Aspergillus-specific IgM/IgG antibody serostatus of patients hospitalized with moderate-critical COVID-19 in Uganda

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis is known to complicate the coronavirus diseases-2019 (COVID-19), especially those with critical illness. We investigated the baseline anti Aspergillus antibody serostatus of patients with moderate-critical COVID-19 hospitalized at 3 COVID-19 Treatment Units in Uganda. All 46 tested patients, mean age 30, and 11% with underlying respiratory disease had a negative serum anti-Aspergillus IgM/IgG antibody immunochromatographic test on day 3 (mean) of symptom onset (range 1-26), but follow up specimens to assess seroconversion were not available

Prevalence of chronic respiratory disease in urban and rural Uganda

Objective To determine the prevalence of chronic respiratory diseases in urban and rural Uganda and to identify risk factors for these diseases. Methods The according to standard guidelines and completed questionnaires on respiratory symptoms, functional status and demographic characteristics.The presence of four chronic respiratory conditions was monitored: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, chronic bronchitis and a restrictive spirometry pattern. Findings In total, 1502 participants (average age: 46.9 years) had acceptable, reproducible spirometry results: 837 (56%) in rural Nakaseke and 665 (44%) in urban Kampala. Overall, 46.5% (698/1502) were male. The age-adjusted prevalence of any chronic respiratory condition was 20.2%. The age-adjusted prevalence of COPD was significantly greater in rural than urban participants (6.1 versus 1.5%, respectively; P<0.001), whereas asthma was significantly more prevalent in urban participants: 9.7% versus 4.4% in rural participants (P<0.001). The age-adjusted prevalence of chronic bronchitis was similar in rural and urban participants (3.5 versus 2.2%, respectively; P=0.62), as was that of a restrictive spirometry pattern (10.9 versus 9.4%; P=0.82). For COPD, the population attributable risk was 51.5% for rural residence, 19.5% for tobacco smoking, 16.0% for a body mass index <18.5 kg/m2 and 13.0% for a history of treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis.Conclusion The prevalence of chronic respiratory disease was high in both rural and urban Uganda. Place of residence was the most important risk factor for COPD and asthma

Advances in the diagnosis, treatment and control of HIV associated tuberculosis

There has been an increase in the number of published tuberculosis/HIV (TB/HIV) research findings in recent times. The potential impact of these findings on routine care has informed this review which aims at discussing current concepts and practices underpinning TB/HIV care and control. Any HIV infected person with a cough of any duration is currently considered a TB suspect. Preliminary results also show that the diagnostic yield of same day sputum samples(front loading) is comparable to two­day samples. Laboratory diagnosis is shifting from Ziehl­Neelsen (ZN) smear microscopy and solid culture to fluorescent microscopy, molecular tests and liquid culture. Concomitant TB/HIV therapy improves survival and WHO has recommended ART for all TB/HIV patients. Unless CD4 cell counts are less than 50 cells/µl, ART can be deferred until end of intensive phase. Evidence of survival benefit at high CD4 cell counts is still lacking. New TB drugs and treatment shortening studies are underway but so far no new TB drugs has been added to the current arsenal and treatment duration still remains six months or more. WHO has recommended the 3Is (intensified TB case finding, isoniazid prophylaxis and infection control) for TB/HIV control in addition to effective therapy, Antiretroviral therapy and TB vaccines. There has been immense progress in TB/HIV research, however optimal management of HIV­Infected TB patients, will require further research and appropriate translation of emerging evidence to policy and practice