Southern African Journal of Infectious Diseases最新文献

{"title":"Improving peritoneal dialysis fluid culture-positivity yield from 2022 to 2023.","authors":"Jenna A van der Vyver, Teena Thomas","doi":"10.4102/sajid.v39i1.684","DOIUrl":"10.4102/sajid.v39i1.684","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Microbiological testing of peritoneal dialysis bags for peritonitis often yields culture-negative results. Culture-negative samples should not exceed > 15% according to the International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis. To reduce this issue, the addition of a blood culture bottle incubation step to the culture process was introduced at the Infection Control Services Laboratory (ICSL) of the National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS).</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The aim of the study was to ascertain if the change in methodology increased the culture-positivity yield and reduced the culture-negative percentage.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>Data from the NHLS Central Data Warehouse (CDW) were analysed to compare the culture-positive results over two periods: June-December 2022 when the non-blood culture (B/C) bottle method was used and January-July 2023 when the B/C bottle method was implemented.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The non-B/C culture method yielded a 23% culture-positivity yield, whereas the B/C bottle-based method yielded a 51% culture-positivity yield. However, the culture-negative yield for the B/C bottle-based method was high at 49%.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The change in dialysis bag processing in 2023 led to a more than doubling in culture-positivity yield. However, the culture-negative percentage remained high. As a result, further modifications to the methodology are needed.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>The study findings illustrate that the addition of the B/C bottle incubation step significantly improved peritoneal dialysis bag culture yields which directly impacts patient management.</p>","PeriodicalId":44007,"journal":{"name":"Southern African Journal of Infectious Diseases","volume":"39 1","pages":"684"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-11-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11622140/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142802513","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":"Sexually transmitted pathogens in asymptomatic women at Rethabile clinic, Limpopo, South Africa.","authors":"Dembe Mukavhanyedzi, Ivy Rukasha","doi":"10.4102/sajid.v39i1.618","DOIUrl":"10.4102/sajid.v39i1.618","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Health care for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is often inadequate, especially for women, because of the asymptomatic nature of many STIs, which can lead to a false sense of health. Thus, there is limited data on the prevalence of STIs in pregnant women in low and middle-income countries.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The study aimed to determine the prevalence of STIs in asymptomatic pregnant women attending antenatal Rethabile Community Health Centre, Limpopo, South Africa.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A cross-sectional analysis of asymptomatic pregnant women at Rethabile Community Health Centre between March 2023 and November 2023 was conducted to determine the prevalence of seven STIs, detected from self-collected vaginal swab specimens using HAIN fluoroType STI-multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test for nine targets covering seven major STIs.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study found that <i>Ureaplasma urealyticum</i> was the most prevalent pathogen (43%) followed by <i>Chlamydia trachomatis</i> (41%), and <i>Trichomonas vaginalis</i> (10%). The less common pathogens detected were <i>Mycoplasma Genitalium</i> (5%) and <i>Neisseria gonorrhoeae</i> (2%).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>High STI prevalence among asymptomatic pregnant women at Rethabile Community Health Centre necessitates diagnostic screening over syndromic management because of a lack of reporting for symptoms.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>The paper examines the epidemiology of STIs in Limpopo, South Africa, focusing on healthy, asymptomatic populations. It emphasises the need for laboratory screening, particularly in pregnant women, over empiric treatment because of high chances of missing infections.</p>","PeriodicalId":44007,"journal":{"name":"Southern African Journal of Infectious Diseases","volume":"39 1","pages":"618"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-11-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11622116/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142802515","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":"Comparison of SARS-CoV-2 molecular results from the first two COVID-19 waves in Gauteng.","authors":"Kreshalen Govender, Rendani T Mafuyeka, Azwidowi Lukhwareni, Pieter Meyer","doi":"10.4102/sajid.v39i1.647","DOIUrl":"10.4102/sajid.v39i1.647","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Laboratory-based molecular assays return cycle threshold (Ct) values for each gene target. There is limited hyperlocal information describing the Ct, age and sex trends during the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) waves in South Africa.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To analyse the demographic and Ct value trends of SARS-CoV-2 molecular assays from two South African hospitals.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>The Seegene Allplex 2019-nCoV™ results from the first two waves (June-July 2020 and November 2020-January 2021) from two major hospitals in Gauteng, South Africa, were extracted from the laboratory information system. Demographic variables and Ct values were analysed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Overall, 2391 samples were analysed over two waves. In both waves, more women were tested than men; 68.4% versus 31.2% in the first wave and 59.8% versus 39.7% in the second wave. Differences in Ct values among the age groups were non-significant overall; however, most median Ct values in all age groups were < 30. Men had lower median Ct values in the first wave, but this trend reversed in the second wave (<i>p</i> < 0.001). The first wave had significantly lower mean and median Ct values per gene target (<i>p</i> < 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Patients tested in the first wave had lower Ct values. All age groups in both waves demonstrated infectivity potential; the demographic analysis agreed with South Africa's coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemiological trends in both waves.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>Granular insight into the basic demographic variables and Ct trends of SARS-CoV-2 real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) results within and between SARS-CoV-2 waves in South Africa.</p>","PeriodicalId":44007,"journal":{"name":"Southern African Journal of Infectious Diseases","volume":"39 1","pages":"647"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-11-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11622115/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142802609","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":"Determinants of persistent malaria transmission in the Arjo-Didessa farm area in Ethiopia.","authors":"Hiwot S Taffese, Sibusiso M Zuma","doi":"10.4102/sajid.v39i1.623","DOIUrl":"10.4102/sajid.v39i1.623","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>In tropical and subtropical areas of the world, malaria is still a serious public health concern. Activities related to agricultural development that involve irrigation schemes likely increase the risk of malaria in tropical and sub-Saharan African regions. Ethiopia is a sub-Saharan country where malaria is endemic.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The aim of the study was to investigate the determinants related to the persistence of malaria transmission in the Arjo-Didessa sugarcane farm area in southwest Ethiopia.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>The study employed a quantitative survey design. Quantitative data were collected from 397 households using structured questionnaires. SPSS Statistics version 26 was used to analyse the data. Z- and Chi-square tests were applied, and the data were analysed using logistic regression.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The determinants that were identified included variation in land use, water management practices, socioeconomic status and knowledge about the use of anti-malaria treatment. These were shown to contribute to increased malaria transmission and the rise in malaria cases in agricultural areas.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The effectiveness of malaria control in agricultural settings can be improved through free access to malaria testing and treatment as well as knowledge about anti-malaria treatment among the residents in agricultural areas.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>The study revealed key determinants, including the promotion of free access to anti-malaria treatment, which should be considered for the effective management of malaria in agricultural areas.</p>","PeriodicalId":44007,"journal":{"name":"Southern African Journal of Infectious Diseases","volume":"39 1","pages":"623"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-11-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11622134/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142802512","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":"Knowledge and perceptions of South African blood donors towards biobanking and stool donation.","authors":"Shantelle Claassen-Weitz, Elloise du Toit, Sugnet Gardner-Lubbe, Brian Kullin, Gregory Bellairs, Caroline Hilton, Anika Chicken, Kirsten Welp, Hannah Livingstone, Adrian Brink","doi":"10.4102/sajid.v39i1.645","DOIUrl":"10.4102/sajid.v39i1.645","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The complexity of contexts and varied purposes for which biome donation are requested are unknown in South Africa.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The aim of this study was to provide strategic data towards actualisation of whether a stool donor bank may be established as a collaborative between Western Cape Blood Services (WCBS) and the University of Cape Town (UCT).</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>We designed a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey to determine willingness of WCBS blood donors to donate stool specimens for microbiome biobanking. The study was conducted between 01 June 2022 and 01 July 2022 at three WCBS donation centres in Cape Town, South Africa. Anonymous blood donors who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled. Anonymised demographic and interview data were analysed statistically.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Analysis of responses from 209/231 blood donors demonstrated in a logistic regression model that compensation (<i>p</i> < 0.001) and 'societal benefit outweighs inconvenience' beliefs (<i>p</i> = 7.751e-05) were covariates significantly associated with willingness to donate stool. Age was borderline significant at a 5% level (<i>p</i> = 0.0556). Most willing stool donors indicated that donating stool samples would not affect blood donations (140/157, 90%). Factors decreasing willingness to donate were stool collection being unpleasant or embarrassing.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The survey provides strategic data for the establishment of a stool bank and provided an understanding of the underlying determinants regarding becoming potential donors.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This is the first report on the perspectives of potential participants in donating samples towards a stool microbiome biobank in South Africa, a necessity for faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT).</p>","PeriodicalId":44007,"journal":{"name":"Southern African Journal of Infectious Diseases","volume":"39 1","pages":"645"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-10-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11538471/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142591787","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":"Diagnoses of children living with HIV before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.","authors":"Asandiswa L Shange, Lisa J Frigati, Moleen Zunza","doi":"10.4102/sajid.v39i1.652","DOIUrl":"10.4102/sajid.v39i1.652","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>There is limited data on diagnoses during hospital stay among children living with HIV(CLHIV) in the antiretroviral and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) era.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The aim of this study was to describe hospital diagnoses and clinical characteristics of CLHIV before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study was performed. Clinical and laboratory data were retrieved by reviewing folders and discharge summaries from January 2019 to December 2021. Period A (pre-COVID-19) was defined as the period from January 2019 to March 2020. Period B (During COVID-19) was defined as being from April 2020 to December 2021.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Ninety-six children contributed 215 diagnoses over the study period. The five most common diagnoses were unspecified HIV disease (47/215, 21.9%), tuberculosis (TB) (42/215, 19.5%), pneumonia (13/215, 6.0%), encephalopathy (11/215, 5.1%) and malnutrition (11/215, 5.1%). Median CD4 count was 377 cells/mm (IQR 126, 726) and 8.0% of the children were virally suppressed. Ninety-five per cent of the children had WHO Stage 3 and 4 (95%) disease and 12.5% of children required ICU admission. No child was diagnosed with COVID-19 despite universal screening. Moreover, 81.7% of the children had a social worker referral documented.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Advanced HIV disease (AHD) remains prevalent with TB being the most common diagnosis. There were no cases of COVID-19 recorded in CLHIV.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>The findings provide a description of the diagnoses of CLHIV in the South African setting prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights the need for more specific documentation of diagnoses to inform better prevention of AHD in children.</p>","PeriodicalId":44007,"journal":{"name":"Southern African Journal of Infectious Diseases","volume":"39 1","pages":"652"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-10-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11538118/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142592480","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 linked to virological failure in people on a dolutegravir-based regimen in Mamelodi.","authors":"Moloko S Mmatsoku, Sanele Ngcobo","doi":"10.4102/sajid.v39i1.670","DOIUrl":"10.4102/sajid.v39i1.670","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Since 2019, the World Health Organization has recommended dolutegravir-containing regimens for HIV in low- and middle-income countries because of its high genetic barriers to resistance, lower drug interactions, fewer side effects, higher viral load (VL) suppression rates and cost-effectiveness compared to efavirenz.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study investigates factors associated with unsuppressed VLs in people living with HIV on tenofovir-lamivudine and dolutegravir (TLD) in South Africa (SA).</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted between October 2023 and February 2024 at Mamelodi Regional Hospital's Ntshembo Clinic. Participants were people living with HIV aged 18 years and older, more than 6 months on TLD, with either suppressed (≤ 50 copies/mL) or unsuppressed (> 50 copies/mL) VLs.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Significant associations were found between unsuppressed VL and factors such as sex, marital status, occupation and education level. Male participants were less likely to achieve VL suppression than female participants (odds ratio: 0.45, <i>p</i> = 0.0007). Poor antiretroviral therapy adherence was linked to higher unsuppressed VL (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Newly initiated patients had significantly lower suppression rates (<i>p</i> < 0.05). The use of traditional or herbal and religious products was also linked to unsuppressed VL (<i>p</i> < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study highlights the importance of addressing adherence factors to improve VL suppression rates among people living with HIV on TLD.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>Tailored interventions targeting adherence, especially among newly initiated patients, and addressing the use of traditional or herbal and religious products are warranted to enhance treatment outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":44007,"journal":{"name":"Southern African Journal of Infectious Diseases","volume":"39 1","pages":"670"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-10-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11538423/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142591786","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":"Viral load non-suppression among adolescents and youth living with HIV in South Africa.","authors":"Lesiba O Molopa, Thembelihle P Ginyana, Noloyiso Vondo, Rindidzani Magobo, Goitseone Maseko, Nompumelelo Zungu, Khangelani Zuma, Leickness Simbayi, Musawenkosi Mabaso, Sizulu Moyo","doi":"10.4102/sajid.v39i1.629","DOIUrl":"10.4102/sajid.v39i1.629","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Despite the increased initiation and uptake of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in South Africa, some people living with HIV (PLHIV) who are on ART still have non-suppressed viral load (VL).</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aimed to determine the prevalence of VL non-suppression among adolescents and youth (aged 12 years - 24 years) living with HIV and on ART in South Africa, as well as the factors associated with it.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>Data from the 2017 South African national HIV prevalence, incidence, behaviour, and communication survey were analysed. The survey used a multistage-stratified cluster sampling design. A backward stepwise multivariable generalised linear model was used to identify factors associated with VL non-suppression.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study included 340 participants aged 12 years - 24 years, with a median age of 21 (interquartile range [IQR]: 18-23). The proportion of adolescents and youth living with HIV and on ART with non-suppressed VL was 19.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 14.4-25.3). Approximately 60% of the participants were not on ART. The odds of VL non-suppression were significantly higher among youth aged 15 years - 19 years (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.63 [95% CI: 1.24-2.13], <i>p</i> = 0.001) and aged 20 years - 24 years (AOR = 1.22 [95% CI: 1.06-1.41], <i>p</i> = 0.005) compared to adolescents aged 12 years - 14 years. The odds were significantly lower among individuals of other races (AOR = 0.80 [95% CI: 0.69-0.92], <i>p</i> = 0.003) compared to black African people.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Findings suggest a need for ART education and counselling as part of treatment support. In addition, the promotion of HIV awareness as part of strengthening the HIV treatment and prevention cascade.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>The article showed the prevalence of VL non-suppression and associated factors among adolescents and youth.</p>","PeriodicalId":44007,"journal":{"name":"Southern African Journal of Infectious Diseases","volume":"39 1","pages":"629"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-09-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11447573/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142373159","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":"Even a worm will turn: An atypical presentation of hydatid disease.","authors":"Piero Saieva, Tamsin Lovelock, Thabiet Jardine","doi":"10.4102/sajid.v39i1.661","DOIUrl":"10.4102/sajid.v39i1.661","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Hydatid disease (cystic echinococcosis) is a neglected zoonosis, often incidentally detected in its late stages. The clinical manifestations depend on the location and dimensions of the cysts, with the liver and lungs frequently affected. This case report describes thrombocytopenia, an unusual haematological complication of hydatid disease. We use this case to highlight the role that platelets play in various parasitic infections and to advocate for further research into the role of platelets in hydatid disease.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>We draw attention to a less well-known complication of hydatid disease.</p>","PeriodicalId":44007,"journal":{"name":"Southern African Journal of Infectious Diseases","volume":"39 1","pages":"661"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-09-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11447582/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142373158","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":"Possible depression in new tuberculosis patients in the Free State province, South Africa.","authors":"Gladys Kigozi-Male, Christo Heunis, Michelle Engelbrecht, Raymond Tweheyo","doi":"10.4102/sajid.v39i1.653","DOIUrl":"10.4102/sajid.v39i1.653","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Despite compelling evidence of comorbidity between tuberculosis (TB) and depression, little is known about the prevalence and determinants of depression among TB patients in the Free State province in South Africa.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study assessed the prevalence and factors associated with possible depression among new drug susceptible TB patients attending primary health care facilities.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>The study followed a cross-sectional design. Trained fieldworkers conducted face-to-face interviews with conveniently selected patients. Depression was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Data were subjected to descriptive and binomial logistic regression analyses.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Out of 208 patients, 46.2% screened positive for possible depression - 22.6%, 18.8%, and 4.8% presenting with mild, moderate, and severe symptoms, respectively. Possible depression odds were three times higher among females than males (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 3.0; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.25-7.32) and 2.7 times higher among extrapulmonary TB (EPTB) than pulmonary TB patients (95% CI: 1.03-7.21). Longer TB treatment duration was protective (AOR: 0.8; 95% CI: 0.70-0.95) against depression. Among human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients, those on antiretroviral therapy (ART) had 2.5 times higher odds of depression (95% CI: 1.13-5.46) than those who were not.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The results highlight a significant burden of possible depression among new TB patients, particularly among females, EPTB patients, and ART recipients. Longer TB treatment duration may offer some protection against depression symptoms, suggesting a need for enhanced adherence support.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>The results suggest that strengthening TB and mental health service integration is critical to improving treatment outcomes, overall well-being of TB patients, and the performance of the Free State TB programme.</p>","PeriodicalId":44007,"journal":{"name":"Southern African Journal of Infectious Diseases","volume":"39 1","pages":"653"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-08-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11369747/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142126900","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}