Melarsoprol refractory T. b. gambiense from Omugo, north-western Uganda

Culture adapted T. b. gambiense isolated from Northwest Uganda were exposed to 0.001-0.14 microg/ml melarsoprol or 1.56-100 microg/ml DL-alpha-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO). Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of each drug were scored for each isolate after a period of 10 days drug exposure. The results indicate that T. b. gambiense isolates from Northwest Uganda had elevated MIC values for melarsoprol ranging from 0.009 to 0.072 microg/ml as compared with T. b. gambiense isolates from Cote d'Ivoire with MIC values ranging from 0.001 to 0.018 microg/ml or with T. b. rhodesiense from Southeast Uganda with MIC values from 0.001 to 0.009 microg/ml. All MIC values obtained fell below expected peak melarsoprol concentrations in serum of treated patients. However, it may not be possible to maintain constant drug concentrations in serum of patients as was the case in our in vitro experiments. Importantly, the MIC of 0.072 microg/ml exhibited by one of the isolates from Northwest Uganda was above levels attainable in CSF indicating that this isolate would probably not be eliminated from CSF of treated patients. PCR amplification of the gene encoding the P2-like adenosine transporter followed by restriction digestion with Sfa NI enzyme revealed presence of fragments previously observed in a trypanosome clone with laboratory-induced arsenic resistance. From our findings it appears that reduced drug susceptibility may be one factor for the frequent relapses of sleeping sickness after melarsoprol treatment occurring in Northwest Uganda.     

Repeat Voluntary HIV Counseling and Testing (VCT), Sexual Risk Behavior and HIV Incidence in Rakai,Uganda

We examined the effects of repeat Voluntary HIV counseling and testing (VCT) on sexual risk behaviors and HIV incidence in 6,377 initially HIV-negative subjects enrolled in a prospective STD control for HIV prevention trial in rural Rakai district, southwestern Uganda. Sixty-four percent accepted VCT, and of these, 62.2% were first time acceptors while 37.8% were repeat acceptors. Consistent condom use was 5.8% in repeat acceptors, 6.1% in first time acceptors and 5.1% in non-acceptors. A higher proportion of repeat acceptors (15.9%) reported inconsistent condom use compared to first-time acceptors (12%) and non-acceptors (11.7%). Also, a higher proportion of repeat acceptors (18.1%) reported 2+ sexual partners compared to first-time acceptors (14.1%) and non-acceptors (15%). HIV incidence rates were 1.4/100 py (person-years) in repeat acceptors, 1.6/100 py in first time acceptors and 1.6/100 py in non-acceptors. These data suggest a need for intensive risk-reduction counseling interventions targeting HIV-negative repeat VCT acceptors as a special risk group.     

Voluntary HIV counseling and testing acceptance, sexual risk behavior and HIV incidence in Rakai, Uganda

OBJECTIVE: To assess the acceptance of voluntary HIV counseling and testing (VCT) and the effects of VCT on sexual risk behavior and HIV acquisition in Rakai, Uganda. METHODS: In a rural cohort, 10 694 consenting adults were interviewed, provided blood for HIV testing and were offered free VCT by community resident counselors. The proportions receiving VCT and the adjusted risk ratio (adj. RR) of VCT acceptance were estimated by log binomial regression. Risk behaviors and HIV incidence per 100 person-years (PY) in HIV-negative acceptors and non-acceptors of VCT were assessed prospectively. RESULTS: Although 93% initially requested HIV results, 62.2% subsequently accepted VCT. VCT acceptance was lower among persons with no prior VCT [Adj. RR = 0.88; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.85-0.90], individuals with primary education (adj. RR = 0.94; 95% CI, 0.90-0.99) or higher (adj. RR = 0.91; 95% CI, 0.87-0.97), individuals who were HIV-positive (adj. RR = 0.72; 95% CI, 0.68-0.76), and persons reporting condom use in the past 6 months (inconsistent users, adj. RR = 0.95; 95% CI, 0.90-0.99; consistent users, adj. RR = 0.88; 95% CI, 0.82-0.95). VCT acceptance was higher among the currently married (adj. RR = 1.14; 95% CI, 1.08-1.20) and previously married (adj. RR = 1.11; 95% CI, 1.04-1.18). Receipt of results was not significantly associated with age, gender, and self-perception of HIV risk. There were no significant differences in sexual risk behaviors, or in HIV incidence between acceptors (1.6/100 PY) and non-acceptors (1.4/100 PY) of VCT. CONCLUSION: In this rural cohort where VCT services are free and accessible, there is self-selection of individuals accepting VCT, and no impact of VCT on subsequent risk behaviors or HIV incidence.     

Nutritional status of an urban community in Zimbabwe

The rural population of many developing countries show an association between poor health and malnutrition, but little information is available on the urban communities. To investigate nutritional status there, the researchers chose Luveve, a black township of Zimbabwe. The heads of the household from each of 70 blocks were interviewed and the circumference of their families' mid upper arms were measured. Of the households visited, incomes ranged from US$30 to $300 per month. Food supplies were purchased from a grocer; the majority also maintained a vegetable garden. Diets were found to consist primarily of refined cereals, vegetables, soft drinks, and some milk and eggs. As regards infant feeding, the 66 mothers interviewed reported weaning their babies from the breast by 5 months. On the basis of arm circumference measurements, the population was not found to be undernourished. In fact, gross obesity was observed in 50% of the adults and many preschool children. Subnutrition was reported in only 3 members of the community. These measures vary considerably from those of the rural populations. The most significant finding was widespread obesity probably due to the high consumption of refined, starchy products. This could translate into obesity related diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.     

Comparison of nucleic acid sequence-based amplification and loop-mediated isothermal amplification for diagnosis of human African trypanosomiasis

Diagnosis of human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) using molecular tests should ideally achieve high sensitivity without compromising specificity. This study compared 2 simplified tests, nucleic acid sequence-based amplification (NASBA) combined with oligochromatography (OC) and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), executed on 181 blood samples from 65 Trypanosoma brucei gambiense HAT patients, 86 controls, and 30 serological suspects from Uganda. Basing on the composite reference standard, the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of NASBA were 93.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 84.9–98.3%) and 100% (95% CI = 94.9–100%), respectively. The same parameters for LAMP were 76.9% (95% CI = 64.8–86.5%) and 100% (95% CI = 91.6–100%), respectively. The level of agreement between LAMP and microscopy was good with a kappa (κ) value of 79.2% (95% CI = 69.4–88.9%), while that of NASBA-OC/microscopy was very good (κ value 94.6%; 95% CI = 89.3–99.8%). The sensitivity of NASBA-OC was significantly higher than that of LAMP (Z = 2.723; P = 0.007). These tests have potential application to HAT surveillance.     

“Thoughts Can Kill You”: Characterization of Mental Health Symptoms by Ugandan Grandparent–Caregivers in the HIV/AIDS Era

Studies of caregiving provided to HIV/AIDS orphans by sub-Saharan African grandparents have found that it has physical, financial, and emotional consequences. Our study extended this research by identifying and characterizing the symptoms experienced by Ugandan grandparent– caregivers, particularly as related to the caregiving role, loss and grief. Grounded theory methodology was used to conduct and analyze audio-recorded, semi-structured interviews with 32 grandparents. Findings revealed a cluster of biopsychosocial distress symptoms, especially anguish (driven by traumatic anxiety and disbelief), depression, and somatic symptoms that were linked primarily to psychological distress. The impact of cultural practices and beliefs on these symptoms was also identified. Results have implications for public health, research, and policy changes needed to alleviate symptoms of biopsychosocial distress among Uganda grandparent-caregivers.     

Sensitivity of direct versus concentrated sputum smear microscopy in HIV-infected patients suspected of having pulmonary tuberculosis

Background  

Sputum concentration increases the sensitivity of smear microscopy for the diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB), but few studies have investigated this method in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals.     

Expanding access to voluntary HIV counselling and testing in sub-Saharan Africa: alternative approaches for improving uptake, 2001-2007

The changing face of the HIV/AIDS epidemic has resulted in new opportunities to increase access to voluntary HIV counselling and testing (VCT), especially during the past 7 years (2001-2007). As access to HIV treatment becomes more widely available in sub-Saharan Africa, the need for enhanced access to VCT would become even greater. When given the opportunity, many more adults in sub-Saharan African would accept VCT, and many clearly express the desire to learn their HIV sero-status. However, in most parts of sub-Saharan Africa, fewer than one in 10 people know their HIV status. Stigma, fear of receiving an HIV-positive status, lack of confidentiality, long distances to VCT sites, and long delays in returning HIV test results limit people's access to traditional VCT systems. Alternative VCT delivery models, such as mobile VCT, routine offer of VCT and home-based VCT increase access to and uptake of VCT. We recommend that these alternative models be implemented in more settings and on a much larger scale in sub-Saharan Africa, where VCT uptake rates remain low.