Estimated burden of serious fungal infections in Togo.

BACKGROUND: Over the years, the focus of infectious diseases in many African countries has been mainly on viral, bacterial and parasitic infections. Serious fungal infections (SFIs) with comparable morbidity rate in these countries remain neglected. OBJECTIVES: To estimate the burden of SFI in Togo and to stimulate efforts for improved attention. METHODS: Literature was thoroughly searched for epidemiological data on SFI in Togo. Incidence and/or prevalence of SFI was estimated using socio-demographics, health system's information, risk-groups data and SFI rates obtained from national and international studies. RESULTS: About 5.29% of the 7,265,286 Togolese population is estimated to suffer from SFI annually. Among HIV patients, 1,342, 1,650 and 330 may develop cryptococcal meningitis, Pneumocystis pneumonia and disseminated histoplasmosis respectively per year. Oral and oesophageal candidiasis may annually affect 19,800 and 7,535 persons, respectively, living with HIV. Estimated incidence of invasive aspergillosis (IA) was 283 cases. Prevalence of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) was estimated at 191 cases. The annual incidence of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) and severe asthma with fungal sensitization (SAFS) was 4,577 and 6,042 cases, respectively. Tinea capitis and recurrent Candida vaginitis presumably affect 232,271 children and 108,979 women respectively. Candidaemia incidence is estimated at 5 cases per 100, 000 inhabitants and fungal keratitis may affect 981 persons annually. CONCLUSIONS: SFIs in Togo are probably more significant than expected. These findings underscore the need to increase awareness among healthcare professionals, enhance diagnostic and therapeutic capacities and intensify epidemiological studies for effective management of fungal infections in Togo.

Serious fungal diseases in Democratic Republic of Congo - Incidence and prevalence estimates.

A literature review was conducted to assess the burden of serious fungal infections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) (population 95,326,000). English and French publications were listed and analysed using PubMed/Medline, Google Scholar and the African Journals database. Publication dates spanning 1943-2020 were included in the scope of the review. From the analysis of published articles, we estimate a total of about 5,177,000 people (5.4%) suffer from serious fungal infections in the DRC annually. The incidence of cryptococcal meningitis, Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in adults and invasive aspergillosis in AIDS patients was estimated at 6168, 2800 and 380 cases per year. Oral and oesophageal candidiasis represent 50,470 and 28,800 HIV-infected patients respectively. Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis post-tuberculosis incidence and prevalence was estimated to be 54,700. Fungal asthma (allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis and severe asthma with fungal sensitization) probably has a prevalence of 88,800 and 117,200. The estimated prevalence of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis and tinea capitis is 1,202,640 and 3,551,900 respectively.Further work is required to provide additional studies on opportunistic infections for improving diagnosis and the implementation of a national surveillance programme of fungal disease in the DRC.

Estimates of serious fungal infection burden in Côte d'Ivoire and country health profile.

Due to limited access to more powerful diagnostic tools, there are few data on the burden of fungal infections in Côte d'Ivoire, despite a high HIV and TB burden and many cutaneous diseases. Here we estimate the burden of serious fungal infections in this sub-Saharan country with a health profiling description. National demographics were used and PubMed searches to retrieve all published articles on fungal infections in Côte d'Ivoire and other bordering countries in West Africa. When no data existed, risk populations were used to estimate frequencies of fungal infections, using previously described methodology by LIFE (www.LIFE-Worldwide.org). The population of Côte d'Ivoire is around 25 million; 37% are children (≤14 years), and 9% are>65 years. Tinea capitis in children is common, measured at 13.9% in 2013. Considering the prevalence of HIV infection (2.6% of the population, a total of ∼500,000) and a hospital incidence of 12.7% of cryptococcosis, it is estimated that 4590 patients per year develop cryptococcosis. For pneumocystosis, it is suggested that 2640 new cases occur each year with the prevalence of 11% of newly diagnosed HIV adults, and 33% of children with HIV/AIDS. Disseminated histoplasmosis is estimated a 1.4% of advanced HIV disease - 513 cases. An estimated 6568 news cases of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) occur after pulmonary tuberculosis (a 5-year prevalence of 6568 cases [26/100,000]). Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) and severe asthma with fungal sensitisation (SAFS) were estimated in 104/100,000 and 151/100,000 respectively, in 1,152,178 adult asthmatics. Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is common and recurrent VVC affects ∼6% of women in their fertile years - 421,936 women. An unknown number develop candidaemia and invasive aspergillosis. The annual incidence of fungal keratitis is estimated at 3350. No cases of sporotrichosis, mucormycosis and chromoblastomycosis are described, although some cases of mycetoma and Conidiobolus infection have been reported. This study indicates that around to 7.25% (1.8 million) of the population is affected by a serious fungal infection, predominently tinea capitis in children and rVVC in women. These data should be used to inform epidemiological studies, diagnostic needs and therapeutic strategies in Côte d'Ivoire.

Cryptococcal antigenemia and its predictors among HIV infected patients in resource limited settings: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Cryptococcosis is an opportunistic fungal infection that primarily affects people with advanced HIV/AIDS and is an important cause of morbidity and mortality around the globe. By far the most common presentation of the disease is cryptococcal meningitis (CM), which leads to an estimated 15-20% of all HIV related deaths worldwide, 75% of which are in sub-Saharan Africa. However, to the best of our knowledge there is quite limited reviewed data on the epidemiology of cryptococcal antigenemia in a large HIV-infected population in resource limited settings. METHODS: Articles published in English irrespective of the time of publication were systematically searched using comprehensive search strings from PubMed/Medline and SCOPUS. In addition, Google Scholar and Google databases were searched manually for grey literature. Two reviewers independently assessed study eligibility, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. The pooled prevalence of cryptococcal antigenemia was determined with 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: Among 2941 potential citations, we have included 22 studies with a total of 8338 HIV positive individuals. The studies were reported in ten different countries during the year (2007-2018). Most of the articles reported the mean CD4 count of the participants below 100 cells/µl. The pooled prevalence of cryptococcal antigenemia at different CD4 count and ART status was at 8% (95%CI: 6-10%) (ranged between 1.7 and 33%). Body mass index (BMI) < 18.5 kg/m2, CD4 count < 100 cells, patients presenting with headache and male gender were reported by two or more articles as an important predictors of cryptococcal antigenemia. CONCLUSIONS: Implementing a targeted screening of HIV patients with low BMI, CD4 count < 100 cells, having headache and males; and treatment for asymptomatic cryptococcal disease should be considered. Additional data is needed to better define the epidemiology of cryptococcal antigenemia and its predictors in resource limited settings in order to optimize the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies.

Current burden of serious fungal infections in Republic of Congo.

BACKGROUND: The Republic of Congo (RoC) is characterised by a high prevalence of tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS, which largely drive the epidemiology of serious fungal infections. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to estimate the current burden of serious fungal infections in RoC. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Using local, regional or global data and estimates of population and at-risk population groups, deterministic modelling was employed to estimate national incidence or prevalence of the most serious fungal infections. RESULTS: Our study revealed that about 5.4% of the Congolese population (283 450) suffer from serious fungal infections yearly. The incidence of cryptococcal meningitis, Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia and disseminated histoplasmosis in AIDS patients was estimated at 560, 830 and 120 cases per year. Oral and oesophageal candidiasis collectively affects 12 320 HIV-infected patients. Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis, 67% post-tuberculosis, probably has a prevalence of 3420. Fungal asthma (allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis and severe asthma with fungal sensitisation) probably has a prevalence of 3640 and 4800, although some overlap due to disease definition is likely. The estimated prevalence of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis and tinea capitis is 85 440 and 178 400 respectively. Mostly related to agricultural activity, fungal keratitis affects an estimated 700 Congolese yearly. CONCLUSION: These data underline the urgent need for an intensified awareness towards Congolese physicians to fungal infections and for increased efforts to improve diagnosis and management of fungal infections in the RoC.

Incidence of tuberculosis among HIV infected individuals on long term antiretroviral therapy in private healthcare sector in Pune, Western India.

BACKGROUND: Despite rapid scale up of antiretroviral therapy (ART), Tuberculosis (TB) remains the commonest opportunistic infection and cause of death among HIV infected individuals in resource limited settings like India. Incidence of TB in individuals on ART in private healthcare sector in India is infrequently studied. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study conducted between 1st March 2009 and 1st March 2017 aimed to evaluate rate of incident TB in individuals initiated on ART at 3 private sector ART clinics in Pune, India. Individuals more than 12 years of age with ART duration of atleast 6 months were included. Patients were classified as having prevalent TB if they had a TB episode within the year prior to ART initiation or if they developed TB within 6 months of starting ART. Individuals who were diagnosed with TB after 6 months of starting ART were classified as incident TB cases. A recurrent episode of TB after treatment completion or cure of prevalent TB was also regarded as incident TB. Patients were classified as definitive TB if Mycobacterium tuberculosis was grown in culture from a biological sample or a positive rapid molecular test. Patients were classified as probable TB if there was radiologic evidence of TB in absence of confirmatory culture or PCR. RESULTS: 1904 patients with a median duration of follow up on ART of 57 (IQR = 32.0, 84.0) months were included. Of these, 182 developed incident TB (22% definitive TB, 38% recurrent cases). TB incidence at 6-12 months, 13-24 months, 25-60 months and > 60 months of ART was 24.32, 5.46, 2.54 and 0.75 cases per 100 person years respectively. Current time updated CD4 count < 500 cells/mm3 (p < 0.0001), virologic failure on ART (adjusted Hazard Ratio (aHR): 3.05 (95% CI: 2.094, 4.454), p < 0.0001) and receipt of ART without IPT (aHR: 8.24 (95% CI, 3.358, 20.204), p < 0.0001) were associated with higher risk of incident TB. CONCLUSION: Starting ART early in treatment naïve individuals, prompt detection of virologic failure on ART and providing IPT along with ART will be useful in reducing incident TB. Efforts from private sector are crucial in achieving Sustainable Development Goals set by Government of India and attaining the vision of a TB free India.

Management of amphotericin-induced phlebitis among HIV patients with cryptococcal meningitis in a resource-limited setting: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Amphotericin-induced phlebitis is a common infusion-related reaction in patients managed for cryptococcal meningitis. High-quality nursing care is critical component to successful cryptococcosis treatment. We highlight the magnitude and main approaches in the management of amphotericin-induced phlebitis and the challenges faced in resource-limited settings. METHODS: We prospectively determined the incidence of amphotericin-induced phlebitis during clinical trials in Kampala, Uganda from 2013 to 2018. We relate practical strategies and challenges faced in clinical management of phlebitis. RESULTS: Overall, 696 participants were diagnosed with HIV-related cryptococcal meningitis. Participants received 7-14 doses of intravenous (IV) amphotericin B deoxycholate 0.7-1.0 mg/kg/day for induction therapy through peripheral IV lines at a concentration of 0.1 mg/mL in 5% dextrose. Overall, 18% (125/696) developed amphotericin-induced phlebitis. We used four strategies to minimize/prevent the occurrence of phlebitis. First, after every dose of amphotericin, we gave one liter of intravenous normal saline. Second, we rotated IV catheters every three days. Third, we infused IV amphotericin over 4 h. Finally, early ambulation was encouraged to minimize phlebitis. To alleviate phlebitis symptoms, warm compresses were used. In severe cases, treatment included topical diclofenac gel and oral anti-inflammatory medicines. Antibiotics were used only when definite signs of infection developed. Patient/caregivers' education was vital in implementing these management strategies. Major challenges included implementing these interventions in participants with altered mental status and limited access to topical and oral anti-inflammatory medicines in resource-limited settings. CONCLUSIONS: Amphotericin-induced phlebitis is common with amphotericin, yet phlebitis is a preventable complication even in resource-limited settings. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The ASTRO-CM trial was registered prospectively. ClincalTrials.gov : NCT01802385 ; Registration date: March 1, 2013; Last verified: February 14, 2018.

Prevalence of opportunistic infections in insured patients with HIV and their association with socioeconomic and clinical factors in Colombia, 2012 / Factores socioeconómicos y clínicos asociados con infecciones oportunistas en pacientes con HIV afiliados al sistema de salud

Introduction: Despite advances in treatment, opportunistic infections are the major cause of morbidity and mortality among patients with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of opportunistic infections among insured HIV patients, and to establish its association with socio-demographic and clinical factors. Materials and methods: This was an observational study with an analytical focus. We analysed 37,325 records of insured people with HIV. A bivariate analysis using chi square and ANOVA, adjusted by Bonferroni, and multiple logistic regression for the adult population were carried out to explore the association among any opportunistic infections as the response variable and socio-demographic and clinical factors. Results: From the total, at least 18% experienced an opportunistic infection. The most frequent were tuberculosis and brain toxoplasmosis for adults, and pneumonia and diarrhea for patients under 13 years of age. The prevalence of any opportunistic infection was significantly higher in men (OR=1.5; CI95% 1.4-1.6), in those more than 40 years of age (OR=1.6; CI95% 1.3-2.0), in people subjected to forced displacement (OR=1.7; CI95% 1.5-1.9), and in those belonging to the subsidized or exception health affiliation regimes (OR= 2.7; CI95% 2.1-3.4). Regarding clinical factors, opportunistic infections were significantly associated to time since diagnosis (>10 years) (OR=1.6; CI95% 1.5-1.7), administration of antiretroviral treatment (OR=4.4; CI95% 3.9-5.1), and discontinuity of treatment (OR=1.7; CI95% 1.6-1.8). The multivariate analysis for adults in clinical stage A showed similar results. Conclusions: Despite the preventable nature of opportunistic infections, their prevalence is high and they predominantly affect the most disadvantaged people.

Introducción. A pesar de los avances clínicos, las infecciones oportunistas son la principal causa de morbimortalidad en pacientes con el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (HIV). Objetivos. Estimar la prevalencia de las infecciones oportunistas en pacientes con HIV afiliados al sistema de salud, y establecer su asociación con factores sociodemográficos y clínicos. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio observacional con enfoque analítico. Se analizaron 37.325 registros de personas con HIV afiliadas al sistema de salud. Se hizo el análisis bivariado usando las pruebas de ji al cuadrado y de varianza (ANOVA) ajustadas por Bonferroni y una regresión logística múltiple para la población adulta, con el fin de establecer la asociación entre los factores sociodemográficos y clínicos, y la presencia, por lo menos, de una infección oportunista como variable de respuesta. Resultados. El 18 % de las personas había tenido, por lo menos, una infección oportunista. Las más frecuentes en adultos fueron la tuberculosis y la toxoplasmosis cerebral, y en menores de 13 años, las neumonías y las diarreas. La prevalencia fue significativamente mayor en hombres (OR=1,5; IC95% 1,4-1,6), en mayores de 40 años (OR=1,6; IC95% 1,3-2,0), en desplazados (OR=1,7; IC95% 1,5-1,9) y en afiliados al régimen subsidiado y de excepción (OR=2,7; IC95% 2,1-3,4). En cuanto a los factores clínicos, la asociación fue significativa en pacientes diagnosticados más de diez años atrás (OR=1,6; IC95 1,5-1,7) y en aquellos con tratamiento antirretroviral (OR=4,4; IC95% 3,9-5,1) o discontinuidad en el tratamiento (OR=1,7; IC95 1,6-1,8). El análisis multivariado se hizo en adultos en estadio A de la infección, con resultados similares. Conclusiones. A pesar de la naturaleza prevenible de las infecciones oportunistas, su prevalencia fue alta y afectó predominantemente a los grupos más desfavorecidos de la sociedad.

Factores socioeconómicos y clínicos asociados con infecciones oportunistas en pacientes con HIV afiliados al sistema de salud / Prevalence of opportunistic infections in insured patients with HIV and their association with socioeconomic and clinical factors in Colombia, 2012

Resumen Introducción. A pesar de los avances clínicos, las infecciones oportunistas son la principal causa de morbimortalidad en pacientes con el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (HIV). Objetivos. EstimarlaprevalenciadelasinfeccionesoportunistasenpacientesconHIVafiliados alsistemadesalud,yestablecersuasociaciónconfactoressociodemográficosyclínicos. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio observacional con enfoque analítico. Se analizaron 37.325 registros de personas con HIV afiliadas al sistema de salud. Se hizo el análisis bivariado usando las pruebas de ji al cuadrado y de varianza (ANOVA) ajustadas por Bonferroni y una regresión logística múltiple para la población adulta, con el fin de establecer la asociación entre los factores sociodemográficos y clínicos, y la presencia, por lo menos, de una infección oportunista como variable de respuesta. Resultados. El 18 % de las personas había tenido, por lo menos, una infección oportunista. Las más frecuentes en adultos fueron la tuberculosis y la toxoplasmosis cerebral, y en menores de 13 años, las neumonías y las diarreas. La prevalencia fue significativamente mayor en hombres (OR=1,5; IC95% 1,4-1,6), en mayores de 40 años (OR=1,6; IC95% 1,3-2,0), en desplazados (OR=1,7; IC95% 1,5-1,9) y en afiliados al régimen subsidiado y de excepción (OR=2,7; IC95% 2,1-3,4). En cuanto a los factores clínicos, la asociación fue significativa en pacientes diagnosticados más de diez años atrás (OR=1,6; IC95 1,5-1,7) y en aquellos con tratamiento antirretroviral (OR=4,4; IC95% 3,9-5,1) o discontinuidad en el tratamiento (OR=1,7; IC95 1,6-1,8). El análisis multivariado se hizo en adultos en estadio A de la infección, con resultados similares. Conclusiones. A pesar de la naturaleza prevenible de las infecciones oportunistas, su prevalencia fue alta y afectó predominantemente a los grupos más desfavorecidos de la sociedad.

Abstract Introduction: Despite advances in treatment, opportunistic infections are the major cause of morbidity and mortality among patients with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of opportunistic infections among insured HIV patients, and to establish its association with socio-demographic and clinical factors. Materials and methods: This was an observational study with an analytical focus. We analysed 37,325 records of insured people with HIV. A bivariate analysis using chi square and ANOVA, adjusted by Bonferroni, and multiple logistic regression for the adult population were carried out to explore the association among any opportunistic infections as the response variable and socio-demographic and clinical factors. Results: From the total, at least 18% experienced an opportunistic infection. The most frequent were tuberculosis and brain toxoplasmosis for adults, and pneumonia and diarrhea for patients under 13 years of age. The prevalence of any opportunistic infection was significantly higher in men (OR=1.5; CI95% 1.4-1.6), in those more than 40 years of age (OR=1.6; CI95% 1.3-2.0), in people subjected to forced displacement (OR=1.7; CI95% 1.5- 1.9), and in those belonging to the subsidized or exception health affiliation regimes (OR= 2.7; CI95% 2.1-3.4). Regarding clinical factors, opportunistic infections were significantly associated to time since diagnosis (>10 years) (OR=1.6; CI95% 1.5-1.7), administration of antiretroviral treatment (OR=4.4; CI95% 3.9-5.1), and discontinuity of treatment (OR=1.7; CI95% 1.6-1.8). The multivariate analysis for adults in clinical stage A showed similar results. Conclusions: Despite the preventable nature of opportunistic infections, their prevalence is high and they predominantly affect the most disadvantaged people .

Spatially targeted screening to reduce tuberculosis transmission in high-incidence settings.

As the leading infectious cause of death worldwide and the primary proximal cause of death in individuals living with HIV, tuberculosis remains a global concern. Existing tuberculosis control strategies that rely on passive case-finding appear insufficient to achieve targets for reductions in tuberculosis incidence and mortality. Active case-finding strategies aim to detect infectious individuals earlier in their infectious period to reduce onward transmission and improve treatment outcomes. Empirical studies of active case-finding have produced mixed results and determining how to direct active screening to those most at risk remains a topic of intense research. Our systematic review of literature evaluating the effects of geographically targeted tuberculosis screening interventions found three studies in low tuberculosis incidence settings, but none conducted in high tuberculosis incidence countries. We discuss open questions related to the use of spatially targeted approaches for active screening in countries where tuberculosis incidence is highest.

Epidemiology, determinants, and management of AIDS cholangiopathy: A review.

Diseases of the liver and biliary tree have been described with significant frequency among patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and its advanced state, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Through a variety of mechanisms, HIV/AIDS has been shown to affect the hepatic parenchyma and biliary tree, leading to liver inflammation and biliary strictures. One of the potential hepatobiliary complications of this viral infection is AIDS cholangiopathy, a syndrome of biliary obstruction and liver damage due to infection-related strictures of the biliary tract. AIDS cholangiopathy is highly associated with opportunistic infections and advanced immunosuppression in AIDS patients, and due to the increased availability of highly active antiretroviral therapy, is now primarily seen in instances of poor access to anti-retroviral therapy and medication non-compliance. While current published literature describes well the clinical, biochemical, and endoscopic management of AIDS-related cholangiopathy, information on its epidemiology, natural history, and pathology are not as well defined. The objective of this review is to summarize the available literature on AIDS cholangiopathy, emphasizing its epidemiology, course of disease, and determinants, while also revealing an updated approach for its evaluation and management.

Epidemiology and trends of cryptococcosis in the United States from 2000 to 2007: A population-based study.

Cryptococcal disease, caused by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii, is associated with significant morbidity and mortality but limited data exist on its incidence and impact. A study utilizing the Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 2000 to 2007 to examine the epidemiology and impact of cryptococcal disease in the United States was undertaken. The International Classification of Diseases 9th Version code was used to identify hospital discharges with diagnosis of Cryptococcus (117.5). Our primary outcome was the incidence rate of cryptococcal admissions. The impact of AIDS, age, and sex on hospitalization rates, mortality, and costs was assessed. The results showed that a total of 10,077 hospitalizations for cryptococcosis occurred corresponding to a weighted estimate of 49,010 cases. The median age was 43 years (interquartile range 34-54), and 26% were female. Approximately 64% of cases occurred in persons with AIDS. Although rates declined overall, age-adjusted rates were significantly higher in males with AIDS than in uninfected persons (p < 0.001). The mortality rate decreased but was greater in HIV-uninfected versus infected cohorts (12% versus 10%, p < 0.001). Conversely, hospital costs were greater in persons with AIDS ($40,671 versus $40,096, p=0.02). Although cryptococcal disease rates are decreasing over time, the associated mortality and costs remain concerning.

Visceral Leishmaniasis and HIV Co-Infection in Northwest Ethiopia: Antiretroviral Treatment and Burden of Disease among Patients Enrolled in HIV Care.

The approach to treatment of visceral leishmaniasis (VL)-HIV co-infection in East Africa has not been systematically examined. Although antiretroviral treatment (ART) should be initiated for all co-infected persons, the extent of ART prescription is not known. We conducted a retrospective cohort study including all VL-HIV co-infected adults at selected referral and district hospitals in northwest Ethiopia from 2010 to 2015. Purposes of the study were to compare the proportion of VL diagnoses made in previously diagnosed HIV-patients versus diagnosis concurrent with HIV diagnosis and to quantify utilization of ART. We included 112 patients and 58 patients at the referral and district hospital, respectively (median age: 30 years, 98% males). Of all VL cases, 56% (63/112) and 19% (11/58) occurred in known HIV patients at the referral and district hospital, respectively, with a median CD4 count at VL diagnosis of 45 cells/µL and 248 cells/µL at the referral and district hospital, respectively. Seventy-six percent (56/44) were on ART at VL diagnosis and nine (12%) started ART after VL diagnosis. The remaining 96 (56%) patients had both infections diagnosed concurrently, with a median CD4 count of 56 and 143 cells/µL at the referral and district hospital, respectively. Among cured patients, ART initiation was 67% and 36% at the referral and district hospital, respectively. A substantial proportion of VL-HIV cases occur while in HIV care, requiring further evaluation of preventive strategies. Among newly diagnosed VL-HIV co-infected patients, ART initiation was low. The reasons, including poor documentation and information exchange, should be assessed.

Hospitalization of HIV positive patients: Significant demand affecting all hospital sectors.

BACKGROUND: In a context of the evolution of severe morbidities in patients living with HIV (PLWH), the aim of this study was to describe reasons for hospitalization and the mode of care for the patients requiring hospitalization. METHODS: All admissions (≥24h) of PLWH to 10 hospitals in the south of Paris (COREVIH Ile-de-France Sud) between 1/1/2011 and 12/31/2011 were identified. The hospital database and the file of patients followed in the HIV referral department of each hospital were matched. Detailed clinical and biological data were collected, by returning to the individual medical records, for a random sample (65% of hospitalized patients). RESULTS: A total of 3013 hospitalizations (1489 patients) were recorded in 2011. The estimated rate of hospitalized patients was about 8% among the 10105 PLWH routinely managed in COREVIH Ile-de-France Sud in 2011. The majority (58.5%) of these hospitalizations occurred in a unit other than the HIV referral unit. Non-AIDS-defining infections were the main reason for admission (16.4%), followed by HIV-related diseases (15.6%), hepatic/gastrointestinal diseases (12.0%), and cardiovascular diseases (10.3%). The median length of stay was 5 days overall (IQR: 2-11), it was longer among patients admitted to a referral HIV care unit than to another ward. HIV infection had been diagnosed >10 years previously in 61.4% of these hospitalized patients. They often had associated comorbidities (coinfection HCV/HVB 40.5%, smoking 45.8%; hypertension 33.4%, dyslipidemia 28.8%, diabetes 14.8%). Subjects over 60 years old accounted for 15% of hospitalized patients, most of them were virologically controlled under HIV treatment, and cardiovascular diseases were their leading reason for admission. CONCLUSION: Needs for hospitalization among PLWH remain important, with a wide variety in causes of admission, involving all hospital departments. It is essential to prevent comorbidities to reduce these hospitalizations, and to maintain a link between the management of PLWH, that becomes rightly, increasing ambulatory, and recourse to specialized inpatient services.

Estimating the burden of invasive and serious fungal disease in the United Kingdom.

BACKGROUND: The burden of fungal disease in the UK is unknown. Only limited data are systematically collected. We have estimated the annual burden of invasive and serious fungal disease. METHODS: We used several estimation approaches. We searched and assessed published estimates of incidence, prevalence or burden of specific conditions in various high risk groups. Studies with adequate internal and external validity allowed extrapolation to estimate current UK burden. For conditions without adequate published estimates, we sought expert advice. RESULTS: The UK population in 2011 was 63,182,000 with 18% aged under 15 and 16% over 65. The following annual burden estimates were calculated: invasive candidiasis 5142; Candida peritonitis complicating chronic ambulatory peritoneal dialysis 88; Pneumocystis pneumonia 207-587 cases, invasive aspergillosis (IA), excluding critical care patients 2901-2912, and IA in critical care patients 387-1345 patients, <100 cryptococcal meningitis cases. We estimated 178,000 (50,000-250,000) allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis cases in people with asthma, and 873 adults and 278 children with cystic fibrosis. Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis is estimated to affect 3600 patients, based on burden estimates post tuberculosis and in sarcoidosis. CONCLUSIONS: Uncertainty is intrinsic to most burden estimates due to diagnostic limitations, lack of national surveillance systems, few published studies and methodological limitations. The largest uncertainty surrounds IA in critical care patients. Further research is needed to produce a more robust estimate of total burden.

[Evaluation of the benefit of different complementary exams in the search for a TB diagnosis algorithm for HIV patients put on ART in Niamey, Niger]. / Évaluation du bénéfice apporté par des examens complémentaires pour le diagnostic de la tuberculose chez des patients infectés par le VIH mis sous ARV à Niamey, Niger.

In Niger, the tuberculosis (TB) screening among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (PLHIV) is nonsystematic and the use of additional tests is very often limited. The objective of this research is to evaluate the performance and the cost-effectiveness of various paraclinical testing strategies of TB among adult patients with HIV, using available tests in routine for patients cared in Niamey. This is a multicentric prospective intervention study performed in Niamey between 2010 and 2013. TB screening has been sought in newly diagnosed PLHIV, before ART treatment, performing consistently: a sputum examination by MZN (Ziehl-Nielsen staining) and microscopy fluorescence (MIF), chest radiography (CR), and abdominal ultrasound. The performance of these different tests was calculated using sputum culture as a gold standard. The various examinations were then combined in different algorithms. The cost-effectiveness of different algorithms was assessed by calculating the money needed to prevent a patient, put on ART, dying of TB. Between November 2010 and November 2012, 509 PLHIV were included. TB was diagnosed in 78 patients (15.3%), including 35 pulmonary forms, 24 ganglion, and 19 multifocal. The sensitivity of the evaluated algorithms varied between 0.35 and 0.85. The specificity ranged from 0.85 to 0.97. The most costeffective algorithm was the one involving MIF and CR. We recommend implementing a systematic and free direct examination of sputum by MIF and a CR for the detection of TB among newly diagnosed PLHIV in Niger.

Implications of the 2015 World Health Organization isoniazid preventive therapy recommendations on tuberculosis prevention efforts in Namibia.

The World Health Organization recently released guidelines recommending 36-month use of isoniazid preventive therapy in adults and adolescents living with HIV in resource-limited settings. Namibia continues to grapple with one of the highest incidences of tuberculosis (TB) worldwide. Implementation of these guidelines requires considerations of TB epidemiology, health infrastructure, programmatic priorities and patient adherence. This article explores the challenges Namibia currently faces in its fight against TB and the implications of the new guidelines on Namibian TB prevention efforts.

Poverty indicators and mental health functioning among adults living with HIV in Delhi, India.

Poor mental health functioning among persons living with HIV (PLHIV) has gained considerable attention particularly in low-income countries that disproportionately carry the global HIV/AIDS burden. Fewer studies, however, have examined the relationship between poverty indicators and mental health among PHLIV in India. Based on this cross-sectional study of 196 HIV-seropositive adults who received medical services at Shalom AIDS Project in Delhi, India, structural equation modeling and mediation analysis were employed to estimate the associations between poverty indices (household asset index, food security, unemployment, water treatment, sanitation), HIV-health factors (illness in the past 3 months, co-morbid medical conditions), and psychological distress. In the final model, ownership of fewer household assets was associated with higher levels of food insecurity, which in turn was associated with higher psychological distress. Also, the household asset index, food insecurity, and unemployment had a larger effect on psychological distress than new opportunistic infections. These findings build on increasing evidence that support concerted efforts to design, evaluate, and refine HIV mental health interventions that are mainstreamed with livelihood programming in high poverty regions in India.

Prevalence of tuberculosis, HIV, and TB-HIV co-infection among pulmonary tuberculosis suspects in a predominantly pastoralist area, northeast Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: TB-HIV co-infection is one of the biggest public health challenges in sub-Saharan Africa. Although there is a wealth of information on TB-HIV co-infection among settled populations in Africa and elsewhere, to our knowledge, there are no published reports on TB-HIV co-infection from pastoral communities. In this study, we report the prevalence of TB, HIV and TB-HIV co-infection among pulmonary TB suspects in the Afar Regional State of Ethiopia. DESIGN: In a cross-sectional study design, 325 pulmonary TB suspects were included from five health facilities. Three sputum samples (spot-morning-spot) were collected from each participant. Sputum samples were examined for the presence of acid fast bacilli using Ziehl-Neelsen staining method, and culture was done on the remaining sputum samples. Participants were interviewed and HIV tested. RESULTS: Of the 325 pulmonary TB suspects, 44 (13.5%) were smear positive, and 105 (32.3%) were culture positive. Among smear-positive patients, five were culture negative and, therefore, a total of 110 (33.8%) suspects were bacteriologically confirmed pulmonary TB patients. Out of 287 pulmonary TB suspects who were tested for HIV infection, 82 (28.6%) were HIV positive. A significantly higher proportion of bacteriologically confirmed pulmonary TB patients [40 (40.4%)] were HIV co-infected compared with patients without bacteriological evidence for pulmonary TB [42 (22.3%)]. However, among ethnic Afar pastoralists, HIV infections in smear- and/or culture-negative pulmonary TB suspects [7 (7.6%)] and bacteriologically confirmed pulmonary TB patients [4 (11.8%)] were comparable. On multivariable logistic regression analysis, Afar ethnicity was independently associated with low HIV infection [OR=0.16 (95% CI: 0.07-0.37)], whereas literacy was independently associated with higher HIV infection [OR=2.21 (95% CI: 1.05-4.64)]. CONCLUSIONS: Although the overall prevalence of TB-HIV co-infection in the current study is high, ethnic Afars had significantly lower HIV infection both in suspects as well as TB patients. The data suggest that the prevalence of HIV infection among Afar pastoralists is probably low. However, population-based prevalence studies are needed to substantiate our findings.