Assessment of weight gain in adult patients living with HIV receiving first-line dolutegravir-based or efavirenz-based ART regimens in routine care clinics in Tshwane district, South Africa: An observational study.

INTRODUCTION: Although dolutegravir (DTG) is deemed stable, safe, cost-effective, and clinically beneficial, it also carries the risk of side effects, including observed weight gain among patients on DTG-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimens. We compared weight changes among adults (≥18 years) initiating tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, lamivudine, and dolutegravir (TLD) or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, emtricitabine, and efavirenz (TEE) regimens and those switching from TEE to TLD (TEE-to-TLD switchers) in three large primary care facilities in South Africa METHODS: We conducted a retrospective longitudinal record review using patient medical records, extracting relevant demographic and clinical data from October 2018 to June 2021 from randomly selected adults who initiated TLD or TEE (initiators) and adult TEE-to-TLD switchers. We assessed weight, body mass index (BMI), and percentage weight changes for both groups and fitted linear regression and generalized linear models to determine factors associated with weight and BMI change and percentage weight change ≥10%, respectively, among treatment initiators. We fitted linear mixed-effect models among TEE-to-TLD switchers to consider repeated measures. RESULTS: Of 860 initiators, 450 (52.3%) initiated on TEE and 410 (47.7%) on TLD, with median follow-up of 1.4 years and 1.0 year, respectively. At initiation, 43.3% on TEE and 40.8% on TLD were overweight or obese. TLD initiators had an adjusted higher mean weight gain of 1.6 kg (p < 0.001) and mean BMI gain of 0.51 kg/m2 (p < 0.001) than TEE initiators. Independent risk factors for higher mean weight and BMI included age ≥50 years, male, on ART for >12 months, initial BMI of <18.5 kg/m2, and CD4 counts <200 cells/µL. Of 298 TEE-to-TLD switchers, 36.6% were overweight or obese at TEE initiation. Comparing before and after TLD switch, TEE-to-TLD switchers had an adjusted mean weight of 1.2 kg less while on TLD (p = 0.026). Being overweight and CD4 counts >350 cells/µL were independent risk factors for lower weight gain after TLD switch. CONCLUSIONS: We report more weight gain among TLD than among TEE initiators, although to a lesser extent than previously reported. TEE-to-TLD switchers experienced less weight gain after TLD switch; return to health before receiving TLD may be a contributory factor. The current findings are reassuring for those switching to a DTG-based regimen.

Final 192-Week Efficacy and Safety Results of the ADVANCE Trial, Comparing 3 First-line Antiretroviral Regimens.

Background: ADVANCE compared 3 World Health Organization-recommended first-line regimens in participants with HIV who were antiretroviral naive. Methods: This randomized, open-label, noninferiority trial enrolled participants living with HIV with no antiretroviral exposure in the previous 6 months to 1 of the following arms: tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) / emtricitabine (FTC) + dolutegravir (DTG) (2 tablets), tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) / FTC + DTG (2 tablets), or a fixed-dose combination of TDF / FTC / efavirenz (EFV) (1 tablet). We report the final safety and efficacy data up to 192 weeks. Results: Repeat consent from the original 351 participants randomized to each arm was obtained from 230 participants (66%) in the TAF/FTC + DTG arm, 209 (60%) in the TDF/FTC + DTG arm, and 183 (52%) in the TDF/FTC/EFV arm. At 192 weeks, 213 (61%) of the original 351 participants in the TAF/FTC + DTG arm, 195 (56%) in the TDF/FTC + DTG arm, and 172 (49%) in the TDF/FTC/EFV arm had confirmed RNA <50 copies/mL, with low virologic failure in all groups and no significant integrase inhibitor mutations in any arm. Mean weight gain was 8.9 kg (SD, 7.1) in the TAF/FTC + DTG arm, 5.9 kg (SD, 7.1) in the TDF/FTC + DTG arm, and 3.2 kg (SD, 8.1) in the TDF/FTC/EFV arm at 192 weeks from baseline and was greatest among women, those taking TAF, and those with lower baseline CD4 counts. The weight trajectory slowed after week 96. There were few clinical events and minor laboratory changes and differences among arms after 96 weeks. There were no significant differences in treatment-emergent hypertension or pregnancy outcomes by arm. Conclusions: High viral suppression was seen across arms, with no resistance to DTG. Weight gain continued but slowed after 96 weeks, with few clinical events or laboratory changes.

Effects of preterm birth, maternal ART and breastfeeding on 24-month infant HIV-free survival in a randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: IMPAACT 1077BF/FF compared the safety/efficacy of two HIV antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimens to zidovudine (ZDV) alone during pregnancy for HIV prevention. PROMISE found an increased risk of preterm delivery (<37 weeks) with antepartum triple ART (TDF/FTC/LPV+r or ZDV/3TC/LPV+r) compared to ZDV alone. We assessed the impact of preterm birth, breastfeeding and antepartum ART regimen on 24-month infant survival. METHODS: We compared HIV-free and overall survival at 24-months for liveborn infants by gestational age, time-varying breastfeeding status, and antepartum ART arm at 14 sites in Africa and India. Kaplan-Meier survival probabilities and Cox proportional hazards ratios (HR) were estimated. RESULTS: 3,482 live-born infants (568 [16 3%] preterm and 2,914 [83 7%] term) were included. Preterm birth was significantly associated with lower HIV-free survival (0·85; 95% CI: 0·82-0·88) and lower overall survival (0·89; 95% CI: 0·86-0·91) versus term birth (0·96; 95% CI: 0·95-0·96). Very preterm birth (<34 weeks) was associated with low HIV-free survival (0·65; 95% CI: 0·54-0·73) and low overall survival (0·66; 95% CI: 0·56-0·74). Risk of HIV infection or death at 24-months was higher with TDF-ART than ZDV-ART (adjusted HR 2·37; 95% CI: 1·21-4·64). Breastfeeding initiated near birth decreased risk of infection or death at 24 months (adjusted HR 0·05; 95% CI: 0·03-0·08) compared to not breastfeeding. CONCLUSION: Preterm birth and antepartum TDF-ART were associated with lower 24-month HIV-free survival compared to term birth and ZDV-ART. Any breastfeeding strongly promoted HIV-free survival, especially if initiated close to birth. Reducing preterm birth and promoting infant feeding with breastmilk among HIV/ARV-exposed infants remain global health priorities.

Obstetric and neonatal outcomes in South Africa.

BACKGROUND: Background epidemiologic population data from low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), on maternal, foetal and neonatal adverse outcomes are limited. We aimed to estimate the incidence of maternal, foetal and neonatal adverse outcomes at South African maternal vaccine trial sites as reported directly in the clinical notes as well as using the 'Global Alignment of Immunization Safety Assessment in Pregnancy' case definitions (GAIA-CDs). GAIA-CDs were utilized as a tool to standardise data collection and outcome assessment, and the applicability and utility of the GAIA-CDs was evaluated in a LMIC observational study. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective record review of maternity and neonatal case records for births that occurred in Soweto, Inner City- Johannesburg and Metro-East Cape Town, South Africa, between 1st July 2017 and 30th June 2018. Study staff abstracted data from randomly selected medical charts onto standardized study-specific forms. Incidence (per 100,000 population) was calculated for adverse maternal, foetal and neonatal outcomes, which were identified as priority outcomes in vaccine safety studies by the Brighton Collaboration and World Health Organization. Outcomes reported directly in the clinical notes and outcomes which fulfilled GAIA-CDs were compared. Incidence of outcomes was calculated by combining cases which were either reported in clinical notes by attending physicians and/ or fulfilled GAIA-CDs. FINDINGS: Of 9371 pregnant women enrolled, 27·6% were HIV-infected, 19·9% attended antenatal clinic in the 1st trimester of pregnancy and 55·3% had ≥1 ultrasound examination. Fourteen percent of women had hypertensive disease of pregnancy, 1·3% had gestational diabetes mellitus and 16% experienced preterm labour. There were 150 stillbirths (1·6%), 26·8% of infants were preterm and five percent had microcephaly. Data available in clinical notes for some adverse outcomes, including maternal- & neonatal death, severe pre-eclampsia/ eclampsia, were able to fulfil GAIA-CDs criteria for all of the clinically-reported cases, however, missing data required to fulfil other GAIA-CD criteria (including stillbirth, gestational diabetes mellitus and gestational hypertension) led to poor correlation between clinically-reported adverse outcomes and outcomes fulfilling GAIA-CDs. Challenges were also encountered in accurately ascertaining gestational age. INTERPRETATION: This study contributes to the expanding body of data on background rates of adverse maternal and foetal/ neonatal outcomes in LMICs. Utilization of GAIA-CDs assists with alignment of data, however, some GAIA-CDs require amendment to improve the applicability in LMICs. FUNDING: This study was funded by Pfizer (Inc).

Weight changes and adverse pregnancy outcomes with dolutegravir- and tenofovir alafenamide fumarate-containing antiretroviral treatment regimens during pregnancy and postpartum.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated associations between antepartum weight change and adverse pregnancy outcomes and between antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimens and week-50 postpartum body mass index in IMPAACT 2010. METHODS: Women with HIV-1 in 9 countries were randomized 1:1:1 at 14-28 weeks gestational age (GA) to start dolutegravir(DTG)+emtricitabine(FTC)/tenofovir alafenamide fumarate(TAF) versus DTG+FTC/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate(TDF) versus efavirenz (EFV)/FTC/TDF. Insufficient antepartum weight gain was defined using IOM guidelines. Cox-proportional hazards regression models were used to evaluate the association between antepartum weight change and adverse pregnancy outcomes: stillbirth (≥20 weeks GA), preterm delivery (<37 weeks GA), small for gestational age (SGA<10th percentile), and a composite of these endpoints. RESULTS: 643 participants were randomized: 217 in DTG+FTC/TAF, 215 in DTG+FTC/TDF, and 211 in EFV/FTC/TDF arms. Baseline medians were: GA 21.9 weeks, HIV RNA 903 copies/mL, CD4 count 466 cells/uL. Insufficient weight gain was least frequent with DTG+FTC/TAF (15.0%) versus DTG+FTC/TDF (23.6%) and EFV/FTC/TDF (30.4%). Women in the DTG+FTC/TAF arm had the lowest rate of composite adverse pregnancy outcome. Low antepartum weight gain was associated with higher hazard of composite adverse pregnancy outcome (HR 1.44, 95%CI 1.04, 2.00) and SGA (HR 1.48, 95%CI 0.99, 2.22). More women in the DTG+FTC/TAF arm had body mass index ≥25 kg/m2 at 50 weeks postpartum (54.7%) versus the DTG+FTC/TDF (45.2%) and EFV/FTC/TDF (34.2%) arms. CONCLUSIONS: Antepartum weight gain on DTG regimens was protective against adverse pregnancy outcomes traditionally associated with insufficient weight gain, supportive of guidelines recommending DTG-based ART for women starting ART during pregnancy. Interventions to mitigate postpartum weight gain are needed.

Acceptability of the Dapivirine Vaginal Ring and Oral Truvada Among African Users in Late-Stage of Pregnancy.

The Microbicide Trials Network 042 study (MTN-042/DELIVER) is a two-arm, randomized, open-label Phase 3b trial that is evaluating the safety, adherence, and acceptability of the monthly ring and daily oral PrEP among HIV-uninfected pregnant people in four African countries. This analysis focuses on acceptability data captured qualitatively from a subset (n = 48) of the 150 people in the first cohort of the trial who were enrolled in late-stage pregnancy at 36 to 38 weeks gestational age and followed until after delivery. Single IDIs were conducted by trained interviewers at each clinic site using a semi-structured guide. Data excerpts of key codes pertaining to acceptability, pregnancy, and maternal health were summarized, reviewed and interpreted by multinational analyst teams. Although the product use period was relatively short, the data suggested several acceptability findings that may directly translate to longer durations of product use in pregnancy. The first was the overarching maternal sentiment that being able to protect both oneself and their baby was highly valued. The second was the importance of counseling support from providers not only because participants used methods that might generate side effects, but because pregnancy itself is a period with its own set of side effects. The third was that, similar to non-pregnant participants in other trials, here study products were generally liked and described as easy to use. Concerns about ring and oral PrEP use could be addressed with provider counseling and support and should form an essential component rollout among pregnant people.

DELIVER: A Safety Study of a Dapivirine Vaginal Ring and Oral PrEP for the Prevention of HIV During Pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy represents a period of high HIV acquisition risk. Safety data for the monthly dapivirine vaginal ring (DVR) during pregnancy are limited. Here, we report data from the first 2 cohorts of pregnant participants in MTN-042/DELIVER, a phase 3b, randomized, open-label safety trial of DVR and oral tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine (TDF/FTC). MTN-042 is being conducted in 3 cohorts beginning with later gestational ages when risks of drug exposure are less. METHODS: Eligible pregnant individuals aged 18-40 years in Malawi, South Africa, Uganda, and Zimbabwe were randomized 2:1 to monthly DVR or daily TDF/FTC. Participants in cohort 1 initiated product use between 36 weeks 0 days (36 0/7 weeks) and 37 6/7 weeks gestation; participants in cohort 2 initiated product use between 30 0/7 and 35 6/7 weeks gestation. All participants continued product use until delivery or 41 6/7 weeks gestation. Pregnancy outcomes and complications were assessed and summarized using descriptive statistics and compared with local background rates obtained through a separate chart review. RESULTS: One-hundred and fifty participants were enrolled into cohort 1 with 101 randomized to DVR and 49 to TDF/FTC. One-hundred and fifty-seven participants were enrolled into cohort 2 with 106 randomized to DVR and 51 to TDF/FTC. In both cohorts, pregnancy complications were rare and similar to local background rates. CONCLUSION: In this first study of a long-acting HIV prevention agent in pregnancy, adverse pregnancy outcomes and complications were uncommon when DVR and TDF/FTC were used in the third trimester of pregnancy, suggesting a favorable safety profile for both prevention products.

More Frequent HIV Viral Load Testing With Point-Of-Care Tests Detects Elevated Viral Load Earlier in Postpartum HIV-Positive Women in a Randomized Controlled Trial in Two Clinics in Johannesburg, South Africa.

BACKGROUND: Elevated maternal HIV viral load (VL) increases vertical transmission risk for breastfeeding children. This randomized controlled trial in Johannesburg primarily evaluated whether 3-monthly point-of-care testing, with laboratory-based standard-of-care testing (arm 2), compared with 6-monthly laboratory-based VL testing (arm 1) in postpartum women living with HIV receiving first-line tenofovir-emtricitabine-efavirenz antiretroviral treatment improved VL suppression, factors associated with nonsuppression, and drug resistance in those with virologic failure. METHODS: Mother-child pairs were enrolled July 2018-April 2019 at the child's 6/10/14-week clinic visit. Women were randomized 1:1 to arm 1 or 2. Trained staff performed point-of-care VL testing using the Cepheid's Xpert HIV-1 VL assay. We fitted a generalized linear mixed model with VL suppression (<50 copies/mL (cps/mL) and <1000 cps/mL) at enrollment and 6, 12, and 18 months postpartum as the outcome and indicator variables for time, study site, study arm, and interaction variables. The final model tested for a difference by study arm, pooling across time points. RESULTS: Of 405 women enrolled (204 arm 1 and 201 arm 2), 249 (61%) remained in follow-up through 18 months. There was no difference in VL suppression between arms at 6, 12, or 18 months. VL suppression rate (<50 cps/mL) at 18 months was 64.8% in arm 1 and 63.0% in arm 2 (P = 0.27). On bivariate analysis, there was an association with late antenatal booking and being in arm 2 for nonsuppressed VL, but no significant association with breastfeeding. HIV drug resistance was found in 12 of 23 participants (52.2%). CONCLUSION: We found no significant difference in VL suppression with more frequent VL testing in postpartum women living with HIV receiving first-line efavirenz-based antiretroviral treatment.

Preferences for onward health data use in the electronic age among maternity patients and providers in South Africa: a qualitative study.

Despite the expanding digitisation of individual health data, informed consent for the collection and use of health data is seldom explicitly sought in public sector clinics in South Africa. This study aims to identify perceptions of informed consent practices for health data capture, access, and use in Gauteng and the Western Cape provinces of South Africa. Data collection from September to December 2021 included in-depth interviews with healthcare providers (n = 12) and women (n = 62) attending maternity services. Study findings suggest that most patients were not aware that their data were being used for purposes beyond the individualised provision of medical care. Understanding the concept of anonymised use of electronic health data was at times challenging for patients who understood their data in the limited context of paper-based folders and booklets. When asked about preferences for electronic data, patients overwhelmingly were in favour of digitisation. They viewed electronic access to their health data as facilitating rapid and continuous access to health information. Patients were additionally asked about preferences, including delivery of health information, onward health data use, and recontacting. Understanding of these use cases varied and was often challenging to convey to participants who understood their health data in the context of information inputted into their paper folders. Future systems need to be established to collect informed consent for onward health data use. In light of perceived ties to the care received, these systems need to ensure that patient preferences do not impede the content nor quality of care received.

Safety surveillance for PrEP in pregnant and breastfeeding women.

The risk of HIV acquisition is higher during pregnancy and postpartum than other times. Newly acquired maternal HIV infection associated with high primary viraemia, substantially increases the risk of vertical HIV transmission. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) reduces the risk of HIV acquisition. Currently available products include oral tenofovir/emtricitabine (TDF/FTC) and tenofovir alafenamide (TAF)/FTC), long-acting cabotegravir (CAB-LA) and the dapivirine ring (DVR). All except oral TDF/FTC have limited safety data available for use in pregnant and breastfeeding women. The safety of new PrEP agents for pregnant women and the fetus, infant and child, either exposed in utero or during breastfeeding is an ongoing concern for health care workers and pregnant and breastfeeding women, particularly as the safety risk appetite for antiretroviral (ARV) agents used as PrEP is lower in pregnant and breastfeeding women who are HIV-uninfected, compared to women living with HIV taking ARVs as treatment. With the widespread rollout of TDF/FTC among pregnant women in South Africa and other low-middle income countries (LMIC) and the potential introduction of new PrEP agents for pregnant women, there is a need for safety surveillance systems to identify potential signals of risk to either the mother or fetus, measure the burden of such a risk, and where appropriate, provide specific reassurance to PrEP users. Safety data needs to be collected across the continuum of the product life cycle from pre-licensure into the post-marketing period, building a safety profile through both passive and active surveillance systems, recognising the strengths and limitations of each, and the potential for bias and confounding. Pharmacovigilance systems that aim to assess the risk of adverse birth outcomes in pregnant women exposed to PrEP and other agents need to consider the special requirements of pregnancy epidemiology to ensure that the data derived from surveillance are sufficiently robust to inform treatment policies. Here we review the known safety profiles of currently available PrEP candidates in women of child-bearing potential, pregnancy and breastfeeding and discuss pragmatic approaches for such surveillance in HIV-endemic LMICs.

Population Pharmacokinetic Modeling of Dolutegravir to Optimize Pediatric Dosing in HIV-1-Infected Infants, Children, and Adolescents.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: HIV treatment options remain limited in children. Dolutegravir is a potent and well-tolerated, once-daily HIV-1 integrase inhibitor recommended for HIV-1 infection in both adults and children down to 4 weeks of age. To support pediatric dosing of dolutegravir in children, we used a population pharmacokinetic model with dolutegravir data from the P1093 and ODYSSEY clinical trials. The relationship between dolutegravir exposure and selected safety endpoints was also evaluated. METHODS: A population pharmacokinetic model was developed with data from P1093 and ODYSSEY to characterize the pharmacokinetics and associated variability and to evaluate the impact of pharmacokinetic covariates. The final population pharmacokinetic model simulated exposures across weight bands, doses, and formulations that were compared with established adult reference data. Exploratory exposure-safety analyses evaluated the relationship between dolutegravir pharmacokinetic parameters and selected clinical laboratory parameters and adverse events. RESULTS: A total of N = 239 participants were included, baseline age ranged from 0.1 to 17.5 years, weight ranged from 3.9 to 91 kg, 50% were male, and 80% were black. The final population pharmacokinetic model was a one-compartment model with first-order absorption and elimination, enabling predictions of dolutegravir concentrations in the pediatric population across weight bands and doses/formulations. The predicted geometric mean trough concentration was comparable to the adult value following a 50-mg daily dose of dolutegravir for all weight bands at recommended doses. Body weight, age, and formulation were significant predictors of dolutegravir pharmacokinetics in pediatrics. Additionally, during an exploratory exposure-safety analysis, no correlation was found between dolutegravir exposure and selected safety endpoints or adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: The dolutegravir dosing in children ≥ 4 weeks of age on an age/weight-band basis provides comparable exposures to those historically observed in adults. Observed pharmacokinetic variability was higher in this pediatric population and no additional safety concerns were observed. These results support the weight-banded dosing of dolutegravir in pediatric participants currently recommended by the World Health Organization.

Potential for Maternally Administered Vaccine for Infant Group B Streptococcus.

BACKGROUND: Natural history studies have correlated serotype-specific anti-capsular polysaccharide (CPS) IgG in newborns with a reduced risk of group B streptococcal disease. A hexavalent CPS-cross-reactive material 197 glycoconjugate vaccine (GBS6) is being developed as a maternal vaccine to prevent invasive group B streptococcus in young infants. METHODS: In an ongoing phase 2, placebo-controlled trial involving pregnant women, we assessed the safety and immunogenicity of a single dose of various GBS6 formulations and analyzed maternally transferred anti-CPS antibodies. In a parallel seroepidemiologic study that was conducted in the same population, we assessed serotype-specific anti-CPS IgG concentrations that were associated with a reduced risk of invasive disease among newborns through 89 days of age to define putative protective thresholds. RESULTS: Naturally acquired anti-CPS IgG concentrations were associated with a reduced risk of disease among infants in the seroepidemiologic study. IgG thresholds that were determined to be associated with 75 to 95% reductions in the risk of disease were 0.184 to 0.827 µg per milliliter. No GBS6-associated safety signals were observed among the mothers or infants. The incidence of adverse events and of serious adverse events were similar across the trial groups for both mothers and infants; more local reactions were observed in the groups that received GBS6 containing aluminum phosphate. Among the infants, the most common serious adverse events were minor congenital anomalies (umbilical hernia and congenital dermal melanocytosis). GBS6 induced maternal antibody responses to all serotypes, with maternal-to-infant antibody ratios of approximately 0.4 to 1.3, depending on the dose. The percentage of infants with anti-CPS IgG concentrations above 0.184 µg per milliliter varied according to serotype and formulation, with 57 to 97% of the infants having a seroresponse to the most immunogenic formulation. CONCLUSIONS: GBS6 elicited anti-CPS antibodies against group B streptococcus in pregnant women that were transferred to infants at levels associated with a reduced risk of invasive group B streptococcal disease. (Funded by Pfizer and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; C1091002 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03765073.).

ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (AZD1222) vaccine-induced Fc receptor binding tracks with differential susceptibility to COVID-19.

Despite the success of COVID-19 vaccines, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants of concern have emerged that can cause breakthrough infections. Although protection against severe disease has been largely preserved, the immunological mediators of protection in humans remain undefined. We performed a substudy on the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (AZD1222) vaccinees enrolled in a South African clinical trial. At peak immunogenicity, before infection, no differences were observed in immunoglobulin (Ig)G1-binding antibody titers; however, the vaccine induced different Fc-receptor-binding antibodies across groups. Vaccinees who resisted COVID-19 exclusively mounted FcγR3B-binding antibodies. In contrast, enhanced IgA and IgG3, linked to enriched FcγR2B binding, was observed in individuals who experienced breakthrough. Antibodies unable to bind to FcγR3B led to immune complex clearance and resulted in inflammatory cascades. Differential antibody binding to FcγR3B was linked to Fc-glycosylation differences in SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies. These data potentially point to specific FcγR3B-mediated antibody functional profiles as critical markers of immunity against COVID-19.

The burden, prevention and care of infants and children with congenital anomalies in sub-Saharan Africa: A scoping review.

The aim of this scoping review was to determine the scope, objectives and methodology of contemporary published research on congenital anomalies (CAs) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), to inform activities of the newly established sub-Saharan African Congenital Anomaly Network (sSCAN). MEDLINE was searched for CA-related articles published between January 2016 and June 2021. Articles were classified into four main areas (public health burden, surveillance, prevention, care) and their objectives and methodologies summarized. Of the 532 articles identified, 255 were included. The articles originated from 22 of the 49 SSA countries, with four countries contributing 60% of the articles: Nigeria (22.0%), Ethiopia (14.1%), Uganda (11.7%) and South Africa (11.7%). Only 5.5% of studies involved multiple countries within the region. Most articles included CA as their primary focus (85%), investigated a single CA (88%), focused on CA burden (56.9%) and care (54.1%), with less coverage of surveillance (3.5%) and prevention (13.3%). The most common study designs were case studies/case series (26.6%), followed by cross-sectional surveys (17.6%), retrospective record reviews (17.3%), and cohort studies (17.2%). Studies were mainly derived from single hospitals (60.4%), with only 9% being population-based studies. Most data were obtained from retrospective review of clinical records (56.1%) or via caregiver interviews (34.9%). Few papers included stillbirths (7.5%), prenatally diagnosed CAs (3.5%) or terminations of pregnancy for CA (2.4%).This first-of-a-kind-scoping review on CA in SSA demonstrated an increasing level of awareness and recognition among researchers in SSA of the contribution of CAs to under-5 mortality and morbidity in the region. The review also highlighted the need to address diagnosis, prevention, surveillance and care to meet Sustainable Development Goals 3.2 and 3.8. The SSA sub-region faces unique challenges, including fragmentation of efforts that we hope to surmount through sSCAN via a multidisciplinary and multi-stakeholder approach.

Efficacy of primary series AZD1222 (ChAdOx1 nCoV-19) vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern: Final analysis of a randomized, placebo-controlled, phase 1b/2 study in South African adults (COV005).

COVID-19 vaccine efficacy (VE) has been observed to vary against antigenically distinct SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VoC). Here we report the final analysis of VE and safety from COV005: a phase 1b/2, multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study of primary series AZD1222 (ChAdOx1 nCoV-19) vaccination in South African adults aged 18-65 years. South Africa's first, second, and third waves of SARS-CoV-2 infections were respectively driven by the ancestral SARS-CoV-2 virus (wild type, WT), and SARS-CoV-2 Beta and Delta VoCs. VE against asymptomatic and symptomatic infection was 90.6% for WT, 6.7% for Beta and 77.1% for Delta. No cases of severe COVID-19 were documented ahead of unblinding. Safety was consistent with the interim analysis, with no new safety concerns identified. Notably, South Africa's Delta wave occurred ≥ 9 months after primary series vaccination, suggesting that primary series AZD1222 vaccination offers a good durability of protection, potentially due to an anamnestic response. Clinical trial identifier: CT.gov NCT04444674.

Efficacy and safety of three antiretroviral therapy regimens started in pregnancy up to 50 weeks post partum: a multicentre, open-label, randomised, controlled, phase 3 trial.

BACKGROUND: Drugs taken during pregnancy can affect maternal and child health outcomes, but few studies have compared the safety and virological efficacy of different antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimens. We report the primary safety outcomes from enrolment up to 50 weeks post partum and a secondary virological efficacy outcome at 50 weeks post partum of three commonly used ART regimens for HIV-1. METHODS: In this multicentre, open-label, randomised, controlled, phase 3 trial, we enrolled pregnant women aged 18 years or older with confirmed HIV-1 infection at 14-28 weeks of gestation. Women were enrolled at 22 clinical research sites in nine countries (Botswana, Brazil, India, South Africa, Tanzania, Thailand, Uganda, the USA, and Zimbabwe). Participants were randomly assigned (1:1:1) to one of three oral regimens: dolutegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide; dolutegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate; or efavirenz, emtricitabine, and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. Up to 14 days of antepartum ART before enrolment was permitted. Women with known multiple gestation, fetal anomalies, acute significant illness, transaminases more than 2·5 times the upper limit of normal, or estimated creatinine clearance of less than 60 mL/min were excluded. Primary safety analyses were pairwise comparisons between ART regimens of the proportion of maternal and infant adverse events of grade 3 or higher up to 50 weeks post partum. Secondary efficacy analyses at 50 weeks post partum included a comparison of the proportion of women with plasma HIV-1 RNA of less than 200 copies per mL in the combined dolutegravir-containing groups versus the efavirenz-containing group. Analyses were done in the intention-to-treat population, which included all randomly assigned participants with available data. This trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03048422. FINDINGS: Between Jan 19, 2018, and Feb 8, 2019, we randomly assigned 643 pregnant women to the dolutegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide group (n=217), the dolutegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate group (n=215), and the efavirenz, emtricitabine, and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate group (n=211). At enrolment, median gestational age was 21·9 weeks (IQR 18·3-25·3), median CD4 count was 466 cells per µL (308-624), and median HIV-1 RNA was 903 copies per mL (152-5183). 607 (94%) women and 566 (92%) of 617 liveborn infants completed the study. Up to the week 50 post-partum visit, the estimated probability of experiencing an adverse event of grade 3 or higher was 25% in the dolutegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide group; 31% in the dolutegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate group; and 28% in the efavirenz, emtricitabine, and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate group (no significant difference between groups). Among infants, the estimated probability of experiencing at least one adverse event of grade 3 or higher by postnatal week 50 was 28% overall, with small and non-statistically significant differences between groups. By postnatal week 50, 14 infants whose mothers were in the efavirenz-containing group (7%) died, compared with six in the combined dolutegravir groups (1%). 573 (89%) women had HIV-1 RNA data available at 50 weeks post partum: 366 (96%) in the dolutegravir-containing groups and 186 (96%) in the efavirenz-containing group had HIV-1 RNA less than 200 copies per mL, with no significant difference between groups. INTERPRETATION: Safety and efficacy data during pregnancy and up to 50 weeks post partum support the current recommendation of dolutegravir-based ART (particularly in combination with emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide) rather than efavirenz, emtricitabine, and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, when started in pregnancy. FUNDING: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, and the National Institute of Mental Health.

Longitudinal IgA and IgG Response, and ACE2 Binding Blockade, to Full-Length SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Variants in a Population of Black PLWH Vaccinated with ChAdOx1 nCoV-19.

Vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 have been pivotal in overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic yet understanding the subsequent outcomes and immunological effects remain crucial, especially for at-risk groups e.g., people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (PLWH). In this study we report the longitudinal IgA and IgG antibody titers, as well as antibody-mediated angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) binding blockade, against the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) proteins after 1 and 2 doses of the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine in a population of Black PLWH. Here, we report that PLWH (N = 103) did not produce an anti-S IgA response after infection or vaccination, however, anti-S IgG was detected in response to vaccination and infection, with the highest level detected for infected vaccinated participants. The anti-IgG and ACE2 blockade assays revealed that both vaccination and infection resulted in IgG production, however, only vaccination resulted in a moderate increase in ACE2 binding blockade to the ancestral S protein. Vaccination with a previous infection results in the greatest anti-S IgG and ACE2 blockade for the ancestral S protein. In conclusion, PLWH produce an anti-S IgG response to the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine and/or infection, and ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccination with a previous infection produced more neutralizing antibodies than vaccination alone.

Durability of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (AZD1222) vaccine and hybrid humoral immunity against variants including omicron BA.1 and BA.4 6 months after vaccination (COV005): a post-hoc analysis of a randomised, phase 1b-2a trial.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 vaccine rollout is lagging in Africa, where there has been a high rate of SARS-CoV-2 infection. We aimed to evaluate the effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection before vaccination with the ChAdOx-nCoV19 (AZD1222) vaccine on antibody responses through to 180 days. METHODS: We did an unmasked post-hoc immunogenicity analysis after the first and second doses of AZD1222 in a randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 1b-2a study done in seven locations in South Africa. AZD1222 recipients who were HIV-uninfected, were stratified into baseline seropositive or seronegative groups using the serum anti-nucleocapsid (anti-N) immunoglobulin G (IgG) electroluminescence immunoassay to establish SARS-CoV-2 infection before the first dose of AZD1222. Binding IgG to spike (anti-S) and receptor binding domain (anti-RBD) were measured before the first dose (day 0), second dose (day 28), day 42, and day 180. Neutralising antibody (NAb) against SARS-CoV-2 variants D614G, beta, delta, gamma, and A.VOI.V2, and omicron BA1 and BA.4 variants, were measured by pseudovirus assay (day 28, day 42, and day 180). This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04444674, and the Pan African Clinicals Trials Registry, PACTR202006922165132. FINDINGS: Of 185 individuals who were randomly assigned to AZD1222, we included 91 individuals who were baseline seropositive and 58 who were baseline seronegative, in the final analysis. In the seropositive group, there was little change of anti-S IgG (and anti-RBD IgG) or neutralising antibody (NAb) titres at day 42 compared with at day 28. Anti-S (and anti-RBD) IgG geometric mean concentrations (GMCs) were higher throughout in the seropositive compared with the seronegative group, including at day 180 (GMCs 517·8 [95% CI 411·3-651·9] vs 82·1 [55·2-122·3] BAU/mL). Also D614G NAb geometric mean titres (GMTs) were higher in the seropositive group than the seronegative group, as was the percentage with titres of at least 185 (80% putative risk reduction threshold [PRRT] against wild-type-alpha COVID-19), including at day 180 (92·0% [74·0-99·0] vs 18·2% [2·3-51·8). Similar findings were observed for beta, A.VOI.V2, and gamma. For delta, BA.1, and BA.4, NAb GMTs and the proportion with titres above the PRRT were substantially higher in the seropositive compared with seronegative group at day 28 and day 42, but no longer differed between the groups by day 180. INTERPRETATION: A single dose of AZD1222 in the general African population, where COVID-19 vaccine coverage is low and SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity is 90%, could enhance the magnitude and quality of antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2. FUNDING: The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the South African Medical Research Council, the UK Research and Innovation, the UK National Institute for Health Research, and the South African Medical Research Council. TRANSLATION: For the Zulu translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

T-cell responses induced by ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (AZD1222) vaccine to wild-type severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 among people with and without HIV in South Africa.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-specific T-cell responses 14 days after single-dose ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (AZD1222) vaccination in black Africans with and without HIV in South Africa, as well as determine the effect of AZD1222 vaccination on cell-mediated immune responses in people with HIV (PWH) with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection. METHODS: A total of 70 HIV-uninfected people and 104 PWH were prospectively enrolled in the multicentre, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, phase Ib/IIa trial (COV005). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were collected from trial participants 14 days after receipt of first dose of study treatment (placebo or AZD1222 vaccine). T-cell responses against the full-length spike (FLS) glycoprotein of wild-type SARS-CoV-2 and mutated S-protein regions found in the Alpha, Beta and Delta variants were assessed using an ex-vivo ELISpot assay. RESULTS: Among AZD1222 recipients without preceding SARS-CoV-2 infection, T-cell responses to FLS of wild-type SARS-CoV-2 were similarly common in PWH and HIV-uninfected people (30/33, 90.9% vs. 16/21, 76.2%; P = 0.138); and magnitude of response was similar among responders (78 vs. 56 SFCs/106 PBMCs; P = 0.255). Among PWH, AZD1222 vaccinees with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection, displayed a heightened T-cell response magnitude compared with those without prior infection (186 vs. 78 SFCs/106 PBMCs; P = 0.001); and similar response rate (14/14, 100% vs. 30/33, 90.9%; P = 0.244). CONCLUSION: Our results indicate comparable T-cell responses following AZD1222 vaccination in HIV-uninfected people and PWH on stable antiretroviral therapy. Our results additionally show that hybrid immunity acquired through SARS-CoV-2 infection and AZD1222 vaccination, induce a heightened T-cell response.

Translating the consent form is the tip of the iceberg: using cognitive interviews to assess the barriers to informed consent in South African health facilities.

The increasing digitisation of personal health data has led to an increase in the demand for onward health data. This study sought to develop local language scripts for use in public sector maternity clinics to capture informed consent for onward health data use. The script considered five possible health data uses: 1. Sending of general health information content via mobile phones; 2. Delivery of personalised health information via mobile phones; 3. Use of women's anonymised health data; 4. Use of child's anonymised health data; and 5. Use of data for recontact. Qualitative interviews (n = 54) were conducted among women attending maternity services in three public health facilities in Gauteng and Western Cape, South Africa. Using cognitive interviewing techniques, interviews sought to:(1) explore understanding of the consent script in five South African languages, (2) assess women's understanding of what they were consenting to, and (3) improve the consent script. Multiple rounds of interviews were conducted, each followed by revisions to the consent script, until saturation was reached, and no additional cognitive failures identified. Cognitive failures were a result of: (1) words and phrases that did not translate easily in some languages, (2) cognitive mismatches that arose as a result of different world views and contexts, (3) linguistic gaps, and (4) asymmetrical power relations that influence how consent is understood and interpreted. Study activities resulted in the development of an informed consent script for onward health data use in five South African languages for use in maternity clinics.

In the wake of growing digitisation of personal health data, greater scrutiny is needed on the language of informed consent and the processes for soliciting consent in health care facilities. Qualitative interviews using cognitive interviewing techniques were used to develop and refine consent language in English, Sesotho, isiXhosa, isiZulu and Setswana for the onward use of health data among maternity clients in public sector primary health clinics in the Western Cape and Gauteng provinces of South Africa. We found that translation in local languages and addressing individual words and phrases was only one barrier to requesting informed consent. Other barriers were cognitive mismatches between the question intent and how women understood the question, linguistic gaps that were linked to language and identity, and power dynamics that affected how women understood the consent script. Emerging language scripts used "/" to present words in multiple languages; a reflection of the multi-linguistic nature of communities in this context.