Hepatitis B Virus Prevalence and Transmission in the Households of Pregnant Women in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.

Background: The World Health Organization Africa region has high regional hepatitis B virus (HBV) prevalence, and evidence suggests more frequent horizontal HBV transmission than other regions. Context-specific epidemiological studies are needed to inform additional HBV prevention measures. Methods: In the cross-sectional Horizontal and Vertical Transmission of Hepatitis B (HOVER-HBV) study, we introduced HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) screening alongside existing HIV screening as part of routine antenatal care in high-volume maternity clinics in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. We recruited households of pregnant women ("index mothers") who were HBsAg-positive and HBsAg-negative, defining households as index-positive and index-negative, respectively. Household members underwent HBsAg testing and an epidemiological survey. We evaluated HBsAg prevalence and potential transmission correlates. Results: We enrolled 1006 participants from 200 households (100 index-positive, 100 index-negative) across Kinshasa. HBsAg-positivity prevalence was more than twice as high in index-positive households (5.0% [95% confidence interval {CI}, 2.8%-7.1%]) as in index-negative households (1.9% [95% CI, .6%-3.2%]). HBsAg-positivity prevalence was 3.3 (95% CI, .9-11.8) times as high among direct offspring in index-positive versus index-negative households. Factors associated with HBsAg positivity included older age, marriage, and having multiple recent partners or any new sexual partners among index mothers; and older age, lower household wealth, sharing nail clippers, and using street salons among offspring in index-positive households. Conclusions: Vertical and horizontal HBV transmission within households is ongoing in Kinshasa. Factors associated with infection reveal opportunities for HBV prevention efforts, including perinatal prevention, protection during sexual contact, and sanitation of shared personal items.

Sensitivity of the African neuropsychology battery memory subtests and learning slopes in discriminating APOE 4 and amyloid pathology in adult individuals in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Background: The current study examined the sensitivity of two memory subtests and their corresponding learning slope metrics derived from the African Neuropsychology Battery (ANB) to detect amyloid pathology and APOEε4 status in adults from Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Methods: 85 participants were classified for the presence of ß-amyloid pathology and based on allelic presence of APOEε4 using Simoa. All participants were screened using CSID and AQ, underwent verbal and visuospatial memory testing from ANB, and provided blood samples for plasma Aß42, Aß40, and APOE proteotype. Pearson correlation, linear and logistic regression were conducted to compare amyloid pathology and APOEε4 status with derived learning scores, including initial learning, raw learning score, learning over trials, and learning ratio. Results: Our sample included 35 amyloid positive and 44 amyloid negative individuals as well as 42 without and 39 with APOEε4. All ROC AUC ranges for the prediction of amyloid pathology based on learning scores were low, ranging between 0.56-0.70 (95% CI ranging from 0.44-0.82). The sensitivity of all the scores ranged between 54.3-88.6, with some learning metrics demonstrating good sensitivity. Regarding APOEε4 prediction, all AUC values ranged between 0.60-0.69, with all sensitivity measures ranging between 53.8-89.7. There were minimal differences in the AUC values across learning slope metrics, largely due to the lack of ceiling effects in this sample. Discussion: This study demonstrates that some ANB memory subtests and learning slope metrics can discriminate those that are normal from those with amyloid pathology and those with and without APOEε4, consistent with findings reported in Western populations.

Mental health outcomes, literacy and service provision in low- and middle-income settings: a systematic review of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the prevalence of mental health issues could be greater than in other low-income and middle-income countries because of major risk factors related to armed conflicts and poverty. Given that mental health is an essential component of health, it is surprising that no systematic evaluation of mental health in the DRC has yet been undertaken. This study aims to undertake the first systematic review of mental health literacy and service provision in the DRC, to bridge this gap and inform those who need to develop an evidence base. This could support policymakers in tackling the issues related to limited mental health systems and service provision in DRC. Following Cochrane and PRISMA guidelines, a systematic (Web of Science, Medline, Public Health, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar) search was conducted (January 2000 and August 2023). Combinations of key blocks of terms were used in the search such as DRC, war zone, mental health, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, sexual violence, war trauma, resilience, mental health systems and service provision. We followed additional sources from reference lists of included studies. Screening was completed in two stages: title and abstract search, and full-text screening for relevance and quality. Overall, 50 studies were included in the review; the majority of studies (n = 31) were conducted in the Eastern region of the DRC, a region devastated by war and sexual violence. Different instruments were used to measure participants' mental health such as the Hopkins Symptoms Checklist (HSCL-25), The Harvard Trauma Questionnaire, Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9); General Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), and Positive and Negative Symptoms Scale (PANSS). Our study found that wartime sexual violence and extreme poverty are highly traumatic, and cause multiple, long-term mental health difficulties. We found that depression, anxiety, and PTSD were the most common problems in the DRC. Psychosocial interventions such as group therapy, family support, and socio-economic support were effective in reducing anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms. This systematic review calls attention to the need to support sexual violence survivors and many other Congolese people affected by traumatic events. This review also highlights the need for validating culturally appropriate measures, and the need for well-designed controlled intervention studies in low-income settings such as the DRC. Better public mental health systems and service provision could help to improve community cohesion, human resilience, and mental wellbeing. There is also an urgent need to address wider social issues such as poverty, stigma, and gender inequality in the DRC.

The Association of Alzheimer's Disease-Related Blood-Based Biomarkers with Cognitive Screening Test Performance in the Congolese Population in Kinshasa.

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common cause of dementia, poses a significant global burden. Diagnosis typically involves invasive and costly methods like neuroimaging or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarker testing of phosphorylated tau (p-tau) and amyloid-ß42/40 (Aß42/40). Such procedures are especially impractical in resource-constrained regions, such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Blood-based biomarker testing may provide a more accessible screening opportunity. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to examine if AD-related blood-based biomarkers are associated with cognitive test performance in the Congolese population, where limited research has been conducted. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study of 81 Congolese individuals, cognitive assessments (Alzheimer's Questionnaire (AQ) and Community Screening Interview for Dementia (CSID)) distinguished dementia cases from controls. Blood draws were taken to assess p-tau 181 and Aß42/40 biomarkers. Relationships between the biomarkers and cognitive performance were analyzed using multiple linear regression models. RESULTS: Lower plasma Aß42/40 was significantly associated with lower CSID scores and higher AQ scores, indicative of AD (p < 0.001). These relationships were observed in healthy controls (CSID p = 0.01, AQ p = 0.03), but not in dementia cases. However, p-tau 181 did not exhibit significant associations with either measure. Factors such as age, sex, education, presence of APOEɛ4 allele, did not alter these relationships. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding relationships between AD-related screening tests and blood biomarkers is a step towards utilization of blood-based biomarker tests as a screening tool for AD, especially in resource-limited regions. Further research should be conducted to evaluate blood biomarker test efficacy in larger samples and other populations.

Hepatitis B virus prevalence and transmission in the households of pregnant women in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.

Background: Despite routine infant vaccination and blood donor screening, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has high hepatitis B virus (HBV) prevalence compared to the United States and Europe. Through the cross-sectional Horizontal and Vertical Transmission of Hepatitis B (HOVER-HBV) study, we characterized household prevalence in DRC's capital, Kinshasa, to inform additional prevention efforts. Methods: We introduced HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) screening alongside existing HIV screening as part of routine antenatal care (ANC) in high-volume maternity clinics in Kinshasa. We recruited households of pregnant women who were HBsAg-positive and HBsAg-negative, defining households as "exposed" and "unexposed," respectively. Household members underwent HBsAg testing and an epidemiological survey. We evaluated HBsAg prevalence and potential transmission correlates. Results: We enrolled 1,006 participants from 200 households (100 exposed, 100 unexposed) across Kinshasa. HBsAg prevalence was more than twice as high in exposed households (5.0%; 95% CI: 2.8%-7.1%) as in unexposed households (1.9%; 0.6%-3.2%). Exposed direct offspring had 3.3 (0.9, 11.8) times the prevalence of unexposed direct offspring. Factors associated with HBsAg-positivity included older age, marriage, and having multiple recent partners or any new sexual partners among index mothers; and older age, lower household wealth, sharing nail clippers, and using street salons among exposed offspring. Conclusions: Vertical and horizontal HBV transmission within households is ongoing in Kinshasa. Factors associated with infection reveal opportunities for HBV prevention efforts, including perinatal prevention, protection during sexual contact, and sanitation of shared personal items.

Association of plasma biomarkers with cognitive function in persons with dementia and cognitively healthy in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Introduction: This study investigates whether plasma biomarkers (Aß42/40 and p-tau 181), APS, as well as apolipoprotein E (APOE) proteotype predict cognitive deficits in elderly adults from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Methods: Forty-four with possible AD (pAD) and 41 healthy control (HC) subjects were screened using CSID and AQ, underwent cognitive assessment with the African Neuropsychology Battery (ANB), and provided blood samples for plasma Aß42, Aß40, Aß42/40, and APOE proteotype. Linear and logistic regression were used to evaluate the associations of plasma biomarkers with ANB tests and the ability of biomarkers to predict cognitive status. Results: Patients with pAD had significantly lower plasma Aß42/40 levels, higher APS, and higher prevalence of APOE E4 allele compared to HC. Groups did not differ in levels of Aß40, Aß42, or P-tau 181. Results showed that Aß42/40 ratio and APS were significantly associated with African Naming Test (ANT), African List Memory Test (ALMT), and African Visuospatial Memory Test (AVMT) scores, while the presence of APOE E4 allele was associated with ANT, ALMT, AVMT, and APT scores. P-tau 181 did not show any significant associations while adjusting for age, education, and gender. APS showed the highest area under the curve (AUC) value (AUC = 0.78, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.68-0.88) followed by Aß42/40 (AUC = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.66-0.86) and APOE E4 (AUC = 0.69 (CI 0.57-0.81) in discriminating pAD from HC. Discussion: These results demonstrate associations between select plasma biomarker of AD pathology (Aß42/40), APS, and APOE E4 allele) and ANB test scores and the ability of these biomarkers to differentiate pAD from cognitively normal SSA individuals, consistent with findings reported in other settings.

The Association of Alzheimer's Disease-related Blood-based Biomarkers with Cognitive Screening Test Performance in the Congolese Population in Kinshasa.

Background: Alzheimer's Disease (AD), the most common cause of dementia, poses a significant global burden. Diagnosis typically involves invasive and costly methods like neuroimaging or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarker testing of phosphorylated tau (p-tau) and amyloid-ß42/40 (Aß42/40). Such procedures are especially impractical in resource-constrained regions, such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Blood-based biomarker testing may provide a more accessible screening opportunity. Objective: This study aims to examine if AD-related blood-based biomarkers are associated with cognitive test performance in the Congolese population, where limited research has been conducted. Methods: In this cross-sectional study of 81 Congolese individuals, cognitive assessments (Alzheimer's Questionnaire (AQ) and Community Screening Interview for Dementia (CSID)) distinguished dementia cases from controls. Blood draws were taken to assess p-tau 181 and Aß42/40 biomarkers. Relationships between the biomarkers and cognitive performance were analyzed using multiple linear regression models. Results: Lower plasma Aß42/40 was significantly associated with lower CSID scores and higher AQ scores, indicative of AD (p<0.001). These relationships were observed in healthy controls (CSID p=0.01, AQ p=0.03), but not in dementia cases. However, p-tau 181 did not exhibit significant associations with either measure. Factors such as age, sex, education, presence of APOE e4 allele, did not alter these relationships. Conclusion: Understanding relationships between AD-related screening tests and blood-biomarkers is a step towards utilization of blood-based biomarker tests as a screening tool for AD, especially in resource-limited regions. Further research should be conducted to evaluate blood biomarker test efficacy in larger samples and other populations.

Performance on the African neuropsychology battery using the learning ratio in a sample of healthy Congolese.

OBJECTIVE: Using the African Neuropsychology Battery (ANB), we seek to develop normative data by examining the demographic effects for two learning process scores: initial learning (Trial One) and learning ratio (LR, the percentage of items learned relative of to-be-learned material following Trial 1). METHODS: Healthy participants from the Democratic Republic of Congo completed the four memory tests of the ANB: the African Story Memory Test (ASMT), African List Memory Test (ALMT), African Visuospatial Memory Test (AVMT), and African Contextual Visuospatial Memory Test (ACVMT). We developed indices of learning for each subtest, as well as aggregate learning indices for Trial 1 and LR, and composite indices examining verbal, visual, contextual, and noncontextual learning, and grand indices comprising all four subtests. RESULTS: Trial 1 and LR scores each demonstrated acceptable intercorrelations across memory tests. We present normative data for Trial 1 and LR by age and education. CONCLUSION: These data provide normative standards for evaluating learning in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Metagenomic Detection of Divergent Insect- and Bat-Associated Viruses in Plasma from Two African Individuals Enrolled in Blood-Borne Surveillance.

Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) has enabled the high-throughput multiplexed identification of sequences from microbes of potential medical relevance. This approach has become indispensable for viral pathogen discovery and broad-based surveillance of emerging or re-emerging pathogens. From 2015 to 2019, plasma was collected from 9586 individuals in Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of the Congo enrolled in a combined hepatitis virus and retrovirus surveillance program. A subset (n = 726) of the patient specimens was analyzed by mNGS to identify viral co-infections. While co-infections from known blood-borne viruses were detected, divergent sequences from nine poorly characterized or previously uncharacterized viruses were also identified in two individuals. These were assigned to the following groups by genomic and phylogenetic analyses: densovirus, nodavirus, jingmenvirus, bastrovirus, dicistrovirus, picornavirus, and cyclovirus. Although of unclear pathogenicity, these viruses were found circulating at high enough concentrations in plasma for genomes to be assembled and were most closely related to those previously associated with bird or bat excrement. Phylogenetic analyses and in silico host predictions suggested that these are invertebrate viruses likely transmitted through feces containing consumed insects or through contaminated shellfish. This study highlights the power of metagenomics and in silico host prediction in characterizing novel viral infections in susceptible individuals, including those who are immunocompromised from hepatitis viruses and retroviruses, or potentially exposed to zoonotic viruses from animal reservoir species.

Purifying selection decreases the potential for Bangui orthobunyavirus outbreaks in humans.

Pathogens carried by insects, such as bunyaviruses, are frequently transmitted into human populations and cause diseases. Knowing which spillover events represent a public health threat remains a challenge. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) can support infectious disease diagnostics by enabling the detection of any pathogen from clinical specimens. mNGS was performed on blood samples to identify potential viral coinfections in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive individuals from Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), participating in an HIV diversity cohort study. Time-resolved phylogenetics and molecular assay development assisted in viral characterization. The nearly complete genome of a novel orthobunyavirus related to Nyangole virus, a virus previously identified in neighboring Uganda, was assembled from a hepatitis B virus-positive patient. A quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay was designed and used to screen >2,500 plasma samples from Cameroon, the DRC, and Uganda, failing to identify any additional cases. The recent sequencing of a US Center for Disease Control Arbovirus Reference Collection revealed that this same virus, now named Bangui virus, was first isolated in 1970 from an individual in the Central African Republic. Time-scaled phylogenetic analyses of Bangui with the related Anopheles and Tanga serogroup complexes indicate that this virus emerged nearly 10,000 years ago. Pervasive and episodic models further suggest that this virus is under purifying selection and that only distant common ancestors were subject to positive selection events. This study represents only the second identification of a Bangui virus infection in over 50 years. The presumed rarity of Bangui virus infections in humans can be explained by its constraint to an avian host and insect vector, precluding efficient transmission into the human population. Our results demonstrate that molecular phylogenetic analyses can provide insights into the threat posed by novel or re-emergent viruses identified by mNGS.

Prevalence of suspected dementia in a sample of adults living in Kinshasa-Democratic Republic of the Congo.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of dementia in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in French-speaking countries, has received limited attention. This study investigates the prevalence and risk factors of suspected dementia in elderly adults in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). METHODS: A community-based sample of 355 individuals over 65 years old was selected using multistage probability sampling in Kinshasa. Participants were screened using the Community Screening Instrument for Dementia, Alzheimer's Questionnaire, Geriatric Depression Scale, Beck Anxiety Inventory, and Individual Fragility Questionnaire, followed by clinical interview and neurological examination. Suspected dementia diagnoses were made based on the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) criteria including significant cognitive and functional impairments. Prevalence and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using, respectively, regression and logistic regression. RESULTS: Among 355 participants (mean age 74, SD = 7; 51% male), the crude prevalence of suspected dementia was 6.2% (9.0% in women and 3.8% in men). Female sex was a significant factor associated with suspected dementia [OR = 2.81, 95% CI (1.08-7.41)]. The prevalence of dementia increased with age (14.0% after 75 years and 23.1% after 85 years), with age being significantly associated with suspected dementia [OR = 5.42, 95% CI (2.86-10.28)]. Greater education was associated with a lower prevalence of suspected dementia [OR = 2.36, 95% CI (2.14-2.94), comparing those with ≥7.3 years of education to those with <7.3 years of education]. Other factors associated with the prevalence of suspected dementia included being widowed (OR = 1.66, 95% CI (1.05-2.61), being retired or semi-retired (OR = 3.25, 95% CI (1.50-7.03)], a diagnosis of anxiety [OR = 2.56, 95% CI (1.05-6.13)], and death of a spouse or a relative after age 65 [OR = 1.73, 95% CI (1.58-1.92)]. In contrast, depression [OR = 1.92, 95% CI (0.81-4.57)], hypertension [OR = 1.16, 95% CI (0.79-1.71)], body mass index (BMI) [OR = 1.06, 95% CI (0.40-2.79)], and alcohol consumption [OR = 0.83, 95% CI (0.19-3.58)] were not significantly associated with suspected dementia. CONCLUSIONS: This study found a prevalence of suspected dementia in Kinshasa/DRC similar to other developing countries and Central African countries. Reported risk factors provide information to identify high-risk individuals and develop preventive strategies in this setting.

Changes in hepatitis B vaccine perception in response to the COVID-19 pandemic: Development of the Shift in vaccine confidence (SVC) survey tool.

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted access to, adherence to, and perceptions of routine vaccinations. We developed the Shift in Vaccine Confidence (SVC) survey tool to assess the impact of the pandemic on routine vaccinations, with a focus on the HBV vaccine, in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This study describes the content validation steps we conducted to ensure the survey tool is meaningful to measure changes in vaccine confidence to regular immunization (HBV vaccine) due to the pandemic. Three rounds of stakeholder feedback from a DRC-based study team, content and measurement experts, and study participants allowed us to produce a measure with improved readability and clarity.

Clinical characteristics of children with autism spectrum disorders: a cross-sectional study of cases attended at three centers specializing in neurodevelopmental disorders in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

Context and objective. Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries are poorly studied. The aim of the present study was to describe the socio demographic and clinical characteristics of children with autism and to identify associated factors. Methods. This was a cross-sectional study of children with ASD attended at three specialized centers in Kinshasa. We confirmed a ASD diagnosis through clinical observation using Diagnostic and Statistical Manuel of Mental Disorders four Text Revision (DSM-VI-TR) criteria and standardized autism diagnostic tools. We analyzed socio-demographic and clinical characteristics and main comorbidities of ASD. The comparison of proportions was done using Pearson's chi-square test. One-way ANOVAs were calculated to test differences in averages. Results. A total of 120 children (72.5 % male) were examined. Their mean age at diagnosis was 7.83 ± 3.4 years, while parents were alerted at 1.8 ±0.78 years. Language delays were the main alert sign (54%) and the main symptom (62%). Social interaction disorders (11.7 %) were underreported by parents. The core signs of ASD were disorders of social interaction (90.5%), behavior (80%) and language (62.5%). The main ASD symptoms were associated with epilepsy(p=0.027), cerebral palsy (p=0.026) and hearing impairment (p=0.045). Conclusion. The diagnostic and language delay co-occurring with epilepsy and hearing impairment are the main clinical features of autism in the DRC. This study suggests that screening children for autism and its main comorbidities using a multidisciplinary approach should be a priority in Kinshasa.

Boosting ethics review capacity in public health emergency situations: Co-creation of a training model for French-speaking research ethics committees.

BACKGROUND: Ethics review preparedness is a major foundation for national effective response to public health emergencies, because it promotes pertinent research and enhances the protection of research participants and communities. In low-income countries, it can also promote equitable research partnership. However, most relevant literature is in English and not easily accessible for the members of research ethics committees in French-speaking African countries. METHODS: A training module in French, addressing the issue of research ethics review during outbreaks and other public health emergencies, was designed based on a non-systematic literature review, and in order to be complementary to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) national guidelines for ethics review. The module was administered to 42 members of the five ethics committees in DRC that expressed their interest for the training. RESULT: This training, co-designed with local stakeholders, in the local working language and taking into account local circumstances and regulation, provided participants with up-to-date insights of research ethics (and research ethics preparedness) in public health emergencies. It resulted in rich reflection and knowledge-sharing on good practices across the ethics committees. CONCLUSION: As most participating ethics committees do not have yet explicit standard operating procedures for expedited review of protocols submitted in emergency situations, this would be a next important step to facilitate emergency reviews in the most efficient way.

Determinants of Patients' Adherence to Malaria Treatment in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

(1) Background: Malaria heavily affects the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) despite the use of effective drugs. Poor adherence to malaria treatment may contribute to this problem. (2) Methods: In one rural and one urban health area in each of the 11 former provinces of the DRC, all households with a case of malaria in the 15 days preceding the survey were selected and the patients or caregivers were interviewed. Adherence to malaria treatment was assessed by self-declaration about its completion. Logistic regression was used to assess predictors. (3) Results: 1732 households participated. Quinine was the most used drug; adherence to artesunate-amodiaquine was the lowest and the main reason for treatment discontinuation was adverse reactions. Predictors of adherence were residence in an urban area, university education, catholic religion, and adoption of recommended behaviour towards a malaria case. Adherence was significantly lower for responders who obtained information on antimalarials from Community Health Workers (CHW). (4) Conclusions: Usage of recommended drugs and adherence to malaria treatment need to be promoted, especially in rural areas, and CHW involvement needs to be improved. Awareness messages need to be made accessible and comprehensible to poorly educated populations and churches need to be involved.

Knowledge of Antimalarials and Health Seeking Behaviour of Households in Case of Suspected Malaria in Democratic Republic of the Congo.

(1) Background: The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is heavily affected by malaria despite availability of effective treatments. Ignorance and unrecommended behaviour toward a suspected malaria case in households may contribute to this problem. (2) Method: In communities of one rural and one urban Health Centres in each of the 11 previous provinces of DRC, all households with a case of malaria in the 15 days prior to the survey were selected. The patient or caregiver (responder) were interviewed. Logistic regression was used to assess predictors of knowledge of recommended antimalarials and adequate behaviour in case of suspected malaria. (3) Results: 1732 households participated; about 62% (1060/1721) of the responders were informed about antimalarials, 70.1% (742/1059) knew the recommended antimalarials and 58.6% (995/1699) resorted to self-medication. Predictors of knowledge of antimalarials were education to secondary school or university, information from media and smaller households. Predictors of good behaviour were Catholic religion and smaller households. Receiving information from Community Health Workers (CHWs) failed to be determinants of knowledge or adequate behaviour. (4) Conclusion: malaria control in DRC is hampered by ignorance and non-adherence to national recommendations. These aspects are influenced by unsuccessful communication, size of households and level of education.

A high prevalence of potential HIV elite controllers identified over 30 years in Democratic Republic of Congo.

BACKGROUND: In-depth analysis of the HIV pandemic at its epicenter in the Congo basin has been hampered by 40 years of political unrest and lack of functional public health infrastructure. In recent surveillance studies (2017-18), we found that the prevalence of HIV in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (11%) far exceeded previous estimates. METHODS: 10,457 participants were screened in Kinshasa with rapid tests from 2017-2019. Individuals confirmed as reactive by the Abbott ARCHITECT HIV Ag/Ab Combo assay (n=1968) were measured by the Abbott RealTime HIV-1 viral load assay. Follow up characterization of samples was performed with alternate manufacturer viral load assays, qPCR for additional blood borne viruses, unbiased next generation sequencing, and HIV Western blotting. FINDINGS: Our data suggested the existence of a significant cohort (n=429) of HIV antibody positive/viral load negative individuals. We systematically eliminated collection site bias, sample integrity, and viral genetic diversity as alternative explanations for undetectable viral loads. Mass spectroscopy unexpectedly detected the presence of 3TC antiviral medication in approximately 60% of those tested (209/354), and negative Western blot results indicated false positive serology in 12% (49/404). From the remaining Western blot positives (n=53) and indeterminates (n=31) with reactive Combo and rapid test results, we estimate 2.7-4.3% of infections in DRC to be potential elite controllers. We also analyzed samples from the DRC collected in 1987 and 2001-03, when antiretroviral drugs were not available, and found similarly elevated trends. INTERPRETATION: Viral suppression to undetectable viral loads without therapy occurs infrequently in HIV-1 infected patients around the world. Mining of global data suggests a unique ability to control HIV infection arose early in central Africa and occurs in <1% of founder populations. Identification of this group of elite controllers presents a unique opportunity to study potentially novel genetic mechanisms of viral suppression. FUNDING: Abbott Laboratories funded surveillance in DRC and subsequent research efforts. Additional funding was received from a MIZZOU Award from the University of Missouri. Research was supported in part by the Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH.

Stress, anxiété, dépression et qualité de vie des patients tuberculeux pharmacorésistants à Kinshasa, République Démocratique du Congo / Stress, anxiety, depression and quality of life of drug-resistant tuberculosis patients in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Contexte & objectif. La prise en charge médicale de la tuberculose pharmacorésistante connaît des progrès dans le monde. Mais, le volet psychosocial a été peu exploré en République Démocratique du Congo. La présente étude a évalué la qualité de vie des patients tuberculeux pharmacorésistants (PTP) suivis au Centre d'Excellence Damien (CEDA) à Kinshasa. Méthodes. L'échelle de stress perçu (PSS), l'Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) et l'Indicateur de Santé Perceptuelle de NOTTINGHAM (ISPN) ont été utilisés dans une étude transversale réalisée du 1er avril au 31 décembre 2018 sur 81 PTP hospitalisés au CEDA de Kinshasa. La méthode de régression logistique a recherché les déterminants de la qualité de vie. Résultats. Au cours de la période de l'étude, 81 PTP étaient reçus dont 62 TB multirésistants (TB MR, 76,5%) contre 19 TB ultrarésistants (TBUR, 23,5%), constituant les deux groupes d'étude. L'âge moyen des sujets était de 34,7±14,3 ans. Les hommes étaient légèrement prépondérants (53 %) avec un sex ratio H/F de 1,1. La tranche d'âge de 21 à 30 ans était plus représentée (35%). Trois-quarts des sujets étaient solitaires (75%), plus de deuxtiers avaient un niveau secondaire (69%), plus de la moitié n'avait pas d'occupation (56%), près de deux-tiers fréquentaient les Eglises indépendantes (60%). Trente-cinq pourcents des patients avaient une mauvaise qualité de vie. Celle-ci était liée à l'âge >40 ans, au type TBMR, au retard d'accompagnement psychosocial, au niveau d'étude primaire, à la présence de la co-infection tuberculose- VIH/SIDA, au stress perçu et à l'anxiété-dépression. Conclusion. Les patients tuberculeux pharmacorésistants à Kinshasa ont une qualité de vie altérée. Cette situation est favorisée par l'âge >40 ans, le type de tuberculose pharmacorésistante, le retard d'accompagnement psychosocial, le faible niveau d'étude, la présence de la coinfection tuberculose-VIH/SIDA, le stress perçu, l'anxiété et la dépression.

Context and objective. Despite many progress in the treatment of drug-resistant tuberculosis, psychosocial aspects remain poorly adressed in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of life of drugresistant tuberculosis patients. Methods. A crosssectional survey was conducted in hospitalized drug-resistant tuberculosis patients at CEDA Kinshasa, during the period from April 1 to December 31th, 2018, through the perceived stress scale (PSS), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the NOTTINGHAM Health Profil (NHP) tools. Data from 62 multdrug rerestitant TB patients (MDR TB, 76,5%) were compared with 19 ultraresistant (PXDR, 23.5 %) and analyzed, using a multivariate logistic regression analysis to assess the determinants of quality of life. Results. Among a total of 81 pharmaco-resistant TB patients, average age 34.7 ± 14.3 years, with a slight man preponderance (53 %), 35% had a poor quality of life. This was linked to age > 40 years, MDRTB type, delayed psychosocial support, primary education, the presence of TBHIV co-infection, and perceived stress and anxiety-depression. Conclusion.The study reveals an impaired quality of life in Drug-resistant tuberculosis patients in Kinshasa, with some identified correlates. Targeted measures are needed to improve the management of these patients

Increased HIV in Greater Kinshasa Urban Health Zones: Democratic Republic of Congo (2017-2018).

BACKGROUND: Diagnosis of people living with HIV (PLHIV) is the first step toward achieving the new Fast Track Strategy to end AIDS by 2030: 95-95-95. However, reaching PLHIV is especially difficult in resource-limited settings such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where reliable prevalence data is lacking. This study evaluated the prevalence of HIV in patients in the urban Kinshasa area. METHODS: Individuals seeking healthcare were tested for HIV between February 2017 and July 2018 at existing Kinshasa urban clinics. The study was conducted in two phases. Case finding was optimized in a pilot study phase using a modified cell phone-based Open\Data Kit (ODK) collection system. HIV prevalence was then determined from data obtained between March-July of 2018 from 8320 individuals over the age of 18 years receiving care at one of 47 clinics in Kinshasa. RESULTS: The prevalence of HIV in our study was 11.0% (95% CI 10.3-11.6%) overall and 8.14% in the subset of N = 1240 participants who were healthy mothers seeking prenatal care. These results are in sharp contrast to President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) estimates of 2.86%, but are consistent with data from surrounding countries. CONCLUSION: While this data is sub-national and reflects an urban healthcare setting, given the large population of Kinshasa and rapidly changing age demographics, the results suggest that HIV prevalence in the DRC is substantially higher than previously reported.

Development of a pharmacovigilance system in a resource-limited country: the experience of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Implementation of pharmacovigilance (PV) systems in resource-limited countries is a real endeavor. Despite country- and continent-specific challenges, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has been able to develop one of the most active PV systems in the sub-Saharan Africa. The World Health Organization (WHO) regional Office identified the DRC experience to set up a PV system for antimalarial drugs safety monitoring as a 'best practice' that needed to be documented in order to help DRC improve its PV system and to be scaled up in other African countries. In response to the WHO request, a best practices and bottlenecks analysis was conducted in 2015. This analysis was updated in 2018 in the light of the minimum requirements of the WHO to set up a PV system taking into account other guidance for PV systems. The following themes were retained for analysis: (1) creation of the national PV center; (2) implementation of PV in the health system; (3) data collection and analysis; (4) collaboration with public health programs; (5) collaboration with the National Regulatory Authority. Lessons learnt from the DRC experience show that it is possible to implement PV systems in order to promote patients' safety in resource limited sub-Saharan African countries with no guaranteed funding. The ability of national PV centers to collaborate with Public health stakeholders, including public health authorities at all levels as well as public health programs, and to use existing health information systems are considered the main key to success and may substantially reduce the cost of PV activities.