The Southern African Journal of Epidemiology and infection最新文献

{"title":"Tuberculosis continues to be a public health problem in South Africa from diagnosis to treatment","authors":"N. Ismail, H. Koornhof","doi":"10.1080/10158782.2013.11441547","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10158782.2013.11441547","url":null,"abstract":"The latest Global tuberculosis report 2013 released by the World Health Organization indicates that South Africa, together with other African countries, is unlikely to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) set for 2015. The intrinsic impact of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) control on the burden of tuberculosis is an important confounder for countries in sub-Saharan Africa. The prospects of an improved vaccine becoming available, as part of efforts to control tuberculosis, will take years to come to fruition. The primary strategy for control is likely to continue to rely on early diagnosis and initiation of appropriate treatment.","PeriodicalId":335691,"journal":{"name":"The Southern African Journal of Epidemiology and infection","volume":"393 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2013-09-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"114125396","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Changing attitudes and practice","authors":"M. Mendelson","doi":"10.1080/10158782.2013.11441534","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10158782.2013.11441534","url":null,"abstract":"The infectious diseases landscape in Southern Africa is subtly changing. Although human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and tuberculosis continue to dominate, the response to these major epidemics is maturing. With respect to HIV, we are making the transition from the desperate situation of the pre-antiretroviral therapy (ART) and “Manto” years, to having nearly two million South Africans on ART, and as the bar descends in terms of CD4 count starting levels, the numbers will only increase. Treatment as prevention could make a major impact on transmission. How long will it be before persons living with HIV are offered ART, irrespective of stage or CD4 count? However, continued challenges present themselves with this shift, no more so than sustaining adherence to drugs, whether or not one pill or multiple, and the quality-of-life issues associated with any chronic disease. However, the sense of learned helplessness with respect to HIV is gone and has been replaced with optimism for the future.","PeriodicalId":335691,"journal":{"name":"The Southern African Journal of Epidemiology and infection","volume":"61 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2013-08-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"129404819","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The seroprevalence of Bordetella pertussis antibodies in adolescents in the Western Cape","authors":"M. Rensburg, M. Esser, C. D. Beer","doi":"10.1080/10158782.2013.11441551","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10158782.2013.11441551","url":null,"abstract":"Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory disease that can occur in all age groups. Over the past 15 years, an increase in the incidence of reported cases has been observed globally. Local surveillance data have also shown an increase in the number of laboratory-confirmed cases. This raises concerns about waning immunity in adolescents and adults. The aim of this study was to screen for seropositivity against pertussis infection by measuring immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody titers of Bordetella pertussis in an adolescent population in the Western Cape, South Africa. Serum samples were collected from 182 adolescents aged 15-18 years from different racial groups. The SERION ELISA ® classic B. pertussis IgG assay was used to detect human antibodies in serum. Twenty-seven subjects (15%) were seronegative and 135 (74%) seropositive for IgG antibodies. Racial breakdown showed that 84% of the black, 74% of the coloured, and 69% of the white subjects were seropositive, while the largest percentage (24%) of sero-negative individuals was in the white population group. This study demonstrated a high percentage of individuals in the adolescent age group with sero-positive antibody levels. However, it is unknown if these antibody levels are functionally protective. A more rigourous surveillance system would assist in defining and understanding the epidemiology of pertussis in South Africa, and could provide evidence of the need for booster vaccinations in adolescence and adulthood.","PeriodicalId":335691,"journal":{"name":"The Southern African Journal of Epidemiology and infection","volume":"11 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2013-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"129411359","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Knowledge and awareness of human papillomavirus and intention with regard to human papillomavirus vaccine uptake by female tertiary students in the Eastern Cape province","authors":"A. Chikandiwa, B. Wyk","doi":"10.1080/10158782.2013.11441553","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10158782.2013.11441553","url":null,"abstract":"In 2008, two human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines, Cervarix ® and Gardasil ® , were licensed for use in South Africa. Initial models showed that vaccination could lead to an approximate 70% decline in cervical cancer cases. This paper describes the knowledge, awareness and health beliefs about HPV and the HPV vaccine, and the intentions of female tertiary students with respect of being vaccinated with the latter. An observational, descriptive and analytical cross-sectional survey was conducted among 150 female tertiary students at a university in the Eastern Cape province in this regard. Knowledge and awareness of HPV and the HPV vaccine were poor. Only 22.7% of the students were aware of HPV and that an HPV vaccine was available in South Africa. However, most respondents (80%) reported a willingness to be vaccinated. Being aware of the existence of a Papanicolaou smear, higher knowledge of HPV, higher perceived vaccine effectiveness and higher perceived severity of HPV infection were significantly associated with increased willingness to be vaccinated. There is a need for education on HPV and its vaccination in South Africa. An effective vaccine marketing strategy should emphasise the effectiveness of the vaccine, the susceptibility of women to contracting HPV and the severity of being infected with the human immunodeficiency virus.","PeriodicalId":335691,"journal":{"name":"The Southern African Journal of Epidemiology and infection","volume":"143 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2013-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"123276404","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Resource-specific acute meningitis guidelines - a welcome addition","authors":"T. Boyles, M. Mendelson","doi":"10.1080/10158782.2013.11441512","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10158782.2013.11441512","url":null,"abstract":"Chronic meningitis, often caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis or Cryptococcus neoformans , has received a great deal of attention in South Africa as its incidence has increased along with that of HIV. By comparison acute meningitis caused by a different range of pathogens, has received relatively little attention while continuing to exact a large burden of morbidity and mortality. There are a number of guidelines for acute meningitis from high resource countries 1,2 but these may be less applicable to resource-limited countries like South Africa, a large proportion of whose population live in deeply rural areas with limited access to healthcare. There are also guidelines for acute meningitis in resource-poor settings 3 but such settings are heterogenous, particularly throughout Africa.","PeriodicalId":335691,"journal":{"name":"The Southern African Journal of Epidemiology and infection","volume":"134 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2013-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"114659590","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Phylogeny of Sindbis virus isolates from South Africa","authors":"N. Storm, J. Weyer, W. Markotter, P. Leman, A. Kemp, L. Nel, J. Pawęska","doi":"10.1080/10158782.2013.11441552","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10158782.2013.11441552","url":null,"abstract":"Sindbis virus (SINV), the prototype virus in the genus, Alphavirus, is an arbovirus with an extensive geographical distribution. Birds are the main vertebrate hosts for SINV, while Culex mosquitoes serve as vectors and occasionally transmit the virus to humans, causing a febrile illness with a maculopapular rash and arthritis. Currently, little information exists on the genetic diversity within SINV strains from South Africa. The E2 envelope glycoprotein gene was partially sequenced for a panel of 27 South African and African Sindbis virus isolates derived from a human case and from mosquito pools. A phylogenetic analysis was performed using these sequences, together with 65 partial E2 gene sequences from Sindbis virus isolates from elsewhere in the world. The resulting phylogenetic tree suggested five distinct Sindbis virus genotypes. The South African Sindbis virus isolates were grouped within genotype I, together with isolates from Sweden, Finland, Germany and Norway. The phylogeny of Sindbis virus reflects its geographical distribution and corresponds with the major migratory bird flyways, indicating that birds play a major role in Sindbis virus distribution.","PeriodicalId":335691,"journal":{"name":"The Southern African Journal of Epidemiology and infection","volume":"18 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2013-04-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"126180930","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"What is the link between vitamin D and tuberculosis","authors":"D. Kibirige, D. Kiggundu, W. Worodria","doi":"10.1080/10158782.2013.11441549","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10158782.2013.11441549","url":null,"abstract":"Tuberculosis is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality globally. Vitamin D directly influences the body’s immunological response to tuberculosis by modulating the production of certain antimicrobial peptides and the release of cytokines. Vitamin D deficiency has been extensively described in patients with tuberculosis. Currently, it is a recognised risk factor for tuberculosis. Genetic polymorphisms of the vitamin D receptor may influence host susceptibility to tuberculosis and response to antituberculosis therapy. This review article explores the close association between tuberculosis and vitamin D, with the aim of forming a strong basis for further interventional and genetic studies on patients with active tuberculosis.","PeriodicalId":335691,"journal":{"name":"The Southern African Journal of Epidemiology and infection","volume":"1 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2013-04-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"123086535","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Contraceptive use and prevalence of sexually transmitted infections among women seeking termination of pregnancy at a district hospital in KwaZulu-Natal","authors":"Samuel Ogutu Muruya, H. Sebitloane","doi":"10.1080/10158782.2013.11441541","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10158782.2013.11441541","url":null,"abstract":"Termination of pregnancy (TOP) is one of the components of female reproductive health and rights that are freely available in South Africa within the public health system, and yet unwanted pregnancies still remain a challenge. The objectives of this study were to determine the level of knowledge and use of contraceptive methods among women seeking TOP services and to evaluate the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted infections in this group of women. This population-based study was conducted at Northdale Hospital in KwaZulu-Natal. Four hundred and ninety-seven women seeking TOP were interviewed over a period of six months, using a structured questionnaire. The mean age of the women was 25 years. The majority of the participants were black Africans (n = 424, 85.3%,) and single (n = 423, 85%), respectively. Most participants (n = 354, 71%) were unemployed, having obtained a secondary school education level. The majority (n = 420, 84.5%) indicated that they had previously used some form of contraception. However, condom use was used by only 18% (n = 78). The HIV prevalence among women requesting TOP was 39%. Nearly half of the participants (45.9%) had abnormal vaginal discharge and 50% of those who had tested for syphilis received an abnormal result. This study reinforces the need to intensify sexual and reproductive health programmes among women seeking TOP.","PeriodicalId":335691,"journal":{"name":"The Southern African Journal of Epidemiology and infection","volume":"14 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2013-04-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"127318739","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Knowledge of, attitudes towards, and practices of contraception in high school pupils in Tswaing subdistrict, North West province","authors":"O. Onyensoh, I. Govender, J. Tumbo","doi":"10.1080/10158782.2013.11441555","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10158782.2013.11441555","url":null,"abstract":"In South Africa, contraceptive use is low in adolescents in the sense that sexual maturation and initiation of sexual activities is taking place at a younger age. This is evident from the high levels of teenage pregnancy that constitute a major health and social problem in South Africa. The risk-taking behaviour of high school pupils who engage in unsafe sexual practices also predisposes them to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and unplanned pregnancies. A cross-sectional survey was carried out in 2009 among Grade 10-12 high school pupils in 15 schools in the rural Tswaing subdistrict of North West province to determine their contraceptive knowledge, attitudes and practices. Data were collected from 231 pupils using a questionnaire. The mean age for sexual maturation was 14.6 years (a range of 14-15 years). Almost equal numbers of males (88, 50.3%) and females (87,49.7%) indicated that they had engaged in sexual intercourse. The average age of respondents was 14.9 years (males) and 15.4 years (females) when they engaged in sexual intercourse for the first time. One hundred and thirty pupils were reported to have had a previous pregnancy. Of the pupils who used contraception, the most common form used by the females was injectable contraceptives (34/81, 43%), and by the males, condoms (42/54, 77%). A high proportion of respondents knew about, and had awareness of, contraception and STIs, i.e. 83/101 of the males (83%) and 113/130 of the females (86.9%). A high number of pupils (128, 73.1%) indicated that they had used contraceptives when they had sexual intercourse for the first time. Of all of the males, only 32 (36.4%), and of all of the females, only 32 (36.8%) always used contraceptives. Eighty-eight pupils (38.1%) lived with both parents. Pupils in this rural area were familiar with contraception, started sexual intercourse at an early age and were generally inconsistent with their use of contraceptives. The study highlights that knowledge and awareness do not always lead to good practice with regard to contraception. A high level of sexual activity, early sexual initiation and low contraceptive use place these adolescents at risk of pregnancy and STIs, including HIV/AIDS.","PeriodicalId":335691,"journal":{"name":"The Southern African Journal of Epidemiology and infection","volume":"18 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2013-04-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"124915294","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Tuberculosis infection control practices in primary healthcare facilities in three districts of South Africa","authors":"M. Engelbrecht, A. J. Rensburg","doi":"10.1080/10158782.2013.11441554","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10158782.2013.11441554","url":null,"abstract":"South Africa has one of the highest incidence of tuberculosis in the world, which can partly be attributed to poor infection control in public healthcare (PHC) facilities. The aim of the study was to explore the extent of tuberculosis and infection control training, as well as facility-level managerial, administrative, environmental and personal protection, infection control measures, at PHC facilities. Cross-sectional surveys were conducted at 127 PHC facilities across three districts of South Africa. Data collection was achieved through interviews with tuberculosis nurses, observations of infection control practices and a review of the clinic records. Univariate analysis was performed using SPSS® version 17. Limited implementation of World Health Organization infection control measures was identifed. In terms of facility controls, 43.3% of the clinics did not have an infection control committee and 40.9% did not have a clinic specifc infection control plan. In terms of administrative controls, 94.5% of...","PeriodicalId":335691,"journal":{"name":"The Southern African Journal of Epidemiology and infection","volume":"14 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2013-04-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"127196316","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}