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1.
Emerg Infect Dis ; 28(2): 457-460, 2022 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34906290

ABSTRACT

This overview of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 circulation over 1.5 years in Guinea demonstrates that virus clades and variants of interest and concern were progressively introduced, mostly by travellers through Conakry, before spreading through the country. Sequencing is key to following virus evolution and establishing efficient control strategies.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , SARS-CoV-2 , Guinea/epidemiology , Humans
2.
Clin Infect Dis ; 73(12): 2166-2174, 2021 12 16.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33621316

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Longitudinal analyses are needed to better understand long-term Ebola virus disease (EVD) sequelae. We aimed to estimate the prevalence, incidence, and duration of sequelae and to identify risk factors associated with symptom occurrence among EVD survivors in Guinea. METHODS: We followed 802 EVD survivors over 48 months and recorded clinical symptoms with their start/end dates. Prevalence, incidence, and duration of sequelae were calculated. Risk factors associated with symptom occurrence were assessed using an extended Cox model for recurrent events. RESULTS: Overall, the prevalence and incidence of all symptoms decreased significantly over time, but sequelae remained present 48 months after Ebola treatment center discharge with a prevalence of 30.68% (95% confidence interval [CI] 21.40-39.96) for abdominal, 30.55% (95% CI 20.68-40.41) for neurologic, 5.80% (95% CI 1.96-9.65) for musculoskeletal, and 4.24% (95% CI 2.26-6.23) for ocular sequelae. Half of all patients (50.70%; 95% CI 47.26-54.14) complained of general symptoms 2 years' postdischarge and 25.35% (95% CI 23.63-27.07) 4 years' post-discharge. Hemorrhage (hazard ratio [HR], 2.70; P = .007), neurologic (HR 2.63; P = .021), and general symptoms (HR 0.34; P = .003) in the EVD acute phase were significantly associated with the further occurrence of ocular sequelae, whereas hemorrhage (HR 1.91; P = .046) and abdominal (HR 2.21; P = .033) symptoms were significantly associated with musculoskeletal sequelae. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide new insight into the long-term clinical complications of EVD and their significant association with symptoms in the acute phase, thus reinforcing the importance of regular, long-term follow-up for EVD survivors.


Subject(s)
Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola , Aftercare , Cohort Studies , Disease Outbreaks , Guinea/epidemiology , Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola/complications , Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola/epidemiology , Humans , Longitudinal Studies , Patient Discharge , Prospective Studies , Survivors
4.
Clin Infect Dis ; 64(12): 1788-1790, 2017 Jun 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28329169

ABSTRACT

This study modeled the presence of Ebola virus RNA in the semen of male Ebola survivors participating in the Postebogui study in Guinea. The median time of reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction negativity was 46.4 days after symptom onset (95% confidence interval, 11-82.6). The results emphasize the importance of the World Health Organization recommendations for survivors' management.


Subject(s)
Ebolavirus/isolation & purification , Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola/virology , RNA, Viral/isolation & purification , Semen/virology , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Cohort Studies , Disease Outbreaks , Ebolavirus/genetics , Ebolavirus/physiology , Guinea/epidemiology , Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola/epidemiology , Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola/transmission , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction , Statistics, Nonparametric , Young Adult
5.
N Engl J Med ; 371(15): 1418-25, 2014 Oct 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24738640

ABSTRACT

In March 2014, the World Health Organization was notified of an outbreak of a communicable disease characterized by fever, severe diarrhea, vomiting, and a high fatality rate in Guinea. Virologic investigation identified Zaire ebolavirus (EBOV) as the causative agent. Full-length genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis showed that EBOV from Guinea forms a separate clade in relationship to the known EBOV strains from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Gabon. Epidemiologic investigation linked the laboratory-confirmed cases with the presumed first fatality of the outbreak in December 2013. This study demonstrates the emergence of a new EBOV strain in Guinea.


Subject(s)
Disease Outbreaks , Ebolavirus/genetics , Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola/epidemiology , Adolescent , Adult , Base Sequence , Child , Ebolavirus/classification , Ebolavirus/isolation & purification , Female , Guinea/epidemiology , Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola/virology , Humans , Male , Phylogeny , RNA, Viral/analysis , Young Adult
6.
Rheumatology (Oxford) ; 56(12): 2068-2072, 2017 12 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28371810

ABSTRACT

Objective: Previous studies show that arthralgia is the most common symptom experienced by Ebola virus disease (EVD) survivors. Nevertheless, specific analyses of rheumatological sequelea are still lacking. Methods: The Postebogui study is a prospective, multicentre cohort aiming to evaluate the long-term outcomes of EVD survivors infected during the 2014-15 outbreak in Guinea. Of the 216 participants enrolled in the study in October 2015, 44 patients with arthralgia/myalgia underwent a physical examination by a rheumatologist (the Eborheum cohort). Data were collected using a standardized questionnaire. Results: In the Eborheum cohort, 61% of patients were female, the median age was 31.1 years, and the median time from Ebola Treatment Centre discharge was 8.8 months. Pain manifestation started after Ebola infection in all but one patient. Patients had mainly both mechanical and inflammatory pain (45%) and low back pain (77%). All patients reported pain in at least one peripheral joint. Pain in large joints was more frequently reported than in small joints (73 vs 41%). Oligo- and polyarticular presentations were similar, with symmetrical pain distribution. Furthermore, 36 patients had at least one painful 18-tender point count, most of whom reported extensive pain (n = 19) and symmetrical distribution (91%). Diagnoses were mainly non-specific musculoskeletal disorders (59%) and mechanical back pain (52%). No polyarthritis was observed. We found a higher percentage of depressed patients compared with the remaining Postebogui group (42 vs 11%; P < 0.001). Conclusion: Results from the study come from the first complete rheumatological examination of a cohort of EVD survivors, nearly 9 months after Ebola Treatment Centre discharge. Importantly, we found that patients with arthralgia/myalgia included in the Eborheum cohort were more likely to experience depression than survivors not reporting these symptoms, highlighting the impact of pain symptoms among survivors.


Subject(s)
Arthralgia/physiopathology , Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola/physiopathology , Musculoskeletal Diseases/physiopathology , Myalgia/physiopathology , Adult , Arthralgia/epidemiology , Arthralgia/virology , Depression/epidemiology , Depression/virology , Disease Outbreaks , Female , Guinea/epidemiology , Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola/complications , Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola/psychology , Humans , Male , Musculoskeletal Diseases/epidemiology , Musculoskeletal Diseases/virology , Myalgia/epidemiology , Myalgia/virology , Prospective Studies , Survivors , Time Factors , Young Adult
7.
BMC Psychiatry ; 17(1): 127, 2017 04 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28376850

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The 2013-2016 West African Ebola outbreak infected 28,616 people and caused 11,310 deaths by 11 May 2016, across six countries. The outbreak has also resulted in the largest number of EVD survivors in history-over 17,000. Guinea was declared Ebola-free on 1 June 2016. Reports from the outbreak documented 3814 cases resulting in 2544 deaths and 1270 survivors. EVD survivors face various neuropsychological and psycho-affective alterations that have not been fully identified yet. This study aims to document the depressive symptoms among adult survivors in Guinea. METHODS: Depressive symptoms were investigated using the French version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D) administered to all adult survivors (≥ 20 years) participating in the PostEboGui study and receiving care in Conakry. The study was combined with a clinical consultation by a psychiatrist at the Donka National Hospital in Conakry that ensured adapted care was provided when needed. RESULTS: Overall, 256 adult participants receiving care in Conakry participated in this study: 55% were women, median age 31 years [IQR: 26-40]. The median time since the Ebola Treatment Center (ETC) discharge was 8.1 months [IQR: 4.1-11.7]. 15% had a score above the threshold values indicating psychological suffering (15% for men and 14% for women). 33 people (16 women and 17 men) met with the psychiatrist, which resulted in the diagnosis of 3 cases of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), 3 cases of mild depression, 13 cases of moderate depression, and 11 cases of severe depression, including 1 with kinesthetic hallucinations and another with visual hallucinations, and 1 with suicidal ideation and 3 with attempted suicide. Severe depression was diagnosed between 1 and 19 months after ETC discharge. The various identified forms of depression responded favorably to conventional drug therapies and cognitive behavioral therapy. CONCLUSION: Long-term follow-up for EVD survivors will be necessary to understand the evolution of these pathologies. In the current post-epidemic context, these cases underscore the need to strengthen mental health diagnostic systems and treatment on a national scale.


Subject(s)
Depression/epidemiology , Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola/psychology , Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic/epidemiology , Survivors/psychology , Adult , Depression/complications , Female , Guinea/epidemiology , Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola/complications , Humans , Male , Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic/complications , Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic/psychology
8.
Emerg Infect Dis ; 22(2): 210-6, 2016 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26812466

ABSTRACT

Rapid diagnostic methods are essential in control of Ebola outbreaks and lead to timely isolation of cases and improved epidemiologic surveillance. Diagnosis during Ebola outbreaks in West Africa has relied on PCR performed in laboratories outside this region. Because time between sampling and PCR results can be considerable, we assessed the feasibility and added value of using the Xpert Ebola Assay in an Ebola control program in Guinea. A total of 218 samples were collected during diagnosis, treatment, and convalescence of patients. Median time for obtaining results was reduced from 334 min to 165 min. Twenty-six samples were positive for Ebola virus. Xpert cycle thresholds were consistently lower, and 8 (31%) samples were negative by routine PCR. Several logistic and safety issues were identified. We suggest that implementation of the Xpert Ebola Assay under programmatic conditions is feasible and represents a major advance in diagnosis of Ebola virus disease without apparent loss of assay sensitivity.


Subject(s)
Ebolavirus/genetics , Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola/diagnosis , Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola/virology , Molecular Typing/methods , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Genes, Viral , Guinea , Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola/epidemiology , Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola/prevention & control , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Molecular Typing/standards , RNA, Viral , Reproducibility of Results , Sensitivity and Specificity , Young Adult
9.
Sante Publique ; 28(2): 251-5, 2016.
Article in French | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27392060

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Nosocomial infections can be prevented by applying simple hygiene rules. However, they have not been sufficiently studied in the Republic of Guinea. For this purpose, we conducted a one-day study in the Conakry University Hospital surgery wards and intensive care units. METHODS: Fourteen units (12 surgical wards and 2 intensive care units) participated in the study. RESULTS: A total of 310 patients were included. A nosocomial infection was observed in 62 patients, [20%, 95%CI 15.9-24.8%]. Surgical site infections were significantly more frequent with 42/62 cases [67.7%, 95%CI 55.3-78.1%, p = 0.0001] than other types of infections (urinary tract, skin and digestive) with 20/62 cases [32.3% 95%CI 21.9-44.6%]. The average hospital stay of 29.1 ± 23.4 days [95%CI, 23.2 ± 35.04] for patients with nosocomial infection was significantly different (p = 0.0001) from that observed in patients without nosocomial infection: 15.9 ± 16.3 days [95%CI, 13.8 ± 17.9]. Staphylococcus aureus was the pathogen most commonly isolated: 32/62 (51.6%; 95%CI 39.5-63.6%). Escherichia coli infection was identified in the bladder catheters of 13 patients [20.9%, 95%CI 12.7-32.6%]. Finally, five deaths were observed among the 62 patients with nosocomial infection. DISCUSSION: This study shows that nosocomial infections are common in Conakry University Hospital. Further studies must be conducted to identify the risk factors for nosocomial infections and to propose solutions.


Subject(s)
Cross Infection/epidemiology , Adult , Female , Guinea , Hospitals, University , Humans , Intensive Care Units , Male , Prevalence
10.
PLoS One ; 19(3): e0299082, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38446806

ABSTRACT

SARS-CoV-2 has claimed several million lives since its emergence in late 2019. The ongoing evolution of the virus has resulted in the periodic emergence of new viral variants with distinct fitness advantages, including enhanced transmission and immune escape. While several SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern trace their origins back to the African continent-including Beta, Eta, and Omicron-most countries in Africa remain under-sampled in global genomic surveillance efforts. In an effort to begin filling these knowledge gaps, we conducted retrospective viral genomic surveillance in Guinea from October 2020 to August 2021. We found that SARS-CoV-2 clades 20A, 20B, and 20C dominated throughout 2020 until the coincident emergence of the Alpha and Eta variants of concern in January 2021. The Alpha variant remained dominant throughout early 2021 until the arrival of the Delta variant in July. Surprisingly, despite the small sample size of our study, we also found the persistence of the early SARS-CoV-2 clade 19B as late as April 2021. Together, these data help fill in our understanding of the SARS-CoV-2 population dynamics in West Africa early in the COVID-19 pandemic.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , SARS-CoV-2 , Humans , Guinea/epidemiology , SARS-CoV-2/genetics , Pandemics , Retrospective Studies , COVID-19/epidemiology , Africa, Western/epidemiology , Genomics
11.
BMJ Open ; 12(12): e061715, 2022 12 27.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36574985

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To explore communities' perceptions about COVID-19 in the context of the ANRS COV33 Coverage-Africa clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of treatments in preventing clinical worsening of COVID-19. DESIGN: Descriptive qualitative study using semistructured in-depth individual interviews conducted by telephone in French and Soussou between May and September 2021. Data were transcribed, translated in French when applicable and analysed with the thematic analysis method. SETTING: The eight neighbourhoods most affected by COVID-19 in Conakry's urban context, capital of Guinea. PARTICIPANTS: 4 community leaders acting as key informants-providing insights regarding population's opinions-and six community members, who were exposed to an information session conducted as part of Coverage-Africa. RESULTS: According to participants, community members have heterogeneous viewpoints about COVID-19: it exists and is dangerous; it is benign ('bad cold'); or it is fictitious (eg, government conspiracy). The fear of stigmatisation and social isolation of those sick or cured of COVID-19 was largely reported by participants, with illustrations of distressing situations for the victims. To avoid stigma, many patients seem to adopt strategies of discretion (eg, lying/hiding about the disease). Although community attitudes were reported to have evolved since the beginning of the epidemic, stigma remained a pervasive concern for many people. CONCLUSIONS: Community perceptions about COVID-19 in Conakry may be partly explained by the Guinean context of Ebola history and of sociopolitical tensions. Stigmatisation of COVID+ people seems to be aimed at protecting others against contamination. However, social avoidance can greatly affect the morale of stigmatised people, especially in collectivist cultures like Guinea. Further investigating stigma, including its role on seeking COVID-19 screening and treatment services, and its consequences on mental health among affected/exposed people, would contribute to identifying improved prevention and care interventions in preparation for future health threats, and to promoting participation in health research. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04920838 (Pre-results stage).


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Humans , Guinea/epidemiology , Qualitative Research , Social Stigma , Africa
12.
Lancet Microbe ; 2(12): e676-e684, 2021 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35544108

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Insufficient long-term data are available on antibody kinetics in survivors of Ebola virus disease (EVD). Likewise, few studies, with very small sample sizes, have investigated cross-reactions between Ebolavirus spp. In this study, we aimed to assess the humoral antibody response and its determinants in survivors of EVD and assess cross-reactivity of antibodies between diverse Ebolavirus spp. METHODS: In this observational, prospective cohort study, we collected blood samples from patients from three recruitment sites in Guinea included in the Postebogui study, and we assessed IgG antibody binding to recombinant glycoprotein, nucleoprotein, and 40-kDa viral protein (VP40) of Zaire (EBOV), Bundibugyo (BDBV), and Sudan (SUDV) Ebolaviruses. Participants from the PostEbogui study, from whom we had at least one blood sample that could be tested for the presence of antibodies, were eligible for this analysis. Patients in the PostEbogui study were assessed clinically at inclusion, 1 month and 3 months later, and subsequently every 6 months for up to 60 months after discharge from the Ebola treatment centre. We explored predictors of glycoprotein, nucleoprotein, and VP40 antibody concentrations through a linear mixed model. A logistic mixed model was done to estimate the probability of seropositivity and associated determinants. We assessed cross-reactivity by use of hierarchical cluster analysis. FINDINGS: Of the 802 patients included in the Postebogui study, 687 were included in our analyses. 310 (45%) patients were men and 377 (55%) were women, with an overall median age at the time of the first blood sample of 27·3 years (IQR 19·5-38·2). We observed an overall significant decrease over time of EBOV antibodies, with antibodies against nucleoproteins decreasing more rapidly. At 60 months after discharge from the Ebola treatment centre, the probability of having antibodies against glycoproteins was 76·2% (95% CI 67·2-83·3), against nucleoproteins was 59·4% (46·3-71·3), and against VP40 was 60·9% (51·4-69·8). Persistence of EBOV RNA in semen was associated with higher concentrations of IgG antibodies against nucleoprotein EBOV antigens. Individually, we observed in some survivors an antibody wax-and-wane pattern. The proportion of cross-reactions was highest between glycoproteins from Kissidougou and Mayinga EBOV strains (94·5%, 95% CI 92·5-96·1), followed by EBOV VP40 and BDBV VP40 (88·3%, 85·7-90·6), and EBOV VP40 and SUDV VP40 (83·3%, 80·3-86·1). INTERPRETATION: The probability for survivors of EVD to have antibodies against one or more EBOV antigens remained high, although approximately 25% of survivors had undetectable antibodies, which could have implications, such as a possible decreasing population immunity, for future Ebola outbreaks in the same region. FUNDING: Reacting-Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Institut de Recherche pour le Developpement, and Montpellier Université d'Excellence.


Subject(s)
Ebolavirus , Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola , Antibodies, Viral , Antibody Formation , Ebolavirus/genetics , Female , Glycoproteins/genetics , Guinea/epidemiology , Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola/epidemiology , Humans , Immunoglobulin G , Male , Nucleoproteins , Prospective Studies
13.
Int J Infect Dis ; 108: 45-52, 2021 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34000419

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The overall death toll from COVID-19 in Africa is reported to be low but there is little individual-level evidence on the severity of the disease. This study examined the clinical spectrum and outcome of patients monitored in COVID-19 care centres (CCCs) in two West-African countries. METHODS: Burkina Faso and Guinea set up referral CCCs to hospitalise all symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 carriers, regardless of the severity of their symptoms. Data collected from hospitalised patients by November 2020 are presented. RESULT: A total of 1,805 patients (64% men, median age 41 years) were admitted with COVID-19. Symptoms lasted for a median of 7 days (IQR 4-11). During hospitalisation, 443 (25%) had a SpO2 < 94% at least once, 237 (13%) received oxygen and 266 (15%) took corticosteroids. Mortality was 5% overall, and 1%, 5% and 14% in patients aged <40, 40-59 and ≥60 years, respectively. In multivariable analysis, the risk of death was higher in men (aOR 2.0, 95% CI 1.1; 3.6), people aged ≥60 years (aOR 2.9, 95% CI 1.7; 4.8) and those with chronic hypertension (aOR 2.1, 95% CI 1.2; 3.4). CONCLUSION: COVID-19 is as severe in Africa as elsewhere, and there must be more vigilance for common risk factors such as older age and hypertension.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Adult , Aged , Burkina Faso/epidemiology , Female , Hospitalization , Humans , Male , Prospective Studies , Referral and Consultation , SARS-CoV-2
14.
Pan Afr Med J ; 36: 201, 2020.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32952845

ABSTRACT

The ebola epidemic that raged in West Africa between 2013 and 2016 was the largest since the discovery of the virus in 1976. During this epidemic, more than 11,000 cases were notified with a lethality of over 67%. Several means of transmission have been described. The great difficulty noted during the epidemic was the estimation of the number of asymptomatic and pauci symptomatic cases, however there is evidence that this population has been in contact with the virus for some time. Thus, they could be a source for the spread of the epidemic. In this paper, we report in Guinea-Conakry three stories of probable pauci-symptomatic form of ebola disease that would have been the cause of massive infection in a population sorely tried by the epidemic between 2014 and 2015 in Guinea.


Subject(s)
Ebolavirus/isolation & purification , Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola/diagnosis , Population Surveillance , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Female , Guinea/epidemiology , Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola/epidemiology , Humans , Male , Middle Aged
15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34532653

ABSTRACT

The 2014-2016 Ebola epidemic in Guinea highlighted the need for more extensive evaluation of laboratories diagnostic capacities and preparedness in anticipation of future emerging viral disease outbreaks. We developed a questionnaire to assess the diagnostic capacities and preparedness of the four major medical laboratories in Guinea and Mali that are responsible for the provision of Ebola, Lassa, and Dengue diagnostics. The questionnaire inquired about the current state and need for equipment and reagents and adequacy of equipment and training received. In Guinea, all three diagnostic laboratories have the capacity and are well-prepared to perform Ebola diagnostics, however, only two have the capacity and trained staff to diagnose Lassa and none are currently prepared to diagnose Dengue infection. In Mali, the University Clinical Research Center (UCRC) laboratory, which was in charge of Ebola diagnostics during the last epidemic, currently has the capacity and is prepared to diagnose Ebola, Lassa, and Dengue infections. Combined, Guinea and Mali appear to have complementary capacity and preparedness to diagnose these Category A Priority Pathogens. While, the equipment, reagents and training efforts should be maintained, the gap in Dengue diagnostic capability in Guinea should be addressed with further equipping and training of additional district laboratories to strengthen the public health response for all viral diseases in these high-risk, yet, low-resource settings.

16.
Lancet Infect Dis ; 19(3): 308-316, 2019 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30765243

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of Ebola virus infection among people who have been in contact with patients with Ebola virus disease remains unclear, but is essential to understand the dynamics of transmission. This study aimed to identify risk factors for seropositivity and to estimate the prevalence of Ebola virus infection in unvaccinated contact persons. METHODS: In this retrospective, cross-sectional observational study, we recruited individuals between May 12, 2016, and Sept 8, 2017, who had been in physical contact with a patient with Ebola virus disease, from four medical centres in Guinea (Conakry, Macenta, N'zérékoré, and Forécariah). Contact persons had to be 7 years or older and not diagnosed with Ebola virus disease. Participants were selected through the Postebogui survivors' cohort. We collected self-reported information on exposure and occurrence of symptoms after exposure using a questionnaire, and tested antibody response against glycoprotein, nucleoprotein, and 40-kDa viral protein of Zaire Ebola virus by taking a blood sample. The prevalence of Ebola virus infection was estimated with a latent class model. FINDINGS: 1721 contact persons were interviewed and given blood tests, 331 of whom reported a history of vaccination so were excluded, resulting in a study population of 1390. Symptoms were reported by 216 (16%) contact persons. The median age of participants was 26 years (range 7-88) and 682 (49%) were male. Seropositivity was identified in 18 (8·33%, 95% CI 5·01-12·80) of 216 paucisymptomatic contact persons and 39 (3·32%, 5·01-12·80) of 1174 (2-4) asymptomatic individuals (p=0·0021). Seropositivity increased with participation in burial rituals (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2·30, 95% CI 1·21-4·17; p=0·0079) and exposure to blood or vomit (aOR 2·15, 1·23-3·91; p=0·0090). Frequency of Ebola virus infection varied from 3·06% (95% CI 1·84-5·05) in asymptomatic contact persons who did not participate in burial rituals to 5·98% (2·81-8·18) in those who did, and from 7·17% (3·94-9·09) in paucisymptomatic contact persons who did not participate in burial rituals to 17·16% (12·42-22·31) among those who did. INTERPRETATION: This study provides a new assessment of the prevalence of Ebola virus infection among contact persons according to exposure, provides evidence for the occurrence of paucisymptomatic cases, and reinforces the importance of closely monitoring at-risk contact persons. FUNDING: Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Reacting, the French Ebola Task Force, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, and Montpellier University Of Excellence-University of Montpellier.


Subject(s)
Antibodies, Viral/blood , Asymptomatic Diseases/epidemiology , Ebolavirus/immunology , Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola/epidemiology , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Child , Cross-Sectional Studies , Disease Transmission, Infectious , Environmental Exposure , Female , Guinea/epidemiology , Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola/pathology , Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola/transmission , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Retrospective Studies , Risk Factors , Seroepidemiologic Studies , Surveys and Questionnaires , Young Adult
17.
Open Forum Infect Dis ; 6(12): ofz482, 2019 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32128327

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: With the increasing frequency and impact of Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreaks illustrated by recent epidemics, a good understanding of the extent of viral persistance or ribonucleic acid (RNA) detection in body fluids from survivors is urgently needed. METHODS: Ebola viral RNA shedding was studied with molecular assays in semen (n = 1368), urine (n = 1875), cervicovaginal fluid (n = 549), saliva (n = 900), breast milk (n = 168), and feces (n = 558) from EVD survivors in Guinea (PostEbogui cohort, n = 802) at a regular base period until 40 months after inclusion. RESULTS: Twenty-seven of 277 (9.8%) male survivors tested positive for Ebola RNA in at least 1 semen sample. The probability of remaining positive for Ebola RNA in semen was estimated at 93.02% and 60.12% after 3 and 6 months. Viral RNA in semen was more frequent in patients with eye pain (P = .036), joint pain (P = .047), and higher antibody levels to Ebola virus antigens (nucleoprotein [P = .001], glycoprotein [P = .05], and viral protein-40 [P = .05]). Ebola RNA was only rarely detected in the following body fluids from EVD survivors: saliva (1 of 454), urine (2 of 593), breast milk (2 of 168), cervicovaginal secretions (0 of 273), and feces (0 of 330). Ribonucleic acid was detected in breast milk 1 month after delivery but 500 days after discharge of Ebola treatment unit (ETU) in 1 woman who became pregnant 7 months after discharge from the ETU. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency and potential long-term presence of viral RNA in semen confirmed that systematic prevention measures in male survivors are required. Our observation in breast milk suggests that our knowledge on viral reservoir in immune-privileged sites and its impact are still incomplete.

18.
Pan Afr Med J ; 31: 47, 2018.
Article in French | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30918573

ABSTRACT

In the industrialized countries and, in particular, in France, given the means of prevention, early screening and treatment of HIV infection, there is almost no evidence of opportunistic infections among immigrants and in some disadvantaged socio-professional groups. We here report the case of a 42-year old African immigrant HIV1 positive man with impaired general condition hospitalized for infectious syndrome. He had received antiretroviral therapy for 2 years and stopped it four months before admission. He had had pulmonary tuberculosis treated and declared cured in February 2017. Clinical examination showed slow ideation, a temperature of 39.6°C and weight loss. The patient had nadir CD4 cell counts 12/mm3 and HIV viral load log value 5.80. Thoracoabdominal CT scan and brain MRI showed intra-abdominal and thoracic lesions as well as brain lesions before diagnostic confirmation of tuberculosis and toxoplasmosis. The patient underwent triple antiretroviral therapy on day 15 of antituberculosis treatment. Then he underwent toxoplasmosis treatment with favorable outcome.


Subject(s)
AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections/diagnosis , HIV Infections/complications , Toxoplasmosis, Cerebral/diagnosis , Tuberculosis/diagnosis , AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections/drug therapy , AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections/microbiology , Adult , Africa/ethnology , CD4 Lymphocyte Count , Emigrants and Immigrants , France , HIV Infections/drug therapy , Humans , Immunocompromised Host , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Male , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Toxoplasmosis, Cerebral/drug therapy , Toxoplasmosis, Cerebral/parasitology , Tuberculosis/drug therapy , Tuberculosis/microbiology
20.
Am J Ophthalmol ; 175: 114-121, 2017 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27998698

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The Ebola outbreak of 2013-2016 severely affected West Africa and resulted in 2544 deaths and 1270 survivors in Guinea, the country where it began. This Ebola virus was the Zaire strain of the virus family Filoviridae. In this outbreak the case fatality rate was about 67%. The survivors, declared cured after 2 negative blood polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results, face psychosocial disorders and rheumatic, ear-nose-throat, neurocognitive, and ophthalmologic complications. The goal of this study was to detect and describe ocular complications afflicting these survivors and to observe their occurrence and recurrences. DESIGN: Prospective observational cohort study. METHODS: This prospective observational multicenter cohort study was initiated in March 2015. The cohort study included 341 survivors followed up in the infectious disease ward of Conakry, Forecariah, and Nzérékoré as of May 2016. The patients received multidisciplinary medical follow-up expected to last at least 1 year that included an eye examination as part of complete, free treatment. RESULTS: Systematic examination of 341 patients revealed 46 cases of uveitis (13.5%), 6 cases of episcleritis (1.8%), and 3 cases of interstitial keratitis (0.9%). Uveitis was most frequently unilateral (78.3%) and anterior (47.8%) and occurred within the 2 months after discharge from the Ebola treatment center. Moreover, uveitis relapses were found up to 13 months after the negative PCR result for Ebola in the blood. CONCLUSION: Nearly 1 out of 6 survivors presented ocular disorders after discharge from the Ebola treatment center. An ophthalmologic follow-up for Ebola-infected patients should start, if possible, during the acute phase of the disease and last more than 1 year. Treatment guidelines need to be urgently developed and implemented.


Subject(s)
Disease Outbreaks , Ebolavirus/genetics , Eye Infections, Viral/etiology , Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola/complications , Keratitis/etiology , Scleritis/etiology , Uveitis/etiology , Adolescent , Adult , Child , Child, Preschool , DNA, Viral/analysis , Diagnostic Techniques, Ophthalmological , Eye Infections, Viral/diagnosis , Eye Infections, Viral/epidemiology , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Guinea/epidemiology , Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola/epidemiology , Humans , Incidence , Keratitis/diagnosis , Keratitis/epidemiology , Male , Middle Aged , Prospective Studies , Scleritis/diagnosis , Scleritis/epidemiology , Survivors , Uveitis/diagnosis , Uveitis/epidemiology , Young Adult
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