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1.
Afr J Emerg Med ; 12(4): 498-504, 2022 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36583184

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Over a quarter of patients presenting to South African Emergency Centres (EC) have concurrent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), yet it is unclear how this impacts their presenting complaints, the severity of illness, and overall resource needs in the EC. The primary objective of this study was to compare the performance of the South African Triage Score (SATS) in people living with HIV (PLWH) compared to HIV-negative patients. Secondary objectives included comparing the presentation characteristics and resource utilisation of these populations. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the Livingstone Hospital EC, Gqeberha, South Africa, to compare triage designation and clinical outcomes in PLWH and HIV-negative patients. In this six-week study, all eligible patients received point-of-care HIV testing and extensive data abstraction, including SATS designation and EC clinical course. Descriptive statistical analysis was completed, and a log-binomial model was used to examine the association between HIV status and clinical outcomes using crude (unadjPR) and adjusted prevalence ratios (adjPR). Results: During the study period, 755 adult patients who consented to a POC HIV test were enrolled, of which 193 (25.6%) were HIV positive. HIV-positive patients were significantly more likely to be admitted compared to their HIV-negative counterparts when triaged as low acuity (adjPR 1.48, 95% CI 1.14-1.92, (p=0.003)). HIV-positive patients were also significantly more likely to receive laboratory testing when triaged as low acuity (adjPR 1.31, 95% CI 1.08-1.59 (p=0.006)) and as high acuity (adjPR 1.38, 95% CI 1.08-1.59 (p=0.034)) compared to HIV negative patients of the same triage categories. Conclusion: In our study, PLWH, compared to HIV-negative patients in the same category, were more likely to be admitted and require more EC resources, thus alluding to possible under triage of HIV-positive patients under the current SATS algorithm.

2.
S Afr Med J ; 111(9): 872-878, 2021 09 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34949252

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: South Africa (SA) faces a significant tuberculosis (TB) burden complicated by high rates of HIV-TB co-infection. In SA, emergency departments (EDs) play an important role in screening for TB. OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of TB in the ED and the effectiveness of the World Health Organization (WHO) TB screening tool. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional observational study, conducted in the ED at Livingstone Hospital, Port Elizabeth, from 4 June to 15 July 2018. All patients aged >18 years and able to consent were administered the WHO TB screening questions and underwent a point-of-care HIV test and demographic data collection. Patients were followed up for 1 year and tracked in the National Health Laboratory Service database to determine TB status using laboratory testing. RESULTS: Over the study period, 790 patients were enrolled. Overall, 121 patients (15.3%) were TB-positive, with 46 (38.0%) diagnosed after presenting to the ED and 75 (62.0%) with a previous TB history determined by self-report or confirmed laboratory testing. A greater proportion of the TB-positive patients were HIV-positive (49.6%) compared with the TB-negative population (24.8%). TB-positive individuals were more likely to present to the ED with a chief complaint of shortness of breath (SoB) (18.2%) compared with the TB-negative population (10.5%). Overall, the WHO TB screening tool had poor sensitivity (46.5%) and specificity (62.5%) for identifying TB-positive patients in the ED. A multiple logistic regression analysis, controlled for age and sex, showed HIV status (odds ratio (OR) 2.81; p<0.001) and SoB (OR 2.19; p<0.05) to be significant predictors of TB positivity. Adding positive HIV status and a presenting complaint of SoB increased sensitivity to 78.3%. CONCLUSIONS: EDs in SA face a high burden of TB. While WHO screening guidelines identify some of these patients, including routine HIV testing in the ED could significantly affect the number of TB diagnoses made.


Subject(s)
Emergency Service, Hospital , HIV Infections/diagnosis , HIV Infections/epidemiology , Mass Screening/methods , Tuberculosis/diagnosis , Tuberculosis/epidemiology , Adult , Aged , Coinfection , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Point-of-Care Testing , Prevalence , World Health Organization
3.
Sex Health ; 17(4): 392-394, 2020 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32829744

ABSTRACT

Willingness to self-collect vaginal swabs at a pharmacy clinic is of interest as a venue to increase sexually transmissible infections (STIs) screening for chlamydia, gonorrhoea and trichomonas. Women self-collected vaginal swabs at the pharmacy, completed questionnaires and received STI results within 2 h. Women with STIs were offered free treatment. A total of 313 of 777 (40.3%) women consented and prevalence for any STI was 3.9%. Questionnaires demonstrated acceptability for self-collection at the pharmacy, with 63% (95% CI 57.3-68) and 32.3% (95% CI 27.4-37.8) indicating they 'strongly agreed' or 'agreed' that they felt comfortable with pharmacy collection, respectively. Self-collected vaginal swabs for STI testing for women who were at a pharmacy were feasible and acceptable to women.


Subject(s)
Mass Screening/methods , Patient Acceptance of Health Care , Pharmacies , Sexually Transmitted Diseases/diagnosis , Vaginal Smears , Adult , Feasibility Studies , Female , Humans , Middle Aged , Specimen Handling/methods , Surveys and Questionnaires , Young Adult
4.
S Afr Med J ; 110(3): 217-222, 2020 Feb 26.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32657699

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: South Africa (SA) has the highest burden of HIV in the world. This study sought to evaluate the impact of high HIV prevalence on the burden of disease in an emergency department (ED). OBJECTIVES: To determine the burden of comorbidities in HIV-positive emergency care patients, their demographic profiles and severity of illness were compared with the general ED population in order to make recommendations for resource allocation and training in EDs in SA. METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional observational study was conducted from June 2017 to July 2018 in three EDs in Eastern Cape Province. All eligible patients (aged ≥18 years, fully conscious and clinically stable) presenting to the ED during the 6-week study period were approached and asked to give consent for a point-of-care HIV test and collection of demographic information. Simple descriptive statistics were used to analyse data. Log binomial and Poisson models were fitted to estimate prevalence ratios (PRs). RESULTS: Over the total study period, 8 000 patients presented to the ED for care across all sites and 3 537 patients were enrolled. The HIV status of 2 901 individuals (82.0%) was determined. Of those who were screened, 811 (28.0%) were identified as HIV-positive. Medical complaints were more common in HIV-positive patients (n=586, 72.3%) than in trauma patients (n=225, 27.7%). In comparison, HIV-negative patients reported fewer medical complaints (n=1 137, 54.4%) and more trauma (n=953, 45.6%) (p<0.001). HIV-positive patients were more likely to have a life-threatening emergency (n=192, 23.7%) (p=0.004), to be critically ill by triage score (p<0.001) and to be admitted to the hospital (p<0.001) than those who were HIV-negative. Despite high acuity overall, people living with HIV/AIDS were significantly less likely to be deemed critically ill according to vital signs (adjusted PR 0.94; p=0.046). CONCLUSIONS: While EDs in SA provide care to high volumes of patients with trauma-related injuries, in areas where HIV prevalence is highest, patients are more likely to present with acute medical emergencies. Providers of emergency care in SA need to be well versed in the management of HIV and associated complications.


Subject(s)
Delivery of Health Care , Emergency Service, Hospital , HIV Infections/epidemiology , Adult , Aged , Cost of Illness , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Prevalence , Prospective Studies , South Africa/epidemiology
5.
Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis ; 81(2): 102-4, 2015 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25497459

ABSTRACT

Ocular swabs from Tanzania were tested for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), and self-collected vaginal swabs collected through a home collection program, iwantthekit.org, were tested for Neisseria gonorrhoeae and CT to evaluate Cepheid GeneXpert for the use of pooling multiple specimens before testing. GeneXpert shows to be a promising test for pooling.


Subject(s)
Chlamydia Infections/diagnosis , Chlamydia trachomatis/isolation & purification , Gonorrhea/diagnosis , Molecular Diagnostic Techniques/methods , Neisseria gonorrhoeae/isolation & purification , Specimen Handling/methods , Chlamydia trachomatis/genetics , Eye/microbiology , Female , Humans , Male , Neisseria gonorrhoeae/genetics , Tanzania , Vagina/microbiology
7.
Int J STD AIDS ; 22(11): 645-52, 2011 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22096049

ABSTRACT

To review a quality control and quality assurance (QC/QA) model established to ensure the validity and reliability of collection, storage and analysis of biological outcome data, and to promote good laboratory practices (GLPs) and sustained operational improvements in international clinical laboratories, we conducted a two-arm randomized community-level HIV behavioural intervention trial in five countries: China, India, Peru, Russia and Zimbabwe. The trial was based on diffusion theory utilizing a Community Popular Opinion Leaders (CPOLs) intervention model with behavioural and biological outcomes. The QC/QA model was established by the Biological Outcome Workgroup, which collaborated with the Data Coordinating Center and John Hopkins University Reference Laboratory. Five international laboratories conducted chlamydia/gonorrhoea polymerase chain reaction (PRC)-based assays, herpes simplex virus type 2 enzyme immunoassay (EIA), syphilis serology (rapid plasma regain and Treponema pallidum particle agglutination assay, HIV serology (EIA/Western blot) and Trichomonas vaginalis culture. Data were collected at baseline, 12 and 24 months. Laboratory performance and infrastructure improved throughout the trial. Recommendations for improvement were consistently followed. Quality laboratories in resource-poor settings can be established, operating standards can be improved and certification can be obtained with consistent training, monitoring and technical support. Building collaborative partnership relations can establish a sustainable network for clinical trials, and can lead to accreditation and international laboratory development.


Subject(s)
Clinical Laboratory Techniques/methods , Clinical Laboratory Techniques/standards , International Cooperation , Sexually Transmitted Diseases/diagnosis , Adolescent , Adult , Behavior Therapy/methods , Developing Countries , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Quality Control , Young Adult
8.
Int J STD AIDS ; 22(6): 310-4, 2011 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21680665

ABSTRACT

We evaluated the accuracy of heat-denatured, amplification-boosted ultrasensitive p24 assay (Up24) compared with reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). We tested 394 samples from Ugandans infected with HIV-1 non-B subtypes. We compared Up24 levels (HIV-1 p24 Core Profile enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), NEN Life Science Products) to RNA viral loads (Amplicor HIV-1 Monitor 1.5, Roche) by linear regression, and calculated sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values. Median viral load was 4.9 log10 copies/mL (interquartile range [IQR], 2.6-5.5); 114 samples (29%) were undetectable (<400 copies/mL). Sensitivity of the Up24 assay to detect viral load ≥400 copies/mL was 69%, specificity was 67%, and positive and negative predictive values were 84% and 47%, respectively. Sensitivity of Up24 was 90%, 80%, 68%, 62% and 45% to detect viral loads of >500,000, 250,000-500,000, 100,000-250,000, 50,000-100,000 and 400-50,000 copies/mL, respectively. In conclusion, when compared with RT-PCR for patients infected with non-B subtypes, the Up24 demonstrated limited sensitivity especially at low viral loads. Moreover, the Up24 was positive in 33% of samples deemed undetectable by RT-PCR, which may limit the use of the Up24 to detect viral suppression.


Subject(s)
HIV Core Protein p24/analysis , HIV Infections/diagnosis , Adult , Developing Countries , Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay/methods , HIV Infections/blood , HIV Infections/immunology , HIV-1/isolation & purification , Humans , Linear Models , Protein Denaturation , Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods , Sensitivity and Specificity , Uganda , Viral Load/economics , Viral Load/methods
9.
Int J STD AIDS ; 22(6): 342-4, 2011 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21680672

ABSTRACT

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) worldwide. While glycoprotein G-2 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays are commonly used for the serological detection of HSV-2 antibodies, they have low specificity in developing countries. The Euroline Western blot (WB) is a commercially available assay that is easy to perform; however, little is known about its performance characteristics. This study evaluated Euroline WB for the detection of HSV-2 antibodies compared with University of Washington Western blot in three geographically different regions: Baltimore, MD, USA; Rakai, Uganda; and Kunming, China. Among the 135 American men attending a STI clinic in Baltimore, MD, 72% (n = 97) were HSV-2-positive by Euroline WB, showing a sensitivity of 97.8% and a specificity of 81.8%. Among the 273 commercial sex workers in Kunming, 62.3% were HSV-2-positive by Euroline WB (sensitivity 96.9%, specificity 89.1%). Among the 437 Ugandans in Rakai, 67.3% were HSV-2-positive by Euroline WB (sensitivity 98.7%, specificity 65.4%). The Euroline WB has a consistently high sensitivity, but specificity varied significantly among the different locations.


Subject(s)
Antibodies, Viral/isolation & purification , Blotting, Western/methods , Herpes Genitalis/diagnosis , Herpesvirus 2, Human/isolation & purification , Blotting, Western/standards , China , Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay/methods , Humans , Male , Reagent Kits, Diagnostic , Reproducibility of Results , Sensitivity and Specificity , Uganda , United States
10.
Int J STD AIDS ; 22(5): 273-7, 2011 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21571975

ABSTRACT

We identified demographic, clinical and biological determinants of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) shedding among HIV-infected participants in the Women's HIV Interagency Study (WIHS). Cervicovaginal lavage (CVL) specimens from 369 HIV-infected HSV seropositive women were tested with TaqMan polymerase chain reaction (PRC) for detection HSV-2 DNA. Seven percent of women tested positive for HSV-2 DNA in CVL. Significant correlates of the presence of HSV-2 DNA in CVL were being younger, African American or Hispanic race/ethnicity and injecting drugs in the past six months (P < 0.05). A borderline significant trend for reduced viral shedding with higher CD4+ T cell counts was observed (P = 0.08). All women who were never observed with any genital lesions and had consistently negative self-reported history of genital sores throughout the follow-up (n = 29, 8%) were negative for CVL HSV-2 DNA. HSV-2 DNA quantity was significantly associated with having frequent subsequent lesion recurrences (Spearman rho = 0.48, P = 0.016; adjusted prevalence ratio [APR] = 2.5, P = 0.012). Increasing the age of the host was inversely correlated with decreased viral shedding over time. However, a subset of older women continued to shed significant amounts of virus despite passage of time. This study provides genital HSV-2 DNA titre as a quantitative and symptom- and sign-based measures as qualitative predictors of HSV-2 shedding from the lower genital tract among HIV-infected women.


Subject(s)
HIV Infections/complications , Herpes Genitalis/diagnosis , Herpes Genitalis/virology , Herpesvirus 2, Human/isolation & purification , Virus Shedding , Adult , Antibodies, Viral/blood , DNA, Viral/blood , Female , Herpes Genitalis/pathology , Herpesvirus 2, Human/genetics , Humans , Polymerase Chain Reaction , Risk Factors , Vaginal Douching
11.
Int J STD AIDS ; 20(9): 650-1, 2009 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19710342

ABSTRACT

HIV acquisition is associated with herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection and genital ulcer disease (GUD). Three randomized control trials demonstrated that male circumcision significantly decreases HIV, HSV-2, human papillomavirus and self-reported GUD among men. GUD is also decreased among female partners of circumcised men, but it is unknown whether male circumcision status affects GUD pathogens in female partners. For the evaluation of GUD aetiology, two separate multiplex assays were performed to detect Haemophilus ducreyi, Treponema pallidum, HSV-1 and HSV-2. Of all the female GUD swabs evaluated, 67.5% had an aetiology identified, and HSV-2 was the primary pathogen detected (96.3%). However, there was no difference in the proportion of ulcers due to HSV-2 or other pathogens between female partners of circumcised men (11/15, 73.3%) compared with uncircumcised men (15/25, 60.0%, P = 0.39). The seroprevalence of HSV-2 is high in this population and therefore most of the detected HSV-2 infections represent reactivation. Since GUD is associated with HIV acquisition and one-third of GUD in this study did not have an aetiological agent identified, further research is needed to better understand the aetiology of GUD in Africa, and its relationship to circumcision and HIV infection.


Subject(s)
Circumcision, Male , Genital Diseases, Female/etiology , Herpesvirus 2, Human/isolation & purification , Sexual Partners , Female , HIV Seronegativity , Humans , Male , Uganda , Ulcer
12.
Sex Transm Infect ; 85(6): 438-40, 2009 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19383597

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To investigate prevalence of Mycoplasma genitalium, Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Trichomonas vaginalis in men, frequency of co-infections, and association of organisms with urethritis in men. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of 290 men (age range 19-34 years) attending Baltimore City STD clinics. M genitalium, C trachomatis, N gonorrhoeae and T vaginalis, during 2004 were detected using nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) (153 with urethritis and 137 without urethritis). Demographic characteristics and risk factors were ascertained. RESULTS: The overall prevalences of infection with C trachomatis, N gonorrhoeae, T vaginalis and M genitalium were 20.3%, 12.8%, 3.4% and 15.2%, respectively. Prevalences in men with urethritis were 32.7%, 24.2%, 5.2% and 22.2% for C trachomatis, N gonorrhoeae, T vaginalis and M genitalium, respectively. Percentages of co-infections were high. All men with N gonorrhoeae had urethritis. C trachomatis and M genitalium were found to be significantly associated with urethritis in univariate analysis and in multiple logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSION: The association of M genitalium with urethritis in this study provides confirmation of the importance of screening men for M genitalium as a cause of non-gonococcal urethritis and supports treatment considerations for urethritis for agents other than gonococci and chlamydia.


Subject(s)
Chlamydia trachomatis/isolation & purification , Mycoplasma genitalium/isolation & purification , Neisseria gonorrhoeae/isolation & purification , Trichomonas vaginalis/isolation & purification , Urethritis/microbiology , Adult , Ambulatory Care Facilities , Animals , Baltimore/epidemiology , Cross-Sectional Studies , Humans , Male , Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques , Prevalence , Risk Factors , Sexually Transmitted Diseases/complications , Sexually Transmitted Diseases/epidemiology , Sexually Transmitted Diseases/microbiology , Urethritis/complications , Urethritis/epidemiology , Young Adult
13.
Sex Transm Infect ; 85(2): 97-101, 2009 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19066198

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To develop a real-time PCR assay that reliably and accurately detects the predominant sexually transmitted aetiological agents of genital ulcer disease (GUD) (Haemophilus ducreyi, Treponema pallidum and herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2)) and to assess the use of real-time PCR diagnostic testing in a rural African field site. METHODS: Two multiplex real-time PCR reactions were used to detect H ducreyi/and HSV-1/HSV-2 in ulcer swabs from 100 people with symptomatic genital ulcers in rural Rakai, Uganda. Results were compared with syphilis, HSV-1 and HSV-2 serology. RESULTS: Of 100 GUD samples analysed from 43 HIV positive and 57 HIV negative individuals, 71% were positive for one or more sexually transmitted infection (STI) pathogens by real-time PCR (61% for HSV-2, 5% for T pallidum, 3% for HSV-1, 1% for H ducreyi and 1% for dual H ducreyi/HSV-2). The frequency of HSV in genital ulcers was 56% (32/57) in HIV negative individuals and 77% (33/43) in HIV positive individuals (p = 0.037). Assay reproducibility was evaluated by repeat PCR testing in the USA with 96% agreement (kappa = 0.85). CONCLUSIONS: STI pathogens were detected in the majority of GUD swab samples from symptomatic patients in Rakai, Uganda, by real-time PCR. HSV-2 was the predominant cause of genital ulcers. Real-time PCR technology can provide sensitive, rapid and reproducible evaluation of GUD aetiology in a resource-limited setting.


Subject(s)
Haemophilus ducreyi/isolation & purification , Herpesvirus 1, Human/isolation & purification , Herpesvirus 2, Human/isolation & purification , Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods , Sexually Transmitted Diseases/microbiology , Treponema pallidum/isolation & purification , Ulcer/microbiology , Adult , Cohort Studies , Female , HIV Infections/complications , Humans , Male , Reproducibility of Results , Rural Health , Sexually Transmitted Diseases/diagnosis , Sexually Transmitted Diseases/virology , Uganda , Ulcer/diagnosis , Ulcer/virology , Young Adult
14.
Int J STD AIDS ; 19(10): 694-7, 2008 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18824623

ABSTRACT

A cross-sectional survey was conducted to determine the sociodemographic correlates of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection among male and female commercial sex workers in Kunming, Yunnan Province of China. HSV-2 prevalence was 33.0%, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection was 2.4% and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection was 6.8%. Subjects who were positive for HSV-2 had a significantly higher prevalence of HIV infection (5.5% versus 0.9%, P = 0.002; odds ratio [OR]: 6.4, P = 0.006) and HCV infection (18.7% versus 2.4%, P < 0.001; OR: 7.6, P < 0.001) compared with HSV-2-negative individuals. Risk factors that increased the odds of HSV-2 infection were HIV infection, HCV infection, being female, and having a steady sex partner within the last six months (P < or = 0.01). In a multivariate analysis, being female (OR: 6.6, P < 0.001), having HCV infection (OR: 5.9, P < 0.001) and having a sex partner within the last six months (OR: 2.2, P < 0.05) showed greater odds of being infected with HSV-2. A strong relationship was found between HSV-2, HIV and HCV infections.


Subject(s)
Antibodies, Viral/blood , Herpes Genitalis/epidemiology , Herpesvirus 2, Human , Sex Work , Adolescent , Adult , China , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , HIV Infections/complications , HIV Infections/epidemiology , HIV Infections/virology , HIV-1 , Hepacivirus , Hepatitis C/complications , Hepatitis C/epidemiology , Hepatitis C/virology , Herpes Genitalis/complications , Herpes Genitalis/virology , Herpesvirus 2, Human/immunology , Humans , Male , Prevalence , Risk Factors , Young Adult
15.
Sex Transm Dis ; 30(10): 769-73, 2003 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-14520176

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Use of self-administered vaginal swabs (SAS) for the detection of Chlamydia trachomatis by nucleic acid amplification tests simplifies specimen collection and transport, especially for women in nonclinical settings. GOAL: We investigated the preference and comfort level of military women for the collection of SAS, compared with urine, for the diagnosis of genital chlamydial infections. STUDY DESIGN: During March through August 1999, female Army recruits in basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, were invited to participate in the study. Participants were requested to complete a questionnaire after providing both first-void urine (FVU) and SAS specimens. Participant characteristics, preferences, and comfort levels were assessed using multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: From 4496 eligible female recruits, 1403 (31%) completed questionnaires and 1382 provided both specimens; 11.8% (166 of 1403) of participants were infected with chlamydia. The relative sensitivity and specificity of the C. trachomatis Ligase Chain Reaction test on SAS in 1382 matched pairs was 81.1% and 98.6%, respectively, using the test result on urine specimens as the comparison standard. Most of the participants (90.8%) reported that they felt comfortable collecting the FVU specimen, and 69.6% indicated that they felt comfortable collecting SAS. Either specimen collection type received high acceptability at home and in the field, and more women reported that they would collect FVU than reported they would collect SAS in the future (in the field: FVU: 79.4%, SAS: 68.8%, P <0.001); at home: FVU: 90.9%, SAS: 82.9%, P <0.001). When questioned about ease of use, 60.4% of women reported that urine was the easier method. Preferences for SAS were associated with being white and having had sexual risk behaviors in the past 3 months. CONCLUSION: A study of preferences for urine versus self-administered vaginal swabs for the detection of C. trachomatis in military women showed that women generally found SAS acceptable. SAS should be a feasible alternative to urine collection in situations in which specimen storage or transport is an issue.


Subject(s)
Chlamydia Infections/diagnosis , Chlamydia trachomatis/isolation & purification , Military Personnel/psychology , Patient Satisfaction , Specimen Handling/methods , Adult , Female , Humans , Self Care , South Carolina , Surveys and Questionnaires , Urinalysis , Vaginal Smears , Women, Working/psychology
16.
Am J Trop Med Hyg ; 68(3): 376-8, 2003 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-12685648

ABSTRACT

Co-infection of human immunodeficiency virus and malaria is not uncommon in people living in sub-Saharan Africa. Since HIV infection results in immune deficiency, it may alter the ability of HIV patients to mount proper immune responses against malaria parasites. We measured specific malaria antibodies in 47 specimens from 25 couples from Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), according to their HIV status, and investigated probable interaction between malaria and HIV infection. Plasma samples were analyzed for HIV markers (western blot and viral load) and malaria parasite-specific antibody (antibody titer, pattern of antigen recognized by western blotting, and parasite neutralizing antibodies assayed by growth inhibition). No correlation was identified between measured HIV infection status and malaria-specific parameters.


Subject(s)
HIV Infections/immunology , Malaria, Falciparum/immunology , Adult , Animals , Antibodies, Protozoan/blood , Democratic Republic of the Congo , Female , HIV Infections/complications , Humans , Malaria, Falciparum/complications , Male , Neutralization Tests , Plasmodium falciparum/growth & development , Plasmodium falciparum/immunology
17.
J Clin Microbiol ; 41(1): 304-9, 2003 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-12517865

ABSTRACT

The greater sensitivity of nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae permits the use of urine and other noninvasive specimens, which can increase the reach and decrease the costs of public health screening programs aimed at controlling these infections. This study evaluated the performance of the APTIMA Combo 2 assay, a multiplex assay based on the transcription-mediated amplification reaction, for the simultaneous detection of both pathogens in endocervical swab and urine specimens from females. Combo 2 assay results were compared with patient infected status, which were available by using other commercial NAATs. Sensitivity and specificity for C. trachomatis were 94.2 and 97.6%, respectively, in swabs and 94.7 and 98.9%, respectively, in first-catch urine (FCU). Sensitivity and specificity for N. gonorrhoeae were 99.2 and 98.7%, respectively, in swabs and 91.3 and 99.3%, respectively, in FCU. The assay reliably detected both infections in coinfected patients. The Combo 2 assay can be recommended for use with endocervical swab and urine specimens from females, especially for screening tests for asymptomatic women in sexually transmitted disease surveillance programs. This Food and Drug Administration-cleared assay can be a useful tool in efforts to reduce the prevalence and incidence of C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae infections in sexually active women and to prevent their costly and serious sequelae.


Subject(s)
Cervix Uteri/microbiology , Chlamydia trachomatis/isolation & purification , Neisseria gonorrhoeae/isolation & purification , Urine/microbiology , Female , Humans , Reagent Kits, Diagnostic
18.
Sex Transm Infect ; 78(5): 369-73, 2002 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-12407243

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To assess differences in provider willingness to screen all sexually active male and female adolescents for chlamydia and to determine whether concerns about cost effectiveness of screening are related to provider willingness to screen for chlamydia. METHODS: All primary care providers in a managed care organisation self administered a survey about screening all sexually active adolescents for chlamydia. RESULTS: Respondents were 217 physicians (MDs) and 121 nurse practitioners (NPs) or physician assistants (PAs). Excluding obstetrician/gynaecologists, more providers were willing to routinely screen adolescent females than males for chlamydia (67% v 49% respectively; p<0.001). Independent predictors of provider willingness to screen both males and females included belief that routine screening is cost effective and being a NP/PA v an MD. Belief that chlamydia screening is easier in females than males independently predicted less willingness to screen males. CONCLUSION: Information that reduces provider concern about the cost effectiveness of screening may increase provider willingness to screen adolescents for chlamydia. Availability of urine based tests may reduce provider beliefs that females are easier to screen than males and increase chlamydia screening in males.


Subject(s)
Chlamydia Infections/diagnosis , Health Care Surveys , Mass Screening/organization & administration , Sexual Behavior , Adolescent , Chlamydia Infections/economics , Chlamydia Infections/prevention & control , Cost-Benefit Analysis , Delivery of Health Care/economics , Delivery of Health Care/organization & administration , Female , Humans , Male , Managed Care Programs/economics , Managed Care Programs/organization & administration , Mass Screening/economics , Mid-Atlantic Region , Multivariate Analysis , Primary Health Care/economics , Primary Health Care/organization & administration
20.
Am J Obstet Gynecol ; 185(5): 1209-17, 2001 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-11717659

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess presumptive sexually transmitted disease treatment on pregnancy outcome and HIV transmission. STUDY DESIGN: In a randomized trial in Rakai District, Uganda, 2070 pregnant women received presumptive sexually transmitted disease treatment 1 time during pregnancy at varying gestations, and 1963 control mothers received iron/folate and referral for syphilis. Maternal-infant sexually transmitted disease/HIV and infant outcomes were assessed. Intent-to-treat analyses estimated adjusted rate ratios and 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: Sexually transmitted diseases were reduced: Trichomonas vaginalis (rate ratio, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.18%-0.49%), bacterial vaginosis (rate ratio, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.69-0.87), Neisseria gonorrhoeae /Chlamydia trachomatis (rate ratio, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.27-0.68), and infant ophthalmia (rate ratio, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.20-0.70). There were reduced rates of neonatal death (rate ratio, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.71-0.97), low birth weight (rate ratio, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.53-0.86), and preterm delivery (rate ratio, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.56-1.05); but there were no effects on maternal HIV acquisition or perinatal HIV transmission. CONCLUSION: Reductions of maternal sexually transmitted disease improved pregnancy outcome but not maternal HIV acquisition or perinatal HIV transmission.


Subject(s)
Azithromycin/therapeutic use , Cefixime/therapeutic use , Metronidazole/therapeutic use , Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/therapy , Sexually Transmitted Diseases/therapy , Birth Weight , Drug Therapy, Combination , Endophthalmitis/prevention & control , Female , Folic Acid/therapeutic use , HIV Infections/therapy , Humans , Infant , Infant Mortality , Infant, Newborn , Infant, Newborn, Diseases/prevention & control , Infant, Premature , Iron/therapeutic use , Obstetric Labor, Premature/prevention & control , Pregnancy , Sexually Transmitted Diseases/prevention & control , Uganda
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