Browsing by Author "Bosomprah S"

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A pilot study on use of live attenuated rotavirus vaccine (Rotarix™) as an infection challenge model.
(2020-Oct-27) Chilengi R; Simuyandi M; Chibuye M; Chirwa M; Sukwa N; Laban N; Chisenga C; Silwamba S; Grassly N; Bosomprah S; Research Division, Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia; Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.; MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom.; Research Division, Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia. Electronic address: Roma.Chilengi@cidrz.org.; Research Division, Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia.; CIDRZ; Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ)
BACKGROUND: Rotavirus remains the commonest cause of dehydrating diarrhoea, particularly in developing countries. Human infection challenge studies in children in these countries offers an opportunity to rapidly evaluate new vaccine candidates that may have improved efficacy. We evaluated use of Rotarix™ as a live-attenuated challenge agent. METHODS: We undertook an open label, exploratory study in infants receiving two standard doses of Rotarix™ at 6 and 10 weeks of age in a cohort of 22 Zambian infants. The first vaccine dose was considered as primary vaccination, and the second at day 28 as a live-attenuated virus challenge. Saliva, stool and serum samples were collected on days 0, 3, 5, 7, 14, and 28 following each dose. The primary outcome was stool shedding of rotavirus, determined by NSP2 qPCR. We calculated mean shedding index as average of natural logarithm of viral copies per gram of stool. FINDINGS: After the first dose, viral shedding was high at day 3, peaked by day 5. After the second dose, viral shedding at day 3 was low and reduced gradually in most infants until day 14. Mean shedding index was significantly lower post dose 2 across all infants and timepoints (5.0 virus copies/g of stool [95%CI: 0.3-9.7] vs 10.4 virus copies/g of stool [95%CI: 6.2-14.6]; p-value < 0.0001; rho = 0.20, SD = 4.97. Seroconversion at day 28 was associated with a mean reduction of -1.03 (95%CI = -8.07, 6.01) in viral shedding after challenge dose but this was not statistically significant (p = 0.774). A borderline positive correlation between fold-change in IgA titre at day 28 from day 0 in saliva and serum was observed; Spearman's correlation coefficient, r = 0.69; p = 0.086. INTERPRETATION: Shedding after the 'challenge' dose was reduced compared with the first dose, consistent with the induction of mucosal immunity by the first dose. This supports the use of Rotarix vaccine as a live-attenuated infection challenge. FUNDING: Medical Research Council (UK) through the HIC-Vac Network.
Alcohol-focused and transdiagnostic treatments for unhealthy alcohol use among adults with HIV in Zambia: A 3-arm randomized controlled trial.
(2023-Apr) Vinikoor MJ; Sharma A; Murray LK; Figge CJ; Bosomprah S; Chitambi C; Paul R; Kanguya T; Sivile S; Nghiem V; Cropsey K; Kane JC; Zambian Ministry of Health, Lusaka, Zambia.; Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA.; Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia; School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA; School of Medicine, University Teaching Hospital, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia. Electronic address: michael.vinikoor@cidrz.org.; School of Medicine, University Teaching Hospital, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia.; Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia; School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.; Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.; School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.; School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.; Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia.; CIDRZ; Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ)
BACKGROUND: Clinical and quality of life outcomes in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH) are undermined by unhealthy alcohol use (UAU), which is highly prevalent in this population and is often complicated by mental health (MH) or other substance use (SU) comorbidity. In sub-Saharan Africa, evidence-based and implementable treatment options for people with HIV and UAU are needed. METHODS: We are conducting a hybrid clinical effectiveness-implementation trial at three public-sector HIV clinics in Lusaka, Zambia. Adults with HIV, who report UAU, and have suboptimal HIV clinical outcomes, will be randomized to one of three arms: an alcohol-focused brief intervention (BI), the BI with additional referral to a transdiagnostic cognitive behavioral therapy (Common Elements Treatment Approach [CETA]), or standard of care. The BI and CETA will be provided by HIV peer counselors, a common cadre of lay health worker in Zambia. Clinical outcomes will include HIV viral suppression, alcohol use, assessed by audio computer-assisted self-interview (ACASI) and direct alcohol biomarkers, Phophatidylethanol and Ethyl glucuronide, and comorbid MH and other SU. A range of implementation outcomes including cost effectiveness will also be analyzed. CONCLUSION: Hybrid and 3-arm trial design features facilitate the integrated evaluation of both brief, highly implementable, and more intensive, less implementable, treatment options for UAU among PLWH in sub-Saharan Africa. Use of ACASI and alcohol biomarkers will strengthen understanding of treatment effects.
Assessing capacity and readiness to manage NCDs in primary care setting: Gaps and opportunities based on adapted WHO PEN tool in Zambia.
(2018) Mutale W; Bosomprah S; Shankalala P; Mweemba O; Chilengi R; Kapambwe S; Chishimba C; Mukanu M; Chibutu D; Heimburger D; University of Zambia, School of Public Health, Lusaka, Zambia.; Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana.; Ministry of Health, Lusaka, Zambia.; Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America.; Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia.; CIDRZ; Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ)
INTRODUCTION: Sub-Saharan Africa is experiencing an epidemiological transition as the burden of NCDs overtake communicable diseases. However, it is unknown what capacity and gaps exist at primary care level to address the growing burden of NCDs. This study aimed to assess the Zambian health system's capacity to address in NCDs, using an adapted WHO Essential Non Communicable Disease Interventions (WHO PEN) tool. METHODOLOGY: This was a cross-sectional facility survey in the three districts conducted from September 2017 to October 2017. We defined facility readiness along five domains: basic equipment, essential services, diagnostic capacity, counseling services, and essential medicines. For each domain, we calculated an index as the mean score of items expressed as percentage. These indices were compared to an agreed cutoff at 70%, meaning that a facility index or district index below 70% off was considered as 'not ready' to manage NCDs at that level. All analysis were performed using Stata 15 MP. RESULTS: There appeared to be wide heterogeneity between facilities in respect of readiness to manage NCDs. Only 6 (including the three 1st level hospitals) out of the 46 facilities were deemed ready to manage NCDs. Only the first level hospitals scored a mean index higher than the 70% cut off; With regard to medications needed to manage NCDs, urban and rural health facilities were comparably equipped. However, there was evidence that calcium channel blockers (p = 0.013) and insulin (p = 0.022) were more likely to be available in urban and semi-urban health facilities compared to rural facilities. CONCLUSION: Our study revealed gaps in primary health care capacity to manage NCDs in Zambia, with almost all health facilities failing to reach the minimum threshold. These results could be generalized to other similar districts in Zambia and the sub-region, where health systems remain focused on infectious rather than non-communicable Disease. These results should attract policy attention and potentially form the basis to review current approach to NCD care at the primary care level in Zambia and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Assessment of the influence of ABO blood groups on oral cholera vaccine immunogenicity in a cholera endemic area in Zambia.
(2023-Jan-23) Chisenga CC; Bosomprah S; Chilyabanyama ON; Alabi P; Simuyandi M; Mwaba J; Ng'ombe H; Laban NM; Luchen CC; Chilengi R; Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia.; Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.; Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia. Caroline.Chisenga@cidrz.org.; School of Medicine, University of Lusaka, Lusaka, Zambia.; Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia.; CIDRZ; Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ)
BACKGROUND: Histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs) which include the ABO and Lewis antigen systems have been known for determining predisposition to infections. For instance, blood group O individuals have a higher risk of severe illness due to V. cholerae compared to those with non-blood group O antigens. We set out to determine the influence that these HBGAs have on oral cholera vaccine immunogenicity and seroconversion in individuals residing within a cholera endemic area in Zambia. METHODOLOGY: We conducted a longitudinal study nested under a clinical trial in which samples from a cohort of 223 adults who were vaccinated with two doses of Shanchol™ and followed up over 4 years were used. We measured serum vibriocidal geometric mean titers (GMTs) at Baseline, Day 28, Months 6, 12, 24, 30, 36 and 48 in response to the vaccine. Saliva obtained at 1 year post vaccination was tested for HBGA phenotypes and secretor status using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Of the 133/223 participants included in the final analysis, the majority were above 34 years old (58%) and of these, 90% were males. Seroconversion rates to V. cholerae O1 Inaba with non-O (23%) and O (30%) blood types were comparable. The same pattern was observed against O1 Ogawa serotype between non-O (25%) and O (35%). This trend continued over the four-year follow-up period. Similarly, no significant differences were observed in seroconversion rates between the non-secretors (26%) and secretors (36%) against V. cholerae O1 Inaba. The same was observed for O1 Ogawa in non-secretors (22%) and the secretors (36%). CONCLUSION: Our results do not support the idea that ABO blood grouping influence vaccine uptake and responses against cholera.
Association of biomarkers of enteric dysfunction, systemic inflammation, and growth hormone resistance with seroconversion to oral rotavirus vaccine: A lasso for inference approach.
(2023) Mwila-Kazimbaya K; Bosomprah S; Chilyabanyama ON; Chisenga CC; Chibuye M; Laban NM; Simuyandi M; Huffer B; Iturriza-Gomara M; Choy RKM; Chilengi R; Department of Global Health, Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development (AIGHD), Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.; Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.; PATH, Seattle, Washington, United States of America.; Research Division, Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia.; Cincinnati Childrens Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America.; Centre for Vaccine Innovation and Access, PATH, Geneve, Switzerland.; CIDRZ; Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ)
BACKGROUND: Rotavirus gastroenteritis remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality despite the introduction of vaccines. Research shows there are several factors contributing to the reduced efficacy of rotavirus vaccines in low- and middle-income settings. Proposed factors include environmental enteric dysfunction (EED), malnutrition, and immune dysfunction. This study aimed to assess the effect of these factors on vaccine responses using a machine learning lasso approach. METHODS: Serum samples from two rotavirus clinical trials (CVIA 066 n = 99 and CVIA 061 n = 124) were assessed for 11 analytes using the novel Micronutrient and EED Assessment Tool (MEEDAT) multiplex ELISA. Immune responses to oral rotavirus vaccines (Rotarix, Rotavac, and Rotavac 5D) as well as a parenteral rotavirus vaccine (trivalent P2-VP8) were also measured and machine learning using the lasso approach was then applied to investigate any associations between immune responses and environmental enteric dysfunction, systemic inflammation, and growth hormone resistance biomarkers. RESULTS: Both oral and parenteral rotavirus vaccine responses were negatively associated with retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4), albeit only weakly for oral vaccines. The parenteral vaccine responses were positively associated with thyroglobulin (Tg) and histidine-rich protein 2 (HRP2) for all three serotypes (P8, P6 and P4), whilst intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP) was negatively associated with P6 and P4, but not P8, and soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) was positively associated with P6 only. CONCLUSION: MEEDAT successfully measured biomarkers of growth, systemic inflammation, and EED in infants undergoing vaccination, with RBP4 being the only analyte associated with both oral and parenteral rotavirus vaccine responses. Tg and HRP2 were associated with responses to all three serotypes in the parenteral vaccine, while I-FABP and sTfR results indicated possible strain specific immune responses to parenteral immunization.
Association of Maternal Immunity with Rotavirus Vaccine Immunogenicity in Zambian Infants.
(2016) Chilengi R; Simuyandi M; Beach L; Mwila K; Becker-Dreps S; Emperador DM; Velasquez DE; Bosomprah S; Jiang B; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America.; Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia.; Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America.; CIDRZ; Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ)
INTRODUCTION: Live attenuated oral vaccines against rotavirus (RV) have been shown to be less efficacious in children from developing countries. Reasons for this disparity are not fully understood. We assessed the role of maternal factors including breast milk RV-specific IgA, transplacentally acquired infant serum RV-specific IgG and maternal HIV status in seroconversion among Zambian infants routinely immunized with Rotarix™ (RV1). METHODS: 420 mother-child pairs were recruited at infant age 6-12 weeks in Lusaka. Clinical information and samples were collected at baseline and at one month following the second dose of RV1. Determination of breast milk RV-specific IgA and serum RV-specific IgA and IgG was done using standardized ELISA. Seroconversion was defined as a ≥ 4 fold rise in serum IgA titre from baseline to one-month post RV1 dose 2, while seropositivity of IgA was defined as serum titre ≥ 40 and antibody variables were modelled on log-base 2. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of the odds of seroconversion. RESULTS: Baseline infant seropositivity was 25.5% (91/357). The seroconversion frequency was 60.2% (130/216). Infants who were IgA seropositive at baseline were less likely to seroconvert compared to their seronegative counterparts (P = 0.04). There was no evidence of an association between maternal HIV status and seroconversion (P = 0.25). Higher titres of breast milk rotavirus-specific IgA were associated with a lower frequency of seroconverson (Nonparametric test for trend Z = -2.84; P<0.01): a two-fold increase in breast milk RV-specific IgA titres was associated with a 22% lower odds of seroconversion (OR = 0.80; 95% CI = 0.68-0.94; P = 0.01). There was seasonal variation in baseline breast milk rotavirus-specific IgA titres, with significantly higher GMTs during the cold dry months (P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Low immunogenicity of RV1 vaccine could be explained in part by exposure to high antibody titres in breast milk and early exposure to wild-type rotavirus infections. Potential interference of anti-RV specific IgA in breast milk and pre-vaccination serum RV specific-IgA and IgG titres with RV1 seroconversion and effectiveness requires further research.
Associations of inter-annual rainfall decreases with subsequent HIV outcomes for persons with HIV on antiretroviral therapy in Southern Africa: a collaborative analysis of cohort studies.
(2023-Dec-19) Trickey A; Johnson LF; Fung F; Bonifacio R; Iwuji C; Biraro S; Bosomprah S; Chirimuta L; Euvrard J; Fatti G; Fox MP; Von Groote P; Gumulira J; Howard G; Jennings L; Kiragga A; Muula G; Tanser F; Wagener T; Low A; Vickerman P; Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation, School of Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa.; Department of Civil Engineering, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.; Desmond Tutu Health Foundation, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.; Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.; Kheth'Impilo AIDS Free Living, Cape Town, South Africa.; NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Behavioural Science and Evaluation at University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.; UK Meteorological Office, Exeter, UK.; Newlands Clinic, Harare, Zimbabwe.; Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.; Lighthouse Trust, Mzimba, Malawi.; Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.; Institute of Environmental Science and Geography, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany.; Department of Civil Engineering and Cabot Institute of the Environment, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.; Climate and Earth Observation Unit, Research Assessment and Monitoring Division, World Food Programme HQ, Rome, Italy.; Research Division, African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya.; Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK. adam.trickey@bristol.ac.uk.; Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.; Department of Global Health Infection, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK.; Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.; Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.; ICAP at Columbia University, Nakasero, Kampala, Uganda.; School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.; Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana.; Department of Global Health and Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.; Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.; Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia.; CIDRZ; Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ)
BACKGROUND: Periods of droughts can lead to decreased food security, and altered behaviours, potentially affecting outcomes on antiretroviral therapy (ART) among persons with HIV (PWH). We investigated whether decreased rainfall is associated with adverse outcomes among PWH on ART in Southern Africa. METHODS: Data were combined from 11 clinical cohorts of PWH in Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, participating in the International epidemiology Databases to Evaluate AIDS Southern Africa (IeDEA-SA) collaboration. Adult PWH who had started ART prior to 01/06/2016 and were in follow-up in the year prior to 01/06/2016 were included. Two-year rainfall from June 2014 to May 2016 at the location of each HIV centre was summed and ranked against historical 2-year rainfall amounts (1981-2016) to give an empirical relative percentile rainfall estimate. The IeDEA-SA and rainfall data were combined using each HIV centre's latitude/longitude. In individual-level analyses, multivariable Cox or generalized estimating equation regression models (GEEs) assessed associations between decreased rainfall versus historical levels and four separate outcomes (mortality, CD4 counts < 200 cells/mm RESULTS: Among 270,708 PWH across 386 HIV centres (67% female, median age 39 [IQR: 32-46]), lower rainfall than usual was associated with higher mortality (adjusted Hazard Ratio: 1.18 [95%CI: 1.07-1.32] per 10 percentile rainfall rank decrease) and unsuppressed viral loads (adjusted Odds Ratio: 1.05 [1.01-1.09]). Levels of rainfall were not strongly associated with CD4 counts < 200 cell/mm CONCLUSIONS: Decreased rainfall could negatively impact on HIV treatment behaviours and outcomes. Further research is needed to explore the reasons for these effects. Interventions to mitigate the health impact of severe weather events are required.
Burden of chronic kidney diseases and underlying causes in Zambia: evidence from the global burden of disease study 2019.
(2023-Feb-18) Bosomprah S; Bjonstad EC; Musuku J; Siyumbwa N; Ngandu M; Chisunka M; Banda P; Goma F; Mweemba A; Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, USA.; Department of Internal Medicine, Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia.; Noncommunicable Diseases and Injury Commission, Lusaka, Zambia.; Research Department, Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia.; Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 13, Legon, Accra, Ghana. sbosomprah@ug.edu.gh.; Ministry of Health, Lusaka, Zambia.; Department of Internal Medicine, University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia.; Noncommunicable Diseases and Injury Commission, Lusaka, Zambia. sbosomprah@ug.edu.gh.; Research Department, Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia. sbosomprah@ug.edu.gh.; CIDRZ; Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ)
INTRODUCTION: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been a global public health problem and a major source of suffering and poor quality of life for those afflicted. Using data from the global burden of disease (GBD) study 2019, we estimated the magnitude of the burden of CKD as well as the underlying causes of CKD in the Zambian population. METHOD: The data used for this study were extracted from the GBD 2019 study. The GBD 2019 provides estimates of several metrics of disease burden including the commonly used disability-adjusted life year (DALYs) for over 369 diseases and injuries, and 87 risk factors and combinations of these in 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2019. We estimated the burden of CKD as the number and rates (per 100,000 population) of DALYs, disaggregated by year, sex, and age group. We examined the underlying causes of CKD by estimating the population attributable fraction as the percentage contributions of risk factors to CKD DALY. RESULTS: The number of DALYs for CKD was estimated as 76.03 million (95% UI: 61.01 to 93.36) in 2019 compared to 39.42 million (95% UI: 33.09 to 45.90) in 1990, representing 93% increase whereas the DALYs rate per 100,000 population was estimated as 416.89 (95% UI: 334.53 to 511.93) in 2019 compared to 496.38 (95% UI: 416.55 to 577.87) in 1990, representing 16% reduction. CKD due to hypertension accounted for 18.7% of CKD DALYs and CKD due to diabetes (types 1 and 2) accounted for 22.7%, while CKD from glomerulonephritis accounted for the most DALYs at 33%. The age group most impacted from CKD were adolescents and young adults. CONCLUSION: The burden of CKD remains high in the Zambian population with diabetes, high blood pressure, and glomerulonephritis as important causes. The results highlight the need to develop a comprehensive action plan to prevent and treat kidney disease. Increasing the awareness of CKD among the public as well as adaptation of guidelines for treating patients with end stage kidney disease are important considerations.
Cervical cancer prevention and care in HIV clinics across sub-Saharan Africa: results of a facility-based survey.
(2024-Jul) Asangbeh-Kerman SL; Davidović M; Taghavi K; Dhokotera T; Manasyan A; Sharma A; Jaquet A; Musick B; Twizere C; Chimbetete C; Murenzi G; Tweya H; Muhairwe J; Wools-Kaloustian K; Technau KG; Anastos K; Yotebieng M; Jousse M; Ezechi O; Orang'o O; Bosomprah S; Pierre Boni S; Basu P; Bohlius J; Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.; SolidarMed, Partnerships for Health, Maseru, Lesotho.; Programme National de Lutte contre le Cancer (PNLCa), Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.; Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA.; Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya.; Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.; Programme PAC-CI, Site ANRS Treichville, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.; Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.; Newlands Clinic, Harare, Zimbabwe.; Department of Clinical Sciences, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria.; Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA.; Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital, Johannesburg-Braamfontein, South Africa.; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.; Empilweni Services and Research Unit, Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.; Graduate School for Health Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.; Early Detection, Prevention and Infections Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France.; SolidarMed, Partnership for Health, Chiure, Mozambique.; Institute of Global Health, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.; Centre National de Reference en Matière de VIH/SIDA, Bujumbura, Burundi.; Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.; Einstein-Rwanda Research and Capacity Building Programme, Research for Development and Rwanda Military Hospital, Kigali, Rwanda.; Graduate School of Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.; University of Bordeaux, National Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM) UMR 1219, Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD) EMR 271, Bordeaux Population Health Centre, Bordeaux, France.; International Training and Education Centre for Health (I-TECH), Lilongwe, Malawi.; Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland.; Department of Biostatistics and Health Data Science, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.; Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia.; CIDRZ; Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ)
INTRODUCTION: To eliminate cervical cancer (CC), access to and quality of prevention and care services must be monitored, particularly for women living with HIV (WLHIV). We assessed implementation practices in HIV clinics across sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) to identify gaps in the care cascade and used aggregated patient data to populate cascades for WLHIV attending HIV clinics. METHODS: Our facility-based survey was administered between November 2020 and July 2021 in 30 HIV clinics across SSA that participate in the International epidemiology Databases to Evaluate AIDS (IeDEA) consortium. We performed a qualitative site-level assessment of CC prevention and care services and analysed data from routine care of WLHIV in SSA. RESULTS: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination was offered in 33% of sites. Referral for CC diagnosis (42%) and treatment (70%) was common, but not free at about 50% of sites. Most sites had electronic health information systems (90%), but data to inform indicators to monitor global targets for CC elimination in WLHIV were not routinely collected in these sites. Data were collected routinely in only 36% of sites that offered HPV vaccination, 33% of sites that offered cervical screening and 20% of sites that offered pre-cancer and CC treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Though CC prevention and care services have long been available in some HIV clinics across SSA, patient and programme monitoring need to be improved. Countries should consider leveraging their existing health information systems and use monitoring tools provided by the World Health Organization to improve CC prevention programmes and access, and to track their progress towards the goal of eliminating CC.
Cohort profile: Noncommunicable diseases and ideal cardiovascular health among people living with and without HIV in Zambia and Zimbabwe (NCDzz cohort).
(2025-Feb-07) Chihota BV; Mandiriri A; Muula G; Banda E; Shamu T; Bolton-Moore C; Chimbetete C; Bosomprah S; Wandeler G; University of Bern Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, Bern, Switzerland.; Newlands Clinic, Harare, Zimbabwe.; Center for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia.; Department of Infectious Diseases, Inselspital University Hospital Bern, Bern, Switzerland.; The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine Tuscaloosa, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA.; Inselspital, University of Bern Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, Bern, Switzerland.; University of Bern Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, Bern, Switzerland belinda.chihota@cidrz.org.; CIDRZ; Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ)
PURPOSE: The NCDzz study is a prospective cohort of people living with and without HIV attending primary care clinics in Zambia and Zimbabwe and was established in 2019 to understand the intersection between noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and HIV in Southern Africa. Here, we describe the study design and population and evaluate their ideal cardiovascular health (ICVH) using the Life's Simple 7 (LS7) score according to the American Heart Association. PARTICIPANTS: Antiretroviral therapy-naïve people living with HIV (PLWH) and people living without HIV (PLWOH) 30 years or older were recruited from three primary care clinics in Lusaka and Harare, and underwent comprehensive clinical, laboratory and behavioural assessments. All study measurements are repeated during yearly follow-up visits. PLWOH were recruited from the same neighbourhoods and had similar socioeconomic conditions as PLWH. FINDINGS TO DATE: Between August 2019 and March 2023, we included 1100 adults, of whom 618 (56%) were females and 539 (49%) were PLWH. The median age at enrolment was 39 years (IQR 34-46 years). Among 1013 participants (92%) with complete data, the median LS7 score was 11/14 (IQR 10-12). Overall, 60% of participants met the criteria of ICVH metrics (5-7 ideal components) and among individual components of the LS7, more females had poor body mass index (BMI) than males, regardless of HIV status (27% vs 3%, p<0.001). Our data show no apparent difference in cardiovascular health determinants between men and women, but high BMI in women and overall high hypertension prevalence need detailed investigation. Untreated HIV (OR: 1.36 (IQR 1.05-1.78)) and being a Zambian participant (OR: 1.81 (IQR 1.31-2.51)) were associated with having ICVH metrics, whereas age older than 50 years (OR: 0.46 (IQR 0.32-0.65)) was associated with not having ICVH metrics. FUTURE PLANS: Our study will be regularly updated with upcoming analyses using prospective data including a focus on arterial hypertension and vascular function. We plan to enrich the work through conducting in-depth assessments on the determinants of cardiovascular, liver and kidney end-organ disease outcomes yearly. Additionally, we seek to pilot NCD interventions using novel methodologies like the trials within cohorts. Beyond the initial funding support, we aim to collect at minimum yearly data for an additional 5-year period.
Comparative analysis of cholera serum vibriocidal antibodies from Convalescent and vaccinated adults in Zambia.
(2024-Aug-13) Ng'ombe H; Bosomprah S; Phiri B; Muchimba M; Liswaniso F; Chibuye M; Luchen CC; Chibesa K; Musukuma-Chifulo K; Mwape K; Tigere S; Silwamba S; Sinkala A; Simuyandi M; Mbewe N; Kapaya F; Cunningham AF; Chilengi R; Sack D; Chisenga CC; Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Corner of Lukasu and Danny Pule Roads, Mass Media, Lusaka, Zambia; Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana. Electronic address: Samuel.Bosomprah@cidrz.org.; Zambia National Public Health Institute, Stand 1186, Corner of Chaholi & Addis Ababa Roads Rhodes Park, Lusaka, Zambia.; Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Corner of Lukasu and Danny Pule Roads, Mass Media, Lusaka, Zambia.; Ministry of Health, Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital, Chainama, Off Great East, P.0 Box 310084, Lusaka, Zambia.; Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom.; John Hopkins University, 615 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, United States of America.; CIDRZ; Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ)
Cholera is responsible for 1.3 to 4.0 million cholera cases globally and poses a significant threat, with Zambia reporting 17,169 cases as of 4th February 2024. Recognizing the crucial link between natural cholera infections and vaccine protection, this study aimed to assess immune responses post cholera infection and vaccination. This was a comparative study consisting of 50 participants enrolled during a cholera outbreak in Zambia's Eastern Province and an additional 56 participants who received oral cholera vaccinations in Zambia's Central Province. Vibriocidal antibodies were plotted as geometric mean titres in the naturally infected and vaccinated individuals. A significant difference (p < 0.047) emerged when comparing naturally infected to fully vaccinated individuals (2 doses) on day 28 against V. cholerae Ogawa. Those who received two doses of the oral cholera vaccine had higher antibody titres than those who were naturally infected. Notably, the lowest titres occurred between 0-9 days post onset, contrasting with peak responses at 10-19 days. This study addresses a critical knowledge gap in understanding cholera immunity dynamics, emphasizing the potential superiority of vaccination-induced immune responses. We recommend post infection vaccination after 40 days for sustained immunity and prolonged protection, especially in cholera hotspots.
Comparative effectiveness of in-person vs. remote delivery of the Common Elements Treatment Approach for addressing mental and behavioral health problems among adolescents and young adults in Zambia: protocol of a three-arm randomized controlled trial.
(2022-May-19) Figge CJ; Kane JC; Skavenski S; Haroz E; Mwenge M; Mulemba S; Aldridge LR; Vinikoor MJ; Sharma A; Inoue S; Paul R; Simenda F; Metz K; Bolton C; Kemp C; Bosomprah S; Sikazwe I; Murray LK; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 655 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.; Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Mental Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.; Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 845 19th Street South, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA.; Department of Medicine, University of Zambia, PO Box 50110, Lusaka, Zambia.; Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Mental Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA. cfigge1@jh.edu.; Ministry of Health Zambia, Haille Selassie Avenue, Ndeke House, P.O. Box 30205, Lusaka, Zambia.; Department of Psychiatry, University of Zambia, PO Box 50110, Lusaka, Zambia.; Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 722 W 168th St., New York City, NY, 10032, USA.; Department of Global Health, Hans Rosling Center, University of Washington School of Public Health, 3980 15th Ave. NE, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA.; The Centre for Infectious Disease Research (CIDRZ) Zambia, Plot 34620, Lusaka, Zambia.
BACKGROUND: In low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), there is a substantial gap in the treatment of mental and behavioral health problems, which is particularly detrimental to adolescents and young adults (AYA). The Common Elements Treatment Approach (CETA) is an evidence-based, flexible, transdiagnostic intervention delivered by lay counselors to address comorbid mental and behavioral health conditions, though its effectiveness has not yet been tested among AYA. This paper describes the protocol for a randomized controlled trial that will test the effectiveness of traditional in-person delivered CETA and a telehealth-adapted version of CETA (T-CETA) in reducing mental and behavioral health problems among AYA in Zambia. Non-inferiority of T-CETA will also be assessed. METHODS: This study is a hybrid type 1 three-arm randomized trial to be conducted in Lusaka, Zambia. Following an apprenticeship model, experienced non-professional counselors in Zambia will be trained as CETA trainers using a remote, technology-delivered training method. The new CETA trainers will subsequently facilitate technology-delivered trainings for a new cohort of counselors recruited from community-based partner organizations throughout Lusaka. AYA with mental and behavioral health problems seeking services at these same organizations will then be identified and randomized to (1) in-person CETA delivery, (2) telehealth-delivered CETA (T-CETA), or (3) treatment as usual (TAU). In the superiority design, CETA and T-CETA will be compared to TAU, and using a non-inferiority design, T-CETA will be compared to CETA, which is already evidence-based in other populations. At baseline, post-treatment (approximately 3-4 months post-baseline), and 6 months post-treatment (approximately 9 months post-baseline), we will assess the primary outcomes such as client trauma symptoms, internalizing symptoms, and externalizing behaviors and secondary outcomes such as client substance use, aggression, violence, and health utility. CETA trainer and counselor competency and cost-effectiveness will also be measured as secondary outcomes. Mixed methods interviews will be conducted with trainers, counselors, and AYA participants to explore the feasibility, acceptability, and sustainability of technology-delivered training and T-CETA provision in the Zambian context. DISCUSSION: Adolescents and young adults in LMIC are a priority population for the treatment of mental and behavioral health problems. Technology-delivered approaches to training and intervention delivery can expand the reach of evidence-based interventions. If found effective, CETA and T-CETA would help address a major barrier to the scale-up and sustainability of mental and behavioral treatments among AYA in LMIC. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03458039 . Prospectively registered on May 10, 2021.
Comparing growth velocity of HIV exposed and non-exposed infants: An observational study of infants enrolled in a randomized control trial in Zambia.
(2021) Chilyabanyama ON; Chilengi R; Laban NM; Chirwa M; Simunyandi M; Hatyoka LM; Ngaruye I; Iqbal NT; Bosomprah S; Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.; College of Science and Technology, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda.; Research Division, Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia.; Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan.; African Centre of Excellence in Data Science (ACEDS), University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda.; CIDRZ; Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ)
BACKGROUND: Impaired growth among infants remains one of the leading nutrition problems globally. In this study, we aimed to compare the growth trajectory rate and evaluate growth trajectory characteristics among children, who are HIV exposed uninfected (HEU) and HIV unexposed uninfected (HUU), under two years in Zambia. METHOD: Our study used data from the ROVAS II study (PACTR201804003096919), an open-label randomized control trial of two verses three doses of live, attenuated, oral RotarixTM administered 6 &10 weeks or at 6 &10 weeks plus an additional dose at 9 months of age, conducted at George clinic in Lusaka, Zambia. Anthropometric measurements (height and weight) were collected on all scheduled and unscheduled visits. We defined linear growth velocity as the rate of change in height and estimated linear growth velocity as the first derivative of the mixed effect model with fractional polynomial transformations and, thereafter, used the second derivative test to determine the peak height and age at peak heigh. RESULTS: We included 212 infants in this study with median age 6 (IQR: 6-6) weeks of age. Of these 97 (45.3%) were female, 35 (16.4%) were stunted, and 59 (27.6%) were exposed to HIV at baseline. Growth velocity was consistently below the 3rd percentile of the WHO linear growth standard for HEU and HUU children. The peak height and age at peak height among HEU children were 74.7 cm (95% CI = 73.9-75.5) and 15.5 months (95% CI = 14.7-16.3) respectively and those for HUU were 73 cm (95% CI = 72.1-74.0) and 15.6 months (95% CI = 14.5-16.6) respectively. CONCLUSION: We found no difference in growth trajectories between infants who are HEU and HUU. However, the data suggests that poor linear growth is universal and profound in this cohort and may have already occurred in utero.
Contraceptive use among HIV-infected women and men receiving antiretroviral therapy in Lusaka, Zambia: a cross-sectional survey.
(2016-May-12) Hancock NL; Chibwesha CJ; Bosomprah S; Newman J; Mubiana-Mbewe M; Sitali ES; Bolton-Moore C; Mbwili-Muleya C; Chi BH; Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, PO Box 34681, 5032 Great North Road, Lusaka, Zambia.; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UNC Global Women's Health, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, 3009 Old Clinic Building, Campus, Box 7577, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7577, USA.; Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, PO Box 34681, 5032 Great North Road, Lusaka, Zambia. NancyLHancock@gmail.com.; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UNC Global Women's Health, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, 3009 Old Clinic Building, Campus, Box 7577, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7577, USA. NancyLHancock@gmail.com.; Lusaka District Community Health Office, Ministry of Community Development, Mother and Child Health, PO Box 50827, Lusaka, Zambia.; CIDRZ; Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ)
BACKGROUND: Family planning (FP) is an essential health service and an important part of comprehensive HIV care. However, there is limited information about the contraceptive needs of people living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa, which in turn has hampered efforts to expand and integrate FP services into existing HIV programs. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional survey to determine FP prevalence and predictors among HIV-positive women and men attending 18 public antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinics in Lusaka, Zambia. Trained peer counselors administered the 10-question survey to those seeking care for five days at each of the target sites. RESULTS: From February to April 2014, we surveyed 7,046 HIV-infected patients receiving routine HIV services. Use of modern contraception was reported by 69 % of female ART patients and 79 % of male ART patients. However, highly effective contraceptive use and dual method use were low among women (38 and 25 %, respectively) and men (19 and 14 %, respectively). HIV disclosure status (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 4.91, 95 % confidence interval (CI) = 3.32-7.24 for women, AOR = 3.58, 95 % CI = 2.39-5.38 for men) and sexual activity in the last 6 months (AOR = 5.80, 95 % CI = 4.51-7.47 for women, AOR = 6.24, 95 % CI = 3.51-11.08 for men) were associated with modern contraceptive use in multivariable regression. Most respondents said they would access FP services if made available within ART clinic. CONCLUSIONS: While FP-ART integration may be a promising strategy for increasing FP service uptake, such services must focus on assessing sexual activity and advocating for dual method use to increase effective contraceptive use and prevent unintended pregnancies.
COVID-19 vaccine uptake and associated risk factors among first antenatal care attendees in Zambia, 2021-2022: A repeated cross-sectional study.
(2024) Tembo T; Somwe P; Bosomprah S; Heilmann E; Kalenga K; Moyo N; Kabamba B; Seffren V; Fwoloshi S; Rutagwera MR; Musunse M; Mwiinga L; Gutman JR; Hines JZ; Sikazwe I; Analysis Unit, Center for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), Lusaka, Zambia.; Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Accra.; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America.; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Lusaka, Zambia.; PATH, Lusaka, Zambia.; Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (RMNCH), Center for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), Lusaka, Zambia.; University Teaching Hospital, Ministry of Health, Lusaka, Zambia.; Center for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), Lusaka, Zambia.; Strategic Information Unit, Center for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), Lusaka, Zambia.
Pregnant women are considered a high-risk group for COVID-19, and a priority for vaccination. Routine antenatal care (ANC) provides an opportunity to track trends and factors associated with vaccine uptake. We sought to evaluate COVID-19 vaccine uptake among pregnant women attending ANC and assess the factors associated with vaccine in Zambia. We conducted a repeated cross-sectional study in 39 public health facilities in four districts in Zambia from September 2021 to September 2022. Pregnant women who were aged 15-49 years were enrolled during their first ANC visit. Every month, ~20 women per facility were interviewed during individual HIV counseling and testing. We estimated vaccine uptake as the proportion of eligible participants who self-reported having received the COVID-19 vaccine. A total of 9,203 pregnant women were screened, of which 9,111 (99%) were eligible and had vaccination status. Of the 9,111 included in the analysis, 1,818 (20%) had received the COVID-19 vaccine during the study period, with a trend of increasing coverage with time (0.5% in September 2020, 27% in September 2022). Conversely, 3,789 (42%) reported not being offered a COVID-19 vaccine. We found that women aged 40-49 years, had no education or attained some primary school education, were not employed, and had prior COVID-19 infection were significantly associated with vaccine uptake. COVID-19 vaccine uptake among pregnant women was lower than estimates from the general population (27% across the four districts in September 2022), pointing to missed opportunities to protect this high-risk group. ANC visits were a viable point for conducting COVID-19 surveillance. Incorporating the vaccine as part of the routine ANC package might increase coverage in this group.
Development and validation of a novel scale for antiretroviral therapy readiness among pregnant women in urban Zambia with newly diagnosed HIV infection.
(2023-Apr-06) Mubiana-Mbewe M; Bosomprah S; Saroj RK; Kadota J; Koyuncu A; Thankian K; Vinikoor MJ; Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.; Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Zambia, Plot 34620 Off Alick Nkhata Road, P.O. Box 34681, Lusaka, Zambia. Mwangelwa.Mbewe@cidrz.org.; Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, USA.; Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Zambia, Plot 34620 Off Alick Nkhata Road, P.O. Box 34681, Lusaka, Zambia.; UCSF Center for Tuberculosis and Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine San Francisco General Hospital, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.; Department of Gender Studies, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia.; Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University, Maryland, USA.; School of Computational and Integrative Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India.; CIDRZ; Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ)
BACKGROUND: Women who are newly diagnosed with HIV infection during pregnancy may not be ready to immediately initiate lifelong antiretroviral therapy (ART; called Option B +) as is recommended. Lack of "readiness" drives early disengagement from care and undermines prevention of HIV transmission to infants. Several studies have shown high early attrition of women initiating ART in pregnancy. Although poor ART uptake and adherence have been attributed to various factors including stigma, disclosure issues and structural issues, there is no standard way of determining which pregnant woman will face challenges and therefore need additional support. We developed and validated a novel ART readiness tool in Lusaka, Zambia. METHODS: The aim of this study was to develop and validate a tool that could be used to assess how ready a newly diagnosed pregnant woman living with HIV would be to initiate ART on the day of diagnosis. Using a mixed method design, we conducted this study in three public-setting health facilities in Lusaka, Zambia. Informed by qualitative research and literature review, we identified 27 candidate items. We assessed content validity using expert and target population judgment approaches. We administered the 27-item questionnaire to 454 newly diagnosed pregnant women living with HIV, who were enrolled into a randomized trial (trials number NCT02459678). We performed item reduction analysis and used Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.70 as threshold for reliability. RESULTS: A total of 454 pregnant women living with HIV enrolled in the study between March 2017 and December 2017; 452 had complete data for analysis. The correlation coefficient between the 27 items on the completed ART readiness scale ranged from 0.31 to 0.70 while item discrimination index ranged from -0.01 to 2.38. Sixteen items were selected for the final scale, representing three domains, which we classified as "internalized and anticipated HIV stigma", "partner support" and "anticipated structural barriers". CONCLUSION: We developed and validated a tool that could be used to assess readiness of newly diagnosed women living with HIV to initiate ART. This ART readiness tool could allow clinics to tailor limited resources to pregnant women living with HIV needing additional support to initiate and remain on ART.
Development of a diarrhoea severity scoring scale in a passive health facility-based surveillance system.
(2022) St Jean DT; Chilyabanyama ON; Bosomprah S; Asombang M; Velu RM; Chibuye M; Mureithi F; Sukwa N; Chirwa M; Mokha P; Chilengi R; Simuyandi M; Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Ghana, Accra.; Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America.; Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia.; CIDRZ; Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ)
BACKGROUND: Diarrhoeal disease remains a leading cause of death among children mostly in low and middle-income countries. Factors contributing to disease severity are complex and there is currently no consensus on a scoring tool for use in community-based studies. METHODS: Data were collected during a passive surveillance system in an outpatient health facility in Lusaka, Zambia from March 2019 to July 2019. Diarrhea episodes were assessed for severity using an in-house severity scoring tool (CIDRZ) and previously published scores (Vesikari, Clark, CODA, and DHAKA). The CIDRZ score was constructed using fieldworker-reported clinical signs and exploratory factor analysis. We used precision-recall curves measuring severe diarrhoea (i.e., requiring intravenous rehydration or referred for hospital admission) to determine the best performing scores. Then, we used Cronbach's alpha to assess the scale's internal consistency. Finally, we used Cohen's kappa to assess agreement between the scores. RESULTS: Of 110 diarrhea episodes, 3 (3%) required intravenous rehydration or were referred for hospital admission. The precision-recall area under the curve of each score as a predictor of severe diarrhoea requiring intravenous rehydration or hospital admission was 0.26 for Vesikari, 0.18 for CODA, 0.24 for Clark, 0.59 for DHAKA, and 0.59 for CIDRZ. The CIDRZ scale had substantial reliability and performed similarly to the DHAKA score. CONCLUSIONS: Diarrhoea severity scores focused on characteristics specific to dehydration status may better predict severe diarrhea among children in Lusaka. Aetiology-specific scoring tools may not be appropriate for use in community healthcare settings. Validation studies for the CIDRZ score in diverse settings and with larger sample sizes are warranted.
Diagnostic accuracy of saliva-based testing as a Vibrio cholerae surveillance tool among naturally infected patients.
(2025-Jan-21) Chisenga CC; Phiri B; Ng'ombe H; Muchimba M; Liswaniso F; Bernshtein B; Cunningham AF; Sack D; Bosomprah S; Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.; Enteric Disease and Vaccine Research Unit, Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia.; Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK.; Center for Immunization Research, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.; Alter Lab, Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Boston, USA.; CIDRZ; Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ)
Saliva, as a diagnostic medium, offers a promising alternative to blood by virtue of its non-invasive collection, which enhances patient compliance, especially in paediatric and geriatric populations. In this study, we assessed the utility of saliva as a non-invasive medium for measuring Vibrio cholerae-specific serum antibodies in naturally infected individuals. We tested paired serum and saliva samples obtained from a total of 63 patients with cholera enrolled in a cohort study. Vibriocidal antibodies assay (IgM/IgG) as markers for accurate determination was used to determine cholera-specific antibody levels. Using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve, we found that the best cut-off that maximizes (sensitivity + specificity) is 10 titres. At this saliva titre, the sensitivity is 76.9% (95%CI: 60.9%, 87.7%) and specificity is 80.0% (95%CI: 56.6%, 92.5%). Using Spearman's correlation coefficient, we also found evidence of a positive correlation between V. cholerae saliva and serum antibodies (rho = 0.66, P < 0.001). In conclusion, saliva-based diagnostic cholera tests have high diagnostic accuracy and would be advantageous, cheaper, and quicker for early diagnosis of severe cholera outcomes.
Early linear growth retardation: results of a prospective study of Zambian infants.
(2019-Jan-14) Chilengi R; Asombang M; Kadota JL; Chilyabanyama ON; Mwila-Kazimbaya K; Ng'ombe H; Simuyandi M; Bosomprah S; Research Division, Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Plot # 34620, Off Alick Nkhata Road, PO Box 34681, Lusaka, Zambia. sbosomprah@gmail.com.; Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana. sbosomprah@gmail.com.; Research Division, Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Plot # 34620, Off Alick Nkhata Road, PO Box 34681, Lusaka, Zambia.; CIDRZ; Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ)
BACKGROUND: Linear growth retardation is the most dominant nutritional problem globally. We aimed to describe linear growth trajectory among infants under 2 years of age using the WHO growth velocity standards. METHOD: This was a prospective cohort study of infants enrolled at 6 weeks of age and followed up for up to 24 months in Kamwala Urban Health Centre, Lusaka, Zambia. The study was conducted between April 2013 and March 2015. Infants were enrolled if they were 6-12 weeks of age and the mother was willing to participate voluntarily and provided informed consent. Anthropometric data were collected at scheduled clinic visits at 1 month, 2 months, 3 months, then quarterly until the infant was 24 months old. We defined linear growth velocity as the rate of change in height. We estimated linear growth velocity as the first derivative of the penalized cubic spline mixed effects model. RESULTS: A total of 338 children were included in the analysis. Of these, 185 (54.7%) were female, 115 (34.1%) were born to HIV positive mothers and thus classified as HIV Exposed (HE). The mean age of children at enrollment was 1.6 months (SD = 0.15). On average, the growth velocity for 3-month length increments conditional on age were 0-3 months = 2.97 cm/3mo (95%CI = 2.69, 3.25); 3-6 months = 2.62 cm/3mo (95%CI = 2.38, 2.87); 6-9 months = 1.57 cm/3mo (95%CI = 1.43, 1.71); 9-12 months = 1.18 cm/3mo (95%CI = 1.08, 1.28); 12-15 month = 1.14 cm/3mo (95%CI = 1.02, 1.27); 15-18 months = 0.87 cm/3mo (95%CI = 0.79, 0.96); 18-21 months = 0.80 cm/3mo (95%CI = 0.72, 0.89); and 21-24 months = 0.86 cm/3mo (95%CI = 0.77, 0.96). For both boys and girls, the growth velocity in our cohort were consistently below the 3rd percentile of the WHO linear growth velocity standard. The estimated mean height and the age at which growth begins to falter were 68.6 cm (95%CI = 68.0, 69.2) and 13.6 months (95%CI = 13.2, 14.1) respectively. CONCLUSION: We found slower rate of growth among otherwise healthy Zambian infants. The data suggests that growth retardation is universal and profound in this cohort and may have already been occurring in utero.
Ecological Niche Modeling of
(2023-Sep-08) Velu RM; Kwenda G; Bosomprah S; Chisola MN; Simunyandi M; Chisenga CC; Bumbangi FN; Sande NC; Simubali L; Mburu MM; Tembo J; Bates M; Simuunza MC; Chilengi R; Orba Y; Sawa H; Simulundu E; Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 34681, Zambia.; Macha Research Trust, Choma P.O. Box 630166, Zambia.; Division of Molecular Pathobiology, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, N 20 W10, Kita-Ku, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan.; Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 32379, Zambia.; International Collaboration Unit, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido 060-0808, Japan.; Zambia National Public Health Institute, Ministry of Health, Lusaka P.O. Box 51925, Zambia.; One Health Research Center, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan.; Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, School of Natural Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 32379, Zambia.; Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra P.O. Box LG13, Ghana.; National Malaria Elimination Centre, Chainama Hills Hospital Grounds, Lusaka P.O. Box 32509, Zambia.; Joseph Banks Laboratories, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincolnshire LN6 7TS, UK.; Institute for Vaccine Research and Development, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 001-0021, Japan.; Africa Centre of Excellence for Infectious Diseases of Humans and Animals, University of Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 32379, Zambia.; Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 50110, Zambia.; International Collaboration Unit, Global Virus Network, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.; Department of Medicine and Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine, Eden University, Lusaka P.O. Box 37727, Zambia.; HerpeZ, University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka 10101, Zambia.; CIDRZ; Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ)
The circulation of both West Nile Virus (WNV) and Chikungunya Virus (CHIKV) in humans and animals, coupled with a favorable tropical climate for mosquito proliferation in Zambia, call for the need for a better understanding of the ecological and epidemiological factors that govern their transmission dynamics in this region. This study aimed to examine the contribution of climatic variables to the distribution of