Southern African Journal of Infectious Diseases最新文献

{"title":"Hepatitis C missed diagnostic opportunities: The role of reflex viral load testing in the era of direct acting antivirals, a descriptive South African study from 2017 to 2021.","authors":"Hloniphile Mthiyane, Bonolo Mashishi, Mamodiane A Patjane, Ntwanano Honwana, Nishi Prabdial-Sing, Lucia Hans, Nonhlanhla Mbenenge, Bhaveshan Reddy, Avania Bangalee, Florette K Treurnicht","doi":"10.4102/sajid.v41i1.778","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/sajid.v41i1.778","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing algorithm used in South African laboratories involves two tests; a serology test to detect anti-HCV antibodies and a confirmatory test to detect the presence of HCV ribonucleic acid (RNA). These tests usually require consecutive blood samples taken at more than one hospital visit, leaving patients with inconclusive diagnosis for weeks.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aimed to describe the prevalence and proportion of HCV seropositive cases where diagnostic opportunities were missed among patients who attended public healthcare facilities in Johannesburg, South Africa.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>This descriptive study was conducted as a retrospective analysis of laboratory data from the Department of Medical Virology, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa. Patients for whom HCV diagnosis were requested from 2017 to 2021 were included in the study.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Over the five-year period, a total of 212 670 patients were tested for HCV antibodies and 8575 (4.04%) tested positive. The HCV seropositivity was recorded for 74.8% (6421/8575) of males compared to females (23.6%; 2030/8575; <i>p</i> < 0.001). Only 25% (2183/8575) of HCV seropositive patients had a linked HCV RNA quantitative PCR test result.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Despite an overall HCV seroprevalence of 4% in this study, only one quarter received a definitive diagnosis. This highlights that most patients are lost to follow-up because of the two-step diagnostic process, which requires them to return to the health facility for confirmatory tests.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>The study highlights the need to adopt HCV reflex testing as the standard in South Africa to meet the 2030 elimination targets.</p>","PeriodicalId":44007,"journal":{"name":"Southern African Journal of Infectious Diseases","volume":"41 1","pages":"778"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13058554/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147646721","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Zimbabwe adverse events following immunisation surveillance system: A descriptive study with COVID-19 vaccine safety updates.","authors":"Priscilla P M Nyambayo, Rumbidzai Manyevere, Libert Chirinda, Steny F Marekera, Tatenda Nyamandi, Rutendo P Chaitezvi, Richard T Rukwata, Ushma Mehta, Michael S Gold","doi":"10.4102/sajid.v41i1.785","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/sajid.v41i1.785","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>A functional national adverse events following immunisation (AEFI) surveillance system is vital for guiding vaccination policies and sustaining public confidence. The system helps ensure safe immunisation delivery, thereby maintaining high delivery vaccine coverage and reducing vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs). Optimising these systems remains a critical public health priority.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This novel study reviews and evaluates Zimbabwe's AEFI surveillance system from 1998-2024, including updates on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine safety to identify strengths, weaknesses and opportunities for improvement.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>We conducted an in-depth analysis of all AEFI reports received from 1998-2024, assessing reporting trends, overall system performance AEFI investigation, causality assessment and feedback to reporters using the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Benchmarking Tool (GBT). Duplications were excluded, and reports with evidence of AEFI(s) after vaccination were included.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The findings show a steady increase in AEFI reports per annum, especially from 2006-2024, with substantial increases in 2023 and 2024, reaching rates of 64 and 82 reports per 100 000 surviving infants. The reporting rate exceeded the WHO-recommended minimum AEFI reporting rate in 13 years (50%) out of the 26 years. The COVID-19 vaccination programme generated 519 AEFI reports (23%) between 2021-2023, with reporting rates of 2.1, 0.1 and 1.1 per 100 000 population, respectively.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>A strong partnership between the immunisation programme and regulatory authority has enhanced AEFI surveillance. However, incomplete AEFI case investigations and delays in AEFIs detection remain key. System improvements should incorporate digital tools to enhance reporting investigation and signal detection, including postmortem examinations for serious AEFIs.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>The unique Zimbabwe AEFI publication contributes to the scientific knowledge, challenges and potential signals to heed to enhancing vaccine safety systems.</p>","PeriodicalId":44007,"journal":{"name":"Southern African Journal of Infectious Diseases","volume":"41 1","pages":"785"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13058547/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147646707","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"R263K-associated dolutegravir resistance on tenofovir, lamivudine and dolutegravir: Implications for earlier genotyping and regimen optimisation.","authors":"Sirashen Naidoo","doi":"10.4102/sajid.v41i1.790","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/sajid.v41i1.790","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>A South African woman receiving tenofovir, lamivudine and dolutegravir (TLD) with good adherence, developed virological failure with the integrase mutation R263K. Viral suppression was achieved after rapid intensification to dolutegravir 50 mg twice daily combined with atazanavir with ritonavir (ATV/r), with continuation of the nucleoside backbone (dual-anchor regimen). This case highlights the need for earlier resistance testing and specialist-guided salvage therapy for subtype C in resource-limited settings.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>Archived nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) resistance may render the background drugs functionally inactive, creating functional DTG monotherapy that can select for R263K in HIV-1 subtype C. Swift escalation to salvage therapy may mitigate viraemia. Algorithms should be formulated to warrant earlier genotyping and promote rapid efforts to limit resistance accumulation in patients with documented adherence.</p>","PeriodicalId":44007,"journal":{"name":"Southern African Journal of Infectious Diseases","volume":"41 1","pages":"790"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13058555/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147646683","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Factors predicting the outcome of patients admitted with COVID-19 infection at Pietersburg Hospital, Polokwane, Limpopo province.","authors":"Koena J Moabelo, Phetho Mangena, Musa E Setati, Mokibe J Nchabeleng","doi":"10.4102/sajid.v41i1.782","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/sajid.v41i1.782","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The emergence of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), in late 2019 in Wuhan City, has led to a global outbreak of COVID-19, culminating in the declaration of a pandemic by the World Health Organization.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The aim of the study was to evaluate the factors predicting the outcome in patients with COVID-19 infection.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>This was a retrospective study using secondary data of patients admitted with laboratory-confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results at Pietersburg Hospital between 01 March 2020 and 31 March 2021, which were extracted from DATCOV portal.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>There were 444 eligible study participants, of which 225 (50.7%) were female and 219 (49.3%) were male patients. Their median age was 57 years. A total of 159 (36%) in-hospital deaths related to COVID-19 infection were reported. Using the logistic regression model, two predictor variables, age and intensive care unit (ICU) admission were independently associated with mortality. An increase in patient's age per year, increased the odds of dying. The ICU admission had a three-fold odds for non-survival. In-hospital mortality was associated with shorter length of hospitalisation because of disease severity and late patient presentation, with a median duration of 4 days (interquartile range [IQR] 2.0-9.0).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Age and ICU admission were significantly related to non-survival, with hypertension being the common factor in all deaths reported.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>The study emphasises the importance of pandemic preparedness and strengthening healthcare services to protect vulnerable groups such as the elderly population.</p>","PeriodicalId":44007,"journal":{"name":"Southern African Journal of Infectious Diseases","volume":"41 1","pages":"782"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-02-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12969601/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147436396","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prescription precision: Evaluating antimicrobial prescription practices in paediatric and neonatal inpatients.","authors":"Carla Theron, Maja van Aswegen, A'ishah da Costa, Heather Finlayson, Gugu Kali, Angela Dramowski","doi":"10.4102/sajid.v41i1.792","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/sajid.v41i1.792","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>There are limited data on antimicrobial prescribing quality in paediatric wards in African hospitals.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aimed to assess the quality of antimicrobial prescribing.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>We conducted weekly point prevalence surveys (PPSs) (15 March 2025 - 05 April 2025), assessing antimicrobial use and prescribing quality in neonatal and paediatric medical wards at Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa. Inpatients with active antimicrobial prescriptions at 08:00 on PPS days were included, collecting data on demographics, antimicrobials, prescription quality and time to administration (hangtime) using electronic surveys.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We reviewed 842 prescription charts, of which 237 (28.1%) included antimicrobial agents (23.3% neonates vs 34.4% paediatric patients; <i>p</i> < 0.001). Antimicrobial use was highest in the neonatal intensive care unit (58.5%) and lowest in neonatal wards (20.0%). Most antimicrobial therapy was empiric (89.0%), with pneumonia (49.2%) leading in paediatric patients and sepsis (43.2%) in neonates. Ceftriaxone (20.9%) dominated paediatric use, while ampicillin (20.4%) and meropenem (16.7%) predominated in neonates. Overall, 49.8% of agents were 'Access', 49.3% 'Watch' and 0.9% 'Reserve' from the World Health Organization 'AWaRe' classification. The intravenous route of administration predominated (79.0%). Median treatment duration was 5 days (interquartile range [IQR] 5-7 days). In patients with sepsis, the median hangtime was 109 min (IQR 30 min - 205 min), with only 23.2% initiated within 60 min. Prescription quality was suboptimal: allergies were documented in 37.1%, infection source in 29.0% and stop dates in 38.0%.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Antimicrobial prescribing in these neonatal and paediatric wards showed frequent use of broad-spectrum agents, delayed administration and incomplete documentation.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>The findings highlight the need for improved stewardship practices to promote timely, appropriate and well-documented antimicrobial use.</p>","PeriodicalId":44007,"journal":{"name":"Southern African Journal of Infectious Diseases","volume":"41 1","pages":"792"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-02-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12969477/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147436377","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessment of healthcare worker preparedness and health literacy for Marburg virus disease in Nigeria: A cross-sectional study.","authors":"Emmanuel O Oisakede, Daniel Asogun, Osahon Otaigbe, Iziengbe Iyoriobhe, Emmanuel O Erhieyovwe, Airenakho Emorinken, Martin Nwosu, Uyi M Osamudiamen, David Olawade","doi":"10.4102/sajid.v41i1.764","DOIUrl":"10.4102/sajid.v41i1.764","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Marburg virus disease (MVD) poses an emerging threat to Nigeria, particularly following the 2022 outbreak in neighbouring Ghana. With Nigeria already managing Lassa fever and Mpox outbreaks, assessing healthcare workers' preparedness at viral haemorrhagic disease reference centres is crucial for effective outbreak response.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aimed to assess healthcare workers' knowledge, attitudes and preparedness regarding MVD at Nigeria's primary viral haemorrhagic fever reference centre.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, from May 2024 to October 2024. Healthcare workers were recruited using simple random sampling and data collected via semi-structured questionnaires. Descriptive and inferential statistics were analysed using Stata 17.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 216 participants, 126 (58.3%) were doctors and 90 (41.7%) were nurses. Doctors demonstrated significantly higher knowledge of MVD symptoms (65.9% vs 46.7%, <i>p</i> < 0.001) and risk factors, with fever being the most recognised symptom (68.0%). Only 19.1% of doctors and 10.0% of nurses had received formal MVD training. Confidence in hospital preparedness was paradoxically lower among doctors (32.5%) than nurses (65.6%, <i>p</i> < 0.001). Most participants felt inadequately equipped with personal protective equipment, with only 38.1% of doctors and 48.9% of nurses reporting adequate protection.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Significant gaps exist in MVD health literacy and outbreak preparedness among Nigerian healthcare workers at a major viral haemorrhagic disease centre.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>Enhanced training programmes, improved resource allocation and systematic preparedness protocols are urgently needed to strengthen Nigeria's capacity for MVD outbreak response.</p>","PeriodicalId":44007,"journal":{"name":"Southern African Journal of Infectious Diseases","volume":"41 1","pages":"764"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12869813/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146126884","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Acute G6PD deficiency haemolytic crises with associated methaemoglobinaemia in a patient with typhoid.","authors":"Jake P Jacob, Midhun T John, Gilad Mensky, Lior Chernick","doi":"10.4102/sajid.v41i1.771","DOIUrl":"10.4102/sajid.v41i1.771","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is an X-linked disorder that increases red blood cell susceptibility to oxidative damage. While haemolysis is common, methaemoglobinaemia is a rare complication. A 39-year-old man developed both conditions, triggered by <i>Salmonella typhi</i> infection. Diagnosis was supported by Heinz bodies and blister cells on blood smear. Methylene blue and high-dose ascorbic acid were relatively contraindicated because of ongoing haemolysis and renal dysfunction.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This case highlights the importance of considering methaemoglobinaemia in G6PD deficiency during infections and adapting treatment when standard therapies are unsuitable.</p>","PeriodicalId":44007,"journal":{"name":"Southern African Journal of Infectious Diseases","volume":"41 1","pages":"771"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12869820/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146126890","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales bacteraemia at a tertiary hospital: A five-year review.","authors":"Dewald Marais, Bonita van der Westhuizen, Claire L Barrett, Samantha Potgieter","doi":"10.4102/sajid.v41i1.765","DOIUrl":"10.4102/sajid.v41i1.765","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) pose a critical threat to public health, marked by limited therapeutic options, high mortality rates and significant pressure on healthcare systems. Despite the growing global burden, our region remains under-represented in national surveillance efforts, with a notable absence of local data.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aims to describe the epidemiological, clinical and microbiological characteristics, as well as patient outcomes, of CRE bacteraemia at Universitas Academic Hospital in Bloemfontein, South Africa, over a 5-year period.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A retrospective file review was performed for all adult in-patients with confirmed CRE bacteraemia admitted between 2019 and 2023. Data collected included patient demographics, comorbidities and clinical data pertaining to admission, microbial characteristics and clinical outcomes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Ninety-four episodes of CRE bacteraemia were identified in 88 patients. Prior antibiotic exposure was present in 90.9%, while 79.5% had comorbidities and 61.4% acute renal impairment. <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i> (84%) and <i>Enterobacter cloacae</i> (9.6%) were the predominant organisms cultured, with oxacillinase-48 (OXA-48) (78.4%) and New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM) (6.7%) being the most common carbapenemase genes detected. Only 13.8% of OXA-48-positive episodes received recommended first-line antibiotics. In-hospital mortality reached 56.8%, with immunosuppressive therapy significantly associated with death (<i>p</i> = 0.0165).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Mortality in our setting was substantially higher than national and international reports. Suboptimal treatment and limited access to effective antimicrobials likely contributed to these poor outcomes.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This is the first outcome-focused CRE study in this region, highlighting an urgent need for improved diagnostic capacity, antimicrobial access and targeted intervention strategies in under-resourced healthcare settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":44007,"journal":{"name":"Southern African Journal of Infectious Diseases","volume":"41 1","pages":"765"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12869805/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146126882","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Reviewing the review.","authors":"Mark F Cotton, Andrew C Whitelaw, Ute Hallbauer, Colleen Bamford, Wolfgang Preiser, Nishi Prabdial-Sing, Nicola Page","doi":"10.4102/sajid.v40i1.786","DOIUrl":"10.4102/sajid.v40i1.786","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":44007,"journal":{"name":"Southern African Journal of Infectious Diseases","volume":"40 1","pages":"786"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-12-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12817008/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146020129","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence and genotype distribution of cervical HPV among women living with and without HIV in selected health facilities in Limpopo province, South Africa.","authors":"Rixongile R Rikhotso, Emma M Mitchell, Pascal O Bessong","doi":"10.4102/sajid.v40i1.747","DOIUrl":"10.4102/sajid.v40i1.747","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>High-risk alpha human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are associated with cervical cancer (CC).</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study investigated the prevalence and genotype distribution of HPV among women living with and without HIV in Limpopo province, South Africa.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>The prevalence of HPV was determined in 450 participants who self-reported to be living with HIV or not. Total DNA was extracted from cervical specimens and amplified through a double-nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) approach targeting a fragment of the <i>L1</i> gene. A product from any of the nested PCRs was considered positive for the presence of HPV DNA. The first nested PCR products (~450 base pairs [bp]) were sequenced on an Illumina MiniSeq. Sequence reads of acceptable quality were analysed for viral genotypes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Human papillomavirus was detected in 32.7% of the study participants and was significantly higher at 52.21% (<i>p</i> = 0.00) among women living with HIV (WLWH) as compared to those not living with HIV. Overall, high-risk (hr) HPV 45 was the predominant genotype (16.7%). However, low-risk (lr) HPV 81 (18.8%) and hr-HPV 56 (25.0%) were more common among women living with and without HIV, respectively. Multiple infections and hr-HPV genotypes were more common among WLWH.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>A relatively high prevalence of HPV was detected in the cervical specimens from the study population. Women living with HIV were the most infected group. The data suggest that WLWH should be prioritised for HPV screening and vaccination.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This study contributes to the knowledge of HPV in Limpopo province, a region with scarce data on HPV epidemiology.</p>","PeriodicalId":44007,"journal":{"name":"Southern African Journal of Infectious Diseases","volume":"40 1","pages":"747"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-12-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12817024/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146020172","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}