Hepatitis B and C in the adult population of Bissau, Guinea-Bissau: a cross-sectional survey.

OBJECTIVE: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are prevalent in West Africa. To address the WHO 2030 goals of a 90% reduction in incidence and a 65% reduction in mortality for both infections, we assessed the prevalence of HBV and HCV from surveys in the general population. METHODS: Participants in this cross-sectional survey were included from randomly selected houses in a demographic surveillance site in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau. Participants were interviewed and had a blood sample drawn for viral analyses (HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HBc, anti-HCV and HCV RNA). Risk factors of HBV and HCV infection were determined by binomial regression adjusted for sex and age. RESULTS: A total of 2715 participants were included in this study. The overall HBsAg prevalence was 18.7% (95% CI: 17.3-20.2%). HBsAg was associated with male sex (adjusted risk ratio (aRR): 1.64), and prevalence decreased with age >34 years. HBV exposure was found in 91.9% of participants. Although 72.6% of individuals without sexual debut had been exposed to HBV, ever engaging in a sexual relationship was associated with higher risk of HBV exposure (aRR 1.18). The anti-HCV prevalence was 0.5% (95% CI: 0.3-0.9%), and 78.6% of those had detectable HCV RNA. Risk factors for anti-HCV sero-positivity were age above 55 (aRR 10.60), a history of blood transfusion (aRR 5.07) and being in a polygamous marriage (aRR 3.52). CONCLUSION: In Guinea-Bissau initiatives to implement treatment and widespread testing are needed to reach the WHO 2030 goals.

OBJECTIF: Le virus de l'hépatite B (VHB) et le virus de l'hépatite C (VHC) sont répandus en Afrique de l'Ouest. Pour atteindre les objectifs de 2030 de l'OMS d'une réduction de 90% de l'incidence et de 65% de la mortalité pour les deux infections, nous avons évalué la prévalence du VHB et du VHC à partir d'enquêtes dans la population générale. MÉTHODES: Les participants inclus dans cette enquête transversale provenaient de foyers sélectionnés au hasard dans un site de surveillance démographique à Bissau, en Guinée-Bissau. Les participants ont été interrogés et ont subi un prélèvement d'échantillon de sang pour des analyses virales (HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HBc, anti-HCV et ARN du HCV). Les facteurs de risque d'infection par le VHB et le VHC ont été déterminés par la régression binomiale ajustée en fonction du sexe et de l'âge. RÉSULTATS: 2.715 participants ont été inclus dans cette étude. La prévalence globale de l'HBsAg était de 18,7% (IC95%: 17,3-20,2%). L'HBsAg était associé au sexe masculin (rapport de risque ajusté (aRR): 1,64), et la prévalence diminuait avec l'âge >34 ans. Une exposition au VHB a été observée chez 91,9% des participants. Bien que 72,6% des personnes sans début d'activité sexuelle aient été exposées au VHB, le fait de s'engager dans des relations sexuelles était associé à un risque plus élevé d'exposition au VHB (aRR: 1,18). La prévalence d'anti-VHC était de 0,5% (IC95%: 0,3-0,9%) et 78,6% d'entre eux avaient de l'ARN du VHC détectable. Les facteurs de risque de séropositivité anti-VHC étaient l'âge de plus de 55 ans (aRR: 10,60), les antécédents de transfusion sanguine (aRR: 5,07) et le fait d'être dans un mariage polygame (aRR: 3,52). CONCLUSION: En Guinée-Bissau, des initiatives pour mettre en œuvre un traitement et des tests généralisés sont nécessaires pour atteindre les objectifs de l'OMS 2030.

Inuit population have shorter gastric emptying, higher duodenal motility and altered pan-enteric micromilieu: a comparative study between Greenlandic and Danish populations with and without type 2 diabetes.

Gastrointestinal function plays a pivotal role in nutrient absorption and overall digestive health. Abnormal gastric emptying is closely linked to type 2 diabetes, impacting blood glucose regulation and causing gastrointestinal symptoms. This study aims to investigate and compare segmental transit times, motility indices, and micromilieu between Greenlandic Inuit and Danish individuals with and without type 2 diabetes. We included forty-four Greenlandic Inuit, twenty-three of whom had type 2 diabetes, and age and gender-matched Danish individuals. Segmental transit time, motility, and luminal environment were measured using the SmartPill®. Greenlandic controls displayed shorter gastric emptying time (GET) (163 min), higher gastric median pH (2.0 pH) and duodenal median contractions (18.2 mm Hg) compared to Greenlanders with type 2 diabetes (GET: 235 min, pH:1.9, median duodenal contraction 18.4 mm Hg) and Danish controls (GET: 190, pH:1.2 median duodenal contraction 17.5 mmHg). Despite similar anti-diabetic management efforts, variations in gastrointestinal physiology were evident, highlighting the complexity of diabetes and its interaction with ethnicity, suggesting potential dietary or even genetic influences, emphasising the necessity for personalised diabetes management approaches. Finally, the study opens possibilities for future research, encouraging investigations into the underlying mechanisms linking genetics, diet, and gastric physiology, as an understanding of factors can lead to more effective, tailored strategies for diabetes care and improved digestive health in diverse populations.

High Prevalence of Atrial Fibrillation Found in the Capital of Greenland When Using Continuous Electrocardiogram Monitoring: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) increases the risk of conditions such as ischemic stroke, dementia, and heart failure, and early detection is crucial. In Greenland, ischemic strokes are common, and the prevalences of AF risk factors are increasing. Studies based on 30-second electrocardiograms (ECGs) and diagnosis codes so far have indicated either a low prevalence of AF or a prevalence comparable to that in other Western countries, such as Denmark. However, using short, single-point ECGs may underestimate the true prevalence, as especially paroxysmal AF can be missed. With this study, we aim to estimate the prevalence of AF using 3-5-day continuous Holter recordings among people in Nuuk, the capital of Greenland. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we estimated the prevalence of AF among the population aged ≥ 50 years in Greenland's capital, Nuuk. We used an ePatch to record continuous ECGs for 3-5 days, and questionnaires to assess demographic data, comorbidities, medication, symptoms, and risk factors for AF. Results: Of 226 participants (62% women), 21 (33% women) had either self-reported AF, AF on the recording, or both, equivalent to a prevalence of 9.3% (confidence interval [CI] 5.8-13.9). The age-stratified prevalence was 7.2% (CI 2.7-15.1) among those aged 50-59 years; 8.8% (CI 4.1-16.1) among those aged 60-69 years; and 18.2% (CI 7.0-35.5) among those aged ≥ 70 years. Conclusions: This study provides a novel insight into AF prevalence in Nuuk, emphasizing the potential underestimation in previous studies. Continuous ECG monitoring revealed a higher prevalence, especially among the younger age groups, urging a reevaluation of diagnostic practices in this unique population.

Contexte: La fibrillation auriculaire augmente le risque d'accidents vasculaires cérébraux (AVC) ischémiques, de démence et d'insuffisance cardiaque. Il est donc essentiel de la dépister rapidement. Au Groenland, les AVC ischémiques sont fréquents, et la prévalence des facteurs de risque de fibrillation auriculaire est à la hausse. Les études reposant sur des électrocardiogrammes (ECG) de 30 secondes et des codes de diagnostic ont jusqu'à présent révélé une faible prévalence de la fibrillation auriculaire ou une prévalence comparable à celle d'autres pays occidentaux, comme le Danemark. Cependant, l'utilisation d'ECG courts à un moment fixe dans le temps peut sous-estimer la prévalence réelle, car la fibrillation auriculaire paroxystique, en particulier, peut passer inaperçue. Cette étude a pour but d'estimer la prévalence de la fibrillation auriculaire en utilisant des enregistrements Holter continus de trois à cinq jours chez des habitants de Nuuk, la capitale du Groenland. Méthodologie: Dans cette étude transversale, nous avons estimé la prévalence de la fibrillation auriculaire dans la population de ≥ 50 ans de Nuuk, la capitale du Groenland. Nous avons utilisé un timbre électronique pour enregistrer des ECG en continu pendant trois à cinq jours, ainsi que des questionnaires pour recueillir les données démographiques et consigner les maladies concomitantes, les médicaments, les symptômes et les facteurs de risque de fibrillation auriculaire. Résultats: Sur 226 participants (dont 62 % étaient des femmes), 21 (33 % de femmes) présentaient, soit une fibrillation auriculaire autodéclarée, soit une fibrillation auriculaire selon l'enregistrement, soit les deux, ce qui correspond à une prévalence de 9,3 % (intervalle de confiance [IC] : 5,8 à 13,9). La prévalence stratifiée en fonction de l'âge était de 7,2 % (IC : 2,7 à 15,1) chez les 50 à 59 ans, de 8,8 % (IC : 4,1 à 16,1) chez les 60 à 69 ans et de 18,2 % (IC : 7,0 à 35,5) chez les 70 ans et plus. Conclusions: Cette étude fournit de nouveaux renseignements sur la prévalence de la fibrillation auriculaire à Nuuk et souligne la prévalence potentiellement sous-estimée dans les études précédentes. La surveillance continue de l'ECG a révélé une prévalence plus élevée, en particulier dans les tranches d'âge plus jeunes, ce qui incite à réévaluer les pratiques de diagnostic utilisées dans cette population particulière.

Head-to-Head Comparison of Nasopharyngeal, Oropharyngeal and Nasal Swabs for SARS-CoV-2 Molecular Testing.

Nasopharyngeal swabs (NPS) are considered the gold standard for SARS-CoV-2 testing but are technically challenging to perform and associated with discomfort. Alternative specimens for viral testing, such as oropharyngeal swabs (OPS) and nasal swabs, may be preferable, but strong evidence regarding their diagnostic sensitivity for SARS-CoV-2 testing is still missing. We conducted a head-to-head prospective study to compare the sensitivity of NPS, OPS and nasal swabs specimens for SARS-CoV-2 molecular testing. Adults with an initial positive SARS-CoV-2 test were invited to participate. All participants had OPS, NPS and nasal swab performed by an otorhinolaryngologist. We included 51 confirmed SARS-CoV-2-positive participants in the study. The sensitivity was highest for OPS at 94.1% (95% CI, 87 to 100%) compared to NPS at 92.5% (95% CI, 85 to 99%) (p = 1.00) and lowest for nasal swabs at 82.4% (95% CI, 72 to 93%) (p = 0.07). Combined OPS/NPS was detected in 100% of cases, while the combined OPS/nasal swab increased the sensitivity significantly to 96.1% (95% CI, 90 to 100%) compared to that of the nasal swab alone (p = 0.03). The mean Ct value for NPS was 24.98 compared to 26.63 for OPS (p = 0.084) and 30.60 for nasal swab (p = 0.002). OPS achieved a sensitivity comparable to NPS and should be considered an equivalent alternative for SARS-CoV-2 testing.

The HIV care continuum of Guinea-Bissau; Progress towards the UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets for HIV-1 and HIV-2.

OBJECTIVE: In the 2020 UNAIDS HIV treatment goals, 90% of people living with HIV (PLHIV) should be diagnosed, 90% of these should receive antiretroviral treatment (ART) and 90% of these should be virally suppressed. We aimed to evaluate whether Guinea-Bissau fulfills the 2020 treatment goals for both for HIV-1 and HIV-2. DESIGN: By combining data from a general population survey, treatment records from HIV clinics across Guinea-Bissau and a biobank from patients attending the largest HIV clinics in Bissau, we estimated each column of the 90-90-90 cascade. METHOD: 2601 participated in the survey and were used to estimate the proportion of PLHIV who knew their HIV status and the proportion of PLHIV on ART. Answers given in the survey was verified with treatment records from HIV clinics. We measured viral load from biobank materials from HIV patients and estimated the proportion of virally suppressed PLHIV. RESULT: 19.1% of PLHIV indicated to be aware of their HIV status. Of these, 48.5% received ART, and 76.4% of these were virally suppressed. For HIV-1 and HIV-1/2 the results were 21.2%, 40.9% and 75.1%. For HIV-2 the results were 15.9%, 63.6% and 80.7%. 26.9% of all HIV-1 infected in the survey were virologically suppressed, indicating that a much higher number of HIV-1 infected were aware of their status and on treatment. CONCLUSION: Guinea-Bissau lags severely behind both the global and regional progress. Improvement in both testing and treating HIV is necessary to improve the quality of care.

Hearing and Disease-Specific Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Otosclerosis after Stapedotomy - a Trial of the SPOT-25 Questionnaire.

BACKGROUND: The study aims to investigate the effect of stapedotomy on audiology measurements and the disease-specific health-related quality of life for patients with otosclerosis using the Danish Stapesplasty Outcome Test-25 as a quality of life measuring tool. METHODS: In this study, 50 patients who had undergone stapedotomy at our department between September 2017 and December 2020 were included. Data collection was performed by audiometric testing (pure tone and speech audiometry) in the pre- and postoperative settings. Health-related quality of life was assessed pre- and postoperatively in 30 patients using the validated Danish Stapesplasty Outcome Test-25. RESULTS: The mean improvement in air conduction thresholds was 27.7 dB and the mean improvement in air-bone gap was 21.8 dB. Health- related quality of life improved significantly after stapes surgery in all subscores of the Stapesplasty Outcome Test-25 (hearing, mental condition, social restriction, and general), except for "tinnitus." The improvement in the audiometric data correlated significantly with the improvement in "total score" and "hearing function" but not with "tinnitus," "social restrictions," and "mental condition." CONCLUSION: Stapedotomy leads to significant improvement in hearing and health-related quality of life. The Stapesplasty Outcome Test-25 can be used as a valuable supplement to the hearing test by assessing health-related quality of life.

Subjective and psychophysical olfactory and gustatory dysfunction among COVID-19 outpatients; short- and long-term results.

BACKGROUND: Olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions are early symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Between 20-80% of infected individuals report subjective altered sense of smell and/or taste during infection. Up to 2/3 of previously infected experience persistent olfactory and/or gustatory dysfunction after 6 months. The aim of this study was to examine subjective and psychophysical olfactory and gustatory function in non-hospitalized individuals with acute COVID-19 up to 6 months after infection. METHODS: Individuals aged 18-80-years with a positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test no older than 10 days, were eligible. Only individuals able to visit the outpatient examination facilities were included. Gustatory function was tested with the Burgharts Taste Strips and olfactory function was examined with the Brief Smell Identifications test (Danish version). Subjective symptoms were examined through an online questionnaire at inclusion, day 30, 90 and 180 after inclusion. RESULTS: Fifty-eight SARS-CoV-2 positive and 56 negative controls were included. 58.6% (34/58) of SARS-CoV-2 positive individuals vs. 8.9% (5/56) of negative controls reported subjective olfactory dysfunction at inclusion. For gustatory dysfunction, 46.5% (27/58) of positive individuals reported impairment compared to 8.9% (5/56) of negative controls. In psychophysical tests, 75.9% (46/58) had olfactory dysfunction and 43.1% (25/58) had gustatory dysfunction among the SARS-CoV-2 positive individuals at inclusion. Compared to negative controls, SARS-CoV-2 infected had significantly reduced olfaction and gustation. Previously infected individuals continued to report lower subjective sense of smell 30 days after inclusion, whereafter the difference between the groups diminished. However, after 180 days, 20.7% (12/58) positive individuals still reported reduced sense of smell and taste. CONCLUSION: Olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions are prevalent symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection, but there is inconsistency between subjective reporting and psychophysical test assessment of especially olfaction. Most individuals regain normal function after 30 days, but approximately 20% report persistent olfactory and gustatory dysfunction 6 months after infection.

HTLV prevalence is no longer following the decreasing HIV prevalence - 20 years of retroviral surveillance in Guinea-Bissau, West Africa.

BACKGROUND: The HIV-2 and HTLV-1 prevalences in Bissau have followed similar trends in surveys from 1996 and 2006 with HTLV-1 prevalences of 3.6% and 2.3%, respectively. However, following the introduction of antiretroviral treatment (ART) and informative campaigns about HIV, the epidemics may have shifted. To evaluate the current HTLV prevalence and the continued association with HIV, we performed a third survey. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was performed from November 2014 to February 2016. In total, 2583 participants were interviewed, tested for HIV, and had blood samples collected. Samples were analysed for anti-HTLV using chemiluminescence and immunoblot assays. We calculated the HTLV prevalence for 2016 and examined risk factors for HTLV and associations with HIV using binominal regression. RESULTS: The prevalence of HTLV was 2.8% (71/2583), 1.5% (16/1,089) for men and 3.7% (55/1,494) for women. Old age, female sex, HIV-2 infection and sharing a house with a HTLV- infected person were strong risk factors for HTLV. In contrast to previous studies, we found a non-significant increase in prevalence among the 15-24 year-olds since 2006, supporting ongoing transmission. CONCLUSIONS: The HTLV prevalence in Bissau showed a non-significant increase. We found evidence supporting continuous vertical and horizontal routes of transmissions.

Phylogeny of human T-lymphotropic virus-1 subtypes in Guinea-Bissau.

Background: Human T-cell leukaemia/lymphoma virus type 1 (HTLV-1) was the first human retrovirus discovered and there is an estimate of 15-20 million infected worldwide. Endemic areas are Japan, West Africa, Central Africa, South America, the Caribbean, Middle East, Australia and the Pacific Islands. In Guinea-Bissau, adult HTLV-1 prevalence is 2-3%, and higher among HIV-infected patients. Materials and methods: Blood samples were collected in a recent HIV/HTLV survey in Bissau, the capital of Guinea-Bissau. Initially, participants were tested for HTLV serologically. The p24 and LTR regions of the proviral genome were then attempted sequenced. Sequences were analysed phylogenetically and compared with reference sequences for HTLV-1. Results: A total of 3% (78/2583) participants were positive on chemiluminesent assay, six additional samples came from another study. Of the 84 seropositive participants we successfully performed sequencing on samples, from 66 participants, 17 were positive for LTR only, one for p24 only and 48 for both. Sequences were in subgroup D of HTLV-1a cosmopolitan, while HTLV-1g was present in one participant. Conclusion: HTLV-1a subgroup D and, to a lesser extent HTLV-1g, is present in Guinea-Bissau and sequences are very similar, especially within households. Presence of HTLV-1g indicates monkey-to-man zoonotic events and at least two circulating HTLV strains in Guinea-Bissau. New sequences accession numbers: MG387979-MG388043 for LTR and MG388044-MG388092 for p24.

Case Report: Iatrogenic Infection from Traditional Treatment of Stingray Envenomation.

A 47-year-old man was stung on the left ankle by a stingray while on vacation on the Island of Bubaque, Guinea-Bissau. The affected limb was initially treated with an attempt to suck out the venom and application of chewed plant root. The following 3 days, local pain gradually diminished, but then high fever erupted together with generalized symptoms and intense pain from the ankle. After initiating antibiotic treatment, the patient was evacuated. Because of sustained symptoms and fever, the wound was surgically debrided, and culture revealed infection with oral flora bacteria. Attempts to suck out venom are not recommended.