Feasibility and acceptability of using the novel urine-based FujiLAM test to detect tuberculosis: A multi-country mixed-methods study.

Background: The novel urine-based FujiLAM test identifies tuberculosis in HIV-positive patients but may be challenging to use at point-of-care (POC). Objectives: We assessed the feasibility and acceptability of using the FujiLAM test at point of care in outpatient settings. Methods: We conducted a mixed methods study in four outpatient settings in Kenya, Mozambique, South Africa, and Uganda between November 2020 and September 2021. The test was performed at POC in existing clinic laboratories and consultation spaces. We performed direct observations in the four health facilities, individual questionnaires, proficiency testing evaluations, and individual interviews among healthcare workers performing the FujiLAM test (healthcare workers), and group discussions with programme managers. Results: Overall, 18/19 (95%) healthcare workers and 14/14 (100%) managers agreed to participate in the study. Most assessed healthcare workers, including lay health workers (10/11; 91%), met the minimum required theoretical knowledge and practical skill in performing the FujiLAM test. Most healthcare workers (17/18; 94%) found the FujiLAM test overall "Easy/Very easy" to perform. Some challenges were mentioned: many timed steps (5/18; 28%); ensuring correct incubation period (5/18; 28%); test result readability (4/18; 22%); and difficulties with cartridge buttons (3/18; 17%). Half of the healthcare workers regularly performing the test (4/7; 57%) found it "Easy" to integrate into routine activities. Most healthcare workers and managers believed that any healthcare worker could perform the test after adequate training. Conclusions: Implementing the FujiLAM test in outpatient POC settings is feasible and acceptable to healthcare workers and managers. This test can be performed in various clinic locations by any healthcare worker. The timed, multi-step test procedure is challenging and may affect the workload in resource-constrained health facilities.

High burden of cryptococcal antigenemia and meningitis among patients presenting at an emergency department in Maputo, Mozambique.

BACKGROUND: Cryptococcal meningitis is a leading cause of HIV-related mortality in sub-Saharan Africa, however, screening for cryptococcal antigenemia has not been universally implemented. As a result, data concerning cryptococcal meningitis and antigenemia are sparse, and in Mozambique, the prevalence of both are unknown. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of routinely collected data from a point-of-care cryptococcal antigen screening program at a public hospital in Maputo, Mozambique. HIV-positive patients admitted to the emergency department underwent CD4 count testing; those with pre-defined abnormal vital signs or CD4 count ≤ 200 cells/µL received cryptococcal antigen testing and lumbar punctures if indicated. Patients with CM were admitted to the hospital and treated with liposomal amphotericin B and flucytosine; their 12-week outcomes were ascertained through review of medical records or telephone contact by program staff made in the routine course of service delivery. RESULTS: Among 1,795 patients screened for cryptococcal antigenemia between March 2018-March 2019, 134 (7.5%) were positive. Of patients with cryptococcal antigenemia, 96 (71.6%) were diagnosed with CM, representing 5.4% of all screened patients. Treatment outcomes were available for 87 CM patients: 24 patients (27.6%) died during induction treatment and 63 (72.4%) survived until discharge; of these, 38 (60.3%) remained in care, 9 (14.3%) died, and 16 (25.3%) were lost-to follow-up at 12 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: We found a high prevalence of cryptococcal antigenemia and meningitis among patients screened at an emergency department in Maputo, Mozambique. High mortality during and after induction therapy demonstrate missed opportunities for earlier detection of cryptococcal antigenemia, even as point-of-care screening and rapid assessment in an emergency room offer potential to improve outcomes.

[Development of AIDS-related malignancies and infections after starting HAART]. / Desarrollo de neoplasias e infecciones definitorias de sida después de iniciar la terapia antirretroviral de alta eficacia.

In order to evaluate the incidence rate and possible risk factors associated with AIDS-related malignancies and infections (ARMI) we performed data analysis of clinical charts of HIV patients in two hospital cohorts, that started high activity antiretroviral therapy (HAART) between July 2003 and October 2007. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and Azithromycin prophylaxis was provided according to current guidelines. We evaluated development of ARMI six months after-starting HAART and its association with clinical and epidemiological variables. Of 235 patients analyzed -118 women (50.2%) and 117 men (49.8%)- 11 presented ARMI: 3 pulmonary TB and 3 lymph nodes TB cases, 3 cases with meningeal Cryptococcus, one Chagas's disease presenting brain mass and one with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. ARMI incidence: 4.7%. A CD4 cell count < 100/150 was associated with risk of developing ARMI. The mean CD4 cell count was 73 in patients who developed ARMI and 143 in those who did not. No association was found with the other analyzed variables. In the CD4 cell count < 150 group one out of 4 patients with reactive serology presented Chagas's disease causing brain mass; none of the 46 patients with reactive serology presented toxoplasmosis encephalitis. The incidence rate of ARMI was 4.7%. TB in first place and cryptococcosis in second were the AIDS events more frequently observed. A low CD4 cell count was the only observed risk factor statistically associated with development of ARMI. The role of prophylaxis in this population should be re-evaluated.

[Characteristics of HIV infection by sex in a suburban district of Buenos Aires for the periods 1998 to 2002 and 2003 to 2005]. / Características de la infección por HIV/sida según sexo en una región del Gran Buenos Aires. Períodos 1998-2002/ 2003-2005.

With the aim of evaluating gender differences in one of the poorest districts of Buenos Aires, we reviewed epidemiological and clinical data of newly-diagnosed HIV patients at the Diego Paroissien Hospital between 1998 and 2005.We analyzed 524 clinical charts, 329 (62.8%) of which were from the 1998 to 2002 period and 195 (37.2%) from 2003 to 2005. Women accounted for 241 (46%) of the patients. The dominant mode of transmission was sexual intercourse in women and intravenous drug-use in men. At the time of diagnosis, women were at a significantly lower clinical stage, were younger, and had higher CD4 counts and lower viral loads. No gender differences were found in the rates of continued clinical care or continued antiretroviral therapy at one year follow-up. Comparing the periods 1998 to 2002 and 2003 to 2005, there was a statistically significant increase in diagnoses made during the pregnancy screening in women, in sexual transmission as the primary route of HIV infection, in the frequency of patients (both men and women) who had continued clinical care at one year follow-up, and a decreasing of intravenous drug-use in both sexes.The observed gender differences in the 2003-2005 period persisted even when those women who were diagnosed during their pregnancy screening were excluded from the analysis.

[A study of occupational blood and body fluid exposure among nursing staff at a reference hospital in Buenos Aires, Argentina]. / Estudio sobre la exposición ocupacional a sangre y fluidos corporales en el personal de enfermería de un hospital de referencia de Buenos Aires, Argentina.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the frequency of occupational blood and body fluids exposure (OBBFE) among the nursing staff at the Dr. Diego Paroissien Hospital in Buenos Aires, Argentina; analyze the possible risk factors associated; and assess the level of knowledge regarding universal precautions and control procedures following exposure: METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study was performed using a voluntary and anonymous survey administered between April and May 2005. In addition to personal and professional data, information was collected on knowledge and practice of universal precautions and procedures, OBBFE experienced, barriers to following the standards, and whether or not the Hepatitis B vaccine had been received. The dependent variable in the analysis was ever having experienced an OBBFE accident: RESULTS: Of the 186 responses analyzed, 77.7% were female, the mean age was 44.6 +/- 8.9 years, and the institution was 13.3 +/- 6.4 years old. Of those surveyed, 91 (48.9%) indicated that at some time they had an OBBFE, with 33 (17.7%) of these having occurred during the previous year; 73.0% confirmed that the tools necessary for complying with universal precautions were available always or almost always; 76.2% felt they had complete information, although 56.3% said they had not received adequate training; and, 94.1% claimed to have been vaccinated against Hepatitis B. Being overworked (54.5%), insufficient training (21.8%), and a lack of protective tools (18.8%) were the reasons most often identified as impeding compliance with universal precaution guidelines. Not having received training during the preceding year and having recently started work in a clinical or adult intensive-care unit were significantly associated with having experienced an OBBFE: CONCLUSIONS: These results signal a risk alert for OBBFE among health care workers and underscore the need for improving standards and surveillance.

Desarrollo de neoplasias e infecciones definitorias de sida después de iniciar la terapia antirretroviral de alta eficacia / Development of AIDS-related malignancies and infections after starting HAART

Con el objetivo de evaluar la incidencia de neoplasias e infecciones definitorias de Sida (NIDS) y los posibles factores asociados a su desarrollo luego de iniciada la terapia antirretroviral de alta eficacia (HAART) analizamos las historias clínicas de los pacientes que iniciaron tratamiento entre julio 2003 y octubre 2007. Todos recibieron profilaxis con trimetoprima-sulfametoxazol y azitromicina según la recomendación actual. Evaluamos el desarrollo de NIDS en los 6 meses posteriores al inicio de la terapia y su asociación con variables clínicas y epidemiológicas. Analizamos 235 historias clínicas: 118 mujeres (50.2%) y 117 hombres (49.8%). Observamos 11 casos de NIDS: 3 formas pulmonares y 3 ganglionares de tuberculosis, 3 meningitis por Criptococcus neoformans, 1 chagoma cerebral y 1 linfoma no Hodgkin. Presentar recuento de células CD4 menor a 100 o 150 células/ml se asoció con riesgo de desarrollar NIDS. La media de células CD4 fue 73 en los pacientes que desarrollaron NIDS y 143 en los que no la desarrollaron. No hubo asociación con las otras variables analizadas. En pacientes con CD4 menor a 150 células/ml observamos un caso de chagoma cerebral entre 4 con serología reactiva para Chagas, y ninguno de toxoplasmosis cerebral entre 46 con serología reactiva para toxoplasmosis. Concluimos que la tasa de incidencia de NIDS fue del 4.7%, siendo tuberculosis en primer lugar y criptococosis en segundo las enfermedades más frecuentemente observadas. Presentar bajo recuento de células CD4 se asoció de manera significativa al desarrollo de NIDS. Debería reevaluarse el rol de la quimioprofilaxis.

In order to evaluate the incidence rate and possible risk factors associated with AIDS-related malignancies and infections (ARMI) we performed data analysis of clinical charts of HIV patients in two hospital cohorts, that started high activity antiretroviral therapy (HAART) between July 2003 and October 2007. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and azytromicin prophylaxis was provided according to current guidelines. We evaluated development of ARMI six months after-starting HAART and its association with clinical and epidemiological variables. Of 235 patients analyzed -118 women (50.2%) and 117 men (49.8%)- 11 presented ARMI: 3 pulmonary TB and 3 lymph nodes TB cases, 3 cases with meningeal Cryptococcus, one Chagas' disease presenting brain mass and one with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. ARMI incidence: 4.7%. A CD4 cell count < 100/150 was associated with risk of developing ARMI. The mean CD4 cell count was 73 in patients who developed ARMI and 143 in those who did not. No association was found with the other analyzed variables. In the CD4 cell count < 150 group one out of 4 patients with reactive serology presented Chagas's disease causing brain mass; none of the 46 patients with reactive serology presented toxoplasmosis encephalitis. The incidence rate of ARMI was 4.7%. TB in first place and cryptococcosis in second were the AIDS events more frequently observed. A low CD4 cell count was the only observed risk factor statistically associated with development of ARMI. The role of prophylaxis in this population should be re-evaluated.

Estudio sobre la exposición ocupacional a sangre y fluidos corporales en el personal de enfermería de un hospital de referencia de Buenos Aires, Argentina / A study of occupational blood and body fluid exposure among nursing staff at a reference hospital in Buenos Aires, Argentina

OBJETIVOS: Determinar la frecuencia de la exposición ocupacional a sangre y fluidos corporales (EOSFC) en el personal de enfermería del Hospital Dr. Diego Paroissien, de Buenos Aires, Argentina, analizar los posibles factores de riesgo asociados y evaluar el nivel de conocimientos sobre las normas vigentes de prevención y control después de la exposición. MÉTODOS: Estudio descriptivo de corte transversal mediante una encuesta voluntaria y anónima aplicada entre abril y mayo de 2005. Además de los datos personales y profesionales, se recabó información acerca de los conocimientos y la capacitación sobre las medidas de precaución universales y los procedimientos a seguir, los accidentes de EOSFC sufridos, los factores que atentaban contra el cumplimiento de las normas y si estaban vacunados contra la hepatitis B. La variable dependiente para el análisis fue haber sufrido alguna vez una EOSFC. RESULTADOS: Se analizaron 186 encuestas, de ellas 77,7 por ciento correspondían a mujeres; la edad promedio era de 44,6 ± 8,9 años y la antigüedad en la institución de 13,3 ± 6,4 años. De los encuestados, 91 (48,9 por ciento) refirieron haber sufrido alguna vez una EOSFC y 33 (17,7 por ciento) de ellas ocurrieron el año previo; 73,0 por ciento afirmó disponer de los elementos adecuados para cumplir con las normas de precaución universal siempre o casi siempre, 76,2 por ciento consideró tener la información adecuada, aunque 56,3 por ciento afirmó no haber recibido una capacitación adecuada; 94,1 por ciento refirió estar vacunado contra la hepatitis B. La sobrecarga de trabajo (54,5 por ciento), la insuficiente capacitación (21,8 por ciento) y la carencia de los elementos de protección necesarios (18,8 por ciento) fueron las situaciones señaladas con mayor frecuencia que atentaban contra el cumplimiento de las precauciones universales. No haber recibido capacitación el año previo y desempeñarse en una unidad de cuidados clínicos o intensivos de adultos...

OBJECTIVES: To determine the frequency of occupational blood and body fluids exposure (OBBFE) among the nursing staff at the Dr. Diego Paroissien Hospital in Buenos Aires, Argentina; analyze the possible risk factors associated; and assess the level of knowledge regarding universal precautions and control procedures following exposure. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study was performed using a voluntary and anonymous survey administered between April and May 2005. In addition to personal and professional data, information was collected on knowledge and practice of universal precautions and procedures, OBBFE experienced, barriers to following the standards, and whether or not the Hepatitis B vaccine had been received. The dependent variable in the analysis was ever having experienced an OBBFE accident. RESULTS: Of the 186 responses analyzed, 77.7 percent were female, the mean age was 44.6 ± 8.9 years, and the institution was 13.3 ± 6.4 years old. Of those surveyed, 91 (48.9 percent) indicated that at some time they had an OBBFE, with 33 (17.7 percent) of these having occurred during the previous year; 73.0 percent confirmed that the tools necessary for complying with universal precautions were available always or almost always; 76.2 percent felt they had complete information, although 56.3 percent said they had not received adequate training; and, 94.1 percent claimed to have been vaccinated against Hepatitis B. Being overworked (54.5 percent), insufficient training (21.8 percent), and a lack of protective tools (18.8 percent) were the reasons most often identified as impeding compliance with universal precaution guidelines. Not having received training during the preceding year and having recently started work in a clinical or adult intensive-care unit were significantly associated with having experienced an OBBFE. CONCLUSIONS: These results signal a risk alert for OBBFE among health care workers and underscore the need for improving...

Características de la infección por HIV/sida según sexo en una región del Gran Buenos Aires: Períodos 1998-2002/ 2003-2005 / Characteristics of HIV infection by sex in a suburban district of Buenos Aires for the periods 1998 to 2002 and 2003 to 2005

Con el propósito de evaluar características de la infección por HIV/sida en uno de los distritos más pobres del Gran Buenos Aires, revisamos datos clínicos y epidemiológicos de las historias clínicas de los pacientes con diagnóstico reciente de infección por HIV en el hospital Dr. Diego Paroissien entre 1998 y 2005. Analizamos 524 historias clínicas, 329 (62.8%) correspondientes al período 1998-2002 y 195 (37.2%) al 2003-2005, 241 mujeres (46%) y 283 hombres (54%). El modo dominante de transmisión en las mujeres fue sexual y en los hombres el uso de drogas intravenosas. Las mujeres presentaron al momento del diagnóstico de infección por HIV, de manera estadísticamente significativa, menor estadio clínico, menor edad, mayores valores de recuento de células CD4 y menores de carga viral. No observamos diferencias entre ambos sexos en la frecuencia con que los pacientes continuaron en control clínico al año de seguimiento, iniciaron terapia antirretroviral y continuaron en tratamiento al año de haber iniciado el mismo. Comparando los períodos 1998- 2002 y 2003-2005 se determinó un aumento, estadísticamente significativo, del diagnóstico como parte del control del embarazo en la mujer, del modo primario sexual de adquisición, de la frecuencia de pacientes que continuaron en control clínico al año de seguimiento y de la disminución del uso de drogas inyectables para ambos sexos. Las diferencias de sexo observadas persisten en el período 2003-2005 cuando se excluyeron del análisis las mujeres en las que se realizó el diagnóstico como parte del control del embarazo.

With the aim of evaluating gender differences in one of the poorest districts of Buenos Aires, we reviewed epidemiological and clinical data of newly-diagnosed HIV patients at the Diego Paroissien Hospital between 1998 and 2005.We analyzed 524 clinical charts, 329 (62.8%) of which were from the 1998 to 2002 period and 195 (37.2%) from 2003 to 2005. Women accounted for 241 (46%) of the patients. The dominant mode of transmission was sexual intercourse in women and intravenous drug-use in men. At the time of diagnosis, women were at a significantly lower clinical stage, were younger, and had higher CD4 counts and lower viral loads. No gender differences were found in the rates of continued clinical care or continued antiretroviral therapy at one year follow-up. Comparing the periods 1998 to 2002 and 2003 to 2005, there was a statistically significant increase in diagnoses made during the pregnancy screening in women, in sexual transmission as the primary route of HIV infection, in the frequency of patients (both men and women) who had continued clinical care at one year follow-up, and a decreasing of intravenous drug-use in both sexes.The observed gender differences in the 2003-2005 period persisted even when those women who were diagnosed during their pregnancy screening were excluded from the analysis.