Association of circulating serum free bioavailable and total vitamin D with cathelicidin levels among active TB patients and household contacts.

The free hormone hypothesis postulates that the estimation of free circulating 25 (OH)D may be a better marker of vitamin D status and is of clinical importance compared to total vitamin D fraction. The unbound fraction is involved in biological activities since it is able to penetrate into the cell. Studies have shown that cathelicidin/LL-37 inhibits the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in a vitamin D-dependent manner and therefore adequate vitamin D is required for its expression. The study aimed to determine the association between serum bioavailable and total vitamin D with LL-37 levels in ATB patients, LTBI, and individuals with no TB infection. This was a cross-sectional study in which bioavailable vitamin D and LL-37 levels were measured using competitive ELISA kits and total vitamin D was measured using electrochemilumiscence and consequently determined their association. The mean (SD) bioavailable vitamin D levels of the study participants were 3.8 ng/mL (2.6) and the median (IQR) of LL-37 levels were 320 ng/mL (160, 550 ng/mL). The mean (SD) of total vitamin D levels was 19.0 ng/mL (8.3) ng/mL. Similar weak correlations were observed between the bioavailable and total vitamin D with LL-37 levels, therefore, deviating from our hypothesis.

A quality improvement project assessing a new mode of lecture delivery to improve postgraduate clinical exposure time in the Department of Internal Medicine, Makerere University, Uganda.

BACKGROUND: The Masters in Internal Medicine at the Makerere University College of Health Sciences is based on a semester system with a blend of lectures and clinical work. The programme runs for 3 years with didactic lectures set mostly for mornings and clinical care thereafter. Anecdotal reports from attending physicians in the department highlighted clinical work time interruption by didactic lectures which was thought to limit postgraduate (PG) students' clinical work time. We set out to evaluate the clinical learning environment and explore avenues to optimise clinical exposure time. METHODS: Baseline data in form of time logs documenting first-year PG activities was collected by intern doctors without the awareness of the PGs. In addition, a PG and attending physician survey on PG ward performance was carried out. These data informed a root cause analysis from which an intervention to change the mode of lecture delivery from daily lecturers across the semester to a set of block lectures was undertaken. Postimplementation time logs and survey data were compared with the pre-intervention data. RESULTS: Post-intervention, during a period of 50 ward round observations, PGs missed 3/50 (6%) ward rounds as compared with 10/50 (20%) pre-intervention. PGs arrived on wards before attending physicians 18/24 (75%) times post-intervention and on average had 59 min to prepare for ward rounds as compared with 5/26 (19.2%) times and 30 min, respectively, pre-intervention. Both PGs and physicians believed PGs had enough time for patient care post-intervention (17/17 (100%) vs 4/17 (23.5%) and 7/8 (87.5%) vs 2/8 (25%)), respectively. CONCLUSION: The baseline data collected confirmed the anecdotal reports and a change to a block week lecture system led to improvements in PGs' clinical work time and both resident and physician approvals of PG clinical work.

Biofilm formation, antimicrobial susceptibility and virulence genes of Uropathogenic Escherichia coli isolated from clinical isolates in Uganda.

INTRODUCTION: Uropathogenic E. coli is the leading cause of Urinary tract infections (UTIs), contributing to 80-90% of all community-acquired and 30-50% of all hospital-acquired UTIs. Biofilm forming Uropathogenic E. coli are associated with persistent and chronic inflammation leading to complicated and or recurrent UTIs. Biofilms provide an environment for poor antibiotic penetration and horizontal transfer of virulence genes which favors the development of Multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO). Understanding biofilm formation and antimicrobial resistance determinants of Uropathogenic E. coli strains will provide insight into the development of treatment options for biofilm-associated UTIs. The aim of this study was to determine the biofilm forming capability, presence of virulence genes and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of Uropathogenic E. coli isolates in Uganda. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study carried in the Clinical Microbiology and Molecular biology laboratories at the Department of Medical Microbiology, Makerere University College of Health Sciences. We randomly selected 200 Uropathogenic E. coli clinical isolates among the stored isolates collected between January 2018 and December 2018 that had significant bacteriuria (> 105 CFU). All isolates were subjected to biofilm detection using the Congo Red Agar method and Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby disk diffusion method. The isolates were later subjected PCR for the detection of Urovirulence genes namely; Pap, Fim, Sfa, Afa, Hly and Cnf, using commercially designed primers. RESULTS: In this study, 62.5% (125/200) were positive biofilm formers and 78% (156/200) of these were multi-drug resistant (MDR). The isolates were most resistant to Trimethoprim sulphamethoxazole and Amoxicillin (93%) followed by gentamycin (87%) and the least was imipenem (0.5%). Fim was the most prevalent Urovirulence gene (53.5%) followed by Pap (21%), Sfa (13%), Afa (8%), Cnf (5.5%) and Hyl (0%). CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate a high prevalence of biofilm-forming Uropathogenic E. coli strains that are highly associated with the MDR phenotype. We recommend routine surveillance of antimicrobial resistance and biofilm formation to understand the antibiotics suitable in the management of biofilm-associated UTIs.

Anatomic and Cellular Niches for Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Latent Tuberculosis Infection.

Latent tuberculosis has been recognized for over a century, but discovery of new niches, where Mycobacterium tuberculosis resides, continues. We evaluated literature on M.tuberculosis locations during latency, highlighting that mesenchymal and hematopoietic stem cells harbor organisms in sensitized asymptomatic individuals.

Regional anthropometry changes in antiretroviral-naïve persons initiating a Zidovudine-containing regimen in Mbarara, Uganda.

Lipodystrophy is commonly reported in Africa after antiretroviral therapy (ART) is initiated, but few studies have objectively measured changes in body composition. Body composition was determined in 76 HIV-infected participants from Mbarara, Uganda after starting a thymidine-analog regimen, and annual change was determined using repeated measures analysis. We measured skinfolds (tricep, thigh, subscapular, and abdomen), circumferences (arm, hip, thigh, waist), and total lean and fat mass (using bioelectric impedance analysis). A cross-sectional sample of 49 HIV-uninfected participants was studied for comparison. At baseline, most body composition measures were lower in HIV-infected than uninfected participants, but waist circumference was similar. After 12 months on ART, there was little difference in body composition measures between HIV-infected and uninfected participants; median waist circumference appeared higher in HIV-infected participants (79 vs. 75 cm; p = 0.090). Among HIV-infected participants, increases were observed in total lean and fat mass, circumference, and skinfold measures; only the increase in tricep skinfold did not reach statistical significance (+1.05 mm; 95% confidence interval: -0.24, 2.34; p = 0.11). Regional anthropometry in peripheral and central body sites increased over 12 months after ART initiation in HIV-infected persons from southwestern Uganda, suggesting a restoration to health. Gains in the tricep skinfold, a reliable marker of subcutaneous fat, appeared blunted, which could indicate an inhibitory effect of zidovudine on peripheral subcutaneous fat recovery.

The WHOMEN's scale (Women's HAART Optimism Monitoring and EvaluatioN Scale v.1) and the association with fertility intentions and sexual behaviours among HIV-positive women in Uganda.

The objective of this study was to develop a reliable HAART optimism scale among HIV-positive women in Uganda and to test the scale's validity against measures of fertility intentions, sexual activity, and unprotected sexual intercourse. We used cross-sectional survey data of 540 women (18-50 years) attending Mbarara University's HIV clinic in Uganda. Women were asked how much they agreed or disagreed with 23 statements about HAART. Data were subjected to a principal components and factor analyses. Subsequently, we tested the association between the scale and fertility intentions and sexual behaviour using Wilcoxon rank sum test. Factor analysis yielded three factors, one of which was an eight-item HAART optimism scale with moderately high internal consistency (alpha = 0.70). Women who reported that they intended to have (more) children had significantly higher HAART optimism scores (median = 13.5 [IQR: 12-16]) than women who did not intend to have (more) children (median = 10.5 [IQR: 8-12]; P < 0.0001). Similarly, women who were sexually active and who reported practicing unprotected sexual intercourse had significantly higher HAART optimism scores than women who were sexually abstinent or who practiced protected sexual intercourse. Our reliable and valid scale, termed the Women's HAART Optimism Monitoring and EvaluatioN scale (WHOMEN's scale), may be valuable to broader studies investigating the role of HAART optimism on reproductive intentions and sexual behaviours of HIV-positive women in high HIV prevalence settings.

Antiretroviral therapy is associated with increased fertility desire, but not pregnancy or live birth, among HIV+ women in an early HIV treatment program in rural Uganda.

To assess the association between antiretroviral therapy (ART) and fertility history and desire among HIV-positive Ugandan women, we conducted a cross-sectional study among HIV-positive Ugandan women aged 18-50 years who attended an HIV clinic at Mbarara University in western Uganda between November 1, 2005 and June 6, 2006. Of 538 women approached, 501 were enrolled. ART use was associated with increased odds of fertility desire (AOR 2.99, 95% CI 1.38-6.28), and decreased odds of pregnancy (AOR 0.56, 95% CI 0.33-0.95) and live birth (AOR 0.30, 95% CI 0.13-0.66). ART was associated with an increase in fertility desire, but was not associated with an increase in fertility. Additional studies will be needed to determine if this greater fertility desire among ART-treated women leads to an increase in fertility as ART use expands.

Highly active antiretroviral therapy and increased use of contraceptives among HIV-positive women during expanding access to antiretroviral therapy in Mbarara, Uganda.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated whether the prevalence of contraceptive use among women who are HIV positive varied according to use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in Mbarara, Uganda. METHODS: We used data from a cross-sectional survey of 484 women who were HIV positive (18-50 years) and were attending Mbarara University's HIV clinic, 45% of whom were receiving HAART. Multivariate logistic regression was used to investigate the association between HAART use and contraceptive use. Data were collected between November 2005 and June 2006. RESULTS: Overall, 45% of the women were sexually active in the previous 3 months. Of these, 85% reported using contraceptive methods, with 84% reporting use of barrier contraceptive methods. Women receiving HAART were more than twice as likely to use contraceptive methods (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.64; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.07, 6.49) and more than 3 times as likely to use barrier contraceptive methods (AOR = 3.62; 95% CI = 1.54, 8.55) than were women not receiving HAART. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support the need for increased attention to better integration of reproductive health and HIV and AIDS services for women who are HIV positive.

Dose response effect of high-dose fluconazole for HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis in southwestern Uganda.

BACKGROUND: Therapy for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated cryptococcal meningitis in many centers in Africa is fluconazole administered at a dosage of 400-800 mg per day. However, higher dosages of fluconazole have been used to treat patients without resulting in serious toxicity. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic considerations suggest that higher dosages might be associated with greater efficacy. METHODS: Sixty HIV-seropositive, antiretroviral therapy-naive patients with first-episode cryptococcal meningitis in Mbarara, Uganda, were treated with fluconazole: the first 30 patients received 800 mg per day, and the second 30 patients received 1200 mg per day. After 2 weeks, the dosage was reduced to 400 mg per day for an additional 8 weeks. The primary outcome measure was rate of clearance of infection, or early fungicidal activity, as determined by serial quantitative cerebrospinal fluid cryptococcal cultures during the first 2 weeks. Secondary outcome measures were safety and mortality through 10 weeks. RESULTS: Forty-seven percent of patients had a reduced level of consciousness at presentation. Early fungicidal activity was significantly greater for patients receiving fluconazole at a dosage of 1200 mg per day than it was for patients receiving 800 mg per day (early fungicidal activity +/- standard deviation, -0.18+/-0.11 vs. -0.07+/-0.17 log colony-forming units/mL per day; P=.007). Fluconazole administered at a dosage of 1200 mg per day appeared to be well tolerated, and no liver function disturbance was observed. Two-week and 10-week mortality were 30% and 54%, respectively, with no statistically significant difference between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Fluconazole is more rapidly fungicidal when administered at a dosage of 1200 mg per day than when administered at a dosage of 800 mg per day. In resource-limited settings, additional studies are needed to test the addition of flucytosine or short-duration amphotericin B to high-dose fluconazole and to test strategies to facilitate earlier presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of patients with cryptococcal meningitis.

Alcohol use, depressive symptoms and the receipt of antiretroviral therapy in southwest Uganda.

Alcohol use and depressive symptoms are associated with reduced access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) in the developed world. Whether alcohol use and depressive symptoms limit access to ART in resource-limited settings is unknown. This cross-sectional study examined the association between alcohol use, depressive symptoms and the receipt of ART among randomly selected HIV-positive persons presenting for primary health care services at an outpatient HIV clinic in Uganda. Depressive symptoms were defined by the Hopkins Symptom Checklist and alcohol use was measured through frequency of consumption questions. Antiretroviral use was assessed using a standardized survey and confirmed by medical record review. Predictors of ART use were determined via logistic regression. Among 421 HIV-infected patients, factors associated with the receipt of ART were having at least primary education, having an opportunistic infection in the last 3 months, and not drinking within the last year.

Profile of immunologic recovery in HIV-infected Ugandan adults after antiretroviral therapy.

HIV infection is characterized by a decrease in total CD4 cell count, rising viral load, as well as an increase in immune activation levels. Increased activation can lead to an increase in apoptosis and contribute to CD4 depletion. We evaluated the clinical and immunologic responses of 23 HIV-positive Ugandan volunteers following initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART). All volunteers achieved and maintained complete viral suppression within the first 3 months of therapy (p > 0.05). CD4+ and CD8+ T cell activation also decreased significantly, although it never reached the level of HIV negative Ugandan volunteers. Viral suppression and CD4 cell recovery were also associated with an improved profile in CD8+ T cell functional markers, but had no effect on HIV-specific proliferation. We conclude that ART in a cohort of therapy-naive Ugandans with AIDS partially restores but does not fully reverse the immune dysfunction observed in chronic HIV infection.

The potential impact of antiretroviral therapy on fertility in sub-Saharan Africa.

Approximately 14 million women of child-bearing age are living with HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa. Women with HIV infection have between 25% and 40% lower fertility than noninfected women. As antiretroviral (ARV) therapy becomes increasingly accessible in sub-Saharan Africa, it is important to understand whether and how the associated clinical improvements correspond with changes in the incidence of pregnancy and fertility. Accordingly, this paper reviews the literature on the potential impact of ARV therapy on the fertility of women with HIV infection in sub-Saharan Africa. We use Bongaarts' proximate determinants of fertility framework (adapted for conditions of a generalized HIV epidemic) to examine the underlying mechanisms through which use of ARV therapy may impact the fertility of women with HIV infection. A conceptual framework is proposed to guide future research aimed at understanding how widespread use of ARV therapy may impact fertility in sub-Saharan Africa.