Alexander
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Pradeep Das
- Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, India
| | - Neena Verma
- Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, India
| | | | | | - Bharat Rewari
- National Aids Control Organisation, New Delhi, India
| | - Vishal Goyal
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Suman Rijal
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Fabiana Alves
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Naresh Gill
- National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme, New Delhi, India
| | - Krishna Pandey
- Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, India
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17
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Boëte C, Burza S, Lasry E, Moriana S, Robertson W. Malaria vector control tools in emergency settings: What do experts think? Results from a DELPHI survey. Confl Health 2021; 15:93. [PMID: 34930378 PMCID: PMC8686338 DOI: 10.1186/s13031-021-00424-y] [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: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use and implementation of novel tools for malaria control such as long lasting impregnated bednets (LLINs) and Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) over the last decade has contributed to a substantial reduction in malaria burden globally. However numerous challenges exist particularly in relation to vector control in emergency settings. This study seeks to explore expert opinion on the utility of existing tools within the emergency context setting and to better understand the attitude towards emerging and innovative tools (including Genetically Modified Mosquitoes) to augment current approaches. METHODS 80 experts in the field of malaria and vector control were invited to participate in a two-round Delphi survey. They were selected through a combination of literature (academic and policy publications) review and snowball sampling reflecting a range of relevant backgrounds including vector control experts, malaria programme managers and emergency response specialists. The survey was conducted online through a questionnaire including the possibility for free text entry, and concentrated on the following topics: 1. Utility and sustainability of current vector control tools, both in and outside emergency settings 2. Feasibility, utility and challenges of emerging vector control tools, both in and outside emergency settings 3. Current and unmet research priorities in malaria vector control and in malaria control in general. RESULTS 37 experts completed the first round and 31 completed the second round of the survey. There was a stronger consensus about the increased utility of LLIN compared to IRS in all settings, while insecticide-treated covers and blankets ranked very high only in emergency settings. When considering the combination of tools, the ones deemed most interesting always involved LLINs and IRS regardless of the setting, and the acceptability and the efficacy at reducing transmission are essential characteristics. Regarding perceptions of tools currently under development, consensus was towards improvement of existing tools rather than investing in novel approaches and the majority of respondents expressed distrust for genetic approaches. CONCLUSION Malaria vector control experts expressed more confidence for tools whose efficacy is backed up by epidemiological evidence, hence a preference for the improvement rather than the combination of existing tools. Moreover, while several novel tools are under development, the majority of innovative approaches did not receive support, particularly in emergency settings. Stakeholders involved in the development of novel tools should involve earlier and raise awareness of the potential effectiveness amongst a wider range of experts within the malaria community to increase acceptability and improve early adoption once the evidence base is established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe Boëte
- ISEM, CNRS, IRD, EPHE Place Eugene Bataillon CC65, Univ Montpellier, 34095, Montpellier, France. .,Médecins Sans Frontières Spain, Carrer de Zamora, 54, 08005, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Sakib Burza
- Médecins Sans Frontières, New Delhi, India.,London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Estrella Lasry
- Médecins Sans Frontières Spain, Carrer de Zamora, 54, 08005, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Silvia Moriana
- Médecins Sans Frontières Spain, Carrer de Zamora, 54, 08005, Barcelona, Spain
| | - William Robertson
- Médecins Sans Frontières Spain, Carrer de Zamora, 54, 08005, Barcelona, Spain
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18
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Nair M, Zeegers MP, Varghese GM, Burza S. India's National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance: a critical perspective. J Glob Antimicrob Resist 2021; 27:236-238. [PMID: 34695609 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgar.2021.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is widely recognised as a global health threat, which is projected to account for more deaths than cancer by 2050. The Government of India has formulated a National Action Plan to tackle AMR (NAP-AMR), largely modelled on the World Health Organization's Global Action Plan on AMR. While the NAP-AMR successfully mirrors the Global Action Plan and lays out ambitious goals, we find that the lack of financial allocation across states, poor enforcement and inadequate multisectoral co-ordination have hampered progress. A broader focus on improving infrastructure for water and sanitation, linking the issue of AMR to existing vertical health programmes for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and tuberculosis (TB), prioritising infection prevention and control, strengthening the frontline healthcare workforce in rural and peri-urban settings to reduce reliance on antibiotics, leveraging point-of-care testing and mobile app-based health interventions for diagnosis and surveillance, and adopting a socioecological approach to health and development would help to create an enabling environment for concrete action on AMR in India.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Nair
- Department of Complex Genetics, Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| | - M P Zeegers
- Department of Complex Genetics, Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | | | - S Burza
- Médecins Sans Frontières, New Delhi, India; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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19
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Chandna A, Osborn J, Bassat Q, Bell D, Burza S, D'Acremont V, Fernandez-Carballo BL, Kain KC, Mayxay M, Wiens M, Dittrich S. Anticipating the future: prognostic tools as a complementary strategy to improve care for patients with febrile illnesses in resource-limited settings. BMJ Glob Health 2021; 6:bmjgh-2021-006057. [PMID: 34330761 PMCID: PMC8327814 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2021-006057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [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: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In low-income and middle-income countries, most patients with febrile illnesses present to peripheral levels of the health system where diagnostic capacity is very limited. In these contexts, accurate risk stratification can be particularly impactful, helping to guide allocation of scarce resources to ensure timely and tailored care. However, reporting of prognostic research is often imprecise and few prognostic tests or algorithms are translated into clinical practice. Here, we review the often-conflated concepts of prognosis and diagnosis, with a focus on patients with febrile illnesses. Drawing on a recent global stakeholder consultation, we apply these concepts to propose three use-cases for prognostic tools in the management of febrile illnesses in resource-limited settings: (1) guiding referrals from the community to higher-level care; (2) informing resource allocation for patients admitted to hospital and (3) identifying patients who may benefit from closer follow-up post-hospital discharge. We explore the practical implications for new technologies and reflect on the challenges and knowledge gaps that must be addressed before this approach could be incorporated into routine care settings. Our intention is that these use-cases, alongside other recent initiatives, will help to promote a harmonised yet contextualised approach for prognostic research in febrile illness. We argue that this is especially important given the heterogeneous settings in which care is often provided for patients with febrile illnesses living in low-income and middle-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjun Chandna
- Cambodia Oxford Medical Research Unit, Angkor Hospital for Children, Siem Reap, Cambodia .,Centre for Tropical Medicine & Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jennifer Osborn
- Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Quique Bassat
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique.,ICREA, Pg. Lluís Companys 23, Barcelona, Spain.,Pediatrics Department, Hospital Sant Joan de Dé, Universitat de Barcelona, Esplugues, Barcelona, Spain.,Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - David Bell
- Independent Consultant, Issaquah, Washington, USA
| | | | - Valérie D'Acremont
- Centre for Primary Care and Public Health, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Kevin C Kain
- Department of Medicine, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mayfong Mayxay
- Centre for Tropical Medicine & Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Microbiology Department, Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Trust Research Unit, Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic.,Institute of Research and Education Development (IRED), University of Health Sciences, Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic
| | - Matthew Wiens
- Center for International Child Health, BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda.,Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology & Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Walimu, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Sabine Dittrich
- Centre for Tropical Medicine & Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics, Geneva, Switzerland
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20
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Owen SI, Burza S, Kumar S, Verma N, Mahajan R, Harshana A, Pandey K, Cloots K, Adams E, Das P. Evaluation of qPCR on blood and skin microbiopsies, peripheral blood buffy coat smear, and urine antigen ELISA for diagnosis and test of cure for visceral leishmaniasis in HIV-coinfected patients in India: a prospective cohort study. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e042519. [PMID: 33931406 PMCID: PMC8098939 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-042519] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION HIV coinfection presents a challenge for diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis (VL). Invasive splenic or bone marrow aspiration with microscopic visualisation of Leishmania parasites remains the gold standard for diagnosis of VL in HIV-coinfected patients. Furthermore, a test of cure by splenic or bone marrow aspiration is required as patients with VL-HIV infection are at a high risk of treatment failure. However, there remain financial, implementation and safety costs to these invasive techniques which severely limit their use under field conditions. METHODS AND ANALYSIS We aim to evaluate blood and skin qPCR, peripheral blood buffy coat smear microscopy and urine antigen ELISA as non-invasive or minimally invasive alternatives for diagnosis and post-treatment test of cure for VL in HIV-coinfected patients in India, using a sample of 91 patients with parasitologically confirmed symptomatic VL-HIV infection. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval for this study has been granted by The Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, The Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp, the University of Antwerp and the Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Science in Patna. Any future publications will be published in open access journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER CTRI/2019/03/017908.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie I Owen
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Shiril Kumar
- Department of Health Research, Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, Bihar, India
| | - Neena Verma
- Department of Health Research, Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, Bihar, India
| | | | | | - Krishna Pandey
- Department of Health Research, Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, Bihar, India
| | - Kristien Cloots
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Emily Adams
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Pradeep Das
- Department of Health Research, Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, Bihar, India
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21
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Cloots K, Marino P, Burza S, Gill N, Boelaert M, Hasker E. Visceral Leishmaniasis-HIV Coinfection as a Predictor of Increased Leishmania Transmission at the Village Level in Bihar, India. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:604117. [PMID: 33777831 PMCID: PMC7993201 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.604117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is on the verge of being eliminated as a public health problem in the Indian subcontinent. Although Post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) is recognized as an important reservoir of transmission, we hypothesized that VL patients co-infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) may also be important reservoirs of sustained leishmania transmission. We therefore investigated to what extent cases of PKDL or VL-HIV are associated with VL incidence at the village level in Bihar, India. Methods VL, VL-HIV, and PKDL case data from six districts within the highly VL-endemic state of Bihar, India were collected through the Kala-Azar Management Information System for the years 2014-2019. Multivariate analysis was done using negative binomial regression controlling for year as a fixed effect and block (subdistrict) as a random effect. Findings Presence of VL-HIV+ and PKDL cases were both associated with a more than twofold increase in VL incidence at village level, with Incidence Rate Ratios (IRR) of 2.16 (95% CI 1.81-2.58) and 2.37 (95% CI 2.01-2.81) for VL-HIV+ and PKDL cases respectively. A sensitivity analysis showed the strength of the association to be similar in each of the six included subdistricts. Conclusions These findings indicate the importance of VL-HIV+ patients as infectious reservoirs for Leishmania, and suggest that they represent a threat equivalent to PKDL patients towards the VL elimination initiative on the Indian subcontinent, therefore warranting a similar focus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristien Cloots
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Pia Marino
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium.,Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree, Infectious Diseases & One Health Programme, Department of Pharmacy, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | | | - Naresh Gill
- National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, Delhi, India
| | - Marleen Boelaert
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Epco Hasker
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
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22
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Chandna A, Aderie EM, Ahmad R, Arguni E, Ashley EA, Cope T, Dat VQ, Day NPJ, Dondorp AM, Illanes V, De Jesus J, Jimenez C, Kain K, Suy K, Koshiaris C, Lasry E, Mayxay M, Mondal D, Perera R, Pongvongsa T, Rattanavong S, Rekart M, Richard-Greenblatt M, Shomik M, Souvannasing P, Tallo V, Turner C, Turner P, Waithira N, Watson JA, Yosia M, Burza S, Lubell Y. Prediction of disease severity in young children presenting with acute febrile illness in resource-limited settings: a protocol for a prospective observational study. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e045826. [PMID: 33495264 PMCID: PMC7839891 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-045826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In rural and difficult-to-access settings, early and accurate recognition of febrile children at risk of progressing to serious illness could contribute to improved patient outcomes and better resource allocation. This study aims to develop a prognostic clinical prediction tool to assist community healthcare providers identify febrile children who might benefit from referral or admission for facility-based medical care. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This prospective observational study will recruit at least 4900 paediatric inpatients and outpatients under the age of 5 years presenting with an acute febrile illness to seven hospitals in six countries across Asia. A venous blood sample and nasopharyngeal swab is collected from each participant and detailed clinical data recorded at presentation, and each day for the first 48 hours of admission for inpatients. Multianalyte assays are performed at reference laboratories to measure a panel of host biomarkers, as well as targeted aetiological investigations for common bacterial and viral pathogens. Clinical outcome is ascertained on day 2 and day 28.Presenting syndromes, clinical outcomes and aetiology of acute febrile illness will be described and compared across sites. Following the latest guidance in prediction model building, a prognostic clinical prediction model, combining simple clinical features and measurements of host biomarkers, will be derived and geographically externally validated. The performance of the model will be evaluated in specific presenting clinical syndromes and fever aetiologies. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The study has received approval from all relevant international, national and institutional ethics committees. Written informed consent is provided by the caretaker of all participants. Results will be shared with local and national stakeholders, and disseminated via peer-reviewed open-access journals and scientific meetings. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04285021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjun Chandna
- Angkor Hospital for Children, Cambodia Oxford Medical Research Unit, Siem Reap, Cambodia
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Endashaw M Aderie
- Médecins Sans Frontières Operational Centre Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Riris Ahmad
- Centre for Tropical Medicine, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakart, Indonesia
| | - Eggi Arguni
- Centre for Tropical Medicine, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakart, Indonesia
| | - Elizabeth A Ashley
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
- Microbiology Department, Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Trust Research Unit, Vientiane, Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic
| | - Tanya Cope
- Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Nicholas P J Day
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
- Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Arjen M Dondorp
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
- Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Victor Illanes
- Médecins Sans Frontières Operational Centre Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joanne De Jesus
- Clinical Trials, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Muntinlupa City, Philippines
| | - Carolina Jimenez
- Médecins Sans Frontières Operational Centre Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Kevin Kain
- Laboratory Medicine & Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Keang Suy
- Angkor Hospital for Children, Cambodia Oxford Medical Research Unit, Siem Reap, Cambodia
- Angkor Hospital for Children, Siem Reap, Siem Reap, Cambodia
| | | | - Estrella Lasry
- Médecins Sans Frontières Operational Centre Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mayfong Mayxay
- Microbiology Department, Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Trust Research Unit, Vientiane, Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic
- Faculty of Postgraduate Studies, University of Health Sciences, Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic
| | - Dinesh Mondal
- Centre for Nutrition and Food Security (CNFS), icddr,b, Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Rafael Perera
- Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Tiengkham Pongvongsa
- Microbiology Department, Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Trust Research Unit, Vientiane, Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic
- Savannakhet Provincial Health Department, Savannakhet, Lao People's Democratic Republic
| | - Sayaphet Rattanavong
- Microbiology Department, Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Trust Research Unit, Vientiane, Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic
| | - Michael Rekart
- Médecins Sans Frontières Operational Centre Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Mohammad Shomik
- Centre for Nutrition and Food Security (CNFS), icddr,b, Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | - Veronica Tallo
- Clinical Trials, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Muntinlupa City, Philippines
| | - Claudia Turner
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
- Angkor Hospital for Children, Siem Reap, Siem Reap, Cambodia
| | - Paul Turner
- Angkor Hospital for Children, Cambodia Oxford Medical Research Unit, Siem Reap, Cambodia
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Naomi Waithira
- Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - James A Watson
- Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Mikhael Yosia
- Médecins Sans Frontières Operational Centre Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sakib Burza
- Médecins Sans Frontières Operational Centre Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Yoel Lubell
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
- Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Bangkok, Thailand
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23
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Nair MM, Mahajan R, Burza S, Zeegers MP. Behavioural interventions to address rational use of antibiotics in outpatient settings of low-income and lower-middle-income countries. Trop Med Int Health 2021; 26:504-517. [PMID: 33452857 PMCID: PMC8248115 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13550] [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] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Objectives To explore the current evidence on interventions to influence antibiotic prescribing behaviour of health professionals in outpatient settings in low‐income and lower‐middle‐income countries, an underrepresented area in the literature. Methods The systematic review protocol for this study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020170504). We searched PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) for studies relating to antibiotic prescribing of health professionals in outpatient settings in low‐income and lower‐middle‐income countries. Behavioural interventions were classified as persuasive, enabling, restrictive, structural or bundle (mix of different interventions). In total, 3,514 abstracts were screened and 42 studies were selected for full‐text review, with 13 studies included in the final narrative synthesis. Results Of the 13 included studies, five were conducted in Vietnam, two in Sudan, two in Tanzania, two in India and two in Kenya. All studies were conducted in the outpatient or ambulatory setting: eight took place in primary health centres, two in private clinics and three in pharmacies. Our review found that enabling or educational interventions alone may not be sufficient to overcome the ingrained incentives to link revenue generation to sales of antibiotics, and hence, their inappropriate prescription or misuse. Bundle interventions appear to be very effective at changing prescription behaviour among healthcare providers, including drug sellers and pharmacists. Conclusions Multi‐faceted bundle interventions that combine regulation enforcement with face‐to‐face education and peer influence may be more effective than educational interventions alone at curbing inappropriate antibiotic use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohit M Nair
- Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Maurice P Zeegers
- Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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24
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Burza S, Mahajan R, Nair M, Saldanha AM, Harshana A, Pereira AL, Basu N, Goswami R, Bhattacharya N, Bandyopadhay B, SenGupta M, Day M, Flevaud L, Boelaert M. Diagnostic accuracy of commercially available immunochromatographic rapid tests for diagnosis of dengue in India. J Vector Borne Dis 2021; 58:159-164. [DOI: 10.4103/0972-9062.321747] [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: 12/24/2022] Open
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25
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Mahajan R, Burza S, Bouter LM, Sijtsma K, Knottnerus A, Kleijnen J, Dael PV, Zeegers MP. Standardized Protocol Items Recommendations for Observational Studies (SPIROS) for Observational Study Protocol Reporting Guidelines: Protocol for a Delphi Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2020; 9:e17864. [PMID: 33084592 PMCID: PMC7641775 DOI: 10.2196/17864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [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: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Approximately 90% of currently published clinical and public health research is in the form of observational studies. Having a detailed and registered study protocol prior to data collection is important in any empirical study. Without this, there is no reliable way to assess the occurrence of publication bias, outcome reporting bias, and other protocol deviations. However, there is currently no solid guidance available on the information that a protocol for an observational study should contain. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to formulate the Standardized Protocol Items Recommendations for Observational Studies (SPIROS) reporting guidelines, which focus on 3 main study designs of analytical epidemiology: cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional studies. METHODS A scoping review of published protocol papers of observational studies in epidemiology will identify candidate items for the SPIROS reporting guidelines. The list of items will be extended with the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) checklist items and recommendations from the SPIROS steering committee. This long list serves as the basis for a 2-round Delphi survey among experts to obtain consensus on which items to include. Each candidate item from the long list will be rated on a 5-point Likert scale to assess relevance for inclusion in the SPIROS reporting guidelines. Following the Delphi survey, an expert-driven consensus workshop will be convened to finalize the reporting guidelines. RESULTS A scoping review of published observational study protocols has been completed, with 59 candidate items identified for inclusion into the Delphi survey, itself launched in early 2020. CONCLUSIONS This project aims to improve the timeliness, completeness, and clarity of study protocols of observational studies in analytical epidemiology by producing expert-based recommendations of items to be addressed. These reporting guidelines will facilitate and encourage researchers to prepare and register study protocols of sufficient quality prior to data collection in order to improve the transparency, reproducibility, and quality of observational studies. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/17864.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raman Mahajan
- Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Médecins Sans Frontières, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Lex M Bouter
- Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Philosophy, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Klaas Sijtsma
- Department of Methodology and Statistics, Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg University, Tilburg, Netherlands
| | - André Knottnerus
- Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Jos Kleijnen
- Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | | | - Maurice P Zeegers
- Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
- School for Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
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26
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Nair M, Kumar P, Mahajan R, Harshana A, Richardson K, Moreto-Planas L, Burza S. Lived experiences of palliative care among people living with HIV/AIDS: a qualitative study from Bihar, India. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e036179. [PMID: 33020082 PMCID: PMC7537445 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-036179] [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] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to assess the lived experiences of palliative care among critically unwell people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA), caregivers and relatives of deceased patients. It also aimed to understand the broader palliative care context in Bihar. DESIGN This was an exploratory, qualitative study which used thematic analysis of semistructured, in-depth interviews as well as a focus group discussion. SETTING All interviews took place in a secondary care hospital in Patna, Bihar which provides holistic care to critically unwell PLHA. PARTICIPANTS We purposively selected 29 participants: 10 critically unwell PLHA, 5 caregivers of hospitalised patients, 7 relatives of deceased patients who were treated in the secondary care hospital and 7 key informants from community-based organisations. RESULTS Critically ill PLHA emphasised the need for psychosocial counselling and opportunities for social interaction in the ward, as well as a preference for components of home-based palliative care, even though they were unfamiliar with actual terms such as 'palliative care' and 'end-of-life care'. Critically unwell PLHA generally expressed preference for separate, private inpatient areas for end-of-life care. Relatives of deceased patients stated that witnessing patients' deaths caused trauma for other PLHA. Caregivers and relatives of deceased patients felt there was inadequate time and space for grieving in the hospital. While both critically ill PLHA and relatives wished that poor prognosis be transparently disclosed to family members, many felt it should not be disclosed to the dying patients themselves. CONCLUSIONS Despite expected high inpatient fatality rates, PLHA in Bihar lack access to palliative care services. PLHA receiving end-of-life care in hospitals should have a separate dedicated area, with adequate psychosocial counselling and activities to prevent social isolation. Healthcare providers should make concerted efforts to inquire, understand and adapt their messaging on prognosis and end-of-life care based on patients' preferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohit Nair
- Medecins Sans Frontieres, New Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Pragya Kumar
- Community & Family Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, Bihar, India
| | | | | | | | | | - Sakib Burza
- Medecins Sans Frontieres, New Delhi, Delhi, India
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Nair M, Kumar P, Mahajan R, Harshana A, Kurup KK, Moreto-Planas L, Burza S. Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Palliative Care: A Mixed-Methods Study from Bihar, India. J Palliat Care 2020; 36:9-11. [PMID: 32727299 DOI: 10.1177/0825859720946514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mohit Nair
- 16309Medecins Sans Frontieres, New Delhi, India
| | - Pragya Kumar
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, India
| | | | | | | | | | - Sakib Burza
- 16309Medecins Sans Frontieres, New Delhi, India
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28
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Cloots K, Burza S, Malaviya P, Hasker E, Kansal S, Mollett G, Chakravarty J, Roy N, Lal BK, Rijal S, Sundar S, Boelaert M. Male predominance in reported Visceral Leishmaniasis cases: Nature or nurture? A comparison of population-based with health facility-reported data. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0007995. [PMID: 31995564 PMCID: PMC7010295 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [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: 05/17/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Bangladesh, India, and Nepal aim for the elimination of Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL), a systemic parasitic infectious disease, as a public health problem by 2020. For decades, male patients have comprised the majority of reported VL cases in this region. By comparing this reported VL sex ratio to the one observed in population-based studies conducted in the Indian subcontinent, we tested the working hypothesis that mainly socio-cultural gender differences in healthcare-seeking behavior explain this gender imbalance. Methodology/Principal findings We compared the observed sex ratio of male versus female among all VL cases reported by the health system in Nepal and in the two most endemic states in India with that observed in population-based cohort studies in India and Nepal. Also, we assessed male sex as a potential risk factor for seroprevalence at baseline, seroconversion, and VL incidence in the same population-based data. The male/female ratio among VL cases reported by the health systems was 1.40 (95% CI 1.37–1.43). In the population cohort data, the age- and study site-adjusted male to female risk ratio was 1.27 (95% CI 1.08–1.51). Also, males had a 19% higher chance of being seropositive at baseline in the population surveys (RR 1.19; 95% CI 1.11–1.27), while we observed no significant difference in seroconversion rate between both sexes at the DAT cut-off titer defined as the primary endpoint. Conclusions/Significance Our population-based data show that male sex is a risk factor for VL, and not only as a socio-cultural determinant. Biological sex-related differences likely play an important role in the pathogenesis of this disease. Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) is a parasitic disease that is lethal if not treated timely and mainly affects impoverished populations. Bangladesh, India, and Nepal have targeted the elimination of this disease as a public health problem by 2020. The majority of VL patients attending the health services are male, and this is usually attributed to unequal access to health care for men and women in this sociocultural context. We analyzed two large datasets obtained in population surveillance projects, including regular door-to-door screening for VL, in India and Nepal. Thereby we minimized any potential differences in access to health care between both sexes, as every suspect VL case occurring in the community received a full diagnostic work-up, and the research project facilitated transport to treatment centers if needed. By comparing the observed sex ratio in the health services records with those of the population surveillance records, we aimed to reach meaningful conclusions about the pathway through which male gender exerts its leverage for increasing VL risk: socio-cultural determinants blocking women from accessing care (nurture) or biological factors (nature) making men more vulnerable to VL. Because in the population-based age adjusted-data, male VL cases were significantly more frequent than female, our findings strongly suggest that in the Indian subcontinent, biological differences between men and women play a more critical role in the pathogenesis of VL than previously assumed, and the observed male predominance in VL cases in health services cannot be explained by socio-cultural factors only. Moreover, data show that above the age of 14 years, males are seropositive more often than females and are at higher risk to develop VL disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristien Cloots
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
- * E-mail:
| | | | | | - Epco Hasker
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Sangeeta Kansal
- Department of Medicine, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Guy Mollett
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jaya Chakravarty
- Department of Medicine, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Nurpur Roy
- National Vector Borne Disease Control Program, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, New Delhi, India
| | - Bibek Kumar Lal
- Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, Ministry of Health, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Suman Rijal
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, New Delhi, India
| | - Shyam Sundar
- Department of Medicine, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Marleen Boelaert
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
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Nair M, Kumar P, Pandey S, Harshana A, Kazmi S, Moreto-Planas L, Burza S. Refused and referred-persistent stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS in Bihar: a qualitative study from India. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e033790. [PMID: 31772110 PMCID: PMC6886919 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-033790] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to explore barriers to accessing care, if any, among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) in two districts of Bihar. We also aimed to assess attitudes towards PLHA among healthcare providers and community members. DESIGN This qualitative study used an exploratory study design through thematic analysis of semistructured, in-depth interviews. SETTING Two districts were purposively selected for the study, namely the capital Patna and a peripheral district located approximately 100 km from Patna, in order to glean insights from a diverse sample of respondents. PARTICIPANTS Our team purposively selected 71 participants, including 35 PLHA, 10 community members and 26 healthcare providers. RESULTS The overarching theme that evolved from these data through thematic coding identified that enacted stigma and discrimination interfere with each step in the HIV care continuum for PLHA in Bihar, India, especially outside urban areas. The five themes that contributed to these results include: perception of HIV as a dirty illness at the community level; non-consensual disclosure of HIV status; reliance on identifying PLHA to guide procedures and resistance to universal precautions; refusal to treat identified PLHA and referrals to other health centres for treatment; and inadequate knowledge and fear among health providers with respect to HIV transmission. CONCLUSIONS The continued presence of discriminatory and stigmatising attitudes towards PLHA negatively impacts both disclosure of HIV status as well as access to care and treatment. We recognise a pressing need to improve the knowledge of HIV transmission, and implement universal precautions across all health facilities in the state, not just to reduce stigma and discrimination but also to ensure proper infection control. In order to improve treatment adherence and encourage optimal utilisation of services, it is imperative that the health system invest more in stigma reduction in Bihar and move beyond more ineffective, punitive approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohit Nair
- Medecins Sans Frontieres, New Delhi, India
| | - Pragya Kumar
- Community & Family Medicines, All India Institute of Medical Science, Patna, Bihar, India
| | - Sanjay Pandey
- Community & Family Medicines, All India Institute of Medical Science, Patna, Bihar, India
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Goyal V, Burza S, Pandey K, Singh SN, Singh RS, Strub-Wourgaft N, Das VNR, Bern C, Hightower A, Rijal S, Sunyoto T, Alves F, Lima N, Das P, Alvar J. Field effectiveness of new visceral leishmaniasis regimens after 1 year following treatment within public health facilities in Bihar, India. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007726. [PMID: 31557162 PMCID: PMC6782108 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [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: 01/28/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND An earlier open label, prospective, non-randomized, non-comparative, multi-centric study conducted within public health facilities in Bihar, India (CTRI/2012/08/002891) measured the field effectiveness of three new treatment regimens for visceral leishmaniasis (VL): single dose AmBisome (SDA), and combination therapies of AmBisome and miltefosine (AmB+Milt) and miltefosine and paromomycin (Milt+PM) up to 6 months follow-up. The National Vector Borne Disease Control Program (NVBDCP) recommended an extended follow up at 12 months post-treatment of the original study cohort to quantify late relapses. METHODS The 1,761 patients enrolled in the original study with the three new regimens were contacted and traced between 10 and 36 months following completion of treatment to determine their health status and any occurrence of VL relapse. RESULTS Of 1,761 patients enrolled in the original study, 1,368 were traced at the extended follow-up visit: 711 (80.5%), 295 (83.2%) and 362 (71.5%) patients treated with SDA, AmB+Milt and Milt+PM respectively. Of those traced, a total of 75 patients were reported to have relapsed by the extended follow-up; 45 (6.3%) in the SDA, 25 (8.5%) in the AmB+Milt and 5 (1.4%) in the Milt+PM arms. Of the 75 relapse cases, 55 had already been identified in the 6-months follow-up and 20 were identified as new cases of relapse at extended follow-up; 7 in the SDA, 10 in the AmB+Milt and 3 in the Milt+PM arms. CONCLUSION Extending follow-up beyond the standard 6 months identified additional relapses, suggesting that 12-month sentinel follow-up may be useful as a programmatic tool to better identify and quantify relapses. With limited drug options, there remains an urgent need to develop effective new chemical entities (NCEs) for VL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishal Goyal
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi), New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Sakib Burza
- Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), New Delhi, India
| | - Krishna Pandey
- Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences (RMRI), Patna, Bihar, India
| | | | | | | | - Vidya Nand Rabi Das
- Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences (RMRI), Patna, Bihar, India
| | - Caryn Bern
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | | | - Suman Rijal
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi), New Delhi, India
| | | | - Fabiana Alves
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi), Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Pradeep Das
- Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences (RMRI), Patna, Bihar, India
| | - Jorge Alvar
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi), Geneva, Switzerland
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Chaand I, Horo M, Nair M, Harshana A, Mahajan R, Kashyap V, Falero F, Escruela M, Burza S, Dasgupta R. Malnutrition in Chakradharpur, Jharkhand: an anthropological study of perceptions and care practices from India. BMC Nutr 2019; 5:35. [PMID: 32153948 PMCID: PMC7050873 DOI: 10.1186/s40795-019-0299-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [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] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study aims to investigate the knowledge, perception and practices related to health, nutrition, care practices, and their effect on nutrition health-seeking behaviour. Methods In order to have maximum representation, we divided Chakradharpur block in Jharkhand state into three zones (north, south and centre regions) and purposively selected 2 Ambulatory Therapeutic Feeding Centre (ATFC) clusters from each zone, along with 2 villages per ATFC (12 villages from 6 ATFCs in total). In-depth interviews and natural group discussions were conducted with mothers/caregivers, frontline health workers (FHWs), Medicins Sans Frontieres (MSF) staff, community representatives, and social leaders from selected villages. Results We found that the community demonstrates a strong dependence on traditional and cultural practices for health care and nutrition for newborns, infants and young children. Furthermore, the community relies on alternative systems of medicine for treatment of childhood illnesses such as malnutrition. The study indicated that there was limited access to and utilization of local health services by the community. Lack of adequate social safety nets, limited livelihood opportunities, inadequate child care support and care, and seasonal male migration leave mothers and caregivers vulnerable and limit proper child care and feeding practices. With respect to continuum of care, services linking care across households to facilities are fragmented. Limited knowledge of child nutrition amongst mothers and caregivers as well as fragmented service provision contribute to the limited utilization of local health services. Government FHWs and MSF field staff do not have a robust understanding of screening methods, referral pathways, and counselling. Additionally, collaboration between MSF and FHWs regarding cases treated at the ATFC is lacking, disrupting the follow up process with discharged cases in the community. Conclusions For caregivers, there is a need to focus on capacity building in the area of child nutrition and health care provision post-discharge. It is also recommended that children identified as having moderate acute malnutrition be supported to prevent them from slipping into severe acute malnutrition, even if they do not qualify for admission at ATFCs. Community education and engagement are critical components of a successful CMAM program.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mohit Nair
- Medecins Sans Frontieres, New Delhi, India
| | | | | | - Vivek Kashyap
- 3Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranchi, India
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Nair M, Tripathi S, Mazumdar S, Mahajan R, Harshana A, Pereira A, Jimenez C, Halder D, Burza S. "Without antibiotics, I cannot treat": A qualitative study of antibiotic use in Paschim Bardhaman district of West Bengal, India. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0219002. [PMID: 31247028 PMCID: PMC6597109 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Misuse of antibiotics is a well-known driver of antibiotic resistance. Given the decentralized model of the Indian health system and the shortage of allopathic doctors in rural areas, a wide variety of healthcare providers cater to the needs of patients in urban and rural settings. This qualitative study explores the drivers of antibiotic use among formal and informal healthcare providers as well as patients accessing care at primary health centers across Paschim Bardhaman district in West Bengal. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted 28 semi-structured, in-depth interviews with four groups of healthcare providers (allopathic doctors, informal health providers, nurses, and pharmacy shopkeepers) as well as patients accessing care at primary health centers and hospitals across Paschim Bardhaman district. Qualitative data was analyzed using the framework method in an inductive and deductive manner. RESULTS Our results indicate that patients demand antibiotics from healthcare providers and seek the fastest cure possible, which influences the prescription choices of healthcare providers, particularly informal health providers. Many allopathic doctors provide antibiotics without any clinical indication due to inconsistent follow up, lack of testing facilities, risk of secondary infections, and unhygienic living conditions. Pharmaceutical company representatives actively network with informal health providers and formal healthcare providers alike, and regularly visit providers even in remote areas to market newer antibiotics. Allopathic doctors and informal health providers frequently blame the other party for being responsible for antibiotic resistance, and yet both display interdependence in referring patients to one another. CONCLUSIONS A holistic approach to curbing antibiotic resistance in West Bengal and other parts of India should focus on strengthening the capacity of the existing public health system to deliver on its promises, improving patient education and counseling, and including informal providers and pharmaceutical company representatives in community-level antibiotic stewardship efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohit Nair
- Medecins Sans Frontieres, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Sumit Mazumdar
- Centre for Health Economics, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Sakib Burza
- Medecins Sans Frontieres, New Delhi, India
- * E-mail:
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Jayakumar B, Murthy N, Misra K, Burza S. "It's just a fever": Gender based barriers to care-seeking for visceral leishmaniasis in highly endemic districts of India: A qualitative study. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007457. [PMID: 31247011 PMCID: PMC6597040 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Diagnosis and treatment for visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is considered to be delayed amongst poor, rural women in highly endemic districts of Bihar and Jharkhand. The objective of this study was to assess and understand barriers to VL diagnosis and treatment for women in endemic districts with a high burden of VL. METHODS The study used a stratified and purposive sample of 33 female patients with VL, 11 health staff, 11 local (unqualified) health providers and 12 groups of community elders drawn from ten districts in Bihar and four in Jharkhand with high burdens of VL. The study was conducted within an exploratory and inductive framework, using semi-structured in-depth interviews and discussions. RESULTS Women accessing treatment more quickly tended to move faster from treating their symptoms on their own to seeking care from local providers. Perception among female patients of the illness being not serious (owing to initially non-specific and mild symptoms), lack of money, prioritisation of household chores over their need to seek care and the absence of a male guardian to accompany them in seeking care at facilities worked together to drive these choices. Most patients and their families did not suspect VL as the cause for their non-specific symptoms, but when VL was suspected, treatment shopping ended. Lack of prioritization of women's health issues appears to be a pervasive underlying factor. Public health facilities were not an early treatment choice for the majority, but where it was, the diagnosis of VL was often not considered when presenting with under 2 weeks of symptoms, nor were appropriate follow-up plans instituted. CONCLUSION The insidious presentation of VL and the low prioritisation of women's health need to be jointly addressed through messages that emphasise the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of disease, which is low-cost in time and money when managed in public health facilities. Clear messages that project prioritising women's care-seeking over household work as a smart choice and the need for rallying male support are needed. Additionally, efforts to reduce missed opportunities through early case suspicion and engaging private providers to better counsel women with suspected VL could close critical gaps in the continuum of care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nirmala Murthy
- Foundation for Research in Health Systems, Bangalore, India
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Den Boer M, Burza S. Reply to Shamim Islam. Clin Infect Dis 2019; 69:190. [DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciy1034] [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] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakib Burza
- Department of Pathogen Molecular Biology and Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK; Médecins Sans Frontières, Delhi, India
| | - Simon L Croft
- Department of Immunology and Infection, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Marleen Boelaert
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp 2000, Belgium.
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Goyal V, Mahajan R, Pandey K, Singh SN, Singh RS, Strub-Wourgaft N, Alves F, Rabi Das VN, Topno RK, Sharma B, Balasegaram M, Bern C, Hightower A, Rijal S, Ellis S, Sunyoto T, Burza S, Lima N, Das P, Alvar J. Field safety and effectiveness of new visceral leishmaniasis treatment regimens within public health facilities in Bihar, India. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006830. [PMID: 30346949 PMCID: PMC6197645 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [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: 04/02/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2010, WHO recommended the use of new short-course treatment regimens in kala-azar elimination efforts for the Indian subcontinent. Although phase 3 studies have shown excellent results, there remains a lack of evidence on a wider treatment population and the safety and effectiveness of these regimens under field conditions. METHODS This was an open label, prospective, non-randomized, non-comparative, multi-centric trial conducted within public health facilities in two highly endemic districts and a specialist referral centre in Bihar, India. Three treatment regimens were tested: single dose AmBisome (SDA), concomitant miltefosine and paromomycin (Milt+PM), and concomitant AmBisome and miltefosine (AmB+Milt). Patients with complicated disease or significant co-morbidities were treated in the SDA arm. Sample sizes were set at a minimum of 300 per arm, taking into account inter-site variation and an estimated failure risk of 5% with 5% precision. Outcomes of drug effectiveness and safety were measured at 6 months. The trial was prospectively registered with the Clinical Trials Registry India: CTRI/2012/08/002891. RESULTS Out of 1,761 patients recruited, 50.6% (n = 891) received SDA, 20.3% (n = 358) AmB+Milt and 29.1% (n = 512) Milt+PM. In the ITT analysis, the final cure rates were SDA 91.4% (95% CI 89.3-93.1), AmB+Milt 88.8% (95% CI 85.1-91.9) and Milt+PM 96.9% (95% CI 95.0-98.2). In the complete case analysis, cure rates were SDA 95.5% (95% CI 93.9-96.8), AmB+Milt 95.5% (95% CI 92.7-97.5) and Milt+PM 99.6% (95% CI 98.6-99.9). All three regimens were safe, with 5 severe adverse events in the SDA arm, two of which were considered to be drug related. CONCLUSION All regimens showed acceptable outcomes and safety profiles in a range of patients under field conditions. Phase IV field-based studies, although extremely rare for neglected tropical diseases, are good practice and an important step in validating the results of more restrictive hospital-based studies before widespread implementation, and in this case contributed to national level policy change in India. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinical trial is registered at Clinical trial registry of India (CTRI/2012/08/002891, Registered on 16/08/2012, Trial Registered Prospectively).
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishal Goyal
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi), New Delhi, India
| | | | - Krishna Pandey
- Division of Clinical Medicine, Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences (RMRI), New Delhi, India
| | | | | | | | - Fabiana Alves
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Vidya Nand Rabi Das
- Division of Clinical Medicine, Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences (RMRI), New Delhi, India
| | - Roshan Kamal Topno
- Division of Clinical Medicine, Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences (RMRI), New Delhi, India
| | - Bhawna Sharma
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi), New Delhi, India
| | | | - Caryn Bern
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco CA, United States of America
| | | | - Suman Rijal
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi), New Delhi, India
| | - Sally Ellis
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi), Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Sakib Burza
- Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), New Delhi, India
| | - Nines Lima
- Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pradeep Das
- Division of Clinical Medicine, Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences (RMRI), New Delhi, India
| | - Jorge Alvar
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi), Geneva, Switzerland
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Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a poverty-related disease with two main clinical forms: visceral leishmaniasis and cutaneous leishmaniasis. An estimated 0·7-1 million new cases of leishmaniasis per year are reported from nearly 100 endemic countries. The number of reported visceral leishmaniasis cases has decreased substantially in the past decade as a result of better access to diagnosis and treatment and more intense vector control within an elimination initiative in Asia, although natural cycles in transmission intensity might play a role. In east Africa however, the case numbers of this fatal disease continue to be sustained. Increased conflict in endemic areas of cutaneous leishmaniasis and forced displacement has resulted in a surge in these endemic areas as well as clinics across the world. WHO lists leishmaniasis as one of the neglected tropical diseases for which the development of new treatments is a priority. Major evidence gaps remain, and new tools are needed before leishmaniasis can be definitively controlled.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakib Burza
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK; Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium; Médecins Sans Frontières, Delhi, India
| | - Simon L Croft
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Marleen Boelaert
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium.
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Abstract
Immunosuppression contributes significantly to the caseload of visceral leishmaniasis (VL). HIV coinfection, solid organ transplantation, malnutrition, and helminth infections are the most important immunosuppression-related factors. This review briefly describes the challenges of these associations. East Africa and the Indian subcontinent are the places where HIV imposes the highest burden in VL. In the highlands of Northern Ethiopia, migrant rural workers are at a greater risk of coinfection and malnutrition, while in India, HIV reduces the sustainability of a successful elimination programme. As shown from a longitudinal cohort in Madrid, VL is an additional threat to solid organ transplantation. The association with malnutrition is more complex since it can be both a cause and a consequence of VL. Different regimes for therapy and secondary prevention are discussed as well as the role of nutrients on the prophylaxis of VL in poverty-stricken endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Akuffo
- Swedish International Development Agency (Sida), and Microbiology, Tumor and Cell biology (MTC), Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Carlos Costa
- Federal University of Piauí, Teresina-PI, Brazil
- * E-mail:
| | - Johan van Griensven
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Javier Moreno
- World Health Centre (WHO) Collaborating Centre for Leishmaniasis, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mercè Herrero
- Leishmaniasis, IDM Unit, Neglected Tropical Diseases, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland
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van Griensven J, Mohammed R, Ritmeijer K, Burza S, Diro E. Tuberculosis in Visceral Leishmaniasis-Human Immunodeficiency Virus Coinfection: An Evidence Gap in Improving Patient Outcomes? Open Forum Infect Dis 2018; 5:ofy059. [PMID: 29732379 PMCID: PMC5925430 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofy059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2017] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Visceral leishmaniasis (VL)-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection remains a major problem in Ethiopia, India, and Brazil. Tuberculosis (TB), a treatable factor, could contribute to high mortality (up to 25%) in VL-HIV coinfection. However, the current evidence on the prevalence and clinical impact of TB in VL-HIV coinfection is very limited. In previous reports on routine care, TB prevalence ranged from 5.7% to 29.7%, but information on how and when TB was diagnosed was lacking. Methods Field observations suggest that TB work-up is often not done systematically, and it is only done in patients who do not respond well to VL treatment. Here, we advocate high-quality diagnostic studies in VL-HIV-coinfected patients, during which all patients are systematically screened for TB, including a comprehensive work-up, to obtain reliable estimates. Results Cost-effective and feasible diagnostic algorithms can be developed for field use, and this can be integrated in VL clinical guidelines. Conclusions An accurate diagnosis of TB can allow clinicians to assess its clinical impact and evaluate the impact of early TB diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Koert Ritmeijer
- Médecins sans Frontières, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Médecins sans Frontières, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sakib Burza
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative, Geneva, Switzerland
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den Boer M, Das AK, Akhter F, Burza S, Ramesh V, Ahmed BN, Zijlstra EE, Ritmeijer K. Safety and Effectiveness of Short-Course AmBisome in the Treatment of Post–Kala-Azar Dermal Leishmaniasis: A Prospective Cohort Study in Bangladesh. Clin Infect Dis 2018; 67:667-675. [DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciy172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [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: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 03/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - V Ramesh
- Safdarjang Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Be-Nazir Ahmed
- Communicable Disease Control, Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Mahajan R, Sunyoto T, Malakyan K, Mitra G, Kumar D, Lima M, Mathew P, Burza S. From evidence to impact: Improving treatment for Kala Azar patients in India. Int J Infect Dis 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2016.02.171] [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: 10/22/2022] Open
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Goyal V, Mahajan R, Sharma B, Strub-Wourgaft N, Balasegaram M, Rijal S, Ellis S, Alves F, Burza S, Sunyoto T, Lima N, Pandey K, Rabi Das V, Das P, Alvar J. Twelve months outcome in kala-azar patients treated with 3 novel regimens, at public health care facilities in Bihar. Int J Infect Dis 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2016.02.177] [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: 11/29/2022] Open
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Cameron MM, Acosta-Serrano A, Bern C, Boelaert M, den Boer M, Burza S, Chapman LAC, Chaskopoulou A, Coleman M, Courtenay O, Croft S, Das P, Dilger E, Foster G, Garlapati R, Haines L, Harris A, Hemingway J, Hollingsworth TD, Jervis S, Medley G, Miles M, Paine M, Picado A, Poché R, Ready P, Rogers M, Rowland M, Sundar S, de Vlas SJ, Weetman D. Understanding the transmission dynamics of Leishmania donovani to provide robust evidence for interventions to eliminate visceral leishmaniasis in Bihar, India. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:25. [PMID: 26812963 PMCID: PMC4729074 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1309-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2015] [Accepted: 01/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) is a neglected vector-borne disease. In India, it is transmitted to humans by Leishmania donovani-infected Phlebotomus argentipes sand flies. In 2005, VL was targeted for elimination by the governments of India, Nepal and Bangladesh by 2015. The elimination strategy consists of rapid case detection, treatment of VL cases and vector control using indoor residual spraying (IRS). However, to achieve sustained elimination of VL, an appropriate post elimination surveillance programme should be designed, and crucial knowledge gaps in vector bionomics, human infection and transmission need to be addressed. This review examines the outstanding knowledge gaps, specifically in the context of Bihar State, India.The knowledge gaps in vector bionomics that will be of immediate benefit to current control operations include better estimates of human biting rates and natural infection rates of P. argentipes, with L. donovani, and how these vary spatially, temporally and in response to IRS. The relative importance of indoor and outdoor transmission, and how P. argentipes disperse, are also unknown. With respect to human transmission it is important to use a range of diagnostic tools to distinguish individuals in endemic communities into those who: 1) are to going to progress to clinical VL, 2) are immune/refractory to infection and 3) have had past exposure to sand flies.It is crucial to keep in mind that close to elimination, and post-elimination, VL cases will become infrequent, so it is vital to define what the surveillance programme should target and how it should be designed to prevent resurgence. Therefore, a better understanding of the transmission dynamics of VL, in particular of how rates of infection in humans and sand flies vary as functions of each other, is required to guide VL elimination efforts and ensure sustained elimination in the Indian subcontinent. By collecting contemporary entomological and human data in the same geographical locations, more precise epidemiological models can be produced. The suite of data collected can also be used to inform the national programme if supplementary vector control tools, in addition to IRS, are required to address the issues of people sleeping outside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary M Cameron
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK.
| | | | - Caryn Bern
- UCSF School of Medicine, 550 16th Street, San Francisco, 94158, CA, USA.
| | | | | | - Sakib Burza
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK.
| | | | - Alexandra Chaskopoulou
- European Biological Control Laboratory, USDA-ARS, Tsimiski 43 Street, Thessaloniki, 54623, Greece.
| | - Michael Coleman
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK.
| | - Orin Courtenay
- University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Campus, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK.
| | - Simon Croft
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK.
| | - Pradeep Das
- Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, India.
| | - Erin Dilger
- University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Campus, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK.
| | - Geraldine Foster
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK.
| | | | - Lee Haines
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK.
| | | | - Janet Hemingway
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK.
| | | | - Sarah Jervis
- University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Campus, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK.
| | - Graham Medley
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK.
| | - Michael Miles
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK.
| | - Mark Paine
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK.
| | - Albert Picado
- FIND, Campus Biotech, Chemin des Mines 9, 1202, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Richard Poché
- Genesis Laboratories, Inc., Wellington, CO, 80549, USA.
| | - Paul Ready
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK.
| | - Matthew Rogers
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK.
| | - Mark Rowland
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK.
| | - Shyam Sundar
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India.
| | - Sake J de Vlas
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands.
| | - David Weetman
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK.
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Polman K, Becker SL, Alirol E, Bhatta NK, Bhattarai NR, Bottieau E, Bratschi MW, Burza S, Coulibaly JT, Doumbia MN, Horié NS, Jacobs J, Khanal B, Landouré A, Mahendradhata Y, Meheus F, Mertens P, Meyanti F, Murhandarwati EH, N'Goran EK, Peeling RW, Ravinetto R, Rijal S, Sacko M, Saye R, Schneeberger PHH, Schurmans C, Silué KD, Thobari JA, Traoré MS, van Lieshout L, van Loen H, Verdonck K, von Müller L, Yansouni CP, Yao JA, Yao PK, Yap P, Boelaert M, Chappuis F, Utzinger J. Erratum to: Diagnosis of neglected tropical diseases among patients with persistent digestive disorders (diarrhoea and/or abdominal pain ≥14 days): a multi-country, prospective, non-experimental case-control study. BMC Infect Dis 2015; 15:499. [PMID: 26537896 PMCID: PMC4634142 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-015-1160-0] [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] [Received: 09/30/2015] [Accepted: 09/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Katja Polman
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Sören L Becker
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany.,Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Saarland University, Saar, Germany
| | - Emilie Alirol
- Division of Tropical and Humanitarian Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Nisha K Bhatta
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, B P Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal
| | - Narayan R Bhattarai
- Department of Microbiology, B P Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal
| | - Emmanuel Bottieau
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Martin W Bratschi
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sakib Burza
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Jean T Coulibaly
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Unité de Formation et de Recherche Biosciences, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.,Département Environnement et Santé, Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Mama N Doumbia
- Institut National de Recherche en Santé Publique, Bamako, Mali
| | - Ninon S Horié
- Division of Tropical and Humanitarian Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jan Jacobs
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, B P Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal
| | - Basudha Khanal
- Department of Microbiology, B P Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal
| | - Aly Landouré
- Institut National de Recherche en Santé Publique, Bamako, Mali
| | - Yodi Mahendradhata
- Centre for Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Filip Meheus
- University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Fransiska Meyanti
- Centre for Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Elsa H Murhandarwati
- Centre for Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Eliézer K N'Goran
- Unité de Formation et de Recherche Biosciences, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.,Département Environnement et Santé, Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | | | - Raffaella Ravinetto
- Department of Microbiology, B P Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal.,Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Suman Rijal
- Department of Internal Medicine, B P Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal
| | - Moussa Sacko
- Institut National de Recherche en Santé Publique, Bamako, Mali
| | - Rénion Saye
- Institut National de Recherche en Santé Publique, Bamako, Mali
| | - Pierre H H Schneeberger
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Epidemiology and Molecular Diagnostics, Agroscope Changins-Wädenswil ACW, Wädenswil, Switzerland.,Department of Virology, Spiez Laboratory, Federal Office for Civil Protection, Spiez, Switzerland
| | - Céline Schurmans
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Kigbafori D Silué
- Unité de Formation et de Recherche Biosciences, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.,Département Environnement et Santé, Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Jarir A Thobari
- Centre for Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | | | - Lisette van Lieshout
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Harry van Loen
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Kristien Verdonck
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Lutz von Müller
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany.,Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Saarland University, Saar, Germany
| | - Cédric P Yansouni
- Divisions of Infectious Diseases and Medical Microbiology, J.D. MacLean Centre for Tropical Diseases, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
| | - Joel A Yao
- Unité de Formation et de Recherche Biosciences, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.,Département Environnement et Santé, Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Patrick K Yao
- Unité de Formation et de Recherche Biosciences, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Peiling Yap
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marleen Boelaert
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - François Chappuis
- Division of Tropical and Humanitarian Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jürg Utzinger
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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45
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Burza S, Mahajan R, Marino E, Sunyoto T, Mathew P, Duqué G, Salse N. Reply to R Dasgupta et al. Am J Clin Nutr 2015; 102:1298-9. [PMID: 26526680 DOI: 10.3945/ajcn.115.117267] [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] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sakib Burza
- From Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), New Delhi, India (RM, EM, TS, PM, and GD; SB, e-mail: ); and MSF, Barcelona, Spain (NS)
| | - Raman Mahajan
- From Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), New Delhi, India (RM, EM, TS, PM, and GD; SB, e-mail: ); and MSF, Barcelona, Spain (NS)
| | - Elisa Marino
- From Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), New Delhi, India (RM, EM, TS, PM, and GD; SB, e-mail: ); and MSF, Barcelona, Spain (NS)
| | - Temmy Sunyoto
- From Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), New Delhi, India (RM, EM, TS, PM, and GD; SB, e-mail: ); and MSF, Barcelona, Spain (NS)
| | - Prince Mathew
- From Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), New Delhi, India (RM, EM, TS, PM, and GD; SB, e-mail: ); and MSF, Barcelona, Spain (NS)
| | - Geoffroy Duqué
- From Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), New Delhi, India (RM, EM, TS, PM, and GD; SB, e-mail: ); and MSF, Barcelona, Spain (NS)
| | - Nuria Salse
- From Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), New Delhi, India (RM, EM, TS, PM, and GD; SB, e-mail: ); and MSF, Barcelona, Spain (NS)
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46
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Polman K, Becker SL, Alirol E, Bhatta NK, Bhattarai NR, Bottieau E, Bratschi MW, Burza S, Coulibaly JT, Doumbia MN, Horié NS, Jacobs J, Khanal B, Landouré A, Mahendradhata Y, Meheus F, Mertens P, Meyanti F, Murhandarwati EH, N'Goran EK, Peeling RW, Ravinetto R, Rijal S, Sacko M, Saye R, Schneeberger PHH, Schurmans C, Silué KD, Thobari JA, Traoré MS, van Lieshout L, van Loen H, Verdonck K, von Müller L, Yansouni CP, Yao JA, Yao PK, Yap P, Boelaert M, Chappuis F, Utzinger J. Diagnosis of neglected tropical diseases among patients with persistent digestive disorders (diarrhoea and/or abdominal pain ≥14 days): Pierrea multi-country, prospective, non-experimental case-control study. BMC Infect Dis 2015; 15:338. [PMID: 26282537 PMCID: PMC4539676 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-015-1074-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [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: 11/13/2014] [Accepted: 07/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Diarrhoea still accounts for considerable mortality and morbidity worldwide. The highest burden is concentrated in tropical areas where populations lack access to clean water, adequate sanitation and hygiene. In contrast to acute diarrhoea (<14 days), the spectrum of pathogens that may give rise to persistent diarrhoea (≥14 days) and persistent abdominal pain is poorly understood. It is conceivable that pathogens causing neglected tropical diseases play a major role, but few studies investigated this issue. Clinical management and diagnostic work-up of persistent digestive disorders in the tropics therefore remain inadequate. Hence, important aspects regarding the pathogenesis, epidemiology, clinical symptomatology and treatment options for patients presenting with persistent diarrhoea and persistent abdominal pain should be investigated in multi-centric clinical studies. Methods/Design This multi-country, prospective, non-experimental case–control study will assess persistent diarrhoea (≥14 days; in individuals aged ≥1 year) and persistent abdominal pain (≥14 days; in children/adolescents aged 1–18 years) in up to 2000 symptomatic patients and 2000 matched controls. Subjects from Côte d’Ivoire, Indonesia, Mali and Nepal will be clinically examined and interviewed using a detailed case report form. Additionally, each participant will provide a stool sample that will be examined using a suite of diagnostic methods (i.e., microscopic techniques, rapid diagnostic tests, stool culture and polymerase chain reaction) for the presence of bacterial and parasitic pathogens. Treatment will be offered to all infected participants and the clinical treatment response will be recorded. Data obtained will be utilised to develop patient-centred clinical algorithms that will be validated in primary health care centres in the four study countries in subsequent studies. Discussion Our research will deepen the understanding of the importance of persistent diarrhoea and related digestive disorders in the tropics. A diversity of intestinal pathogens will be assessed for potential associations with persistent diarrhoea and persistent abdominal pain. Different diagnostic methods will be compared, clinical symptoms investigated and diagnosis-treatment algorithms developed for validation in selected primary health care centres. The findings from this study will improve differential diagnosis and evidence-based clinical management of digestive syndromes in the tropics. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov; identifier: NCT02105714.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Polman
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Sören L Becker
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland. .,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland. .,Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany.
| | - Emilie Alirol
- Division of Tropical and Humanitarian Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Nisha K Bhatta
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, B P Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal.
| | - Narayan R Bhattarai
- Department of Microbiology, B P Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal.
| | - Emmanuel Bottieau
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Martin W Bratschi
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland. .,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Sakib Burza
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Jean T Coulibaly
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland. .,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland. .,Unité de Formation et de Recherche Biosciences, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. .,Département Environnement et Santé, Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.
| | - Mama N Doumbia
- Institut National de Recherche en Santé Publique, Bamako, Mali.
| | - Ninon S Horié
- Division of Tropical and Humanitarian Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Jan Jacobs
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Basudha Khanal
- Department of Microbiology, B P Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal.
| | - Aly Landouré
- Institut National de Recherche en Santé Publique, Bamako, Mali.
| | - Yodi Mahendradhata
- Centre for Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
| | - Filip Meheus
- University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | | | - Fransiska Meyanti
- Centre for Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
| | - Elsa H Murhandarwati
- Centre for Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
| | - Eliézer K N'Goran
- Unité de Formation et de Recherche Biosciences, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. .,Département Environnement et Santé, Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.
| | - Rosanna W Peeling
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Raffaella Ravinetto
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium. .,Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Suman Rijal
- Department of Internal Medicine, B P Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal.
| | - Moussa Sacko
- Institut National de Recherche en Santé Publique, Bamako, Mali.
| | - Rénion Saye
- Institut National de Recherche en Santé Publique, Bamako, Mali.
| | - Pierre H H Schneeberger
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland. .,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland. .,Department of Epidemiology and Molecular Diagnostics, Agroscope Changins-Wädenswil ACW, Wädenswil, Switzerland. .,Department of Virology, Spiez Laboratory, Federal Office for Civil Protection, Spiez, Switzerland.
| | - Céline Schurmans
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Kigbafori D Silué
- Unité de Formation et de Recherche Biosciences, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. .,Département Environnement et Santé, Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.
| | - Jarir A Thobari
- Centre for Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
| | | | - Lisette van Lieshout
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Harry van Loen
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Kristien Verdonck
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Lutz von Müller
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany.
| | - Cédric P Yansouni
- Divisions of Infectious Diseases and Medical Microbiology, J.D. MacLean Centre for Tropical Diseases, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada.
| | - Joel A Yao
- Unité de Formation et de Recherche Biosciences, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. .,Département Environnement et Santé, Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.
| | - Patrick K Yao
- Unité de Formation et de Recherche Biosciences, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.
| | - Peiling Yap
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland. .,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Marleen Boelaert
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - François Chappuis
- Division of Tropical and Humanitarian Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Jürg Utzinger
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland. .,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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47
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Mahajan R, Das P, Isaakidis P, Sunyoto T, Sagili KD, Lima MA, Mitra G, Kumar D, Pandey K, Van Geertruyden JP, Boelaert M, Burza S. Combination Treatment for Visceral Leishmaniasis Patients Coinfected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus in India. Clin Infect Dis 2015; 61:1255-62. [PMID: 26129756 PMCID: PMC4583582 DOI: 10.1093/cid/civ530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [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: 03/23/2015] [Accepted: 06/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe the safety and efficacy of treating visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in patients with human immunodeficiency virus-VL coinfection with concurrent intravenous liposomal amphotericin B (AmBisome) and oral miltefosine (Impavido) in India. The regimen was safe, well tolerated, with lower relapse rates than monotherapy. Background. There are considerable numbers of patients coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in the VL-endemic areas of Bihar, India. These patients are at higher risk of relapse and death, but there are still no evidence-based guidelines on how to treat them. In this study, we report on treatment outcomes of coinfected patients up to 18 months following treatment with a combination regimen. Methods. This retrospective analysis included all patients with confirmed HIV-VL coinfection receiving combination treatment for VL at a Médecins Sans Frontières treatment center between July 2012 and September 2014. Patients were treated with 30 mg/kg body weight intravenous liposomal amphotericin B (AmBisome) divided as 6 equal dose infusions combined with 14 days of 100 mg/day oral miltefosine (Impavido). All patients were encouraged to start or continue on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Results. 102 patients (76% males, 57% with known HIV infection, 54% with a prior episode of VL) were followed-up for a median of 11 months (interquartile range: 4–18). Cumulative incidence of all-cause mortality and VL relapse at 6, 12, and 18 months was 11.7%, 14.5%, 16.6% and 2.5%, 6.0%,13.9%, respectively. Cumulative incidence of poor outcome at 6, 12, and 18 months was 13.9%, 18.4%, and 27.2%, respectively. Not initiating ART and concurrent tuberculosis were independent risk factors for mortality, whereas no factors were associated with relapse. Conclusions. In this Bihar-based study, combination therapy appeared to be well tolerated, safe, and effective and may be considered as an option for treatment of VL in HIV coinfected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pradeep Das
- Rajendra Mamorial Research Institute, Patna, India
| | | | | | - Karuna D Sagili
- International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union), New Delhi, India
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Sakib Burza
- Médecins Sans Frontières, New Delhi Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
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48
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Burza S, Mahajan R, Marino E, Sunyoto T, Shandilya C, Tabrez M, Kumari K, Mathew P, Jha A, Salse N, Mishra KN. Community-based management of severe acute malnutrition in India: new evidence from Bihar. Am J Clin Nutr 2015; 101:847-59. [PMID: 25833981 PMCID: PMC4381773 DOI: 10.3945/ajcn.114.093294] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2014] [Accepted: 02/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND An estimated one-third of the world's children who are wasted live in India. In Bihar state, of children <5 y old, 27.1% are wasted and 8.3% have severe acute malnutrition (SAM). In 2009, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) initiated a community-based management of acute malnutrition (CMAM) program for children aged 6-59 mo with SAM. OBJECTIVE In this report, we describe the characteristics and outcomes of 8274 children treated between February 2009 and September 2011. DESIGN Between February 2009 and June 2010, the program admitted children with a weight-for-height z score (WHZ) <-3 SD and/or midupper arm circumference (MUAC) <110 mm and discharged those who reached a WHZ >-2 SDs and MUAC >110 mm. These variables changed in July 2010 to admission on the basis of an MUAC <115 mm and discharge at an MUAC ≥120 mm. Uncomplicated SAM cases were treated as outpatients in the community by using a WHO-standard, ready-to-use, therapeutic lipid-based paste produced in India; complicated cases were treated as inpatients by using F75/F100 WHO-standard milk until they could complete treatment in the community. RESULTS A total of 8274 children were admitted including 5149 girls (62.2%), 6613 children aged 6-23 mo (79.9%), and 87.3% children who belonged to Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, or Other Backward Caste families or households. Of 3873 children admitted under the old criteria, 41 children (1.1%) died, 2069 children (53.4%) were discharged as cured, and 1485 children (38.3%) defaulted. Of 4401 children admitted under the new criteria, 36 children (0.8%) died, 2526 children (57.4%) were discharged as cured, and 1591 children (36.2%) defaulted. For children discharged as cured, the mean (±SD) weight gain and length of stay were 4.7 ± 3.1 and 5.1 ± 3.7 g · kg(-1) · d(-1) and 8.7 ± 6.1 and 7.3 ± 5.6 wk under the old and new criteria, respectively (P < 0.01). After adjustment, significant risk factors for default were as follows: no community referral for admission, more severe wasting on admission, younger age, and a long commute for treatment. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this is the first conventional CMAM program in India and has achieved low mortality and high cure rates in nondefaulting children. The new admission criteria lower the threshold for severity with the result that more children are included who are at lower risk of death and have a smaller WHZ deficit to correct than do children identified by the old criteria. This study was registered as a retrospective observational analysis of routine program data at http://www.isrctn.com as ISRCTN13980582.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakib Burza
- From Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), New Delhi, India (SB, RM, EM, TS, CS, MT, KK, PM, and AJ); MSF, Barcelona, Spain (NS); and the Department of Pediatrics, Darbhangha Medical College Hospital, Darbhangha, India (KNM)
| | - Raman Mahajan
- From Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), New Delhi, India (SB, RM, EM, TS, CS, MT, KK, PM, and AJ); MSF, Barcelona, Spain (NS); and the Department of Pediatrics, Darbhangha Medical College Hospital, Darbhangha, India (KNM)
| | - Elisa Marino
- From Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), New Delhi, India (SB, RM, EM, TS, CS, MT, KK, PM, and AJ); MSF, Barcelona, Spain (NS); and the Department of Pediatrics, Darbhangha Medical College Hospital, Darbhangha, India (KNM)
| | - Temmy Sunyoto
- From Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), New Delhi, India (SB, RM, EM, TS, CS, MT, KK, PM, and AJ); MSF, Barcelona, Spain (NS); and the Department of Pediatrics, Darbhangha Medical College Hospital, Darbhangha, India (KNM)
| | - Chandra Shandilya
- From Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), New Delhi, India (SB, RM, EM, TS, CS, MT, KK, PM, and AJ); MSF, Barcelona, Spain (NS); and the Department of Pediatrics, Darbhangha Medical College Hospital, Darbhangha, India (KNM)
| | - Mohammad Tabrez
- From Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), New Delhi, India (SB, RM, EM, TS, CS, MT, KK, PM, and AJ); MSF, Barcelona, Spain (NS); and the Department of Pediatrics, Darbhangha Medical College Hospital, Darbhangha, India (KNM)
| | - Kabita Kumari
- From Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), New Delhi, India (SB, RM, EM, TS, CS, MT, KK, PM, and AJ); MSF, Barcelona, Spain (NS); and the Department of Pediatrics, Darbhangha Medical College Hospital, Darbhangha, India (KNM)
| | - Prince Mathew
- From Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), New Delhi, India (SB, RM, EM, TS, CS, MT, KK, PM, and AJ); MSF, Barcelona, Spain (NS); and the Department of Pediatrics, Darbhangha Medical College Hospital, Darbhangha, India (KNM)
| | - Amar Jha
- From Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), New Delhi, India (SB, RM, EM, TS, CS, MT, KK, PM, and AJ); MSF, Barcelona, Spain (NS); and the Department of Pediatrics, Darbhangha Medical College Hospital, Darbhangha, India (KNM)
| | - Nuria Salse
- From Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), New Delhi, India (SB, RM, EM, TS, CS, MT, KK, PM, and AJ); MSF, Barcelona, Spain (NS); and the Department of Pediatrics, Darbhangha Medical College Hospital, Darbhangha, India (KNM)
| | - Kripa Nath Mishra
- From Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), New Delhi, India (SB, RM, EM, TS, CS, MT, KK, PM, and AJ); MSF, Barcelona, Spain (NS); and the Department of Pediatrics, Darbhangha Medical College Hospital, Darbhangha, India (KNM)
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Burza S, Mahajan R, Sinha PK, van Griensven J, Pandey K, Lima MA, Sanz MG, Sunyoto T, Kumar S, Mitra G, Kumar R, Verma N, Das P. Visceral leishmaniasis and HIV co-infection in Bihar, India: long-term effectiveness and treatment outcomes with liposomal amphotericin B (AmBisome). PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2014; 8:e3053. [PMID: 25101665 PMCID: PMC4125300 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [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: 02/22/2014] [Accepted: 06/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL; also known as kala-azar) is an ultimately fatal disease endemic in the Indian state of Bihar, while HIV/AIDS is an emerging disease in this region. A 2011 observational cohort study conducted in Bihar involving 55 VL/HIV co-infected patients treated with 20–25 mg/kg intravenous liposomal amphotericin B (AmBisome) estimated an 85.5% probability of survival and a 26.5% probability of VL relapse within 2 years. Here we report the long-term field outcomes of a larger cohort of co-infected patients treated with this regimen between 2007 and 2012. Methods and Principal Findings Intravenous AmBisome (20–25 mg/kg) was administered to 159 VL/HIV co-infected patients (both primary infections and relapses) in four or five doses of 5 mg/kg over 4–10 days. Initial cure of VL at discharge was defined as improved symptoms, cessation of fever, improvement of appetite and recession of spleen enlargement. Test of cure was not routinely performed. Antiretroviral treatment (ART) was initiated in 23 (14.5%), 39 (24.5%) and 61 (38.4%) before, during and after admission respectively. Initial cure was achieved in all discharged patients. A total of 36 patients died during follow-up, including six who died shortly after admission. Death occurred at a median of 11 weeks (IQR 4–51) after starting VL treatment. Estimated mortality risk was 14.3% at six months, 22.4% at two years and 29.7% at four years after treatment. Among the 153 patients discharged from the hospital, 26 cases of VL relapse were diagnosed during follow-up, occurring at a median of 10 months (IQR 7–14) after discharge. After accounting for competing risks, the estimated risk of relapse was 16.1% at one year, 20.4% at two years and 25.9% at four years. Low hemoglobin level and concurrent infection with tuberculosis were independent risk factors for mortality, while ART initiated shortly after admission for VL treatment was associated with a 64–66% reduced risk of mortality and 75% reduced risk of relapse. Significance This is the largest cohort of HIV-VL co-infected patients reported from the Indian subcontinent. Even after initial cure following treatment with AmBisome, these patients appear to have much higher rates of VL relapse and mortality than patients not known to be HIV-positive, although relapse rates appear to stabilize after 2 years. These results extend the earlier findings that co-infected patients are at increased risk of death and require a multidisciplinary approach for long-term management. Fifty percent of all visceral leishmaniasis (VL) cases globally occur in India, where up to 90% of cases occur in the state of Bihar. There are also an estimated 300,000 people in Bihar living with HIV/AIDS. Patients with HIV who are treated for VL typically have much worse outcomes than VL patients who are HIV-negative, yet there exists very little evidence suggesting more effective treatments for this group. Between 2007–2012, with support of the Rajendra Memorial Research Institute (RMRI), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) treated 8,749 VL patients in Bihar using liposomal amphotericin-B (AmBisome). Here we describe the characteristics and long-term outcomes of a subgroup of 159 HIV-VL co-infected patients treated within this program over the 5-year period. Their estimated mortality risk was 14.3% at six months after treatment, 22.4% at two years and 29.7% at four years. Estimated risk of relapse was 16.1% at one year, 20.4% at two years and 25.9% at four years. We conclude that treatment of HIV-VL co-infected patients with 20–25 mg/kg of liposomal amphotericin-B is well tolerated and relatively effective. However, HIV-VL co-infection is a complex chronic disease with high early mortality and much worse outcomes than VL alone, and requires a multidisciplinary long-term management strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakib Burza
- Médecins Sans Frontières, New Delhi, India
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Prabhat K. Sinha
- Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, Bihar, India
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Sunil Kumar
- Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital, Muzaffarpur, Bihar, India
| | | | | | - Neena Verma
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Pradeep Das
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
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Patole S, Burza S, Varghese GM. Multiple relapses of visceral leishmaniasis in a patient with HIV in India: A treatment challenge. Int J Infect Dis 2014; 25:204-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2014.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2014] [Revised: 02/16/2014] [Accepted: 02/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
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