This case presents an uncommon fungal infection in the setting of HIV infection. This patient with meningitis from Rhodotorula spp. presented with headache, neck pain, and seizures; in the setting of low CD4 cell count of 50 cells/μl. The diagnosis was confirmed by the isolation of the fungus from the CSF and blood. She improved remarkably on high dose fluconazole.
Abstract Background Noninfectious comorbid diseases (NCDs) contribute to morbidity and mortality in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)–infected populations in resource-rich countries. With antiretroviral therapy (ART) scale-up in Africa, understanding burden NCD informs public health strategy. Methods At enrollment, participants at 11 HIV clinics in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Nigeria underwent medical history, physical, laboratory, and neuropsychological assessments to identify elevated blood pressure, hypercholesterolemia, dysglycemia, renal insufficiency, and cognitive impairment. Poisson regression models estimated adjusted relative risks (ARRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the number of NCDs associated with factors of interest. Logistic regression was used to evaluate each NCD separately among HIV-infected participants. Results Among 2720 participants with complete NCD data, 2159 (79.4%) were HIV-infected. Of those, 1426 (66.0%) were taking ART and 813 (37.7%) had at least 1 NCD. HIV infection was associated with more NCDs, especially with ART (ARR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.22–1.66). In addition to age, body mass index, and program site, ART usage was associated with more NCDs (ARR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.27–1.78 for virologically suppressed and ARR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.13–1.68 for viremic) among HIV-infected participants. In participants taking ART, CD4 nadir below 200 cells/mm3 was associated with more NCDs (ARR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.06–1.93). ART use was independently associated with hypercholesterolemia and dysglycemia. Program site was significantly associated with all comorbidities except renal insufficiency. Conclusions HIV infection was a risk for NCDs, which were common in HIV-infected participants, geographically variable, and largely consistent with metabolic complications of first-line ART.
Identification of the diverse animal hosts responsible for spill-over events from animals to humans is crucial for comprehending the transmission patterns of emerging infectious diseases, which pose significant public health risks. To better characterize potential animal hosts of Lassa virus (LASV), we assessed domestic and non-domestic animals from 2021-2022 in four locations in southern Nigeria with reported cases of Lassa fever (LF). Birds, lizards, and domestic mammals (dogs, pigs, cattle and goats) were screened using RT-qPCR, and whole genome sequencing was performed for lineage identification on selected LASV positive samples. Animals were also screened for exposure to LASV by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Among these animals, lizards had the highest positivity rate by PCR. Genomic sequencing of samples in most infected animals showed sub-lineage 2 g of LASV. Seropositivity was highest among cattle and lowest in pigs. Though the specific impact these additional hosts may have in the broader virus-host context are still unknown - specifically relating to pathogen diversity, evolution, and transmission - the detection of LASV in non-rodent hosts living in proximity to confirmed human LF cases suggests their involvement during transmission as potential reservoirs. Additional epidemiological data comparing viral genomes from humans and animals, as well as those circulating within the environment will be critical in understanding LASV transmission dynamics and will ultimately guide the development of countermeasures for this zoonotic health threat.
Abstract Background There are challenges in the diagnosis of TB in people with smear-negative pulmonary TB (SNPTB) in resource-limited settings. We evaluated the diagnostic usefulness of Xpert MTB/RIF compared with TB culture among SNPTB. Methods The study was a cross-sectional study among patients with SNPTB. The Xpert MTB/RIF tests and sputum culture (using Lowenstein-Jensen medium) were performed. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated. Results Of 150 patients studied, the sensitivity and specificity of GeneXpert MTB/RIF were 81.8 and 97.4%, respectively. Conclusion The sensitivity and specificity of Xpert MTB/RIF assay was comparative with culture in SNPTB patients.
Background Invasive Staphylococcus aureus infection (ISA) is increasingly being recognized as an important cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries. This problem is confounded by the increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant S. aureus . The aim of the study was to describe the clinical presentation and antibiotic susceptibility profile of ISA infection in a tertiary hospital in North West Nigeria. Materials and Methods This study was a prospective cohort study carried out on patients with ISA infection who were seen at a regional referral tertiary hospital in North West Nigeria. One hundred forty patients with ISA infection were studied. Clinical evaluation and relevant laboratory investigations were conducted. Antibiotic susceptibility tests were carried out by disk diffusion method according to Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute guidelines. Results The mean age of the patients was 40.7 ± 15.6 years, with male-to-female ratio of 1.4:1. Skin and soft tissue infections (108 [77.1%]) and primary bacteremia (17 [12.1%]) were the most common diagnoses. Most infections were community-acquired infections (94 [67.1%]). Risk factors were identified in 112 (80%), of which diabetes mellitus (40 [35.7%]) and chronic kidney diseases (33 [29.5%]) predominate. Eighty-two (52.2%) of the isolates were methicillin-sensitive S. aureus , and 75 (47.8%) were methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). More cases of MRSA compared with methicillin-sensitive S. aureus were seen among patients with pneumonia and primary bacteremia. The overall mortality was 25 (19.7%) at 1-month follow-up. On multiple logistic regression analysis, the only factors predictive of mortality were sepsis (odds ratio, 6.723; 95% confidence interval, 1.431–31.585) and infection with MRSA (odds ratio, 5.523; 95% confidence interval, 1.506–20.250). Conclusions This study shows high burden of ISA with high prevalence of MRSA. This underscores the need for antimicrobial stewardship program and strengthening of infection control practices in our hospital.
Abstract Recent outbreaks of viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHFs), including Ebola virus disease (EVD) and Lassa fever (LF), highlight the urgent need for sensitive, deployable tests to diagnose these devastating human diseases. Here we develop CRISPR-Cas13a-based (SHERLOCK) diagnostics targeting Ebola virus (EBOV) and Lassa virus (LASV), with both fluorescent and lateral flow readouts. We demonstrate on laboratory and clinical samples the sensitivity of these assays and the capacity of the SHERLOCK platform to handle virus-specific diagnostic challenges. We perform safety testing to demonstrate the efficacy of our HUDSON protocol in heat-inactivating VHF viruses before SHERLOCK testing, eliminating the need for an extraction. We develop a user-friendly protocol and mobile application (HandLens) to report results, facilitating SHERLOCK’s use in endemic regions. Finally, we successfully deploy our tests in Sierra Leone and Nigeria in response to recent outbreaks.
Background: Sexual and gender minorities (SGM) bear a high burden of HIV. The age of anal sexual debut may influence HIV care engagement. Our objective was to evaluate this relationship to help healthcare providers promote and anticipate future HIV care engagement among at-risk SGM. Methods: The TRUST/RV368 study provided HIV testing and treatment at SGM-friendly clinics in Abuja and Lagos, Nigeria. Self-reported age of sexual debut was dichotomized as <16 or ≥16 years. Multivariable logistic models estimated adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association of sexual debut with 1) prior HIV testing history, 2) HIV testing at the clinics, 3) initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) within 6 months of a clinic diagnosis, 4) viral suppression within 12 months of ART initiation. Results: Of the 2,680 participants, 30% (n=805) reported a sexual debut <16 years. Those with an <16-year debut had significantly more receptive sex partners, condomless sex, and transactional sex (all p<0.01) and were 24% less likely to have tested for HIV before enrollment (aOR: 0.76; CI: 0.62-0.93). However, <16-year debut was not associated with HIV testing, receiving ART or achieving viral suppression once engaged with TRUST/RV368 (all p>0.05). Conclusions: SGM with <16-year debut engaged in behaviors that could increase HIV risk and were less likely to have a history of HIV testing. However, once enrolled in SGM-friendly clinics, uptake of HIV care was not associated with <16-year debut, suggesting that SGM-friendly care models may promote HIV care engagement.
Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious disease of public health concern, mainly in low- and middle-income countries. Most of these countries have challenges in diagnosis and treatment of TB in people with smear-negative pulmonary tuberculosis (SNPTB), which remains a significant public health challenge because of the global burden of the disease. We evaluated the epidemiology and clinical presentation of SNPTB in a cohort of patients with high HIV burden. The study was a cross-sectional study among patients with SNPTB in four major hospitals that care for TB/HIV patients in north-central Nigeria. All patients 18 years and above who were newly diagnosed as SNPTB, or patients with SNPTB who had not taken TB drugs for up to 2 weeks irrespective of their HIV status were recruited. Demographic data (sex, age), smoking status, and medical history (clinical form of TB, symptoms at admission, diagnostic methods, presence of comorbidities, prior TB treatment) were obtained using a semi-structured questionnaire. Detailed clinical examination was also done on all the study subjects. Baseline results of packed cell volume, HIV test and sputum acid fast bacilli done during TB screening were retrieved from the patients' case notes and recorded. Also, the base line Chest X-ray films taken during TB screening were reviewed and reported by two radiologists blinded to each other's reports. The Xpert MTB/RIF tests and sputum culture (using LJ medium) were done in a TB reference laboratory. A total of 150 patients with SNPTB were studied. Majority of the patients were female 93 (62%). The median age of the patients was 36.5 years with greater percentage of the patients within the ages of 25-44 years 92 (61.3%). Twenty-two (14.7%) of the patients had previous TB treatment. History of cigarette smoking was obtained in only 7(4.7%) of the patients while 82 (64.1%) were HIV positive. All the patients had a history of cough for over a period of at least three weeks, while, 27 (18%) reported having hemoptysis. About 87 (58%) had fever and 110 (73.7%) had anemia, while weight loss and night sweat were reported in 98(65.3%) and 82 (54.7%) of the patients respectively. Chest x rays were reported as typical of TB in only 24 (16%) of the patients. Of the 150 sputa sample analyzed, 21/150 (14.0%) and 22/150 (14.7%) where Gene Xpert and sputum culture positive respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of Gene Xpert assay were 81.8% (18/22; 95% CI 61.5 to 92.7%) and 97.4% (112/115; 95% CI 92.6 to 99.1%), respectively. The study found cough, fever and anemia to be the commonest presentation in patient with SNPTB in a high HIV burden patient's population. There is also relatively high culture positivity among the patients. This underscores the need to expand the facilities for culture and confirmation in TB centers across the country.
Background: Discussion of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among sex partners facilitates risk reduction. We evaluated HIV/STI-related communications, including broad assessment of any self-reported discussion of the topic and specific discussion of each partners’ HIV status, among a historically marginalized and presently criminalized community of sexual and gender minorities (SGM) in Nigeria. Methods: From 2013-2018, we enrolled SGM aged 18+ in Lagos or 16+ in Abuja who reported anal sex with men. At enrollment and 3-, 9-, and 15-month follow-up visits, participants were asked about their sexual behaviors and communications with main sexual partners (MSP) and casual sexual partners (CSP). Questions included “have you talked with your [MSP/CSP] about sexually transmitted infections and HIV?” Multivariable robust Poisson regression with generalized estimating equations was used to estimate adjusted relative risks (aRRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for factors potentially associated with HIV/STI-related communications with some or all of each type of sexual partner. Results: Among 2795 SGM enrolled with median age 23 years (interquartile range 20–27), questions about HIV/STI-related communications with MSP were answered by 2436 (87.2%) and with CSP by 2398 (85.9%). Communication with MSP was reported by 68.1% (1659/2436), of whom 897 (54.1%) discussed their own HIV status and 925 (55.8%) discussed their partner’s status. Communication with CSP was reported by 43.9% (1052/2398), of whom 389 (37.0%) discussed their own HIV status and 385 (36.6%) discussed their partner’s status. Among participants with both MSP and CSP, HIV/STI-related communication with MSP was more common among participants with higher than secondary education (aRR 1.40 [95%CI 1.24–1.58)], who were divorced/separated/widowed (aRR 1.19 [95% CI 1.06–1.33]), who discussed their HIV status with CSP (aRR 1.18 [95%CI 1.10–1.25]), discussed CSP’s HIV status (aRR 1.20 [95%CI 1.13–1.27]), and used a condom at last sex with CSP (aRR 1.16 [95%CI 1.08–1.25]). HIV/STI-related communication with CSP was more common among participants with higher than secondary education (aRR 1.36 [95%CI 1.12–1.66]); who were divorced/separated/widowed (aRR 1.38 [95%CI 1.13–1.69]), who discussed their HIV status with MSP (aRR 1.47 [95%CI 1.27–1.69]), who discussed CSP’s HIV status (aRR 1.22 [95%CI 1.06–1.40]) and used a condom at last sex with CSP (aRR 1.22 (95%CI 1.08–1.38]). Conclusion: HIV/STI-related communications with main and casual sex partners were both associated with safer sex with CSP. HIV prevention and treatment programs for SGM should promote open communications in sexual relationships and consider deployment of modern strategies to facilitate disclosure, especially in settings with criminalizing legislation.
Understanding the level of exposure to Lassa virus (LASV) in at-risk communities allows for the administration of effective preventive interventions to mitigate epidemics of Lassa fever. We assessed the seroprevalence of LASV antibodies in rural and semiurban communities of two cosmopolitan cities in Nigeria with poorly understood Lassa epidemiology.
