Journal Article > ReviewAbstract
Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther. 2014 January 1; Volume 12 (Issue 1); DOI:10.1586/14787210.2014.866516
Klarkowiski D, O'Brien DP, Shanks L, Singh KR
Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther. 2014 January 1; Volume 12 (Issue 1); DOI:10.1586/14787210.2014.866516
HIV rapid diagnostic tests have enabled widespread implementation of HIV programs in resource-limited settings. If the tests used in the diagnostic algorithm are susceptible to the same cause for false positivity, a false-positive diagnosis may result in devastating consequences. In resource-limited settings, the lack of routine confirmatory testing, compounded by incorrect interpretation of weak positive test lines and use of tie-breaker algorithms, can leave a false-positive diagnosis undetected. We propose that heightened CD5+ and early B-lymphocyte response polyclonal cross-reactivity are a major cause of HIV false positivity in certain settings; thus, test performance may vary significantly in different geographical areas and populations. There is an urgent need for policy makers to recognize that HIV rapid diagnostic tests are screening tests and mandate confirmatory testing before reporting an HIV-positive result. In addition, weak positive results should not be recognized as valid except in the screening of blood donors.
Journal Article > ReviewAbstract Only
Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther. 2016 May 13; Volume 14 (Issue 6); 557-567.; DOI:10.1080/14787210.2016.1176912
de la Vega MA, Bello A, Chaillet P, Kobinger GP
Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther. 2016 May 13; Volume 14 (Issue 6); 557-567.; DOI:10.1080/14787210.2016.1176912
The magnitude of the 2014–2016 West African Ebola virus outbreak has highlighted the importance of immediate and rapid deployment of control measures in affected areas. While many prophylactic and therapeutic options entered clinical trials in the past two years, larger use to impact on Ebola spread will not be possible until at least one product meets final approval by regulatory agencies. Control of the West African outbreak was achieved almost entirely by breaking chain of transmissions through case identification and specialized treatment, communication, safe burials and other proven methods. To achieve this in a timely manner, epidemiologists and medical teams are working in concert with laboratories to identify infected individuals and provide care within Ebola treatment units. Herein, we review an outbreak response workflow from the point of view of mobile laboratories and summarize methods that have been used by them during the West African Ebola virus outbreak of 2014–2016.
Journal Article > ReviewAbstract
Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther. 2015 March 5
Brigden G, Furin J, van Gulik C, Marais BJ
Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther. 2015 March 5
Children were often the forgotten victims of the global tuberculosis (TB) epidemic, neglected by traditional TB services as well as maternal and child health initiatives. Luckily this is changing with a greater focus on children and the issues regarding their optimal management. A common misconception is that children with TB are always difficult to diagnose and treat. New diagnostic tools are urgently needed, but most children with TB in high-burden settings can be diagnosed with available approaches and treatment outcomes are generally excellent. Increased TB awareness, appropriate training of health care workers and inclusion in integrated management of childhood illness strategies will improve the access and quality of care that children receive. This review highlights what needs to be done to ensure that no child unnecessarily dies from TB and provides a brief overview of new advances in the field.