Quality, opportunity, and treatment of data of tuberculosis and human immunodeficiency virus co-infection / Calidad, oportunidad y manejo de los datos de coinfección tuberculosis y virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana / Qualidade, oportunidade e tratamento de dados de tuberculose e coinfecção com vírus da imunodeficiência humana

Background and Objectives: The identification, evaluation, and use of methodological resources for data quality analysis is important to support planning actions of public policies for the control of tuberculosis (TB) and the co-infection TB and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The objective was to analyze the quality and timeliness of notification of TB and TB-HIV co-infection cases from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN - Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação) in Espírito Santo State, from 2016 to 2018. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of the quality of SINAN data using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines to analyze the quality and timeliness of SINAN-TB notification, with emphasis on the description of TB-HIV co-infection in Espírito Santo State, from 2016 to 2018. It considered five methodological steps that included quality analysis, standardization of records, duplicity analysis, the completeness of data through linkage with the SINAN-HIV database and anonymization of data. It obtained ethical approval under the number 4022892 on 12/05/2020. Results: The study showed that 89% of mandatory variables and 91% of essential variables showed satisfactory completeness. In TB-HIV co-infection 73% of the variables were completed, but essential variables related to TB treatment follow-up showed unsatisfactory completeness. The timeliness of reporting was considered regular. Conclusion: Improvements in work processes and the development of a specific methodological process for data treatment are necessary to qualify the information available in SINAN-TB.(AU)

Justificativa e Objetivos: A identificação, avaliação e emprego de recursos metodológicos para análise da qualidade dos dados é importante para fundamentar ações de planejamento das políticas públicas no controle da tuberculose (TB) e da coinfecção TB e o vírus da imunodeficiência humana (HIV). O objetivo é analisar a qualidade e a oportunidade de notificação dos casos de TB e coinfecção TB-HIV do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN) no Espírito Santo, de 2016 a 2018. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal da qualidade dos dados do SINAN com uso do Guia do Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) de análise da qualidade e oportunidade de notificação do SINAN-TB, com ênfase na descrição da coinfecção TB-HIV no Espírito Santo, de 2016 a 2018. Considerou-se cinco etapas metodológicas que incluíram análise da qualidade, padronização dos registros, análise de duplicidade, a completitude dos dados por meio de linkage com o banco de dados do SINAN-HIV e anonimização dos dados. Obteve aprovação ética sob parecer de nº 4022892 em 12/05/2020. Resultados: O estudo mostrou que 89% das variáveis obrigatórias e 91% das variáveis essenciais apresentaram completitude satisfatória. Na coinfecção TB-HIV 73% das variáveis foram preenchidas, porém variáveis essenciais relacionadas ao acompanhamento do tratamento para TB apresentaram completitude insatisfatória. A oportunidade de notificação foi considerada regular. Conclusão: Melhorias nos processos de trabalho e elaboração de processo metodológico específico para o tratamento dos dados são necessárias para qualificar as informações disponíveis no SINAN-TB.(AU)

Justificación y Objetivos: La identificación, evaluación y utilización de recursos metodológicos de análisis de la calidad de los datos es importante para apoyar la planificación de políticas públicas de control de la tuberculosis (TB) y la coinfección con el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH). El objetivo es analizar la calidad y oportunidad de la notificación de casos de TB y coinfección TB-VIH del Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN), en el Estado del Espírito Santo, desde el año 2016 hasta 2018. Métodos: Este es un estudio transversal utilizando el análisis de la Guía de los Centros para el Control y Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC) de la calidad y oportunidad de la notificación en SINAN-TB, con énfasis en la descripción de la coinfección TB-VIH, en el Estado del Espírito Santo, desde el año 2016 hasta 2018. Fueran considerados cinco pasos metodológicos que incluyeron análisis de calidad, estandarización de registros, análisis de duplicidad, vinculación con la base de datos SINAN-VIH y anonimización de datos. Obtuvo aprobación ética bajo dictamen nº 4022892 el 12/05/2020. Resultados: El 89% de las variables obligatorias y el 91% de las variables esenciales se completaron satisfactoriamente. En la coinfección TB-VIH el 73% de las variables fueron completadas, mientras que las variables esenciales relacionadas con el acompañamiento del tratamiento para la TB presentaron una completitud insatisfactoria. La oportunidad de notificación fue considerada regular. Conclusión: Las mejoras en los procesos de trabajo y la elaboración de un proceso metodológico específico para el tratamiento de los datos son necesarias para cualificar la información disponible en el SINAN-TB.(AU)

Challenges of managing HIV cytomegalovirus co-infection in the presence of pancytopenia

A 60-year-old male patient who presented with generalized weakness and low-grade fever was diagnosed to be human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive with a CD4 count of 17. Routine laboratory investigations revealed pancytopenia. Serum cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was positive and fundoscopy showed CMV retinitis in the right eye. The patient was started on tablet valganciclovir. After 2 weeks, the patient was brought back in an altered sensorium. He was found to have hyponatremia which was corrected. He was started on antiretroviral therapy and tablet valganciclovir was continued. The patient came back again after one and a half months with a urinary tract infection and fissure-in-ano. He was found to have severe neutropenia. Valganciclovir was stopped. He was started on injection granulocyte colony-stimulating factor. The patient clinically improved and his hematological parameters became normal. Patients having HIV and CMV co-infection with pre-existing pancytopenia have to be closely monitored as the medicines used for treatment can exacerbate the existing conditions.

Hand Foot Mouth Disease During the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: A Multicentric Study

Objectives: This prospective observational study aimed to identify the current trend of the circulating viral strains responsible for hand foot mouth disease (HFMD) outbreak in four tertiary care centers in Rajasthan, amidst the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic (April-October 2022). Methods: Cases with suspected HFMD, presenting to our skin outpatient department were assessed clinically and serologically (IgM antibodies against coxsackie virus (CV) A6, A16 and enterovirus 71) for evidence of the disease. Results: We identified 718 new HFMD patients (161 adults) with peaks in May and August, 2022. Male:female ratio decreased with increasing age. Most children were asymptomatic. A total of 385/409 patients assessed serologically, were found positive, most commonly against CV-A6. Conclusion: Though HFMD typically affects young children, an unusually higher proportion of adults were affected during the current pandemic. There were some differences between pediatric and adult presentation of HFMD.

HIV and syphilis co-infection in northeast Brazil: a gender assessment / Coinfecção HIV e sífilis no Nordeste do Brasil: uma avaliação de gênero

Objective: this study aimed to determine the frequency and the clinical-epidemiological profile of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and syphilis co-infection between genders in specialized care services in Northeast Brazil. Methods: an analytical cross-sectional study was conducted with secondary data from 171 individuals with HIV and syphilis co-infection. Data were collected in a reference center for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in Northeast Brazil from 2015 to 2020. Welch's test compared the means of independent samples; the chi-square and Fisher's exact test assessed the association between categoric variables. The significance level was set at 5%. This study has ethical approval. Results: the HIV and syphilis co-infection frequency was 15.4%. Individuals with co-infection had a mean age of 34.2 (± 11.0) years and were predominantly men. The women sample started their sex life earlier, had a lower education level and per capita family income, used more illicit drugs, and were mostly heterosexual, married or in a stable union, and unemployed. Men had more anal sex. Moreover, most individuals had syphilis in the asymptomatic phase and HIV with undetectable viral load; CD4 T cells were greater than 350 cells/mm³. Conclusion: the high prevalence of HIV and syphilis co-infection in specialized care services, especially in men who have sex with men (MSM), highlights the need to improve counseling to reduce sexual risk behavior and improve prevention and care strategies to control these diseases.

Objetivo: este estudo teve como objetivo determinar a frequência e o perfil clínico-epidemiológico da coinfecção pelo vírus da imunodeficiência humana (HIV) e sífilis em ambos os gêneros num serviço de atenção especializada no Nordeste do Brasil. Métodos: trata-se de um estudo transversal, analítico, com dados secundários de 171 pacientes com coinfecção por HIV e sífilis de um centro de referência para síndrome da imunodeficiência adquirida (SIDA) de 2015 a 2020. O teste de Welch foi utilizado para comparar as médias de amostras independentes; os testes qui-quadrado e exato de Fisher avaliaram a associação entre variáveis categóricas. O nível de significância adotado foi de 5%. Este estudo obteve aprovação ética. Resultados: a frequência da coinfecção por HIV e sífilis foi de 15,4%. Os indivíduos tinham idade média de 34,2 (± 11,0) anos e eram predominantemente homens. As mulheres iniciaram a vida sexual mais cedo, tinham menor escolaridade e renda familiar per capita, usavam mais drogas ilícitas e eram, em sua maioria, heterossexuais, casadas ou em união estável, e desempregadas. Os homens praticavam mais sexo anal. A maioria dos indivíduos apresentava sífilis na fase assintomática e HIV com carga viral indetectável, além de células T CD4 superiores a 350 células/mm³. Conclusão: a alta prevalência de coinfecção por HIV e sífilis em serviços de atenção especializada, principalmente em homens que fazem sexo com homens (HSH), evidencia a necessidade de aprimorar o aconselhamento a fim de reduzir comportamentos sexuais de risco e melhorar as estratégias de prevenção e cuidado para o controle dessas doenças.

Dinâmica da coinfecção por tuberculose e hiv no estado de Mato Grosso do sul entre 2015 a 2022 e impacto da pandemia de Covid-19 nas notificações / Dynamics of co-infection by tuberculosis and hiv in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul between 2015 and 2022 and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on notifications / Dinámica de la coinfección de tuberculosis y vih en el estado de Mato Grosso do Sul entre 2015 a 2022 y el impacto de la pandemia de Covid-19 en las notificaciones

Introdução: A tuberculose é a infecção oportunista mais comum entre pacientes com HIV e uma das principais causas de morte. Objetivo: Analisar a epidemiologia e os índices de notificação de coinfecção por tuberculose (TB) e HIV, nas principais regiões de saúde (CIR) de notificação, no estado de Mato Grosso do Sul, comparando entre períodos pré e durante a pandemia de COVID-19. Materiais e Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo descritivo, qualitativo, relacionado aos casos notificados de coinfecção por HIV/TB, no período de 2015 a 2022, com coleta dos indicativos sociodemográficos e clínicos através do Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde (DATASUS). Os dados obtidos foram tabulados e analisados estatisticamente. Resultados: Foram notificados 870 casos de coinfecção HIV/TB sendo Campo Grande a região com mais notificações. Os casos de infecção TB/HIV foram predominantes em indivíduos de 20 a 39 anos (51,1%), do sexo masculino (74,8%), com ensino fundamental incompleto (12,4%) e predomínio da forma clínica pulmonar (61,8%). Foi observado um ligeiro aumento no número de notificações no primeiro ano da pandemia de COVID-19, com restabelecimento no ano seguinte. Entretanto, no ano de 2022, apesar do menor impacto da pandemia, observou-se acentuada queda nas notificações. Conclusão: O perfil epidemiológico dos pacientes com HIV/TB é similar ao encontrado em outras regiões do país. A pandemia de COVID-19, não apresentou efeito inicial nas notificações da coinfecção nos primeiros anos, entretanto, houve efeito significativo no ano de 2022 com drástica redução no número de notificações.

Introduction: Tuberculosis is the most common opportunistic infection among HIV patients and one of the leading causes of death. Objective: To analyze the epidemiology and reporting rates of tuberculosis (TB) and HIV co-infection in the main reporting health regions (CIR) in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, comparing periods before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. 19. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, qualitative study was carried out, related to reported cases of HIV/TB co-infection, from 2015 to 2022, with the collection of sociodemographic and clinical indicators through the Department of Informatics of the Unified Health System (DATASUS). The data obtained were tabulated and statistically analyzed. Results: 870 cases of HIV/TB co-infection were reported, with Campo Grande being the region with the most notifications. Cases of TB/HIV infection were predominant in individuals aged 20 to 39 years (51.1%), male (74.8%), with incomplete primary education (12.4%) and predominance of the pulmonary clinical form ( 61.8%). A slight increase in the number of notifications was observed in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, with reestablishment in the following year. However, in 2022, despite the lesser impact of the pandemic, there was a sharp drop in notifications. Conclusion: The epidemiological profile of patients with HIV/TB is similar to that found in other regions of the country. The COVID-19 pandemic had no initial effect on coinfection notifications in the early years, however, there was a significant effect in 2022 with a drastic reduction in the number of notifications.

Introducción: La tuberculosis es la infección oportunista más común entre los pacientes con VIH y una de las principales causas de muerte. Objetivo: Analizar la epidemiología y las tasas de notificación de la coinfección tuberculosis (TB) y VIH en las principales regiones sanitarias (CIR) de notificación, en el estado de Mato Grosso do Sul, comparando los períodos antes y durante la pandemia de COVID - 19 Materiales y Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, cualitativo, relacionado con los casos notificados de coinfección VIH/TB, en el período 2015 a 2022, con el levantamiento de indicadores sociodemográficos y clínicos a través del Departamento de Informática de la Sistema Único de Salud (DATASUS) . Los datos obtenidos fueron tabulados y analizados estadísticamente. Resultados: Fueron notificados 870 casos de coinfección VIH/TB, siendo Campo Grande la región con más notificaciones. Predominaron los casos de infección por TB/VIH en individuos de 20 a 39 años (51,1%), del sexo masculino (74,8%), con instrucción primaria incompleta (12,4%) y dominio de la forma clínica pulmonar (61,8%). Se observó un ligero aumento en el número de notificaciones en el primer año de la pandemia de COVID-19, con restablecimiento en el año siguiente. Sin embargo, en 2022, a pesar del menor impacto de la pandemia, se produjo una fuerte caída de notificaciones. Conclusión: El perfil epidemiológico de los pacientes con VIH/TB es similar al encontrado en otras regiones del país. La pandemia de COVID-19 no tuvo un efecto inicial en las notificaciones de coinfección en los primeros años, sin embargo, tuvo un efecto significativo en 2022 con una reducción drástica en el número de notificaciones.

Features of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 co-infected with other common respiratory pathogens in Shanghai City, 2020-2021 / 中华传染病杂志

Objective:To analyze the features of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) co-infected with other common respiratory pathogens among coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients in Shanghai City, and to provide a reference for scientific prevention and control of COVID-19 and other respiratory infectious diseases.Methods:Descriptive epidemiological approaches were used to analyze the data of COVID-19 reported cases in Shanghai City from January 2020 to February 2021 in the information system of Chinese Disease Prevention and Control. Clinical data of the participants were collected, and their SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid-positive respiratory specimens were collected at the time of illness onset or admission. Multiplex reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed to detect the 22 respiratory pathogens. Independent-samples t test was used for statistical analysis. Results:Of the 272 patients with COVID-19, 15(5.5%) had co-infection of SARS-CoV-2 with other respiratory pathogens, all of which were double infection. There were three cases infected with enterovirus/rhinovirus, two of each with adenovirus, human metapneumovirus and coronavirus NL63/HKU1, and one of each with coronavirus 229E, influenza A virus H1N1, parainfluenza virus 1 and respiratory syncytial virus B. Two cases infected with Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Among the 272 COVID-19 patients, 212(77.9%) had fever, 117(43.0%) had cough, 46(16.9%) had fatigue, and 35(12.9%) had sore throat. The white blood cell count of co-infection cases was higher than that of non-co-infection cases ((6.8±1.7)×10 9/L vs (5.3±1.6)×10 9/L), and the difference was statistically significant ( t=3.09, P=0.008). Conclusions:There is a certain proportion of co-infection of SARS-CoV-2 with other respiratory pathogens among the COVID-19 cases in Shanghai City, mainly viral pathogens, especially enterovirus/rhinovirus. A rational combination of drugs was recommended to improve the cure rate. Surveillance of acute respiratory infection should be further strengthened as well.

Progress of researches on Blastocystis hominis infection among patients with inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Blastocystis is a common unicellular intestinal protozoa in humans and animals, and the most common clinical manifestations of infections include abdominal pain and diarrhea. Based on the sequence of the small-subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene, 28 subtypes of B. hominis (ST1 to ST17, ST21 and ST23 to ST32) have been characterized. Previous studies have demonstrated that B. hominis infection is strongly associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other intestinal diseases, which threatens the health and quality of life among patients with B. hominis infection and is considered as an important public health problem. This review summarizes the progress of researches on B. hominis infection among IBD and IBS patients during the past 20 years, so as to provide insights into management of blastocystosis in China.

Progress of researches on Strongyloides stercoralis co-infection with other pathogens / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Strongyloides stercoralis is an opportunistic pathogenic parasite that can cause severe strongyloidiasis and even death among immunocompromised individuals. Previous clinical studies have reported cases co-infected with S. stercoralis and other pathogens, such as parasites, viruses, bacteria and fungi. This review summarizes strongyloidiasis patients co-infected with pathogens, and analyzes the impact of co-infection on strongyloidiasis, so as to provide insights into the reduction of the morbidity and mortality of disorders associated with S. stercoralis infections.

Dengue and Chikungunya viruses Co infection: A serological based study from tertiary care center, Ahmadabad, India

Introduction: Dengue and Chikungunya (CHIK) infections appear to be increasing in all parts of India. Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are common vectors for dengue virus (DENV) and CHIK virus (CHIKV - Chikungunya Virus). In areas where both viruses co circulate, they can be transmitted together. Aim: The present study was undertaken to study the prevalence of dengue–CHIK co infection and compare with monoinfection. Methods: IgM antibody capture ELISA (Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay) for dengue IgM and CHIK IgM and ELISA for dengue non structural protein 1 antigen was performed on serum samples obtained from suspected patients. Results: Out of total 1071 samples from suspected patients for dengue & chikungunya infection, 212 (19.7%) samples were positive for DENV while CHIK IgM antibodies were positive in 145 (13.53%) patients. Total 44 sera were positive (4.10%) for co-infection of dengue and CHIK. Conclusion: Increase in the number of Dengue and Chikungunya infections and their cocirculation is an important public health concern which warrants the implementation of strict control measures

Clinical Characteristics and Treatment Outcomes of HIV+ and HIV- Tuberculosis Patients Followed and Treated at the Regional Hospital of Oyem, Northern Gabon: A Two-Year Retrospective Study

Background: The objective of this study was to analyse the clinical characteristics of HIV+ and HIV- tuberculosis patients followed and treated at the Oyem Regional Hospital Centre (ORHC). Materials and Methods: During this study conducted between January 2019 and December 2021, data collection was based on the exploitation of medical records and registers of results from the medical analysis laboratory of the regional hospital of Oyem, in which there were personal data (gender and age) of the patients, the status of HIV infection, clinical characteristics (pulmonary or extra pulmonary TB), and finally, the therapeutic outcomes of the patients after anti-tuberculosis and antiretroviral treatment. Binomial test following the Normal distribution was used to find an association between the percentages of extrapulmonary TB and TB+/HIV+ co-infection. Results: In this study, 128 confirmed TB cases were selected. While 54 (42.19%) were co-infected with TB+/HIV+, 74 patients (57.81%) were monoinfected with TB+/HIV+. Among all these patients, 93 (72.66%) were reported to have extra pulmonary TB and 35 (27.34%) had pulmonary TB. A normal binomial test showed that TB+/HIV+ co-infection was significantly associated with extrapulmonary TB (p=0.04). Patients were put on anti-tuberculosis treatment according to the manufacturers' indications. Despite a total of 15 deaths (8.93%) in both mono- and co-infected patients, there was a favourable outcome, with 35 patients (27.34%) declared cured. With 8 deaths, mortality was higher in the co-infected than in the non-HIV infected TB patients who recorded 7 deaths. Conclusion: By indicating a relatively high prevalence of HIV infection in TB patients, this study showed that TB+/HIV+ co-infection was associated with extra pulmonary TB, the severe form of the disease, and increased mortality in patients, hence the need to strengthen joint activities to control this co-infection.

Alteraciones en la producción de citosinas en respuesta a Toxoplasma gondii aparecen desde las etapas tempranas en pacientes co-infectados con VIH-1 / Alterations in the production of cytokines in response to Toxoplasma gondii appear from early stages in patients co-infected with HIV-1

Resumen Tanto el Virus de Inmunodeficiencia Humana-1 (VIH-1), como el protozoo Toxoplasma gondii son capaces de infectar al ser humano e invadir su sistema nervioso central (SNC). En individuos inmunocompetentes T. gondii causa infecciones crónicas, generalmente asintomáticas; sin embargo, la inmunodeficiencia asociada a etapas avanzadas de la infección por VIH-1, se relaciona con la pérdida del control de la infección parasitaria latente y enfermedades graves a nivel del SNC, como encefalitis toxoplásmica. Este trabajo tuvo como objetivo evaluar la evolución de la respuesta inmunitaria contra T. gondii en pacientes co-infectados con VIH-1, en distintas etapas de la infección viral. La respuesta contra T. gondii se evaluó a través de la producción in vitro de citosinas en respuesta a antígenos parasitarios, en individuos con serología positiva para VIH-1 y negativa para T. gondii (P1), positiva para VIH-1 y T. gondii (P2), negativa para VIH-1 y T. gondii (C1) y negativa para VIH-1 y positiva para T. gondii (C2). Los pacientes (P1 y P2) se agruparon en tempranos/asintomáticos (P1A, P2A) o tardíos/sintomáticos (P1B/C, P2B/C) de acuerdo a su recuento de linfocitos T CD4+ en sangre periférica (>350 o <350 células/μL, respectivamente). La infección por VIH-1, desde etapas tempranas, se asoció con una producción de IL-2, TNF-α e IFN-γ en respuesta a T. gondii significativamente menor. Estos defectos pueden entorpecer la respuesta anti-T. gondii en pacientes co-infectados, aumentando la posibilidad de reactivación de las infecciones latentes, lo que representa un riesgo para la integridad y funcionalidad del SNC.

Abstract Both HIV-1 and Toxoplasma gondii are able to invade central nervous system and affect its functionality. Advanced HIV-1 infection has been associated with defects in immune response to T. gondii, leading to reactivation of latent infections and the appearing of toxoplasmic encephalitis. This study evaluated changes in the immune response to T. gondii in different stages of HIV infection. Immune response to T. gondii was assessed studying cytokine production in response to parasite antigens in HIV-1-infected/T. gondii-noninfected (P1), HIV-1/T. gondii co-infected (P2), HIV-1-non-infected/T. gondiinon-infected (C1) and HIV-1-non-infected/T. gondii-infected (C2) individuals. Patients (P1 and P2) were divided in early/asymptomatic (P1A, P2A) or late/symptomatic (P1B/C, P2B/C) according to peripheral blood CD4+ T lymphocyte counts (>350 or <350/μL, respectively). The HIV-1 infection, from early/asymptomatic stages, was associated with significant lower production of IL-2, TNF-α and IFN-γ in response to T. gondii, when P2 patients were compared with C2 controls. These early defects may impair anti-parasitic response in co-infected patients, allowing to reactivation of parasitic latent infection, enhancing the risk of CNS damage and impairment of neurocognitive functions.

Managing severe thrombocytopenia in co-infection of COVID-19 and dengue hemorrhagic fever: a case report

COVID-19 pandemic in dengue endemic countries has becoming a concern due to its similarities in early clinical symptoms and laboratory features. The cases of co-infection between the two diseases are inevitable and associated with higher morbidity and mortality. Here we presented a case of a 28 years old female diagnosed with co-infection of COVID-19 and dengue hemorrhagic fever that complicated with severe thrombocytopenia and spontaneous bleeding.She came with fever that started 3 days prior to admission. Laboratory examination showed leucopenia, thrombocytopenia, elevated liver enzymes, and D-dimer. Patient tested positive for non-structural protein 1 (NS-1)dengue antigen. She had a pre-screening rapid test for COVID-19 as part of hospital protocol, and she tested positive. Followed by positive COVID-19 reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)test confirmingthe diagnosis. During admission, patient started menstruating, resulting in active spontaneous bleeding while platelet counts dropped to below 10×109/l. Patient was given platelet transfusion, supportive therapy and put under close monitoring. The case ofco-infection between COVID-19 and dengue is inevitable in tropical and sub-tropical countries. Both infections shared similar pathophysiology through different mechanism, such as plasma leakage, thrombocytopenia, and coagulopathy.Complications may arise and physician must aware of the therapeutical approach. Diagnostic testing must not be withheld when there was suspicion towards the infection. Prompt treatment and close monitoring can result in good prognosis.

Hepatitis B Virus and Behavioural Risk among Blood Donors, Gabon

Background: In resource-limited setting, co-infection between HIV and hepatitis B virus (HBV) poses important public health considerations. This cross-sectional study was undertaken with the aim of determining HBV seroprevalence patterns in urban blood banks.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at an urban blood bank setting. A total of 1610 blood donors were enrolled, and 283 consecutive plasma samples with unknown HBsAg status were selected for risks factors. HBV seroprevalence was based on the Chemiluminescence method (Cobas® e601, Roche). Potential risk factors associated with overt HBV infection were assessed by calculating the crude and adjusted odds ratio, 95% confidence intervalley (95% CI) and p values.Results: Of 1610 participants, overall rate seroprevalence of HBsAg was 5.5% (95% CI: 4.36%–6.58%) ranging from 0.06% (95% CI: 0-0.18) (HCV) to 0.12% (95% CI: 0-0.30)(Syphilis). Seroprevalence of infection increased in older age groups (20-39 years) but men had a statistically significant higher prevalence of overt HBV infection than women (P=0.0001). The multivariate model showed the following to be predictors of HBV infection: male gender (OR=2.5 (95% CI 1.14-5.58), P= 0.02), first-time donor status (OR = 11.06, (95% CI 5.34-22.9), P= 0.01) andresidence outside of Libreville (OR = 2.52, 95% CI 1.09-5.83), P=0.03).Conclusion: HB and co-infection are n o t common in Gabon. Intermediate seroprevalence was associated with male gender, first-time donor status and residence outside of Libreville. HCV andHBV infection among the younger age groups are becoming an alarming issue. Prevention and control of HBV infection are needed to reduce HBV transmission

Outcome of COVID-19 in Children With Tuberculosis: Single-Center Experience

Objective: To evaluate the outcome of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection in children and adolescents with tuberculosis. Methods: We analyzed hospital records for the period May, 2020 to September, 2021 for children who were severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) positive or SARS-CoV-2 antibody positive. They were divided into two groups viz., those with tuberculosis (tuberculosis group) and those without tuberculosis (non-TB group). Demographic information, symptoms, and outcomes of COVID-19 were compared between the two groups. Results: Median (IQR) age of participants was 11 (8,14) and 4.5 (2,9) year for the tuberculosis and non-TB groups, respectively. 93.5% and 36.1% of children were asymptomatic in the tuberculosis and non-TB group, respectively. No variable in the study was significantly associated with COVID-19 positivity in children with tuberculosis. No difference was found in the outcomes of COVID-19 infection in children having tuberculosis. Conclusions: No differences were noted in the outcomes of COVID19 infection in children having tuberculosis.

Occurrence Rate of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Co -infection among Expectant Mothers Attending Antenatal Clinic in Rivers State University Teaching Hospital

The global burden of co-infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B and C virus (HBV and HCV) has a negative impact in Sub-Saharan Africa.WhenHIV, HBV and HCV co-exist, they become life threatening and with high fatality rate particularly in gestation in which transmission occurs vertically, causing fetal and neonatal hepatitis. The study aimed at examining the occurrence rate of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) co -infection among expectant mothers attending antenatal clinic in Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH).The study population comprised of one hundred and fifty (150) pregnant women. Venous blood was used in the study and screened for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), anti-HCV, and anti-HIV antibodies using commercially available immunoassay test kits. The prevalence of HCV, HIV and HBsAg among the pregnant subjects in relation to agegroup 21-30 and 31-40 in the study revealed a seropositive percentage of 0.7% and 1.3%. The other groups, however, showed no positive result among the three viruses.Furthermore, 0.7% of the pregnant women in their first, second and third trimester were co-infected with HCV and HBsAg while 1.3% out of 36.7% and 0.7% out of 61.3% of pregnant women within the age groups21-30 and 31-40 respectively were seropositive for HIV. In relation to gestational age, it was seen from the study that 0.7% of the pregnantwomen in their first, second and third trimester were seropositive for HCV and HBsAg respectively, while 2% of the HIV seropositive pregnant women were in their first trimester. The overall seroprevalence of HCV, HIV and HBsAg as revealed in the study showed that infection was found to be 2% respectively among the pregnant women. The reduced prevalence of hepatitis B (HBsAg), hepatitis C (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection observed in the study among pregnant women attending antenatal care in the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital may be attributed to the increase in the awareness amongst the general populace in Port Harcourt especially couples about the consequences of sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B as wellas Hepatitis C.In other words, there is reduction in seroprevalence of HBsAg, HCV and HIV which is premised on the efficacy of sensitization particularly on HBV vaccination and preventive protocols for HIV.

Clinical neglect of aspergillosis in pulmonary tuberculosis co-infection: a case report of avoidable mortality in a resource-constrained setting

Background: Pulmonary aspergillosis (PA) is common among patients with tuberculosis (TB). With both infections presenting with similar clinical and radiologic features, diagnosis of PA is often made too late or missed completely due to lack of clinical suspicion and poor diagnostic laboratory capacity for mycotic infections prevalent in our settings. We present a case of preventable mortality caused by delayed diagnosis and treatment of PA in a patient with pulmonary TB (PTB). Case presentation: A 13-year-old female was diagnosed and treated for PTB, having received anti-TB regimen for 8 months in a mission hospital from where she was referred due to worsening cough, chest pain and progressive breathlessness. The patient was re-assessed and investigated, with GeneXpert detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis, susceptible to rifampicin. Diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis complicated by right pneumothorax was made indicating an emergency thoracotomy and chest tube insertion and continuation of the first line anti-TB regimen. At about 2 weeks into admission, patients had features of superimposed acute bacterial sepsis with fever becoming high grade, marked neutrophilia with toxic granulation and elevated sepsis biomarker, and this necessitated empiric antibiotic treatment with parenteral meropenem and vancomycin. However, the patient only had mild clinical improvement following which there was progressively worsening respiratory symptoms and massive haemoptysis. Result of sputum fungal study was available on admission day 20 and revealed a growth of Aspergillus flavus. Treatment with intravenous voriconazole was however commenced rather late when the fungal respiratory disease could no longer be remedied. The patient died on admission day 23. Conclusion: Diagnosis of PA in patients with background TB is often made too late to guarantee timely and effective antifungal treatment with negative consequences on patients' outcomes. Improving clinical and laboratory capacities is essential to reducing mortality from PA in healthcare facilities.

Perceptions of nurses on TB with HIV adherence counselling skills in a health sub-district, Cape Town: A qualitative study

Background: People living with HIV (PLHIV) co-infected with Tuberculosis (TB) account for one in three HIV-related deaths. Retention in care and adherence to medication remain key behaviours that PLHIV co-infected with TB must adopt to achieve better health outcomes. Nevertheless, TB with HIV adherence-counselling services provided by nurses designed to enhance these behaviours remain inadequate. Additionally, limited information is found in the literature on the perceptions of nurses regarding their TB with HIV adherence counselling skills pertaining to PLHIV co-infected with TB. Aim: To explore and describe the perceptions of nurses regarding their TB with HIV adherence counselling skills of PLHIV co-infected with TB. Setting: The study was conducted in a health sub-district of Cape Town. Method: An exploratory, descriptive qualitative design was followed. A total of 14 purposively sampled nurses were interviewed individually. Nurses caring for PLHIV co-infected with TB were included and nurses not offering care to PLHIV co-infected with TB were excluded. All interviews were audio recorded with the participants' permission followed by verbatim transcriptions. Thematic analysis was done using ATLASti.8 electronic software. Results: It was established that the varied roles of these nurses increased their workload. Nonetheless, despite the gap in their counselling skills, the majority still maintained work expertise, professionalism and empathy towards the patients. Additionally, there were perceived barriers impacting patients' attendance of their follow up appointments. Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, there is a need to equip nurses caring for PLHIV co-infected with TB with adherence counselling skills to improve practice.

Malaria and COVID-19 prevalence in a population of febrile children and adolescents living in Libreville

Background: Patients with acute febrile illness need to be screened for malaria and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in malaria-endemic areas to reduce malaria mortality rates and to prevent the transmission of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Objectives: To estimate the frequency of children and adolescents with COVID-19 and/or malaria among febrile patients attending for malaria diagnosis Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a sentinel site for malaria surveillance during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic (Omicron variant), from October 2021 to December 2021 in Gabon. All febrile patients were tested for malaria using microscopy. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 was detected by real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and rapid antigen tests developed by Sansure Biotech®. Results: A total of 135 patients were screened. Their median age was 6 (interquartile range [IQR]: 3­14) years. Malaria was confirmed for 49 (36.3%) patients, 29 (32.5%) children, 13 (59.0%) adolescents and 7 (29.2%) adults. The frequency of COVID-19 cases was 7.4% (n = 10/135), and it was comparable between children (n = 6; 6.7%), adolescents (n = 2; 9.1%) and adults (n = 2; 8.3%) (p = 0.17). Malaria and COVID-19 co-infections were diagnosed in 3 (6.1%) patients from all the age groups. Participants with a co-infection had a higher median temperature, a higher median parasitaemia, and were mostly infected with non-falciparum malaria. Conclusion: COVID-19 cases and cases of malaria/COVID-19 co-infections were found in febrile children and adolescents. SARS-CoV-2 testing should be included in the screening of suspected malaria cases.

Analysis of drug resistance gene in Mycoplasma pneumoniae and 13 pathogens in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Objective:To investigate drug resistance gene in Mycoplasma pneumoniae(MP) and the distribution of 13 respiratory pathogens in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF) of children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia(MPP).Methods:A total of 100 BALF of children with MPP in Peking University Third Hospital and Peking University First Hospital from January 2018 to January 2019 were collected.Fluorogenic quantitative PCR was used to detect nucleic acid and it′s drug resistance gene of MP and multiple PCR method was adopted to detect influenza A virus, influenza A virus-H 1N 1, influenza A virus-H 3N 2, influenza B, human parainfluenza virus, adenovirus, human bocavirus, human rhinovirus, Chlamydia pneumoniae, human metapneumovirus, MP, human coronavirus, and respi-ratory syncytial virus gene, and the results were compared by using Chi square test. Results:In 100 BALF samples, MP and drug resistance gene were detected by fluorogenic quantitative PCR.Totally, 83 cases (83.00%) were MP positive and 78 cases (93.98%) were drug resistant.All of them had the point mutations A2063G in V region of 23S rRNA domain.A total of 13 kinds of respiratory pathogens were detected by multiplex PCR method, and 89 cases (89.00%) were positive.Totally, 79 cases (79.00%) were MP positive, of which 74 cases (74.00%) detected only MP, and 5 cases (5.00%) detected MP combined with other pathogens.Other pathogens were detected in 10 cases (10.00%). The virus detection rate of 0-4 years old group was higher than that of >4-6 years old group ( P=0.042) and >6 years old group ( P=0.002), and the differences were statistically significant. Conclusions:MP can be detected in most BALF samples of MPP children, the drug resistance phenomenon is serious, and the main point mutation is A2063G.There were other respiratory pathogens and 2 or 3 pathogens were detected in a small number of BALF samples.

Dengue Encephalopathy or Japanese Encephalitis? Co-Infection or Serologic Cross- Reactivity?

@#Dengue infection has a wide clinical spectrum ranging from asymptomatic presentation to life-threatening severe dengue with multiorgan failure, and increasingly recognized neurological presentation in the past decade. Japanese encephalitis on the other hand is another common mosquitoes-borne flavivirus infection endemic in Southeast Asia, which share some similar clinical features. We report a case of a 38-year-old male patient who presented to us with complaints of fever and acute encephalitis syndrome with positive dengue NS1 antigen, and positive cerebrospinal fluid serologies for both dengue and JE immunoglobulins. Magnetic Resonance Imaging findings were suggestive of encephalitic changes. Co-infection and serology cross-reactivity of these two flaviviruses is not uncommon in countries where both dengue and Japanese encephalitis are endemic, and thus, the treating clinician should have a high index of suspicion if clinical and serological evidence are present whilst treating the patient.