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Alimuddin Zumla
Department of Infection, Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, UCL Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London W1T 7DN, UK

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Tuberculosis
Respiratory infections, with emphasis on the whole spectrum of tuberculosis (TB) infections
Ebola Virus Disease
MERS coronavirus
COVID-19 disease
Tropical Diseases
Emerging infections
Epidemic diseases
HIV and comorbidities

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Journal article
Published: 31 August 2021 in Cells
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COVID-19 presents with a wide range of clinical neurological manifestations. It has been recognized that SARS-CoV-2 infection affects both the central and peripheral nervous system, leading to smell and taste disturbances; acute ischemic and hemorrhagic cerebrovascular disease; encephalopathies and seizures; and causes most surviving patients to have long lasting neurological symptoms. Despite this, typical neuropathological features associated with the infection have still not been identified. Studies of post-mortem examinations of the cerebral cortex are obtained with difficulty due to laboratory safety concerns. In addition, they represent cases with different neurological symptoms, age or comorbidities, thus a larger number of brain autoptic data from multiple institutions would be crucial. Histopathological findings described here are aimed to increase the current knowledge on neuropathology of COVID-19 patients. We report post-mortem neuropathological findings of ten COVID-19 patients. A wide range of neuropathological lesions were seen. The cerebral cortex of all patients showed vascular changes, hyperemia of the meninges and perivascular inflammation in the cerebral parenchyma with hypoxic neuronal injury. Perivascular lymphocytic inflammation of predominantly CD8-positive T cells mixed with CD68-positive macrophages, targeting the disrupted vascular wall in the cerebral cortex, cerebellum and pons were seen. Our findings support recent reports highlighting a role of microvascular injury in COVID-19 neurological manifestations.

ACS Style

Daniele Colombo; Laura Falasca; Luisa Marchioni; Antonella Tammaro; Ganiyat Adenike Ralitsa Adebanjo; Giuseppe Ippolito; Alimuddin Zumla; Mauro Piacentini; Roberta Nardacci; Franca Del Nonno. Neuropathology and Inflammatory Cell Characterization in 10 Autoptic COVID-19 Brains. Cells 2021, 10, 2262 .

AMA Style

Daniele Colombo, Laura Falasca, Luisa Marchioni, Antonella Tammaro, Ganiyat Adenike Ralitsa Adebanjo, Giuseppe Ippolito, Alimuddin Zumla, Mauro Piacentini, Roberta Nardacci, Franca Del Nonno. Neuropathology and Inflammatory Cell Characterization in 10 Autoptic COVID-19 Brains. Cells. 2021; 10 (9):2262.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Daniele Colombo; Laura Falasca; Luisa Marchioni; Antonella Tammaro; Ganiyat Adenike Ralitsa Adebanjo; Giuseppe Ippolito; Alimuddin Zumla; Mauro Piacentini; Roberta Nardacci; Franca Del Nonno. 2021. "Neuropathology and Inflammatory Cell Characterization in 10 Autoptic COVID-19 Brains." Cells 10, no. 9: 2262.

Editorial
Published: 16 June 2021 in Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease
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ACS Style

Jaffar A. Al-Tawfiq; Eskild Petersen; Ziad A. Memish; Stanley Perlman; Alimuddin Zumla. Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus – the need for global proactive surveillance, sequencing and modeling. Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease 2021, 43, 102118 -102118.

AMA Style

Jaffar A. Al-Tawfiq, Eskild Petersen, Ziad A. Memish, Stanley Perlman, Alimuddin Zumla. Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus – the need for global proactive surveillance, sequencing and modeling. Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease. 2021; 43 ():102118-102118.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Jaffar A. Al-Tawfiq; Eskild Petersen; Ziad A. Memish; Stanley Perlman; Alimuddin Zumla. 2021. "Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus – the need for global proactive surveillance, sequencing and modeling." Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease 43, no. : 102118-102118.

Journal article
Published: 16 June 2021 in International Journal of Infectious Diseases
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Background Since information on the pathology of COVID-19 from sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) remains scarce, the objective of our study was to define the gross pathology and histological features of COVID-19. We report data from 29 whole-body autopsies of COVID-19 deaths occurring in hospitals in Lusaka, Zambia - the first large autopsy case series from Africa. Methods We performed a descriptive post-mortem examination study of inpatient COVID-19 related deaths at two hospitals in Lusaka, Zambia. Whole-body autopsies were conducted according to Standard Operating Procedures. Gross and histopathological examinations of all organs were performed. Patient demographics, history, co-morbidities, autopsy gross and microscopic findings, and cause(s) of death were recorded and analyzed using STATA version 14. Variables were grouped and presented as frequencies and percentages. Findings Autopsies were performed on 29 decedents (mean age=44 ± 15.8years; age range=19-82; 17/29 [58.8%] males). 22/29 [75.9%] cases were <55 years of age. A spectrum of pathological manifestations of COVID-19 were seen in all organs. The commonest causes of death were pulmonary thromboembolism (13/29, 45%), Diffuse Alveolar Damage (9/29, 31%), and COVID-19 pneumonia (7/29, 25%). 22/29 (76%) had co-morbidities. Common co-morbidities included HIV (8/29, 28%), Hypertension (6/29, 20%) Tuberculosis (3/29, 10%), Diabetes (3/29, 10%). Conclusions A spectrum of gross anatomical and histopathological findings are seen in COVID-19 deaths in hospitalized decedents. These appear broadly similar to those reported from China, Europe and USA. Differences include a younger age group, and co-morbidities of HIV and TB co-infection which require further investigation.

ACS Style

Cordelia Maria Himwaze; Viktor Telendiy; Fred Maate; Mupeta Songwe; Chitalu Chanda; Duncan Chanda; Peter Julius; Chibamba Mumba; Clemence Marimo; Amos Hamukale; Llyod Mulenga; Aaron Lunda Shibemba; Alimuddin Zumla; Luchenga Adam Mucheleng’Anga. Post Mortem examination of Hospital Inpatient COVID-19 Deaths in Lusaka, Zambia - A Descriptive Whole Body Autopsy Series. International Journal of Infectious Diseases 2021, 108, 363 -369.

AMA Style

Cordelia Maria Himwaze, Viktor Telendiy, Fred Maate, Mupeta Songwe, Chitalu Chanda, Duncan Chanda, Peter Julius, Chibamba Mumba, Clemence Marimo, Amos Hamukale, Llyod Mulenga, Aaron Lunda Shibemba, Alimuddin Zumla, Luchenga Adam Mucheleng’Anga. Post Mortem examination of Hospital Inpatient COVID-19 Deaths in Lusaka, Zambia - A Descriptive Whole Body Autopsy Series. International Journal of Infectious Diseases. 2021; 108 ():363-369.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Cordelia Maria Himwaze; Viktor Telendiy; Fred Maate; Mupeta Songwe; Chitalu Chanda; Duncan Chanda; Peter Julius; Chibamba Mumba; Clemence Marimo; Amos Hamukale; Llyod Mulenga; Aaron Lunda Shibemba; Alimuddin Zumla; Luchenga Adam Mucheleng’Anga. 2021. "Post Mortem examination of Hospital Inpatient COVID-19 Deaths in Lusaka, Zambia - A Descriptive Whole Body Autopsy Series." International Journal of Infectious Diseases 108, no. : 363-369.

Journal article
Published: 02 June 2021 in The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
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The objective of this study was to evaluate the trend of reported case fatality rate (rCFR) of COVID-19 over time, using globally reported COVID-19 cases and mortality data. We collected daily COVID-19 diagnoses and mortality data from the WHO’s daily situation reports dated January 1 to December 31, 2020. We performed three time-series models [simple exponential smoothing, auto-regressive integrated moving average, and automatic forecasting time-series (Prophet)] to identify the global trend of rCFR for COVID-19. We used beta regression models to investigate the association between the rCFR and potential predictors of each country and reported incidence rate ratios (IRRs) of each variable. The weekly global cumulative COVID-19 rCFR reached a peak at 7.23% during the 17th week (April 22–28, 2020). We found a positive and increasing trend for global daily rCFR values of COVID-19 until the 17th week (pre-peak period) and then a strong declining trend up until the 53rd week (post-peak period) toward 2.2% (December 29–31, 2020). In pre-peak of rCFR, the percentage of people aged 65 and above and the prevalence of obesity were significantly associated with the COVID-19 rCFR. The declining trend of global COVID-19 rCFR was not merely because of increased COVID-19 testing, because COVID-19 tests per 1,000 population had poor predictive value. Decreasing rCFR could be explained by an increased rate of infection in younger people or by the improvement of health care management, shielding from infection, and/or repurposing of several drugs that had shown a beneficial effect on reducing fatality because of COVID-19.

ACS Style

Mohammad Nayeem Hasan; Najmul Haider; Florian L. Stigler; Rumi Ahmed Khan; David McCoy; Alimuddin Zumla; Richard A. Kock; Jamal Uddin. The Global Case-Fatality Rate of COVID-19 Has Been Declining Since May 2020. The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 2021, 104, 2176 -2184.

AMA Style

Mohammad Nayeem Hasan, Najmul Haider, Florian L. Stigler, Rumi Ahmed Khan, David McCoy, Alimuddin Zumla, Richard A. Kock, Jamal Uddin. The Global Case-Fatality Rate of COVID-19 Has Been Declining Since May 2020. The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. 2021; 104 (6):2176-2184.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Mohammad Nayeem Hasan; Najmul Haider; Florian L. Stigler; Rumi Ahmed Khan; David McCoy; Alimuddin Zumla; Richard A. Kock; Jamal Uddin. 2021. "The Global Case-Fatality Rate of COVID-19 Has Been Declining Since May 2020." The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 104, no. 6: 2176-2184.

Review
Published: 26 April 2021 in International Journal of Molecular Sciences
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Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is the entry receptor for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), the cause of Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) in humans. ACE-2 is a type I transmembrane metallocarboxypeptidase expressed in vascular endothelial cells, alveolar type 2 lung epithelial cells, renal tubular epithelium, Leydig cells in testes and gastrointestinal tract. ACE2 mediates the interaction between host cells and SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein. However, ACE2 is not only a SARS-CoV-2 receptor, but it has also an important homeostatic function regulating renin-angiotensin system (RAS), which is pivotal for both the cardiovascular and immune systems. Therefore, ACE2 is the key link between SARS-CoV-2 infection, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and immune response. Susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 seems to be tightly associated with ACE2 availability, which in turn is determined by genetics, age, gender and comorbidities. Severe COVID-19 is due to an uncontrolled and excessive immune response, which leads to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and multi-organ failure. In spite of a lower ACE2 expression on cells surface, patients with CVDs have a higher COVID-19 mortality rate, which is likely driven by the imbalance between ADAM metallopeptidase domain 17 (ADAM17) protein (which is required for cleavage of ACE-2 ectodomain resulting in increased ACE2 shedding), and TMPRSS2 (which is required for spike glycoprotein priming). To date, ACE inhibitors and Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs) treatment interruption in patients with chronic comorbidities appears unjustified. The rollout of COVID-19 vaccines provides opportunities to study the effects of different COVID-19 vaccines on ACE2 in patients on treatment with ACEi/ARB.

ACS Style

Aneta Aleksova; Giulia Gagno; Gianfranco Sinagra; Antonio Beltrami; Milijana Janjusevic; Giuseppe Ippolito; Alimuddin Zumla; Alessandra Fluca; Federico Ferro. Effects of SARS-CoV-2 on Cardiovascular System: The Dual Role of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) as the Virus Receptor and Homeostasis Regulator-Review. International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2021, 22, 4526 .

AMA Style

Aneta Aleksova, Giulia Gagno, Gianfranco Sinagra, Antonio Beltrami, Milijana Janjusevic, Giuseppe Ippolito, Alimuddin Zumla, Alessandra Fluca, Federico Ferro. Effects of SARS-CoV-2 on Cardiovascular System: The Dual Role of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) as the Virus Receptor and Homeostasis Regulator-Review. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2021; 22 (9):4526.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Aneta Aleksova; Giulia Gagno; Gianfranco Sinagra; Antonio Beltrami; Milijana Janjusevic; Giuseppe Ippolito; Alimuddin Zumla; Alessandra Fluca; Federico Ferro. 2021. "Effects of SARS-CoV-2 on Cardiovascular System: The Dual Role of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) as the Virus Receptor and Homeostasis Regulator-Review." International Journal of Molecular Sciences 22, no. 9: 4526.

Journal article
Published: 11 March 2021 in International Journal of Infectious Diseases
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In 2020, the novel COVID-19 pandemic replaced TB as the world's top cause of death from an infectious disease. The October 21, 2020 the UN Secretary-General report on progress towards implementation of the UNHLM political declaration on TB stresses that although high-level commitments and targets had galvanized global and national progress towards ending TB, urgent and more ambitious investments and actions were required, especially in lieu of the COVID-19 pandemic where associated public health measures and travel restrictions, have disrupted health services universally. The report sets out 10 priority recommendations to get the world on track to reach agreed targets by 2022. Political commitment is more critical than ever. COVID-19 diagnostic and vaccination health services need to be aligned to TB services with active early case finding in communities, engaging the private sector care providers and mitigation of fear and stigma. Healthcare staff and community workers and leaders need to be provided with COVID-19 vaccination and personal protective equipment. The UNHLM declaration committed to mobilize 15 billion USD per annum for TB, of which 13 billion USD is for TB care and 2 billion USD per annum for TB R&D. The Global Fund needs to increase funding for TB. Learning from the unprecedented speed of COVID-19 vaccine development, fastracking development and evaluation of TB vaccines is essential. World leaders need to urgently address and reverse the socio-economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic and these will determine to what extent they will impact on achieving TB targets.

ACS Style

Suvanand Sahu; Lucica Ditiu; Kuldeep Singh Sachdeva; Alimuddin Zumla. Recovering from the Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic and Accelerating to Achieving the United Nations General Assembly Tuberculosis Targets. International Journal of Infectious Diseases 2021, 1 .

AMA Style

Suvanand Sahu, Lucica Ditiu, Kuldeep Singh Sachdeva, Alimuddin Zumla. Recovering from the Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic and Accelerating to Achieving the United Nations General Assembly Tuberculosis Targets. International Journal of Infectious Diseases. 2021; ():1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Suvanand Sahu; Lucica Ditiu; Kuldeep Singh Sachdeva; Alimuddin Zumla. 2021. "Recovering from the Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic and Accelerating to Achieving the United Nations General Assembly Tuberculosis Targets." International Journal of Infectious Diseases , no. : 1.

Journal article
Published: 11 March 2021 in International Journal of Infectious Diseases
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Background Recurrent pulmonary tuberculosis (RPTB) is a growing, important and neglected problem affecting treated TB patients and TB health services across the world, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Analyses and identification of differences in clinical features between recurrent PTB and newly diagnosed PTB may lead to improved management recommendations. Methods Between September 1st 2019 and January 31st 2020, we performed a prospective case controlled study of clinical and imaging features of patients with recurrent pulmonary tuberculosis and compared them with those of newly diagnosed PTB cases. Recurrent PTB was defined as a patient with bacteriologically confirmed active PTB who was previously successfully treated for PTB and was cured. A control was defined as a patient who presents for the first time with bacteriologically confirmed PTB. Clinical and radiological features were assessed and documented. Chi-square and t-test were used to test the difference between proportion and continuous data, respectively. Logistic regression analysis was done to determine factors associated with RPTB using SPSS version 23 software. Results A total of 312 patients with PTB were enrolled (104 RPTB cases and 208 newly diagnosed controls). Clinically hemoptysis was more common in RPTB compared to controls 28/104 (26.9%) vs 35/208 (16.8%), P=0.036. Chest pain was significantly less common among patients with RPTB compared to controls 33 (31.7%) vs 92 (44.2%), P=0.034. A higher proportion of RPTB presented with cavitation 34/104 (32.7%) compared to control 44/208 (21.2%) P=0.027. The median score for lung pathology was higher among patients with RPTB (50) compared to controls (30); P=0.001. Lung function of patients with RPTB at diagnosis of index TB were more likely to show mixed restrictive and obstructive pattern 36/104 (34.6%) compared to controls 31/208 (14.9%). p Conclusions Hemoptysis, lung parenchymal damage, and patients being older than 45 years of age are significant features of RPTB. Management should focus on risk factors for recurrence, and a more holistic model of care to prevent long term lung injury.

ACS Style

Tumaini J. Nagu; Monica A. Mboka; Zuhura F. Nkrumbih; Grace Shayo; Mucho M. Mizinduko; Ewaldo V. Komba; Markus Maeurer; Alimuddin Zumla; Ferdinand Mugusi. Clinical and Imaging Features of Adults with Recurrent Pulmonary Tuberculosis - A Prospective Case-Controlled Study. International Journal of Infectious Diseases 2021, 1 .

AMA Style

Tumaini J. Nagu, Monica A. Mboka, Zuhura F. Nkrumbih, Grace Shayo, Mucho M. Mizinduko, Ewaldo V. Komba, Markus Maeurer, Alimuddin Zumla, Ferdinand Mugusi. Clinical and Imaging Features of Adults with Recurrent Pulmonary Tuberculosis - A Prospective Case-Controlled Study. International Journal of Infectious Diseases. 2021; ():1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Tumaini J. Nagu; Monica A. Mboka; Zuhura F. Nkrumbih; Grace Shayo; Mucho M. Mizinduko; Ewaldo V. Komba; Markus Maeurer; Alimuddin Zumla; Ferdinand Mugusi. 2021. "Clinical and Imaging Features of Adults with Recurrent Pulmonary Tuberculosis - A Prospective Case-Controlled Study." International Journal of Infectious Diseases , no. : 1.

Journal article
Published: 11 March 2021 in International Journal of Infectious Diseases
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The October 2020 Global TB report reviews TB control strategies and United Nations (UN) targets set in the political declaration at the September 2018 UN General Assembly high-level meeting on TB held in New York. Progress in TB care and prevention has been very slow. In 2019, TB remained the most common cause of death from a single infectious pathogen. Globally, an estimated 10.0 million people developed TB disease in 2019, and there were an estimated 1.2 million TB deaths among HIV-negative people and an additional 208, 000 deaths among people living with HIV. Adults accounted for 88% and children for 12% of people with TB. The WHO regions of South-East Asia (44%), Africa (25%), and the Western Pacific (18%) had the most people with TB. Eight countries accounted for two thirds of the global total: India (26%), Indonesia (8.5%), China (8.4%), the Philippines (6.0%), Pakistan (5.7%), Nigeria (4.4%), Bangladesh (3.6%) and South Africa (3.6%). Only 30% of the 3.5 million five-year target for children treated for TB was met. Major advances have been development of new all oral regimens for MDRTB and new regimens for preventive therapy. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic dislodged TB from the top infectious disease cause of mortality globally. Notably, global TB control efforts were not on track even before the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many challenges remain to improve sub-optimal TB treatment and prevention services. Tuberculosis screening and diagnostic test services need to be ramped up. The major drivers of TB remain undernutrition, poverty, diabetes, tobacco smoking, and household air pollution and these need be addressed to achieve the WHO 2035 TB care and prevention targets. National programs need to include interventions for post-tuberculosis holistic wellbeing. From first detection of COVID-19 global coordination and political will with huge financial investments have led to the development of effective vaccines against SARS-CoV2 infection. The world now needs to similarly focus on development of new vaccines for TB utilizing new technological methods.

ACS Style

Jeremiah Chakaya; Mishal Khan; Francine Ntoumi; Eleni Aklillu; Razia Fatima; Peter Mwaba; Nathan Kapata; Sayoki Mfinanga; Seyed Ehtesham Hasnain; Patrick D.M.C. Katoto; André N.H. Bulabula; Nadia A. Sam-Agudu; Jean B. Nachega; Simon Tiberi; Timothy D. McHugh; Ibrahim Abubakar; Alimuddin Zumla. Global Tuberculosis Report 2020 – Reflections on the Global TB burden, treatment and prevention efforts. International Journal of Infectious Diseases 2021, 1 .

AMA Style

Jeremiah Chakaya, Mishal Khan, Francine Ntoumi, Eleni Aklillu, Razia Fatima, Peter Mwaba, Nathan Kapata, Sayoki Mfinanga, Seyed Ehtesham Hasnain, Patrick D.M.C. Katoto, André N.H. Bulabula, Nadia A. Sam-Agudu, Jean B. Nachega, Simon Tiberi, Timothy D. McHugh, Ibrahim Abubakar, Alimuddin Zumla. Global Tuberculosis Report 2020 – Reflections on the Global TB burden, treatment and prevention efforts. International Journal of Infectious Diseases. 2021; ():1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Jeremiah Chakaya; Mishal Khan; Francine Ntoumi; Eleni Aklillu; Razia Fatima; Peter Mwaba; Nathan Kapata; Sayoki Mfinanga; Seyed Ehtesham Hasnain; Patrick D.M.C. Katoto; André N.H. Bulabula; Nadia A. Sam-Agudu; Jean B. Nachega; Simon Tiberi; Timothy D. McHugh; Ibrahim Abubakar; Alimuddin Zumla. 2021. "Global Tuberculosis Report 2020 – Reflections on the Global TB burden, treatment and prevention efforts." International Journal of Infectious Diseases , no. : 1.

Journal article
Published: 10 March 2021 in International Journal of Infectious Diseases
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Despite slow reductions in the annual burden of active human tuberculosis (TB) cases, zoonotic TB (zTB) remains a poorly monitored and an important unaddressed global problem. There is a higher incidence in some regions and countries, especially where close association exists between growing numbers of cattle (the major source of Mycobacterium bovis) and people, many suffering from poverty, and where dairy products are consumed unpasteurised. More attention needs to be focused on possible increased zTB incidence resulting from growth in dairy production globally and increased demand in low income countries in particular. Evidence of new zoonotic mycobacterial strains in South Asia and Africa (e.g. M. orygis), warrants urgent assessment of prevalence, potential drivers and risk in order to develop appropriate interventions. Control of M. bovis infection in cattle through detect and cull policies remain the mainstay of reducing zTB risk, whilst in certain circumstances animal vaccination is proving beneficial. New point of care diagnostics will help to detect animal infections and human cases. Given the high burden of human tuberculosis (caused by M. tuberculosis) in endemic areas, animals are affected by reverse zoonosis, including multi-drug resistant strains. This, may create drug resistant reservoirs of infection in animals. Like COVID-19, zTB is evolving in an ever-changing global landscape.

ACS Style

Richard Kock; Anita L. Michel; Dorothy Yeboah-Manu; Esam I. Azhar; Jordi B. Torrelles; Simeon I. Cadmus; Lucy Brunton; Jeremiah M. Chakaya; Ben Marais; Leonard Mboera; Zeaur Rahim; Najmul Haider; Alimuddin Zumla. Zoonotic Tuberculosis – The Changing Landscape. International Journal of Infectious Diseases 2021, 1 .

AMA Style

Richard Kock, Anita L. Michel, Dorothy Yeboah-Manu, Esam I. Azhar, Jordi B. Torrelles, Simeon I. Cadmus, Lucy Brunton, Jeremiah M. Chakaya, Ben Marais, Leonard Mboera, Zeaur Rahim, Najmul Haider, Alimuddin Zumla. Zoonotic Tuberculosis – The Changing Landscape. International Journal of Infectious Diseases. 2021; ():1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Richard Kock; Anita L. Michel; Dorothy Yeboah-Manu; Esam I. Azhar; Jordi B. Torrelles; Simeon I. Cadmus; Lucy Brunton; Jeremiah M. Chakaya; Ben Marais; Leonard Mboera; Zeaur Rahim; Najmul Haider; Alimuddin Zumla. 2021. "Zoonotic Tuberculosis – The Changing Landscape." International Journal of Infectious Diseases , no. : 1.

Journal article
Published: 08 March 2021 in Pathogens
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The aim of our study was to define the spectrum of viral infections in pilgrims with acute respiratory tract illnesses presenting to healthcare facilities around the holy places in Makkah, Saudi Arabia during the 2019 Hajj pilgrimage. During the five days of Hajj, a total of 185 pilgrims were enrolled in the study. Nasopharyngeal swabs (NPSs) of 126/185 patients (68.11%) tested positive for one or more respiratory viruses by PCR. Among the 126 pilgrims whose NPS were PCR positive: (a) there were 93/126 (74%) with a single virus infection, (b) 33/126 (26%) with coinfection with more than one virus (up to four viruses): of these, 25/33 cases had coinfection with two viruses; 6/33 were infected with three viruses, while the remaining 2/33 patients had infection with four viruses. Human rhinovirus (HRV) was the most common detected viruses with 53 cases (42.06%), followed by 27 (21.43%) cases of influenza A (H1N1), and 23 (18.25%) cases of influenza A other than H1N1. Twenty-five cases of CoV-229E (19.84%) were detected more than other coronavirus members (5 CoV-OC43 (3.97%), 4 CoV-HKU1 (3.17%), and 1 CoV-NL63 (0.79%)). PIV-3 was detected in 8 cases (6.35%). A single case (0.79%) of PIV-1 and PIV-4 were found. HMPV represented 5 (3.97%), RSV and influenza B 4 (3.17%) for each, and Parechovirus 1 (0.79%). Enterovirus, Bocavirus, and M. pneumoniae were not detected. Whether identification of viral nucleic acid represents nasopharyngeal carriage or specific causal etiology of RTI remains to be defined. Large controlled cohort studies (pre-Hajj, during Hajj, and post-Hajj) are required to define the carriage rates and the specific etiology and causal roles of specific individual viruses or combination of viruses in the pathogenesis of respiratory tract infections in pilgrims participating in the annual Hajj. Studies of the specific microbial etiology of respiratory track infections (RTIs) at mass gathering religious events remain a priority, especially in light of the novel SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

ACS Style

Salma Alsayed; Thamir Alandijany; Sherif El-Kafrawy; Ahmed Hassan; Leena Bajrai; Arwa Faizo; Eman Mulla; Lujain Aljahdali; Khalid Alquthami; Alimuddin Zumla; Esam Azhar. Pattern of Respiratory Viruses among Pilgrims during 2019 Hajj Season Who Sought Healthcare Due to Severe Respiratory Symptoms. Pathogens 2021, 10, 315 .

AMA Style

Salma Alsayed, Thamir Alandijany, Sherif El-Kafrawy, Ahmed Hassan, Leena Bajrai, Arwa Faizo, Eman Mulla, Lujain Aljahdali, Khalid Alquthami, Alimuddin Zumla, Esam Azhar. Pattern of Respiratory Viruses among Pilgrims during 2019 Hajj Season Who Sought Healthcare Due to Severe Respiratory Symptoms. Pathogens. 2021; 10 (3):315.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Salma Alsayed; Thamir Alandijany; Sherif El-Kafrawy; Ahmed Hassan; Leena Bajrai; Arwa Faizo; Eman Mulla; Lujain Aljahdali; Khalid Alquthami; Alimuddin Zumla; Esam Azhar. 2021. "Pattern of Respiratory Viruses among Pilgrims during 2019 Hajj Season Who Sought Healthcare Due to Severe Respiratory Symptoms." Pathogens 10, no. 3: 315.

Journal article
Published: 01 March 2021 in International Journal of Infectious Diseases
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After a century of controversies on its usefulness in protection against TB, underlying mechanisms of action, and benefits in various groups and geographical areas, the BCG vaccine is yet again a focus of global attention- this time due to the global COVID-19 pandemic caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Recent studies have shown that human CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells primed with a BCG-derived peptide developed high reactivity to its corresponding SARS-CoV-2-derived peptide. Furthermore, BCG vaccine has been shown to substantially increase interferon-gamma (IFN-g) production and its effects on CD4 + T-cells and these non-specific immune responses through adjuvant effect could be harnessed as cross protection against severe forms of COVID-19.The completion of ongoing BGG trials is important as they may shed light on the mechanisms underlying BCG-mediated immunity and could lead to improved efficacy, increased tolerance of treatment, and identification of other ways of combining BCG with other immunotherapies.

ACS Style

Jean B. Nachega; Markus Maeurer; Nadia A. Sam-Agudu; Jeremiah Chakaya; Patrick D.M. Katoto; Alimuddin Zumla. Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine and potential cross-protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection — Assumptions, knowns, unknowns and need for developing an accurate scientific evidence base. International Journal of Infectious Diseases 2021, 1 .

AMA Style

Jean B. Nachega, Markus Maeurer, Nadia A. Sam-Agudu, Jeremiah Chakaya, Patrick D.M. Katoto, Alimuddin Zumla. Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine and potential cross-protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection — Assumptions, knowns, unknowns and need for developing an accurate scientific evidence base. International Journal of Infectious Diseases. 2021; ():1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Jean B. Nachega; Markus Maeurer; Nadia A. Sam-Agudu; Jeremiah Chakaya; Patrick D.M. Katoto; Alimuddin Zumla. 2021. "Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine and potential cross-protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection — Assumptions, knowns, unknowns and need for developing an accurate scientific evidence base." International Journal of Infectious Diseases , no. : 1.

Infectious diseases
Published: 01 March 2021 in Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine
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ACS Style

Michael S. Niederman; Alimuddin Zumla. Editorial: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) – advances in epidemiology, diagnostics, treatments, host-directed therapies, pathogenesis, vaccines, and ongoing challenges. Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine 2021, 27, 141 -145.

AMA Style

Michael S. Niederman, Alimuddin Zumla. Editorial: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) – advances in epidemiology, diagnostics, treatments, host-directed therapies, pathogenesis, vaccines, and ongoing challenges. Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine. 2021; 27 (3):141-145.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Michael S. Niederman; Alimuddin Zumla. 2021. "Editorial: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) – advances in epidemiology, diagnostics, treatments, host-directed therapies, pathogenesis, vaccines, and ongoing challenges." Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine 27, no. 3: 141-145.

Journal article
Published: 01 March 2021 in International Journal of Infectious Diseases
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Disruption of health services due to the COVID-19 pandemic threatens to derail progress being made in tuberculosis control efforts. Forcibly displaced people and migrant populations face particular vulnerabilities as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which leaves them at further risk of developing TB. They inhabit environments where measures such as "physical distancing" are impossible to realize and where facilities like camps and informal temporary settlements can easily become sites of rapid disease transmission. In this viewpoint we utilize three case studies-from Peru, South Africa, and Syria-to illustrate the lived experience of forced migration and mobile populations, and the impact of COVID-19 on TB among these populations. We discuss the dual pandemics of TB and COVID-19 in the context of migration through a syndemic lens, to systematically address the upstream social, economic, structural and political factors that - in often deleterious dynamics - foster increased vulnerabilities and risk. Addressing TB, COVID-19 and migration from a syndemic perspective, not only draws systematic attention to comorbidity and the relevance of social and structural context, but also helps to find solutions: the true reality of syndemic interactions can only be fully understood by considering a particular population and bio- social context, and ensuring that they receive the comprehensive care that they need. It also provides avenues for strengthening and expanding the existing infrastructure for TB care to tackle both COVID-19 and TB in migrants and refugees in an integrated and synergistic manner.

ACS Style

Michael Knipper; Ana Cristina Sedas; Salmaan Keshavjee; Aula Abbara; Naser Almhawish; Hani Alashawi; Leonid Lecca; Michael Wilson; Almuddin Zumla; Ibrahim Abubakar; Miriam Orcutt. The need for protecting and enhancing TB health policies and services for forcibly displaced and migrant populations during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. International Journal of Infectious Diseases 2021, 1 .

AMA Style

Michael Knipper, Ana Cristina Sedas, Salmaan Keshavjee, Aula Abbara, Naser Almhawish, Hani Alashawi, Leonid Lecca, Michael Wilson, Almuddin Zumla, Ibrahim Abubakar, Miriam Orcutt. The need for protecting and enhancing TB health policies and services for forcibly displaced and migrant populations during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. International Journal of Infectious Diseases. 2021; ():1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Michael Knipper; Ana Cristina Sedas; Salmaan Keshavjee; Aula Abbara; Naser Almhawish; Hani Alashawi; Leonid Lecca; Michael Wilson; Almuddin Zumla; Ibrahim Abubakar; Miriam Orcutt. 2021. "The need for protecting and enhancing TB health policies and services for forcibly displaced and migrant populations during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic." International Journal of Infectious Diseases , no. : 1.

Journal article
Published: 01 March 2021 in International Journal of Infectious Diseases
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In this perspective, we discuss the impact of COVID-19 on tuberculosis (TB)/HIV health services and approaches to mitigating the growing burden of these three colliding epidemics in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). SSA countries bear significantly high proportions of TB and HIV cases reported worldwide, compared to countries in the West. Whilst COVID-19 epidemiology appears to vary across Africa, most countries in this region have reported relatively lower-case counts compared to the West. Nevertheless, the COVID-19 pandemic has added an additional burden to already overstretched health systems in SSA, which, among other things, have been focused on the longstanding dual epidemics of TB and HIV. As with these dual epidemics, inadequate resources and poor case identification and reporting may be contributing to underestimations of the COVID-19 case burden in SSA. Modelling studies predict that the pandemic-related disruptions in TB and HIV services will result in significant increases in associated morbidity and mortality over the next five years. Furthermore, limited empirical evidence suggests that SARS-CoV-2 coinfections with TB and HIV are associated with increased mortality risk in SSA. However, predictive models require a better evidence-base to accurately define the impact of COVID-19, not only on communicable diseases such as TB and HIV, but on non-communicable disease comorbidities. Further research is needed to assess morbidity and mortality data among both adults and children across the African continent, paying attention to geographic disparities, as well as the clinical and socio-economic determinants of COVID-19 in the setting of TB and/or HIV.

ACS Style

Jean B. Nachega; Nathan Kapata; Nadia A. Sam-Agudu; Eric H. Decloedt; Patrick D.M.C. Katoto; Tumaini Nagu; Peter Mwaba; Dorothy Yeboah-Manu; Pascalina Chanda-Kapata; Francine Ntoumi; Elvin H. Geng; Alimuddin Zumla. Minimizing the Impact of the Triple Burden of COVID-19, Tuberculosis and HIV on Health Services in sub-Saharan Africa. International Journal of Infectious Diseases 2021, 1 .

AMA Style

Jean B. Nachega, Nathan Kapata, Nadia A. Sam-Agudu, Eric H. Decloedt, Patrick D.M.C. Katoto, Tumaini Nagu, Peter Mwaba, Dorothy Yeboah-Manu, Pascalina Chanda-Kapata, Francine Ntoumi, Elvin H. Geng, Alimuddin Zumla. Minimizing the Impact of the Triple Burden of COVID-19, Tuberculosis and HIV on Health Services in sub-Saharan Africa. International Journal of Infectious Diseases. 2021; ():1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Jean B. Nachega; Nathan Kapata; Nadia A. Sam-Agudu; Eric H. Decloedt; Patrick D.M.C. Katoto; Tumaini Nagu; Peter Mwaba; Dorothy Yeboah-Manu; Pascalina Chanda-Kapata; Francine Ntoumi; Elvin H. Geng; Alimuddin Zumla. 2021. "Minimizing the Impact of the Triple Burden of COVID-19, Tuberculosis and HIV on Health Services in sub-Saharan Africa." International Journal of Infectious Diseases , no. : 1.

Journal article
Published: 01 March 2021 in International Journal of Infectious Diseases
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ACS Style

Alimuddin Zumla; Jeremiah Chakaya; Mishal Khan; Razia Fatima; Christian Wejse; Seif Al-Abri; Greg J. Fox; Jean Nachega; Nathan Kapata; Michael Knipper; Miriam Orcutt; Lara Goscé; Ibrahim Abubakar; Tumaini Joseph Nagu; Ferdinand Mugusi; Alice Kizny Gordon; Sivakumar Shanmugam; Nathan Lloyd Bachmann; Connie Lam; Vitali Sintchenko; Frauke Rudolf; Farhana Amanullah; Richard Kock; Najmul Haider; Marc Lipman; Michael King; Markus Maeurer; Delia Goletti; Linda Petrone; Aashifa Yaqoob; Simon Tiberi; Lucica Ditiu; Suvanand Sahu; Ben Marais; Assiya Marat Issayeva; Eskild Petersen. World Tuberculosis Day 2021 Theme — ‘The Clock is Ticking’ — and the world is running out of time to deliver the United Nations General Assembly commitments to End TB due to the COVID-19 pandemic. International Journal of Infectious Diseases 2021, 1 .

AMA Style

Alimuddin Zumla, Jeremiah Chakaya, Mishal Khan, Razia Fatima, Christian Wejse, Seif Al-Abri, Greg J. Fox, Jean Nachega, Nathan Kapata, Michael Knipper, Miriam Orcutt, Lara Goscé, Ibrahim Abubakar, Tumaini Joseph Nagu, Ferdinand Mugusi, Alice Kizny Gordon, Sivakumar Shanmugam, Nathan Lloyd Bachmann, Connie Lam, Vitali Sintchenko, Frauke Rudolf, Farhana Amanullah, Richard Kock, Najmul Haider, Marc Lipman, Michael King, Markus Maeurer, Delia Goletti, Linda Petrone, Aashifa Yaqoob, Simon Tiberi, Lucica Ditiu, Suvanand Sahu, Ben Marais, Assiya Marat Issayeva, Eskild Petersen. World Tuberculosis Day 2021 Theme — ‘The Clock is Ticking’ — and the world is running out of time to deliver the United Nations General Assembly commitments to End TB due to the COVID-19 pandemic. International Journal of Infectious Diseases. 2021; ():1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Alimuddin Zumla; Jeremiah Chakaya; Mishal Khan; Razia Fatima; Christian Wejse; Seif Al-Abri; Greg J. Fox; Jean Nachega; Nathan Kapata; Michael Knipper; Miriam Orcutt; Lara Goscé; Ibrahim Abubakar; Tumaini Joseph Nagu; Ferdinand Mugusi; Alice Kizny Gordon; Sivakumar Shanmugam; Nathan Lloyd Bachmann; Connie Lam; Vitali Sintchenko; Frauke Rudolf; Farhana Amanullah; Richard Kock; Najmul Haider; Marc Lipman; Michael King; Markus Maeurer; Delia Goletti; Linda Petrone; Aashifa Yaqoob; Simon Tiberi; Lucica Ditiu; Suvanand Sahu; Ben Marais; Assiya Marat Issayeva; Eskild Petersen. 2021. "World Tuberculosis Day 2021 Theme — ‘The Clock is Ticking’ — and the world is running out of time to deliver the United Nations General Assembly commitments to End TB due to the COVID-19 pandemic." International Journal of Infectious Diseases , no. : 1.

Journal article
Published: 11 February 2021 in The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
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Most African countries have recorded relatively lower COVID-19 burdens than Western countries. This has been attributed to early and strong political commitment and robust implementation of public health measures, such as nationwide lockdowns, travel restrictions, face mask wearing, testing, contact tracing, and isolation, along with community education and engagement. Other factors include the younger population age strata and hypothesized but yet-to-be confirmed partially protective cross-immunity from parasitic diseases and/or other circulating coronaviruses. However, the true burden may also be underestimated due to operational and resource issues for COVID-19 case identification and reporting. In this perspective article, we discuss selected best practices and challenges with COVID-19 contact tracing in Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, and Uganda. Best practices from these country case studies include sustained, multi-platform public communications; leveraging of technology innovations; applied public health expertise; deployment of community health workers; and robust community engagement. Challenges include an overwhelming workload of contact tracing and case detection for healthcare workers, misinformation and stigma, and poorly sustained adherence to isolation and quarantine. Important lessons learned include the need for decentralization of contact tracing to the lowest geographic levels of surveillance, rigorous use of data and technology to improve decision-making, and sustainment of both community sensitization and political commitment. Further research is needed to understand the role and importance of contact tracing in controlling community transmission dynamics in African countries, including among children. Also, implementation science will be critically needed to evaluate innovative, accessible, and cost-effective digital solutions to accommodate the contact tracing workload.

ACS Style

Jean B. Nachega; Rhoda Atteh; Chikwe Ihekweazu; Nadia A. Sam-Agudu; Prisca Adejumo; Sabin Nsanzimana; Edson Rwagasore; Jeanine Condo; Masudah Paleker; Hassan Mahomed; Fatima Suleman; Alex Riolexus Ario; Elsie Kiguli-Malwadde; Francis G. Omaswa; Nelson K. Sewankambo; Cecile Viboud; Michael J. A. Reid; Alimuddin Zumla; Peter H. Kilmarx. Contact Tracing and the COVID-19 Response in Africa: Best Practices, Key Challenges, and Lessons Learned from Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, and Uganda. The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 2021, 104, 1179 -1187.

AMA Style

Jean B. Nachega, Rhoda Atteh, Chikwe Ihekweazu, Nadia A. Sam-Agudu, Prisca Adejumo, Sabin Nsanzimana, Edson Rwagasore, Jeanine Condo, Masudah Paleker, Hassan Mahomed, Fatima Suleman, Alex Riolexus Ario, Elsie Kiguli-Malwadde, Francis G. Omaswa, Nelson K. Sewankambo, Cecile Viboud, Michael J. A. Reid, Alimuddin Zumla, Peter H. Kilmarx. Contact Tracing and the COVID-19 Response in Africa: Best Practices, Key Challenges, and Lessons Learned from Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, and Uganda. The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. 2021; 104 (4):1179-1187.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Jean B. Nachega; Rhoda Atteh; Chikwe Ihekweazu; Nadia A. Sam-Agudu; Prisca Adejumo; Sabin Nsanzimana; Edson Rwagasore; Jeanine Condo; Masudah Paleker; Hassan Mahomed; Fatima Suleman; Alex Riolexus Ario; Elsie Kiguli-Malwadde; Francis G. Omaswa; Nelson K. Sewankambo; Cecile Viboud; Michael J. A. Reid; Alimuddin Zumla; Peter H. Kilmarx. 2021. "Contact Tracing and the COVID-19 Response in Africa: Best Practices, Key Challenges, and Lessons Learned from Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, and Uganda." The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 104, no. 4: 1179-1187.

Editorial
Published: 07 February 2021 in Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease
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J.A. Al-Tawfiq; Z.A. Memish; A. Zumla. Mass religious gatherings events and COVID-19 –easing of COVID-19 restrictions and a staged approach to scaling up the Umrah Pilgrimage. Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease 2021, 40, 101986 .

AMA Style

J.A. Al-Tawfiq, Z.A. Memish, A. Zumla. Mass religious gatherings events and COVID-19 –easing of COVID-19 restrictions and a staged approach to scaling up the Umrah Pilgrimage. Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease. 2021; 40 ():101986.

Chicago/Turabian Style

J.A. Al-Tawfiq; Z.A. Memish; A. Zumla. 2021. "Mass religious gatherings events and COVID-19 –easing of COVID-19 restrictions and a staged approach to scaling up the Umrah Pilgrimage." Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease 40, no. : 101986.

Journal article
Published: 28 December 2020 in The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
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In the African context, there is a paucity of data on SARS-CoV-2 infection and associated COVID-19 in pregnancy. Given the endemicity of infections such as malaria, HIV, and tuberculosis (TB) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), it is important to evaluate coinfections with SARS-CoV-2 and their impact on maternal/infant outcomes. Robust research is critically needed to evaluate the effects of the added burden of COVID-19 in pregnancy, to help develop evidence-based policies toward improving maternal and infant outcomes. In this perspective, we briefly review current knowledge on the clinical features of COVID-19 in pregnancy; the risks of preterm birth and cesarean delivery secondary to comorbid severity; the effects of maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection on the fetus/neonate; and in utero mother-to-child SARS-CoV-2 transmission. We further highlight the need to conduct multicountry surveillance as well as retrospective and prospective cohort studies across SSA. This will enable assessments of SARS-CoV-2 burden among pregnant African women and improve the understanding of the spectrum of COVID-19 manifestations in this population, which may be living with or without HIV, TB, and/or other coinfections/comorbidities. In addition, multicountry studies will allow a better understanding of risk factors and outcomes to be compared across countries and subregions. Such an approach will encourage and strengthen much-needed intra-African, south-to-south multidisciplinary and interprofessional research collaborations. The African Forum for Research and Education in Health’s COVID-19 Research Working Group has embarked upon such a collaboration across Western, Central, Eastern and Southern Africa.

ACS Style

Jean B. Nachega; Nadia A. Sam-Agudu; Samantha Budhram; Taha E. Taha; Valerie Vannevel; Priya Somapillay; Daniel Katuashi Ishoso; Michel Tshiasuma Pipo; Christian Bongo-Pasi Nswe; John Ditekemena; Birhanu T. Ayele; Rhoderick N. Machekano; Onesmus W. Gachuno; John Kinuthia; Nancy Mwongeli; Musa Sekikubo; Philippa Musoke; Evans Kofi Agbeno; Lawal W. Umar; Mukanire Ntakwinja; Denis M. Mukwege; Emily R. Smith; Eduard J. Mills; John Otokoye Otshudiema; Placide Mbala-Kingebeni; Jean-Marie N. Kayembe; Don Jethro Mavungu Landu; Jean-Jacques Muyembe Tamfum; Alimuddin Zumla; Eduard J. Langenegger; Lynne M. Mofenson; for the AFREhealth COVID-19 Research Collaboration Working Group. Effect of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Pregnancy on Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes in Africa: An AFREhealth Call for Evidence through Multicountry Research Collaboration. The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 2020, 104, 461 -465.

AMA Style

Jean B. Nachega, Nadia A. Sam-Agudu, Samantha Budhram, Taha E. Taha, Valerie Vannevel, Priya Somapillay, Daniel Katuashi Ishoso, Michel Tshiasuma Pipo, Christian Bongo-Pasi Nswe, John Ditekemena, Birhanu T. Ayele, Rhoderick N. Machekano, Onesmus W. Gachuno, John Kinuthia, Nancy Mwongeli, Musa Sekikubo, Philippa Musoke, Evans Kofi Agbeno, Lawal W. Umar, Mukanire Ntakwinja, Denis M. Mukwege, Emily R. Smith, Eduard J. Mills, John Otokoye Otshudiema, Placide Mbala-Kingebeni, Jean-Marie N. Kayembe, Don Jethro Mavungu Landu, Jean-Jacques Muyembe Tamfum, Alimuddin Zumla, Eduard J. Langenegger, Lynne M. Mofenson, for the AFREhealth COVID-19 Research Collaboration Working Group. Effect of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Pregnancy on Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes in Africa: An AFREhealth Call for Evidence through Multicountry Research Collaboration. The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. 2020; 104 (2):461-465.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Jean B. Nachega; Nadia A. Sam-Agudu; Samantha Budhram; Taha E. Taha; Valerie Vannevel; Priya Somapillay; Daniel Katuashi Ishoso; Michel Tshiasuma Pipo; Christian Bongo-Pasi Nswe; John Ditekemena; Birhanu T. Ayele; Rhoderick N. Machekano; Onesmus W. Gachuno; John Kinuthia; Nancy Mwongeli; Musa Sekikubo; Philippa Musoke; Evans Kofi Agbeno; Lawal W. Umar; Mukanire Ntakwinja; Denis M. Mukwege; Emily R. Smith; Eduard J. Mills; John Otokoye Otshudiema; Placide Mbala-Kingebeni; Jean-Marie N. Kayembe; Don Jethro Mavungu Landu; Jean-Jacques Muyembe Tamfum; Alimuddin Zumla; Eduard J. Langenegger; Lynne M. Mofenson; for the AFREhealth COVID-19 Research Collaboration Working Group. 2020. "Effect of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Pregnancy on Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes in Africa: An AFREhealth Call for Evidence through Multicountry Research Collaboration." The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 104, no. 2: 461-465.

Research article
Published: 09 December 2020 in PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases
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Dengue is a rapidly growing public health threat in Kassala state, eastern Sudan. The objective of this study was to determine the seroprevalence, entomological transmission indices, and socioeconomic risk factors associated with dengue in this region. A cross-sectional community-based study was conducted in four dengue-endemic sites; Khatmia, West Gash, Thoriba, and Shokriya between March 2016 to March 2017. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) of immunoglobulin G (IgG) was used to determine the prevalence of dengue virus among the study participants. An entomological survey was conducted using pyrethrum spray catch and dipping for the collection of adults and aquatic stages of Aedes aegypti, respectively. Ribonucleic acid was extracted from the buffy coat of participants as well as from adult female Ae. aegypti to assess the possible circulation of dengue virus using Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). Multiple logistic regression model was used to estimate the association between potential risk factors and dengue seropositivity. A total of 409 persons were recruited to the study: 45.5% were in the 20–39 years’ age category; 57.9% were living in houses with 6–10 persons; and 29.1% had at most secondary school education. In the majority (65.8%) of the households, the socioeconomic status was low (PAe. aegypti, respectively. The overall house index was 32.8% and Breteau Index was 35.96% (146/406). The overall pupal demographic index was 13.31%, and the pupal children index was 97.26%. Antibodies against IgG were detected from 66 (42.04%) out of a total of 157 sera. Twenty-two positive sera (75.9%) were collected from Khatmia. A total of 329 adults Ae. aegypti were identified but only one (0.3%) was positive for DENV in Khatmia. Finally, four independent risk factors were identified to derive dengue circulation in Kassala: elder age (> 60 years) (OR 6.31, CI 1.09–36.36); type of bathroom (OR 3.52, CI 1.35–9.20); using water-based air conditioner (OR 6.90, CI 1.78–26.85) and previous infection of any household member with dengue (OR 28.73, CI 3.31–249.63). Our findings suggest that Kassala state is facing an increasing occurrence of dengue and emphasizes the need for developing appropriate interventions to address the identified risk factors, and place control programs into actions. Establishment of routine dengue epidemiological and entomological surveillance, and climate warning systems will contribute to early warning and timely detection and response to emerging outbreaks.

ACS Style

Arwa Elaagip; Khider Alsedig; Omnia Altahir; Tellal Ageep; Ayman Ahmed; Hanaa Adli Siam; Abdallah M. Samy; Waleed Mohamed; Fatima Khalid; Suhaib Gumaa; Leonard Mboera; Calvin Sindato; Linzy Elton; Alimuddin Zumla; Najmul Haider; Richard Kock; Muzamil Mahdi Abdel Hamid. Seroprevalence and associated risk factors of Dengue fever in Kassala state, eastern Sudan. PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases 2020, 14, e0008918 .

AMA Style

Arwa Elaagip, Khider Alsedig, Omnia Altahir, Tellal Ageep, Ayman Ahmed, Hanaa Adli Siam, Abdallah M. Samy, Waleed Mohamed, Fatima Khalid, Suhaib Gumaa, Leonard Mboera, Calvin Sindato, Linzy Elton, Alimuddin Zumla, Najmul Haider, Richard Kock, Muzamil Mahdi Abdel Hamid. Seroprevalence and associated risk factors of Dengue fever in Kassala state, eastern Sudan. PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases. 2020; 14 (12):e0008918.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Arwa Elaagip; Khider Alsedig; Omnia Altahir; Tellal Ageep; Ayman Ahmed; Hanaa Adli Siam; Abdallah M. Samy; Waleed Mohamed; Fatima Khalid; Suhaib Gumaa; Leonard Mboera; Calvin Sindato; Linzy Elton; Alimuddin Zumla; Najmul Haider; Richard Kock; Muzamil Mahdi Abdel Hamid. 2020. "Seroprevalence and associated risk factors of Dengue fever in Kassala state, eastern Sudan." PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases 14, no. 12: e0008918.

Journal article
Published: 02 December 2020 in The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
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Little is known about the clinical features and outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Africa. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 between March 10, 2020 and July 31, 2020 at seven hospitals in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Outcomes included clinical improvement within 30 days (primary) and in-hospital mortality (secondary). Of 766 confirmed COVID-19 cases, 500 (65.6%) were male, with a median (interquartile range [IQR]) age of 46 (34–58) years. One hundred ninety-one (25%) patients had severe/critical disease requiring admission in the intensive care unit (ICU). Six hundred twenty patients (80.9%) improved and were discharged within 30 days of admission. Overall in-hospital mortality was 13.2% (95% CI: 10.9–15.8), and almost 50% among those in the ICU. Independent risk factors for death were age < 20 years (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 6.62, 95% CI: 1.85–23.64), 40–59 years (aHR = 4.45, 95% CI: 1.83–10.79), and ≥ 60 years (aHR = 13.63, 95% CI: 5.70–32.60) compared with those aged 20–39 years, with obesity (aHR = 2.30, 95% CI: 1.24–4.27), and with chronic kidney disease (aHR = 5.33, 95% CI: 1.85–15.35). In marginal structural model analysis, there was no statistically significant difference in odds of clinical improvement (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.53, 95% CI: 0.88–2.67, P = 0.132) nor risk of death (aOR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.35–1.20) when comparing the use of chloroquine/azithromycin versus other treatments. In this DRC study, the high mortality among patients aged < 20 years and with severe/critical disease is of great concern, and requires further research for confirmation and targeted interventions.

ACS Style

Jean B. Nachega; Daniel Katuashi Ishoso; John Otshudiema Otokoye; Michel P. Hermans; Rhoderick Neri Machekano; Nadia A. Sam-Agudu; Christian Bongo-Pasi Nswe; Placide Mbala-Kingebeni; Joule Ntwan Madinga; Stéphane Mukendi; Marie Claire Kolié; Edith N. Nkwembe; Gisele M. Mbuyi; Justus M. Nsio; Didier Mukeba Tshialala; Michel Tshiasuma Pipo; Steve Ahuka-Mundeke; Jean-Jacques Muyembe-Tamfum; Lynne Mofenson; Gerald Smith; Edward J. Mills; John W. Mellors; Alimuddin Zumla; Don Jethro Mavungu Landu; Jean-Marie Kayembe. Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Patients Hospitalized for COVID-19 in Africa: Early Insights from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 2020, 103, 2419 -2428.

AMA Style

Jean B. Nachega, Daniel Katuashi Ishoso, John Otshudiema Otokoye, Michel P. Hermans, Rhoderick Neri Machekano, Nadia A. Sam-Agudu, Christian Bongo-Pasi Nswe, Placide Mbala-Kingebeni, Joule Ntwan Madinga, Stéphane Mukendi, Marie Claire Kolié, Edith N. Nkwembe, Gisele M. Mbuyi, Justus M. Nsio, Didier Mukeba Tshialala, Michel Tshiasuma Pipo, Steve Ahuka-Mundeke, Jean-Jacques Muyembe-Tamfum, Lynne Mofenson, Gerald Smith, Edward J. Mills, John W. Mellors, Alimuddin Zumla, Don Jethro Mavungu Landu, Jean-Marie Kayembe. Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Patients Hospitalized for COVID-19 in Africa: Early Insights from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. 2020; 103 (6):2419-2428.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Jean B. Nachega; Daniel Katuashi Ishoso; John Otshudiema Otokoye; Michel P. Hermans; Rhoderick Neri Machekano; Nadia A. Sam-Agudu; Christian Bongo-Pasi Nswe; Placide Mbala-Kingebeni; Joule Ntwan Madinga; Stéphane Mukendi; Marie Claire Kolié; Edith N. Nkwembe; Gisele M. Mbuyi; Justus M. Nsio; Didier Mukeba Tshialala; Michel Tshiasuma Pipo; Steve Ahuka-Mundeke; Jean-Jacques Muyembe-Tamfum; Lynne Mofenson; Gerald Smith; Edward J. Mills; John W. Mellors; Alimuddin Zumla; Don Jethro Mavungu Landu; Jean-Marie Kayembe. 2020. "Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Patients Hospitalized for COVID-19 in Africa: Early Insights from the Democratic Republic of the Congo." The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 103, no. 6: 2419-2428.