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Janneke van de Wijgert

Publications and source records attributed to Janneke van de Wijgert.

7 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Two methods of self-sampling compared to clinician sampling to detect reproductive tract infections in Gugulethu, South Africa.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the validity, feasibility, and acceptability of 2 methods of self-sampling compared to clinician sampling during a speculum examination. GOAL: To improve screening for reproductive tract infections (RTIs) in resource-poor settings. STUDY DESIGN: In a public clinic in Cape Town, 450 women underwent a speculum examination and were randomized to self-sample with either a tampon or vaginal swabs. All specimens were tested for the same pathogens using the same diagnostic tests. RESULTS: Self-sampling resulted in satisfactory validity for N gonorrhoeae, C trachomatis, bacterial vaginosis, and Candida species (tampons and swabs) and high-risk human papillomavirus (swabs only) when tested with molecular tests or microscopy, but not for T vaginalis by culture. Self-sampling was feasible and acceptable, but some women preferred speculum examinations, which allow the clinician to view the vagina and cervix. CONCLUSIONS: Although self-sampling should not replace speculum examinations in all circumstances, it should be explored further as an RTI screening strategy.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

European Union and EDCTP strategy in the global context: recommendations for preventive HIV/AIDS vaccines research.

The European Commission (EC) has strong commitments and recognises the need to continue to ensure that HIV/AIDS research efforts receive global attention. The EC is facing this challenge in a global context and has made substantial investments together with European Developing Countries Clinical Trial Partnership (EDCTP) to formulate a program for the accomplishment of a scientific strategic plan promoting the European/African HIV vaccine development approach. The EC and EDCTP has convened a number of meetings by experts in basic and clinical virology, immunology, epidemiology, as well as industrial and regulatory representatives. The remit of the committee of experts was to define (1) objective criteria for selection of HIV candidates; (2) to determine criteria for selection of sites for clinical trials in Europe and Africa. The resulting consensus paper will guide the EC and EDCTP in developing HIV vaccine strategy and recommendations.

AIDS Vaccines↗
PubMed2005

Preferences and practices related to vaginal lubrication: implications for microbicide acceptability and clinical testing.

BACKGROUND: Research on vaginal microbicides for HIV prevention is progressing rapidly; the first large-scale effectiveness trials were launched in 2004. The majority of candidate microbicides are formulated as gels, which will act as lubricants when used during sex. Preferences and practices regarding lubrication during sex, therefore, likely influence microbicide acceptability and use. Researchers seek to maximize consistent and correct use of candidate microbicides during clinical trials to enable valid estimates of product effectiveness, and if proven effective, microbicides will be widely used only if acceptable. METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive literature review and interviewed 13 key informants from nine countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and North America. RESULTS: We found that norms and practices regarding lubrication during sex exist in many different countries. Despite significant variation, common themes emerged. In the majority of countries, women's genital hygiene is highly valued, and women are expected to achieve a moderate amount of vaginal lubrication during sex that is neither excessive nor inadequate. Women may try to achieve this by engaging in a wide variety of vaginal practices. CONCLUSIONS: Even though some informants expressed concerns about the acceptability of lubricating microbicides in some settings, they thought that microbicides should be developed, that women and men may be willing to accept a certain level of increased lubrication in exchange for protection from HIV, and that lubricating microbicides may be considered more acceptable when perceived as genital hygiene products. Recommendations are made on how to take vaginal practices into account during clinical testing of microbicides.

Administration, Intravaginal↗
PubMed2002

Microbicides to prevent heterosexual transmission of HIV: ten years down the road.

The development of topical microbicides for HIV prevention originated in response to the unabated spread of HIV despite the availability of an effective HIV prevention tool (condoms), as well as the lack of an effective HIV vaccine. Initially, hopes were pinned on existing over-the-counter spermicides containing nonoxynol-9. Concern about the toxicity of nonoxynol-9 with frequent use, and its small or nonexistent protective effect against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), has spurred the development of new microbicides with a number of novel mechanisms of action. Significant progress has been made in the last decade. The microbicides pipeline currently contains approximately 34 products in preclinical development, 15 in Phase I safety trials, four in Phase II expanded safety and preliminary effectiveness trials, and three in Phase II/III or Phase III effectiveness trials. Laboratory and clinical research has been complemented by a growing body of research and literature on microbicide acceptability, harm reduction and dual protection strategies, and potential markets. However, many challenges remain, including the need for a significant increase in investment to accelerate product development and complementary research, and to plan for availability and access once effective microbicides are available.

Administration, Topical↗