Improper practices for diarrhoea treatment in Africa.
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Africa↗
Biomedical subjects
F Dabis
Publications and source records attributed to F Dabis.
The epidemiology of measles in a partially vaccinated population in an African city: implications for immunization programs.
A large outbreak of measles was reported in Pointe-Noire, Congo, between October 1984 and March 1985. An investigation was conducted to determine the epidemiology of measles in this community in which, in 1985, 54% of the children 12-23 months of age had documented evidence of vaccination against measles. The investigation included hospital and clinic record reviews and a community survey. Measles has been continuously transmitted in Pointe-Noire since at least 1979, with seasonal epidemics. In early 1984, the expected epidemic did not occur, and at least 1,000 measles hospital admissions and 100 measles deaths were prevented. Between October 1984 and March 1985, 1,942 measles cases were hospitalized, of which 306 (15.8%) died. During the epidemic, the proportion of nonpreventable cases (cases occurring before nine months of age) was 17%, reflecting the change in age distribution of measles cases in childhood since the immunization program started in Pointe-Noire in 1982. From the community survey, it was estimated that 13% of all children under age five years acquired measles in Pointe-Noire in 1985. Vaccine efficacy was calculated from community and hospital samples to be between 78% and 87%. Our findings suggest that increasing vaccination coverage levels to well above 50% is necessary to substantially reduce measles morbidity and mortality in African cities.
Child↗
[Epidemiological surveillance: experience in Aquitaine from a network of sentinel physicians].
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Adolescent↗
Prevalence of legionellosis among adults: a study of community-acquired pneumonia in France.
Over a 24-month period, 274 patients with community-acquired pneumonia were hospitalized in Departments of Medicine at hospitals in Bordeaux, Lyon, Marseille, and Toulouse. Etiology of the pneumonia was determined either by organism identification or by indirect immunofluorescence in only 139 cases (51%). The most frequently isolated etiological agents were Streptococcus pneumoniae (34 cases), Legionella pneumophila (29 cases) and Mycoplasma pneumoniae (24 cases). The majority of patients with legionellosis were male (79%), middle aged (mean age: 53 years), and living in urban areas (69%). Their clinical features were atypical and did not differ from those of other pneumonias. Four patients with legionellosis (13.8%) died. L. pneumophila was isolated directly in only three instances. The study confirms the high prevalence of legionellosis (20%) among pneumonias of identified etiology. The fact that these cases had an atypical clinical presentation and that isolation of the organism was difficult reinforce the need to apply the CDC criteria for the interpretation of positive serological titers.
Age Factors↗
Shigellosis at a Caribbean resort. Hamburger and North American origin as risk factors.
During a three-week period in 1984, 339 tourists and expatriate employees with diarrhea visited the infirmary at a Caribbean resort club. Epidemiologic studies suggested that over 60% of the 1,893 tourists at the resort club during that time may have been ill. Shigella flexneri 4a was isolated from seven of 18 stool specimens. A few cases of diarrheal illness occurred at the resort club before the onset of the outbreak, which was temporally related to illness in a butcher. North American residence, eating raw or very rare hamburger, having a roommate who was ill and younger age were significantly associated with acquiring disease. Control measures, principally elimination of ill food handlers from the kitchens, were followed by a prompt and marked reduction in new cases. Isolated resorts pose problems in disease control similar to those on cruise ships, with hundreds of foods available, large numbers of short-stay visitors with few outside exposures, and many food handlers in whom pathogens can persist between groups of visitors. Resort clubs can reduce the risk of traveler's diarrhea, without using mass prophylaxis against pathogenic bacteria, by appropriate handling and preparation of food and by surveillance for diarrheal illnesses.
Adult↗
[Factors related to length of hospitalization of elderly patients during short stay].
Length of stay of elderly patients in hospitals can be subdivised into a medical stay followed by a social stay. The average length of stay of 2134 patients aged 75 and over, admitted to 23 medical or geriatric acute wards in Aquitaine, was 13.6 days; 18% of the patients experienced a social stay of at least one day. The mean social stay was almost null (1 day) when the patient returned home, but could reach 5 days when he was discharged to a long term care facility. The kind of hospital, domicile in a rural area, the social network, and the grounds for hospitalization were significantly related to the total length of stay, but explained only 5% of variance if diagnosis was not taken into account. This percentage rose to 29% in the group with "bronchitis" as a main diagnosis. The length of social stay was related to the grounds for hospitalization, but also to recent family modifications; it did not depend on the kind of hospital. These results suggest a lack of accessibility to nursing-homes, following acute hospitalization.
Aged↗
Hepatitis B and C infections, human immunodeficiency virus and other sexually transmitted infections among women of childbearing age in Côte d'Ivoire, West Africa.
Few studies have been conducted in developing countries to estimate the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and its association with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). We have screened for hepatitis B virus (HBV) and HCV markers 200 HIV-1-positive, 23 HIV-2-positive and 206 HIV-negative women attending gynaecology clinics in 1995/96 in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, a sample selected among 2198 consecutive consultants. Taking into account the prevalence of 21.7% for HIV in this population, the overall prevalence of anti-HBV core antibody was 81.6%, that for hepatitis B surface antigen was 9.9% and for HCV antibody was 3.3%. HIV infection and other STDs were not associated with HBV or HCV markers. Moreover, HBV and HCV markers were not statistically associated. Our results confirm the high prevalence of HIV in Abidjan and the endemic situation of HBV infection. Furthermore, HCV infection is not infrequent in this developing country setting, not explained by sexual transmission.
Adult↗
Haematological characteristics and HIV status of pregnant women in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, 1995-96.
To describe the haematological profile of pregnant women and to compare these characteristics according to HIV serostatus in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, a cross-sectional study was made in the context of a research intervention programme to reduce mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV (ANRS 049 trial). HIV testing was systematically proposed to pregnant women attending the mother and child health clinic of a community health centre. Blood samples were tested for HIV antibodies using Genelavia and Peptilav. The haematological parameters were measured with a Coulter counter. From May 1995 to March 1996, 1646 pregnant women accepted HIV testing and had a full blood count available. The prevalence of HIV infection was 12.0% (n = 197). The prevalence of anaemia (haemoglobin [Hb] < 11 g/dL) was 70.1%, n = 1155 (95% confidence interval 68-72%) and significantly higher in HIV+ (81.7%, n = 161) than in HIV- women (68.9%, n = 994) (P < 0.001). Severe anaemia (Hb < 7 g/dL) was present in 1.9% of the women (n = 31), 4.6% (n = 9) in HIV+ and 1.5% (n = 22) in HIV- women (P < 0.001). HIV infection, primigravidae and secundigravidae were factors independently associated with anaemia. Anaemia was highly prevalent in this population while severe anaemia was rare. HIV infection was a contributor to anaemia in pregnancy. As zidovudine, with its known haematological toxicity, has recently been introduced to prevent MTCT of HIV in developing countries, screening HIV+ women for severe anaemia is necessary.
Adolescent↗
Prevalence of HIV-1, HIV-2 and HTLV antibody, in Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil, 1993-1994.
To evaluate the respective part of HIV-1, HIV-2, and human T lymphotropic virus (HTLV) infection in Fortaleza, the principal city of the Ceara state (Northeast of Brazil), a cross-sectional seroepidemiological survey was conducted from July 1993 to February 1994 in 6 selected groups: pregnant women, tuberculosis (Tb) patients, sexually transmitted disease (STD) patients, female and male commercial sex workers (CSWs) and prisoners. Sera were screened by Mixt HIV-1/HIV-2 commercial enzyme immunoassay and ELISA HTLV I/II. Each serum found positive by ELISA was confirmed by Western blot. A total of 2917 persons were interviewed, of whom 2754 (94.4%) agreed to participate and gave a blood sample. Twenty-eight were found to be HIV-1 antibody positive. The prevalence ranged from 0.25% in pregnant women to 2.9% in male CSWs. The prevalence was 1% in STD patients and 0.44% in Tb patients. None of the sera was found positive for HIV-2. The prevalence of antibodies to HTLV-1 varied from 0.12% in pregnant women to 1.21% in female CSWs. Five sera were positive for HTLV-II. These results confirm the hypothesis that the HIV epidemic in Northeastern Brazil is still limited to high risk groups. Repeated cross-sectional surveys of this type should be performed as a surveillance tool to study the dynamics of this epidemic in low prevalence areas. Defining risk factors should allow targeting of intervention strategies.
Antibodies, Viral↗
Telematics and sentinel health information system with general practitioners in Aquitaine, southwest France.
A sentinel health information system using a telematics system to collect epidemiological data from a network of general practitioners (GPs) making up 5% of the GP population was set up in October 1986 in Aquitaine, France. In the first year, four topics were under surveillance. The GPs reported data for each case diagnosed by filling out a questionnaire displayed on their home terminal (Minitel), which transmitted the data by standard telephone lines to a central minicomputer located in the Bordeaux University Medical Centre. Regular feedback was provided to the participating GPs, public health officials and the Bordeaux Medical School. A detailed report of GP participation is presented, the reliability of our findings is discussed in terms of the motivational factors of participants, and the usefulness of the system is evaluated both for immediate teaching implications and for future research possibilities.
Computer Communication Networks↗
[Maternal HIV infection and the anthropometric characteristics of children at birth in Burkina Faso. DITRAME Study Group].
The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between maternal HIV status and the anthropometric characteristics of children at birth. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Bobo-Dioulasso from January 1995 to May 1996. We included all mother-child pairs seen postpartum for whom the HIV status of the mother had been determined at an antenatal visit and anthropometric measurements had been taken for the child at birth. Birth weights below 2,500 g were classed as "low", body lengths of less than 47 cm at birth were described as "small birth size" and head circumferences of less than 33 cm were classed as "small". We included 956 mothers and 956 children in the survey. Low birth-weights were recorded more frequently among children born to HIV-infected mothers than among those born to uninfected mothers (23. 37% versus 15.6%; p = 0.006). Mean birth-weight, birth size and head circumference did not differ significantly between the children of HIV-infected and uninfected mothers. In multivariate analysis, HIV infection and primiparity were independently associated with low birth-weight. Maternal HIV infection was the only factor associated with small birth size. There was no relationship between head circumference and maternal HIV status. Thus, maternal HIV infection appears to be associated with low birth-weight and small birth size.
Adolescent↗
[The costs of treating HIV-infected children in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, 1996-1997].
Little is known about the costs of treating HIV-infected children in Africa. However, this is one of the factors that must be taken into account when assessing the cost-effectiveness of strategies aimed at reducing the transmission of HIV from mother to child. The aim of this study was to estimate the direct costs of the treatment of African children born to HIV-infected mothers and the additional costs of treating those children who are themselves infected with the virus. We assessed the direct costs of care for a sample of children born in 1996 to HIV-positive mothers participating in a clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of administering a short course of zidovudine to the mother in the peri-partum period, in Abidjan, Ivory Coast (DITRAME ANRS 049a). We systematically reviewed the medical records of these children and recorded drug prescriptions, clinical investigations, consultations with medical specialists, hospital admissions and transportation costs during their first year of life. This study included 78 children, 15 of whom were HIV-positive. The mean cost of treatment was 1,671 FF (254 Euros) per child-year for infected children, 709 FF (108 Euros) more than the mean cost of treatment for HIV-negative children born to HIV-positive mothers. Thus, HIV infection resulted in a 74% increase in treatment costs. The mean cost of a drug prescription was 50 FF (7.6 Euros), and could have been halved if only generic drugs had been prescribed. This study was limited to the direct costs of pediatric HIV infection and did not take into account the cost of health service provision in Ivory Coast or the indirect costs for the family. These results were obtained in the context of a prospective clinical trial within a system providing free and unlimited access to health care. In a city where the mean salary of a civil servant is 900 FF (137 Euros) per month, the expenditure necessary to pay for the basic care of one HIV-infected child is high. Health-care services in sub-Saharan Africa should make more use of generic drugs and pediatric HIV infection provides a clear example of the benefits to be obtained by such a rational strategy for the use of scarce health resources.
Anti-HIV Agents↗
[Preventing the transmission of HIV-1 from mother to child in Africa in the year 2000].
African women of childbearing age are particularly vulnerable to HIV infection, and this has led to an increase in the number of pediatric HIV infections reported due to the risk of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV during pregnancy, delivery and breastfeeding. Various approaches to preventing MTCT have been, or are being, evaluated in developing countries, especially in Africa. New data from these trials are becoming available and have implications for population-based intervention programs that require urgent consideration. We performed a critical review of 18 randomized trials and other relevant studies from developing and industrialized countries, to assess public health perspectives and to identify new research issues. Most African results relate to trials of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) given to mothers during the last month of pregnancy, and for up to one week after delivery, and to the neonate during the first week of life, or simpler and shorter regimens. They indicate that zidovudine treatment, with or without lamivudine, and nevirapine treatment given alone, reduce transmission during the first six months of life by 30 % to 50%. Preliminary results suggest that zidovudine treatment is effective in the long term. One randomized study showed that the replacement of breast feeding with breast milk substitutes was effective at reducing the overall risk of MTCT. Antiseptic disinfection and micronutrient supplementation have been shown to reduce maternal and infant mortality and morbidity, but not the MTCT of HIV. Voluntary, confidential HIV counseling and testing for pregnant women, a short course of peripartum ARVs and alternatives to breast feeding such as early weaning and breast milk substitutes from birth, are currently the best means of reducing the MTCT of HIV in Africa. Pilot programs based on these findings are currently being implemented in several African countries. Prevention of the MTCT of HIV should also be considered as part of the wider management of maternal and infant health during prenatal, delivery and postnatal care. Several complementary issues require further investigation. Some results, such as the long-term efficacy of a short course of ARVs once the mother has finished breast feeding, and the long-term safety of these treatments, require confirmation. Further studies are required into the prevention of postnatal transmission, particularly in light of the unknown consequences of different feeding options and the possibility of post-perinatal prophylaxis with ARVs. The reduction of MTCT of HIV in Africa is a true challenge in efforts to control the HIV pandemic, but recent progress in the identification of effective treatments provides some hope. Large-scale implementation of these new treatments is required, and should provide practical information and perhaps identify more potent, and possibly cheaper, strategies.
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
[Multicenter study of intrafamilial transmission of hepatitis C virus in human immunodeficiency virus infection].
OBJECTIVE: Intrafamilial transmission of hepatitis C virus in human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis C virus co-infections is not well documented. This cross-sectional study evaluated the transmission of hepatitis C virus in the sexual partners of hepatitis C virus and human immunodeficiency virus co-infected patients. METHODS: Hemophiliacs and transfused hepatitis C virus and human immunodeficiency virus co-infected patients who were being seen in three French university hospitals, and their sexual partners were studied by a face-to-face interview using an epidemiological questionnaire and by biological tests: antibodies against hepatitis C virus, hepatitis C virus RNA, and ALT activity. RESULT: Fifty-two subjects were included: 26 cases and their 26 sexual partners. Three sexual partners (11.5 %) had anti-hepatitis C virus antibodies, two of whom had an undetermined RIBA test. All three had a risk factor for hepatitis C virus infection (transfusion, intra-muscular injections with re-usable needles). Two of these three partners were also human immunodeficiency virus antibody positive. Hepatitis C virus RNA was negative in all sexual partners. CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence of a low prevalence of anti-hepatitis C virus antibodies in sexual partners of hepatitis C virus and human immunodeficiency virus co-infected patients. It does not support intra-familial transmission of hepatitis C virus.
Adult↗
[CD8 hyperlymphocytosis in HIV infection. 63 cases. GECSA (Groupe d'Epidémiologie Clinique du SIDA en Aquitaine)].
A group of 63 patients infected by HIV and presenting with CD8 hyperlymphocytosis (CD8+) has been studied. CD8 hyperlymphocytosis was defined by the presence, during at least three months, of at least 1,500 CD8 circulating lymphocytes. The CD8+ patients (n = 63) were identified and followed within the cohort (1,444 patients) of the "Groupe d'Epidémiologie Clinique du SIDA en Aquitaine " (GECSA). CD8+ patients were compared with a control group of 126 HIV infected patients without CD8 hyperlymphocytosis recruited within the GECSA cohort and followed in the same manner during two years. The occurrence of opportunistic infections was less frequent in CD8+ patients. The proportion of patients with a CD4 lymphocyte count below 200/mm3 was lower in the CD8+ group than in the CD8- group at inclusion and at the last check-up (P less than 0.01). A tendency for longer survival and delayed onset of AIDS was noted in CD8+ patients. Such a difference in prognosis might be due to a peculiar cytotoxic response against HIV among CD8+ patients. Further follow-up of a larger group of patients is needed to confirm this hypothesis.
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
[Measles control in developing countries].
The EPI has made significant progress in reducing global morbidity and mortality from measles. Many countries are considering the need for additional strategies in response to the changes in measles epidemiology which occur when vaccination coverage increases. Measles vaccination changes the relative age distribution of cases towards older groups, because measles transmission becomes less intense so that children reach older ages before being exposed to wild virus. The proportion of cases occurring below the target age group for vaccination may also increase, though the number of cases does not always increase. Outbreaks are likely to occur after some years of low incidence in countries which have moderate or high coverage, for several reasons. Firstly, susceptibles gradually accumulate over a number of years until a "post-honeymoon" outbreak occurs. Second, there may be pockets of low coverage which occur for example in urban slums, in nomadic and other inaccessible populations, or among groups with religious or philosophical objections to vaccination. Third, outbreaks can occur among vaccinated children who did not respond to the vaccine. Even in industrialized countries, where measles vaccine is administered in the second year of life and is over 90% effective in protecting against disease, small outbreaks have occurred among vaccine failures under conditions of close contact such as school settings. In developing countries, where measles vaccine is usually administered at age 9 months, approximately 15% of children are not protected, and vaccine failures can be expected to play an increasing role in outbreaks in the future. Furthermore, if vaccine efficacy is reduced because of poor vaccine storage or handling, large outbreaks may occur.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Adolescent↗
[Routine vaccinations in children and adults infected with HIV].
Five questions were raised in 1986 regarding routine immunization of children infected by the HIV: do vaccines protect these children, both in terms of immunogenicity and clinical efficacy? is immunization, particularly with live attenuated vaccines associated with an increased risk of adverse events? could the stimulation by vaccine antigens precipitate the course of paediatric HIV infection and therefore be dangerous? what are the clinical and epidemiological features of vaccine preventable diseases among HIV-infected children? what is the risk of nosocomial transmission of HIV associated with immunization practices? Based on the best available information, the WHO formulated recommendations in 1987 and updated them in 1989. These recommendations are in general agreement with those proposed during the same period in the USA and in France (table 1). This paper provides an update on the scientific knowledge in this field, focusing on routine childhood immunization in the context of HIV infection, especially in developing countries. The cases of bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), measles vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis and poliomyelitis vaccines are reviewed. For each of these antigens, the experience of the authors in Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda, is used as an example. A brief overview of the issue of adult immunization in the context of HIV infection concludes this review. Paediatric HIV infection should not be considered as a limiting factor in the implementation and the progression of the EPI worldwide. Experience accumulated over the last seven years, particularly in Africa, indicates that the WHO recommendations should not be modified.
Adult↗