Journal Article > ReviewFull Text
Int J Infect Dis. 1 April 2025; Volume 153; 107373.; DOI:10.1016/j.ijid.2024.107373
Petersen E, Hvid U, Tomori O, Pedersen AG, Wallinga J, et al.
Int J Infect Dis. 1 April 2025; Volume 153; 107373.; DOI:10.1016/j.ijid.2024.107373
The recent expansion of mpox in Africa is characterized by a dramatic increase in zoonotic transmission (clade Ia) and the emergence of a new clade Ib that is transmitted from human to human by close contact. Clade Ia does not pose a threat in areas without zoonotic reservoirs. But clade Ib may spread widely, as did clade IIb which has spread globally since 2022 among men who have sex with men. It is not clear whether controlling clade Ib will be more difficult than clade IIb. The population at risk potentially counts 100 million but only a million vaccine doses are expected in the next year. Surveillance is needed with exhaustive case detection, polymerase chain reaction confirmation, clade determination, and about severe illness. Such data is needed to identify routes of transmission and core transmitters, such as sex workers. Health care workers are vaccinated to ensure their protection, but this will not curb mpox transmission. With the recent inequitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines in mind, it is a global responsibility to ensure that low-income nations in the mpox epicenter have meaningful access to vaccines. Vaccination serves not only to reduce mortality in children but limit the risk of future mpox variants emerging that may spread in human populations globally.
Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
Int J Infect Dis. 1 September 2022; Volume 122; 215-221.; DOI:10.1016/j.ijid.2022.05.039
Zheng Q, Luquero FJ, Ciglenecki I, Wamala JF, Abubakar A, et al.
Int J Infect Dis. 1 September 2022; Volume 122; 215-221.; DOI:10.1016/j.ijid.2022.05.039
BACKGROUND
Cholera remains a public health threat but is inequitably distributed across sub-Saharan Africa. Lack of standardized reporting and inconsistent outbreak definitions limit our understanding of cholera outbreak epidemiology.
METHODS
From a database of cholera incidence and mortality, we extracted data from sub-Saharan Africa and reconstructed outbreaks of suspected cholera starting in January 2010 to December 2019 based on location-specific average weekly incidence rate thresholds. We then described the distribution of key outbreak metrics.
RESULTS
We identified 999 suspected cholera outbreaks in 744 regions across 25 sub-Saharan African countries. The outbreak periods accounted for 1.8 billion person-months (2% of the total during this period) from January 2010 to January 2020. Among 692 outbreaks reported from second-level administrative units (e.g., districts), the median attack rate was 0.8 per 1000 people (interquartile range (IQR), 0.3-2.4 per 1000), the median epidemic duration was 13 weeks (IQR, 8-19), and the median early outbreak reproductive number was 1.8 (range, 1.1-3.5). Larger attack rates were associated with longer times to outbreak peak, longer epidemic durations, and lower case fatality risks.
CONCLUSIONS
This study provides a baseline from which the progress toward cholera control and essential statistics to inform outbreak management in sub-Saharan Africa can be monitored.
Cholera remains a public health threat but is inequitably distributed across sub-Saharan Africa. Lack of standardized reporting and inconsistent outbreak definitions limit our understanding of cholera outbreak epidemiology.
METHODS
From a database of cholera incidence and mortality, we extracted data from sub-Saharan Africa and reconstructed outbreaks of suspected cholera starting in January 2010 to December 2019 based on location-specific average weekly incidence rate thresholds. We then described the distribution of key outbreak metrics.
RESULTS
We identified 999 suspected cholera outbreaks in 744 regions across 25 sub-Saharan African countries. The outbreak periods accounted for 1.8 billion person-months (2% of the total during this period) from January 2010 to January 2020. Among 692 outbreaks reported from second-level administrative units (e.g., districts), the median attack rate was 0.8 per 1000 people (interquartile range (IQR), 0.3-2.4 per 1000), the median epidemic duration was 13 weeks (IQR, 8-19), and the median early outbreak reproductive number was 1.8 (range, 1.1-3.5). Larger attack rates were associated with longer times to outbreak peak, longer epidemic durations, and lower case fatality risks.
CONCLUSIONS
This study provides a baseline from which the progress toward cholera control and essential statistics to inform outbreak management in sub-Saharan Africa can be monitored.
Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
Int J Infect Dis. 25 March 2022; Volume S1201-9712 (Issue 22); 00184-9.; DOI:10.1016/j.ijid.2022.03.047
Andersen CT, Langendorf C, Garba S, Sayinzoga-Makombe N, Mambula C, et al.
Int J Infect Dis. 25 March 2022; Volume S1201-9712 (Issue 22); 00184-9.; DOI:10.1016/j.ijid.2022.03.047
OBJECTIVE
To estimate the prevalence and antibiotic resistance profile of community- and hospital-acquired bacteremia among hospitalized children with severe acute malnutrition in Niger.
METHODS
A descriptive, longitudinal study was conducted in an intensive nutritional rehabilitation center in Madarounfa, Niger. Children aged 6 to 59 months admitted for inpatient treatment of complicated severe acute malnutrition (n=2187) had blood specimens drawn at admission to assess prevalence of community-acquired bacteremia. Subsequent specimens were drawn per physician discretion to assess incidence of hospital-acquired bacteremia. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed on positive blood cultures.
RESULTS
The prevalence of community-acquired bacteremia at admission was at least 9.1% (95% CI: 8.1, 10.4%), with non-typhoid Salmonella identified in over half (57.8%) of cases. The cumulative incidence of hospital-acquired bacteremia was estimated at 1.2% (95% CI: 0.8, 1.7%), among which the most common organisms were Klebsiella pneumoniae (19.4%), Acinetobacter baumannii (16.1%), Enterococcus faecalis (12.9%), and Escherichia coli (12.9%). Among community-acquired bacteremia, 58% were resistant to amoxicillin-clavulanate; 100% of hospital-acquired bacteremia were resistant to amoxicillin and amoxicillin-clavulanate. Mortality risk was elevated among children with hospital-acquired bacteremia (RR=9.32) and community-acquired bacteremia (RR=2.67).
CONCLUSION
Bacteremia was a significant contributor to mortality. Antibiotic resistance poses a challenge to effective clinical management of SAM.
To estimate the prevalence and antibiotic resistance profile of community- and hospital-acquired bacteremia among hospitalized children with severe acute malnutrition in Niger.
METHODS
A descriptive, longitudinal study was conducted in an intensive nutritional rehabilitation center in Madarounfa, Niger. Children aged 6 to 59 months admitted for inpatient treatment of complicated severe acute malnutrition (n=2187) had blood specimens drawn at admission to assess prevalence of community-acquired bacteremia. Subsequent specimens were drawn per physician discretion to assess incidence of hospital-acquired bacteremia. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed on positive blood cultures.
RESULTS
The prevalence of community-acquired bacteremia at admission was at least 9.1% (95% CI: 8.1, 10.4%), with non-typhoid Salmonella identified in over half (57.8%) of cases. The cumulative incidence of hospital-acquired bacteremia was estimated at 1.2% (95% CI: 0.8, 1.7%), among which the most common organisms were Klebsiella pneumoniae (19.4%), Acinetobacter baumannii (16.1%), Enterococcus faecalis (12.9%), and Escherichia coli (12.9%). Among community-acquired bacteremia, 58% were resistant to amoxicillin-clavulanate; 100% of hospital-acquired bacteremia were resistant to amoxicillin and amoxicillin-clavulanate. Mortality risk was elevated among children with hospital-acquired bacteremia (RR=9.32) and community-acquired bacteremia (RR=2.67).
CONCLUSION
Bacteremia was a significant contributor to mortality. Antibiotic resistance poses a challenge to effective clinical management of SAM.
Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
Int J Infect Dis. 1 June 2020; Volume 95; 459-461.; DOI:10.1016/j.ijid.2020.02.057
Shroufi A, Govender NP, Meintjes GA, Black JM, Nel J, et al.
Int J Infect Dis. 1 June 2020; Volume 95; 459-461.; DOI:10.1016/j.ijid.2020.02.057
BACKGROUND
Cryptococcal Meningitis (CM) is estimated to cause 181,000 deaths annually; with the majority occurring in Sub Saharan Africa. Flucytosine is recommended by the World Health Organization as part of the treatment for CM. Widespread use of flucytosine could reduce mortality in hospital by as much as 40% compared to the standard of care, yet due to market failure quality assured flucytosine remains unregistered and largely inaccessible throughout Africa.
METHODS
The recently established South African flucytosine clinical access programme is an attempt to address market failure which led to a lack of public-sector access to flucytosine for cryptococcal meningitis, by making the medicine freely available to tertiary hospitals in South Africa.
RESULTS
Between November 2018 and September 2019, 327 CM patients received flucytosine through this programme, with efforts to support sustainable national scale up presently ongoing. We describe why this programme was needed, its catalytic potential, what is still required to ensure widespread access to flucytosine, and observation from this experience that may have wider relevance.
CONCLUSIONS
The South African Flucytosine Access Programme illustrates how access programmes may be one part of the solution to addressing the vicious cycle of perceived low demand, limiting manufacturer interest in specific product markets.
Cryptococcal Meningitis (CM) is estimated to cause 181,000 deaths annually; with the majority occurring in Sub Saharan Africa. Flucytosine is recommended by the World Health Organization as part of the treatment for CM. Widespread use of flucytosine could reduce mortality in hospital by as much as 40% compared to the standard of care, yet due to market failure quality assured flucytosine remains unregistered and largely inaccessible throughout Africa.
METHODS
The recently established South African flucytosine clinical access programme is an attempt to address market failure which led to a lack of public-sector access to flucytosine for cryptococcal meningitis, by making the medicine freely available to tertiary hospitals in South Africa.
RESULTS
Between November 2018 and September 2019, 327 CM patients received flucytosine through this programme, with efforts to support sustainable national scale up presently ongoing. We describe why this programme was needed, its catalytic potential, what is still required to ensure widespread access to flucytosine, and observation from this experience that may have wider relevance.
CONCLUSIONS
The South African Flucytosine Access Programme illustrates how access programmes may be one part of the solution to addressing the vicious cycle of perceived low demand, limiting manufacturer interest in specific product markets.
Journal Article > ResearchAbstract Only
Int J Infect Dis. 1 December 2020; Volume 101 (Issue Supplement 1); 495.; DOI:10.1016/j.ijid.2020.09.1290
Chika Igwenyi N, Harrison RE, Unigwe US, Psarra C, Onwe Ogah E, et al.
Int J Infect Dis. 1 December 2020; Volume 101 (Issue Supplement 1); 495.; DOI:10.1016/j.ijid.2020.09.1290
BACKGROUND
Lassa fever (LF) is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness with various clinical manifestations. Neurological symptoms are not commonly present at the early stage of the disease; however, early manifestation of central nervous system features depicts poor prognostication. In Ebonyi state, an unusual pattern was observed between two outbreaks with patients presenting early neurological symptoms and a high mortality rate in the second outbreak. The study described the epidemiological evolution, socio-demographic profiles, clinical characteristics and patients’ outcomes.
METHODS AND MATERIALS
A retrospective analytic analysis of routinely collected clinical data was conducted of all confirmed and probable LF patients admitted to the Virology Centre of the AEFUTHA in Ebonyi State, December 2017 to January 2019.
RESULTS In a total of 83 cases, 70 were RT-PCR confirmed and 13 probable cases. In outbreak 1, 69 were seen with 53.6% being urban residents, 19% farmers, 15% students, and 10% health workers. Fourteen cases were seen in outbreak 2 with 92.9% rural residents, 58.3% being farmers and 49.9% students. There were differences in clinical and laboratory signs and symptoms between the two outbreaks with neurological symptoms present 43% of the time in outbreak 1 and 93% in outbreak 2 (p = 0.001), with a shorter time of onset for these symptoms in outbreak 2. The mortality rate was 85.7% in outbreak 2 versus 29.9% in outbreak 1 (p < 0.001). Patients with neurological symptoms, who were more common in outbreak 2 had a RR of dying of 8.5 compared to those without.
CONCLUSION
This study revealed a different form of LF that is of great concern due to its high mortality rate. Further studies are needed to better define its characteristics.
Lassa fever (LF) is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness with various clinical manifestations. Neurological symptoms are not commonly present at the early stage of the disease; however, early manifestation of central nervous system features depicts poor prognostication. In Ebonyi state, an unusual pattern was observed between two outbreaks with patients presenting early neurological symptoms and a high mortality rate in the second outbreak. The study described the epidemiological evolution, socio-demographic profiles, clinical characteristics and patients’ outcomes.
METHODS AND MATERIALS
A retrospective analytic analysis of routinely collected clinical data was conducted of all confirmed and probable LF patients admitted to the Virology Centre of the AEFUTHA in Ebonyi State, December 2017 to January 2019.
RESULTS In a total of 83 cases, 70 were RT-PCR confirmed and 13 probable cases. In outbreak 1, 69 were seen with 53.6% being urban residents, 19% farmers, 15% students, and 10% health workers. Fourteen cases were seen in outbreak 2 with 92.9% rural residents, 58.3% being farmers and 49.9% students. There were differences in clinical and laboratory signs and symptoms between the two outbreaks with neurological symptoms present 43% of the time in outbreak 1 and 93% in outbreak 2 (p = 0.001), with a shorter time of onset for these symptoms in outbreak 2. The mortality rate was 85.7% in outbreak 2 versus 29.9% in outbreak 1 (p < 0.001). Patients with neurological symptoms, who were more common in outbreak 2 had a RR of dying of 8.5 compared to those without.
CONCLUSION
This study revealed a different form of LF that is of great concern due to its high mortality rate. Further studies are needed to better define its characteristics.
Journal Article > ReviewFull Text
Int J Infect Dis. 8 June 2018; Volume 71; DOI:10.1016/j.ijid.2018.05.002
Blumberg LH, Prieto MA, Diaz JV, Blanco MJ, Valle B, et al.
Int J Infect Dis. 8 June 2018; Volume 71; DOI:10.1016/j.ijid.2018.05.002
Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
Int J Infect Dis. 1 February 2020; Volume 92; DOI:10.1016/j.ijid.2020.01.042
Migliori GB, Tiberi S, Zumla A, Petersen E, Chakaya JM, et al.
Int J Infect Dis. 1 February 2020; Volume 92; DOI:10.1016/j.ijid.2020.01.042
The continuous flow of new research articles on MDR-TB diagnosis, treatment, prevention and rehabilitation requires frequent update of existing guidelines. This review is aimed at providing clinicians and public health staff with an updated and easy-to-consult document arising from consensus of Global Tuberculosis Network (GTN) experts. The core published documents and guidelines have been reviewed including the recently published MDR-TB WHO rapid advice and ATS/CDC/ERS/IDSA guidelines. After a rapid review of epidemiology and risk factors, the clinical priorities on MDR-TB diagnosis (including whole genome sequencing and drug-susceptibility testing interpretations) and treatment (treatment design and management, TB in children) are discussed. Furthermore, the review comprehensively describes the latest information on contact tracing and LTBI management in MDR-TB contacts, while providing guidance on post-treatment functional evaluation and rehabilitation of TB sequelae, infection control and other public health priorities.
Journal Article > Case Report/SeriesFull Text
Int J Infect Dis. 2 April 2019; Volume 84; 138-140.; DOI:10.1016/j.ijid.2019.03.035
Telnov O, Alvarez V, Gragila E, Molfino L, du Cros PAK, et al.
Int J Infect Dis. 2 April 2019; Volume 84; 138-140.; DOI:10.1016/j.ijid.2019.03.035
We present a case report describing outcomes in a 21 year old HIV-negative man who received treatment with bedaquiline. Due to error, dosage received comprised 4 pills of 100 mg every second day in the 60 days following the first two weeks of 4 pills of 100 mg every day. On detection, treatment was continued as per standard dosing of 200 mg given three times per week, with enhanced monitoring of ECG and liver function. The man was asymptomatic, with no signs of jaundice, abdominal pain, or abnormal heart rhythm. Toxic effects at this dosage were therefore not observed.
Journal Article > Case Report/SeriesFull Text
Int J Infect Dis. 1 December 2019; Volume 89; 84-86.; DOI:10.1016/j.ijid.2019.08.023
Agboeze J, Nwali MI, Nwakpakpa E, Ogah OE, Onoh R, et al.
Int J Infect Dis. 1 December 2019; Volume 89; 84-86.; DOI:10.1016/j.ijid.2019.08.023
BACKGROUND
The signs and symptoms of Lassa fever are initially indistinguishable from other febrile illnesses common in the tropics and complications of pregnancy. Surviving Lassa fever during pregnancy is rare. Only few cases have been documented. The antiviral drug of choice is ribavirin.
CASE DESCRIPTION
A 25-year-old multigravida farmer with fever who was initially thought to have malaria in pregnancy at 29 weeks gestation. Further changes in her clinical state and laboratory tests led to a confirmation of Lassa fever. The liver enzymes were markedly deranged and the packed cell volume was 27%. She commenced on ribavirin and subsequently was delivered of a live male neonate who was RT PCR negative for Lassa fever virus. Her clinical state improved, repeat RT PCR on day 15 was negative and she made full recovery.
DISCUSSION
The case reported had similar clinical features of fever and abdominal pain and resulted in the initial diagnoses of Malaria in pregnancy. When she failed to respond to antimalarial and antibiotics treatments, a strong suspicion of viral hemorrhagic fever was made. At this time the patient was in advanced stage of the disease with bleeding from vagina and puncture sites. On the third day of admission she was delivered of a live male neonate who remained negative after 2 consecutive RT PCR tests for Lassa fever virus. Lassa fever carries a high risk of death to the fetus throughout pregnancy and to the mother in the third trimester. Mothers with Lassa fever improved rapidly after evacuation of the uterus by spontaneous abortion, or normal delivery. She was clinically stable following delivery. Her laboratory investigations were essentially normal. Throughout her management transmission based precautions were observed. None of the six close contacts developed symptoms after been followed up for 21 days.
CONCLUSION
This report adds to the body of literature that individuals can survive Lassa fever during pregnancy with good maternal and fetal outcome.
The signs and symptoms of Lassa fever are initially indistinguishable from other febrile illnesses common in the tropics and complications of pregnancy. Surviving Lassa fever during pregnancy is rare. Only few cases have been documented. The antiviral drug of choice is ribavirin.
CASE DESCRIPTION
A 25-year-old multigravida farmer with fever who was initially thought to have malaria in pregnancy at 29 weeks gestation. Further changes in her clinical state and laboratory tests led to a confirmation of Lassa fever. The liver enzymes were markedly deranged and the packed cell volume was 27%. She commenced on ribavirin and subsequently was delivered of a live male neonate who was RT PCR negative for Lassa fever virus. Her clinical state improved, repeat RT PCR on day 15 was negative and she made full recovery.
DISCUSSION
The case reported had similar clinical features of fever and abdominal pain and resulted in the initial diagnoses of Malaria in pregnancy. When she failed to respond to antimalarial and antibiotics treatments, a strong suspicion of viral hemorrhagic fever was made. At this time the patient was in advanced stage of the disease with bleeding from vagina and puncture sites. On the third day of admission she was delivered of a live male neonate who remained negative after 2 consecutive RT PCR tests for Lassa fever virus. Lassa fever carries a high risk of death to the fetus throughout pregnancy and to the mother in the third trimester. Mothers with Lassa fever improved rapidly after evacuation of the uterus by spontaneous abortion, or normal delivery. She was clinically stable following delivery. Her laboratory investigations were essentially normal. Throughout her management transmission based precautions were observed. None of the six close contacts developed symptoms after been followed up for 21 days.
CONCLUSION
This report adds to the body of literature that individuals can survive Lassa fever during pregnancy with good maternal and fetal outcome.
Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
Int J Infect Dis. 10 June 2014; Volume 25; DOI:10.1016/j.ijid.2014.02.015
Patole S, Burza S, Varghese GM
Int J Infect Dis. 10 June 2014; Volume 25; DOI:10.1016/j.ijid.2014.02.015
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is an opportunistic infection of HIV-infected people in several endemic countries, and the management of this co-infection poses numerous challenges. We describe a patient with HIV infection and visceral leishmaniasis who failed to respond to miltefosine monotherapy and subsequently relapsed following two further different regimens of liposomal amphotericin B. He was then successfully treated with a combination of 30 mg/kg liposomal amphotericin B and 14 days of 100 mg/day oral miltefosine.