Browsing by Author "Musukuma-Chifulo, Kalo"

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    Epstein-Barr Virus Detection in the Central Nervous System of HIV-Infected Patients.
    (2022-Sep-22) Musukuma-Chifulo, Kalo; Siddiqi, Omar K.; Chilyabanyama, Obvious N.; Bates, Matthew; Chisenga, Caroline C.; Simuyandi, Michelo; Sinkala, Edford; Dang, Xin; Koralnik, Igor J.; Chilengi, Roma; Munsaka, Sody
    Simply detecting Epstein-Barr virus deoxyribonucleic acid (EBV-DNA) is insufficient to diagnose EBV-associated diseases. The current literature around EBV-DNA detection from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive non-lymphoma patients was systematically reviewed and a meta-analysis reporting the estimated pooled prevalence in this population when PCR methods are employed, targeting different sequence segments within the EBV genome, was conducted. Using a combination of three key concepts-Epstein-Barr virus detection, central nervous system disease, and human cerebrospinal fluid-and their MeSH terms, the PubMed database was searched. A total of 273 papers reporting the detection of EBV in CNS were screened, of which 13 met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis revealed a pooled prevalence of EBV-DNA in CSF of 20% (CI: 12-31%). The highest pooled prevalence was from studies conducted on the African population at 39% (CI: 27-51%). The investigation of the presence of EBV-DNA in the CSF was also very varied, with several gene targets used. While most patients from the articles included in this review and meta-analysis were symptomatic of CNS disorders, the pathogenicity of EBV in non-lymphoma HIV patients when detected in CSF has still not been determined. The presence of EBV-DNA in the CNS remains a concern, and further research is warranted to understand its significance in causing CNS disorders.
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    Seroconversion and Kinetics of Vibriocidal Antibodies during the First 90 Days of Re-Vaccination with Oral Cholera Vaccine in an Endemic Population.
    (2024-Apr-08) Chisenga, Caroline C.; Phiri, Bernard; Ng'ombe, Harriet; Muchimba, Mutinta; Musukuma-Chifulo, Kalo; Silwamba, Suwilanji; Laban, Natasha M.; Luchen, Chaluma; Liswaniso, Fraser; Chibesa, Kennedy; Mubanga, Cynthia; Mwape, Kapambwe; Simuyandi, Michelo; Cunningham, Adam F.; Sack, David; Bosomprah, Samuel
    Despite the successful introduction of oral cholera vaccines, Zambia continues to experience multiple, sporadic, and protracted cholera outbreaks in various parts of the country. While vaccines have been useful in staying the cholera outbreaks, the ideal window for re-vaccinating individuals resident in cholera hotspot areas remains unclear. Using a prospective cohort study design, 225 individuals were enrolled and re-vaccinated with two doses of Shanchol™, regardless of previous vaccination, and followed-up for 90 days. Bloods were collected at baseline before re-vaccination, at day 14 prior to second dosing, and subsequently on days 28, 60, and 90. Vibriocidal assay was performed on samples collected at all five time points. Our results showed that anti-LPS and vibriocidal antibody titers increased at day 14 after re-vaccination and decreased gradually at 28, 60, and 90 days across all the groups. Seroconversion rates were generally comparable in all treatment arms. We therefore conclude that vibriocidal antibody titers generated in response to re-vaccination still wane quickly, irrespective of previous vaccination status. However, despite the observed decline, the levels of vibriocidal antibodies remained elevated over baseline values across all groups, an important aspect for Zambia where there is no empirical evidence as to the ideal time for re-vaccination.