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R Colebunders MD, PhD is a Professor of infectious diseases at the Global Health Institute, University of Antwerp, Belgium. He is also emeritus Professor of Tropical Diseases of the Antwerp Tropical Institute. In 2015 he received an advanced European Research Council grant to identify the cause of the nodding syndrome and ways to decrease the incidence of river epilepsy. He discovered that by strengthening onchocerciasis elimination programs this form of epilepsy will disappear. Currently he is coordinating an international network (ICPcovid) to investigate the impact of COVID-19 infection in low and middle income countries WWW.ICPcovid.com
A high worldwide SARS-CoV-2 vaccine coverage must be attained to stop the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, we assessed the level of willingness of Mozambicans to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Data were collected between 11 and 20 March 2021, through a self-administered online survey. Of the 1878 respondents, 30.1% were healthcare workers, 58.3% were aged between 18 and 35 years, 60% were male, and 38.5% were single. Up to 43% had been tested for COVID-19 and 29% had tested positive. Overall vaccine acceptability was 71.4% (86.6% among healthcare workers, 64.8% among other respondents; p< 0.001). Reasons for vaccine hesitancy included: fear of vaccine side effects (29.6%) and the belief that the vaccine is not effective (52%). The acceptability of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine increased with increasing vaccine efficacy. Using logistic regression, determinants for acceptability of the vaccine were: older age, a past COVID-19 test, a concern of becoming (re)infected by COVID-19, having a chronic disease, and considering vaccination important for personal and community health. In conclusion, vaccine acceptability in Mozambique was relatively high among healthcare workers but significantly lower in the rest of the population. This suggests that there is a need to educate the general population about SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and its importance.
Janeth Dula; Alexandre Mulhanga; Armindo Nhanombe; Laurentino Cumbi; António Júnior; Joe Gwatsvaira; Joseph Fodjo; Edlaine Faria De Moura Villela; Sérgio Chicumbe; Robert Colebunders. COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptability and Its Determinants in Mozambique: An Online Survey. Vaccines 2021, 9, 828 .
AMA StyleJaneth Dula, Alexandre Mulhanga, Armindo Nhanombe, Laurentino Cumbi, António Júnior, Joe Gwatsvaira, Joseph Fodjo, Edlaine Faria De Moura Villela, Sérgio Chicumbe, Robert Colebunders. COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptability and Its Determinants in Mozambique: An Online Survey. Vaccines. 2021; 9 (8):828.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJaneth Dula; Alexandre Mulhanga; Armindo Nhanombe; Laurentino Cumbi; António Júnior; Joe Gwatsvaira; Joseph Fodjo; Edlaine Faria De Moura Villela; Sérgio Chicumbe; Robert Colebunders. 2021. "COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptability and Its Determinants in Mozambique: An Online Survey." Vaccines 9, no. 8: 828.
Frontline healthcare workers (HCWs) involved in the COVID-19 response have a higher risk of experiencing psychosocial distress amidst the pandemic. Between July and September 2020, a second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic appeared in Vietnam with Da Nang city being the epicenter. During the outbreak, HCWs were quarantined within the health facilities in a bid to limit the spread of COVID-19 to their respective communities. Using the stress component of the 21-item Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), we assessed the level of stress among HCWs in Da Nang city. Between 30 August and 15 September 2020, 746 frontline HCWs were recruited to fill in an online structured questionnaire. Overall, 44.6% of participants experienced increased stress and 18.9% severe or extremely severe stress. In multivariable analysis, increased stress was associated with longer working hours (OR = 1.012; 95% CI: 1.004–1.019), working in health facilities providing COVID-19 treatment (OR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.04–2.39), having direct contact with patients or their bio-samples (physicians, nurses and laboratory workers; OR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.02–1.99), low confidence in the available personal protective equipment (OR = 0.846; 95% CI: 0.744–0.962) and low knowledge on COVID-19 prevention and treatment (OR = 0.853; 95% CI: 0.739–0.986). In conclusion, many frontline HCWs experienced increased stress during the COVID-19 outbreak in Da Nang city. Reducing working time, providing essential personal protective equipment and enhancing the knowledge on COVID-19 will help to reduce this stress. Moreover, extra support is needed for HCWs who are directly exposed to COVID-19 patients.
Nhan Nguyen; Duong Le; Robert Colebunders; Joseph Siewe Fodjo; Trung Tran; Thang Vo. Stress and Associated Factors among Frontline Healthcare Workers in the COVID-19 Epicenter of Da Nang City, Vietnam. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2021, 18, 7378 .
AMA StyleNhan Nguyen, Duong Le, Robert Colebunders, Joseph Siewe Fodjo, Trung Tran, Thang Vo. Stress and Associated Factors among Frontline Healthcare Workers in the COVID-19 Epicenter of Da Nang City, Vietnam. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2021; 18 (14):7378.
Chicago/Turabian StyleNhan Nguyen; Duong Le; Robert Colebunders; Joseph Siewe Fodjo; Trung Tran; Thang Vo. 2021. "Stress and Associated Factors among Frontline Healthcare Workers in the COVID-19 Epicenter of Da Nang City, Vietnam." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18, no. 14: 7378.
Nodding syndrome has been suggested to be triggered by neurotoxic leiomodin-1 auto-antibodies cross-reacting with Onchocerca volvulus. Here, we screened serum and CSF samples of persons with nodding syndrome and other forms of onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy (OAE) and African and European controls for leiomodin-1 antibodies by a cell-based assay (CBA) and Western blot (WB). These samples were also investigated for the presence of auto-antibodies cross-reacting with rat brain tissue by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Additionally, IHC was used to detect the leiomodin-1 protein in post-mortem brain samples of persons with OAE who died. Leiomodin-1 antibodies were detected by CBA in 6/52 (12%) and by WB in 23/54 (43%) persons with OAE compared to in 14/61 (23%) (p = 0.113) and 23/54 (43%) (p = 0.479) of controls without epilepsy. Multivariable exact logistic regression did not show an association between O. volvulus infection or epilepsy status and the presence of leiomodin-1. Leiomodin-1 antibodies were not detected in 12 CSF samples from persons with OAE or in 16 CSF samples from persons with acute-onset neurological conditions, as well as not being detected in serum from European controls. Moreover, the leiomodin-1 protein was only detected in capillary walls in post-mortem brain tissues and not in brain cells. IHC on rat brain slides with serum samples from persons with OAE or controls from persons with or without O. volvulus infection revealed no specific staining pattern. In conclusion, our data do not support OAE to be an autoimmune disorder caused by leiomodin-1 antibodies.
An Hotterbeekx; Melissa Vieri; Melanie Ramberger; Ashraf Jozefzoon-Aghai; Michel Mandro; Floribert Tepage; Alfred Dusabimana; Samir Kumar-Singh; Maarten Titulaer; Robert Colebunders. No Evidence for the Involvement of Leiomodin-1 Antibodies in the Pathogenesis of Onchocerciasis-Associated Epilepsy. Pathogens 2021, 10, 845 .
AMA StyleAn Hotterbeekx, Melissa Vieri, Melanie Ramberger, Ashraf Jozefzoon-Aghai, Michel Mandro, Floribert Tepage, Alfred Dusabimana, Samir Kumar-Singh, Maarten Titulaer, Robert Colebunders. No Evidence for the Involvement of Leiomodin-1 Antibodies in the Pathogenesis of Onchocerciasis-Associated Epilepsy. Pathogens. 2021; 10 (7):845.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAn Hotterbeekx; Melissa Vieri; Melanie Ramberger; Ashraf Jozefzoon-Aghai; Michel Mandro; Floribert Tepage; Alfred Dusabimana; Samir Kumar-Singh; Maarten Titulaer; Robert Colebunders. 2021. "No Evidence for the Involvement of Leiomodin-1 Antibodies in the Pathogenesis of Onchocerciasis-Associated Epilepsy." Pathogens 10, no. 7: 845.
Robert Colebunders; Chris Kenyon. Extensive SARS-CoV-2 transmission associated with low mortality in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. For how long? Clinical Infectious Diseases 2021, 1 .
AMA StyleRobert Colebunders, Chris Kenyon. Extensive SARS-CoV-2 transmission associated with low mortality in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. For how long? Clinical Infectious Diseases. 2021; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRobert Colebunders; Chris Kenyon. 2021. "Extensive SARS-CoV-2 transmission associated with low mortality in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. For how long?" Clinical Infectious Diseases , no. : 1.
Despite the increasing epidemiological evidence that the Onchocerca volvulus parasite is strongly associated with epilepsy in children, hence the name onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy (OAE), the pathophysiological mechanism of OAE remains to be elucidated. In June 2014, children with unprovoked convulsive epilepsy and healthy controls were enrolled in a case control study in Titule, Bas-Uélé Province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to identify risk factors for epilepsy. Using a subset of samples collected from individuals enrolled in this study (16 persons with OAE and 9 controls) plasma, buffy coat, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were subjected to random-primed next-generation sequencing. The resulting sequences were analyzed using sensitive computational methods to identify viral DNA and RNA sequences. Anneloviridae, Flaviviridae, Hepadnaviridae (Hepatitis B virus), Herpesviridae, Papillomaviridae, Polyomaviridae (Human polyomavirus), and Virgaviridae were identified in cases and in controls. Not unexpectedly, a variety of bacteriophages were also detected in all cases and controls. However, none of the identified viral sequences were found enriched in OAE cases, which was our criteria for agents that might play a role in the etiology or pathogenesis of OAE.
Michael Roach; Adrian Cantu; Melissa Vieri; Matthew Cotten; Paul Kellam; My Phan; Lia Hoek; Michel Mandro; Floribert Tepage; Germain Mambandu; Gisele Musinya; Anne Laudisoit; Robert Colebunders; Robert Edwards; John Mokili. No Evidence Known Viruses Play a Role in the Pathogenesis of Onchocerciasis-Associated Epilepsy. An Explorative Metagenomic Case-Control Study. Pathogens 2021, 10, 787 .
AMA StyleMichael Roach, Adrian Cantu, Melissa Vieri, Matthew Cotten, Paul Kellam, My Phan, Lia Hoek, Michel Mandro, Floribert Tepage, Germain Mambandu, Gisele Musinya, Anne Laudisoit, Robert Colebunders, Robert Edwards, John Mokili. No Evidence Known Viruses Play a Role in the Pathogenesis of Onchocerciasis-Associated Epilepsy. An Explorative Metagenomic Case-Control Study. Pathogens. 2021; 10 (7):787.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMichael Roach; Adrian Cantu; Melissa Vieri; Matthew Cotten; Paul Kellam; My Phan; Lia Hoek; Michel Mandro; Floribert Tepage; Germain Mambandu; Gisele Musinya; Anne Laudisoit; Robert Colebunders; Robert Edwards; John Mokili. 2021. "No Evidence Known Viruses Play a Role in the Pathogenesis of Onchocerciasis-Associated Epilepsy. An Explorative Metagenomic Case-Control Study." Pathogens 10, no. 7: 787.
We investigated the COVID-19 vaccination acceptance level in Azuay province, Ecuador through an online survey from 12th to 26th February (before the start of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign in Ecuador). Overall, 1219 respondents participated in the survey. The mean age was 32 ± 13 years; 693 participants (57%) were female. In total, 1109 (91%) of the participants indicated they were willing to be vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine, if the vaccine is at least 95% effective; 835 (68.5%) if it is 90% effective and 493 (40.5%) if it is 70% effective; 676 (55.5%) participants indicated they feared side effects and 237 (19.4%) thought the vaccine was not effective. Older age, having had a postgraduate education, a history of a negative COVID-19 test, a high level of worry of contracting COVID-19, believing that COVID-19 infection can be prevented with a vaccine and understanding there is currently an effective vaccine against COVID-19 were associated with higher vaccination acceptance. A vaccination education campaign will be needed to increase the knowledge of Ecuadorians about the COVID-19 vaccine and to increase their trust in the vaccine. People with a lower education level and living in rural areas may need to be targeted during such a campaign.
Julio Jaramillo-Monge; Michael Obimpeh; Bernardo Vega; David Acurio; Annelies Boven; Veronique Verhoeven; Robert Colebunders. COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance in Azuay Province, Ecuador: A Cross-Sectional Online Survey. Vaccines 2021, 9, 678 .
AMA StyleJulio Jaramillo-Monge, Michael Obimpeh, Bernardo Vega, David Acurio, Annelies Boven, Veronique Verhoeven, Robert Colebunders. COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance in Azuay Province, Ecuador: A Cross-Sectional Online Survey. Vaccines. 2021; 9 (6):678.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJulio Jaramillo-Monge; Michael Obimpeh; Bernardo Vega; David Acurio; Annelies Boven; Veronique Verhoeven; Robert Colebunders. 2021. "COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance in Azuay Province, Ecuador: A Cross-Sectional Online Survey." Vaccines 9, no. 6: 678.
Background The term Nodding Syndrome (NS) refers to an atypical and severe form of childhood epilepsy characterized by a repetitive head nodding (HN). The disease has been for a long time limited to East Africa, and the cause is still unknown. The objective of this study was to confirm the existence of NS cases in Central African Republic (CAR). Methodology/Principal findings This was a cross-sectional descriptive study in the general population. The identification of NS cases was conducted through a door-to-door survey in a village near Bangui along the Ubangui River. Based on Winkler’s 2008 and the World Health Organization (WHO)’s 2012 classifications, the confirmation of cases was done by a neurologist who also performed the electroencephalograms. No laboratory tests were done during this investigation. Treatment was offered to all patients. A total of 6,175 individuals was surveyed in 799 households. After reviewing the cases, we identified 5 NS cases in girls aged between 8 and 16. The age of onset of the seizures was between 5 and 12 years of age. Two cases were classified as "HN plus" according to Winkler’s 2008 classification. Four NS cases were classified as probable and one as confirmed according to the WHO’s 2012 classification. Three of them presented with developmental delay and cognitive decline, and one had an abnormally low height-for-age z-score. Electroencephalographic abnormalities were found in four patients. Conclusions/Significance Nodding Syndrome cases were described in CAR for the first time. Despite certain peculiarities, these cases are similar to those described elsewhere. Given that only a small part of the affected area was investigated, the study area along the Ubangui River needs to be expanded in order to investigate the association between Onchocerca volvulus and NS and also evaluate the real burden of NS in CAR.
Salvatore Metanmo; Farid Boumédiène; Pierre-Marie Preux; Robert Colebunders; Joseph N. Siewe Fodjo; Eric de Smet; Emmanuel Yangatimbi; Andrea S. Winkler; Pascal Mbelesso; Daniel Ajzenberg. First description of Nodding Syndrome in the Central African Republic. PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases 2021, 15, e0009430 .
AMA StyleSalvatore Metanmo, Farid Boumédiène, Pierre-Marie Preux, Robert Colebunders, Joseph N. Siewe Fodjo, Eric de Smet, Emmanuel Yangatimbi, Andrea S. Winkler, Pascal Mbelesso, Daniel Ajzenberg. First description of Nodding Syndrome in the Central African Republic. PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases. 2021; 15 (6):e0009430.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSalvatore Metanmo; Farid Boumédiène; Pierre-Marie Preux; Robert Colebunders; Joseph N. Siewe Fodjo; Eric de Smet; Emmanuel Yangatimbi; Andrea S. Winkler; Pascal Mbelesso; Daniel Ajzenberg. 2021. "First description of Nodding Syndrome in the Central African Republic." PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases 15, no. 6: e0009430.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers (HCW) have been subjected to greater workloads. We conducted a cross-sectional online survey to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Brazilian HCW. Data were collected between 11 August and 1 November 2020. Of the 295 respondents, 95 (32.2%) were medical doctors, 82 (27.8%) administrative staff, 53 (18.0%) nurses, 27 (9.2%) laboratory staff, and 38 (12.9%) were other staff. COVID-19-related restructuring at the health facilities was reported by 207 (70.2%) respondents, and 69 (23.4%) had their tasks changed. Preventive measures were well respected when seeing suspected patients. Overall, 167 (56.6%) HCW screened positive for anxiety and 137 (46.4%) for depression; 109 (36.9%) screened positive for both conditions. Of the 217 (73.6%) HCW who had been tested for COVID-19, at least one positive result was reported in 49 (22.6%). Following a positive COVID-19 test, 45/49 (91.8%) stopped working and stayed home. In conclusion, we found a high incidence of COVID-19 infection among Brazilian HCW with high rates of anxiety and depression despite a good self-reported adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures. As such, our study highlights the urgent need for interventions to mitigate the psychosocial risks HCW in Brazil encounter during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Edlaine Faria De Moura Villela; Izadora Rodrigues da Cunha; Joseph Nelson Siewe Fodjo; Michael Obimpeh; Robert Colebunders; Stijn Van Hees. Impact of COVID-19 on Healthcare Workers in Brazil between August and November 2020: A Cross-Sectional Survey. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2021, 18, 6511 .
AMA StyleEdlaine Faria De Moura Villela, Izadora Rodrigues da Cunha, Joseph Nelson Siewe Fodjo, Michael Obimpeh, Robert Colebunders, Stijn Van Hees. Impact of COVID-19 on Healthcare Workers in Brazil between August and November 2020: A Cross-Sectional Survey. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2021; 18 (12):6511.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEdlaine Faria De Moura Villela; Izadora Rodrigues da Cunha; Joseph Nelson Siewe Fodjo; Michael Obimpeh; Robert Colebunders; Stijn Van Hees. 2021. "Impact of COVID-19 on Healthcare Workers in Brazil between August and November 2020: A Cross-Sectional Survey." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18, no. 12: 6511.
Onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy (OAE) is a devastating childhood disorder occurring in areas with high Onchocerca volvulus transmission. Despite epidemiological evidence showing the association between O. volvulus and epilepsy, the underlying mechanism remains unknown. Since high levels of serotonin are known to induce seizures, we investigated serotonin levels in persons with OAE and controls selected from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Serum serotonin levels were determined by ELISA in 19 persons with OAE, 32 persons with epilepsy without O. volvulus infection, 18 with O. volvulus infection but without epilepsy, and 35 with neither O. volvulus infection nor epilepsy. O. volvulus infection was diagnosed by skin snip testing and/or OV16 antibody detection. Serum serotonin levels were significantly decreased in persons with OAE compared to persons with O. volvulus infection and no epilepsy. In conclusion, an increased serotonin level is unable to explain the pathogenesis of OAE. Other hypotheses to identify the causal mechanism of OAE will need to be investigated.
Melissa Vieri; An Hotterbeekx; Michel Mandro; Joseph Siewe Fodjo; Alfred Dusabimana; Francoise Nyisi; Deby Mukendi; Joe Gwatsvaira; Samir Kumar-Singh; Robert Colebunders. Serotonin Levels in the Serum of Persons with Onchocerciasis-Associated Epilepsy: A Case-Control Study. Pathogens 2021, 10, 720 .
AMA StyleMelissa Vieri, An Hotterbeekx, Michel Mandro, Joseph Siewe Fodjo, Alfred Dusabimana, Francoise Nyisi, Deby Mukendi, Joe Gwatsvaira, Samir Kumar-Singh, Robert Colebunders. Serotonin Levels in the Serum of Persons with Onchocerciasis-Associated Epilepsy: A Case-Control Study. Pathogens. 2021; 10 (6):720.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMelissa Vieri; An Hotterbeekx; Michel Mandro; Joseph Siewe Fodjo; Alfred Dusabimana; Francoise Nyisi; Deby Mukendi; Joe Gwatsvaira; Samir Kumar-Singh; Robert Colebunders. 2021. "Serotonin Levels in the Serum of Persons with Onchocerciasis-Associated Epilepsy: A Case-Control Study." Pathogens 10, no. 6: 720.
Most countries are currently gravitating towards vaccination as mainstay strategy to quell COVID-19 transmission. Between December 2020 and January 2021, we conducted a follow-up online survey in Somalia to monitor adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures, and COVID-19 vaccine acceptability and reasons for vaccine hesitancy. Adherence was measured via a composite adherence score based on four measures (physical distancing, face mask use, hand hygiene, and mouth covering when coughing/sneezing). We analyzed 4543 responses (mean age: 23.5 ± 6.4 years, 62.4% males). The mean adherence score during this survey was lower than the score during a similar survey in April 2020. A total of 76.8% of respondents were willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Flu-like symptoms were more frequently reported in the current survey compared to previous surveys. Multiple logistic regression showed that participants who experienced flu-like symptoms, those in the healthcare sector, and those with higher adherence scores had higher odds for vaccine acceptability while being a female reduced the willingness to be vaccinated. In conclusion, our data suggest that the decreasing adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures may have caused increased flu-like symptoms over time. COVID-19 vaccine acceptance in Somalia is relatively high but could be improved by addressing factors that contribute to vaccine hesitancy.
Mohammed Ahmed; Robert Colebunders; Abdi Gele; Abdiqani Farah; Shariff Osman; Ibraahim Guled; Aweis Abdullahi; Ahmed Hussein; Abdiaziz Ali; Joseph Siewe Fodjo. COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptability and Adherence to Preventive Measures in Somalia: Results of an Online Survey. Vaccines 2021, 9, 543 .
AMA StyleMohammed Ahmed, Robert Colebunders, Abdi Gele, Abdiqani Farah, Shariff Osman, Ibraahim Guled, Aweis Abdullahi, Ahmed Hussein, Abdiaziz Ali, Joseph Siewe Fodjo. COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptability and Adherence to Preventive Measures in Somalia: Results of an Online Survey. Vaccines. 2021; 9 (6):543.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMohammed Ahmed; Robert Colebunders; Abdi Gele; Abdiqani Farah; Shariff Osman; Ibraahim Guled; Aweis Abdullahi; Ahmed Hussein; Abdiaziz Ali; Joseph Siewe Fodjo. 2021. "COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptability and Adherence to Preventive Measures in Somalia: Results of an Online Survey." Vaccines 9, no. 6: 543.
In its new roadmap for neglected tropical diseases, the World Health Organization proposes three important strategic shifts: (i) Stronger accountability which shifting from process to impact indicators; (ii) Intensified cross-cutting approaches; and (iii) Stronger country ownership. In this paper we discuss the implementation of these three strategies in the setting of a high onchocerciasis disease burden in South Sudan.
Melissa Krizia Vieri; Makoy Yibi Logora; Kamran Rafiq; Robert Colebunders. The World Health Organization road map for neglected tropical diseases 2021–2030: implications for onchocerciasis elimination programs. Infectious Diseases of Poverty 2021, 10, 1 -4.
AMA StyleMelissa Krizia Vieri, Makoy Yibi Logora, Kamran Rafiq, Robert Colebunders. The World Health Organization road map for neglected tropical diseases 2021–2030: implications for onchocerciasis elimination programs. Infectious Diseases of Poverty. 2021; 10 (1):1-4.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMelissa Krizia Vieri; Makoy Yibi Logora; Kamran Rafiq; Robert Colebunders. 2021. "The World Health Organization road map for neglected tropical diseases 2021–2030: implications for onchocerciasis elimination programs." Infectious Diseases of Poverty 10, no. 1: 1-4.
Vaccination is fast becoming a key intervention against the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted cross-sectional online surveys to investigate COVID-19 vaccine acceptance across nine Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs; N = 10,183), assuming vaccine effectiveness at 90% and 95%. The prevalence of vaccine acceptance increased from 76.4% (90% effectiveness) to 88.8% (95% effectiveness). Considering a 90% effective vaccine, Malaysia, Thailand, Bangladesh, and five African countries (Democratic Republic of Congo, Benin, Uganda, Malawi, and Mali) had lower acceptance odds compared to Brazil. Individuals who perceived taking the vaccine as important to protect themselves had the highest acceptance odds (aOR 2.49) at 95% effectiveness.Vaccine acceptance was also positively associated with COVID-19 knowledge, worry/fear regarding COVID-19, higher income, younger age, and testing negative for COVID-19. However, chronic disease and female gender reduced the odds for vaccine acceptance. The main reasons underpinning vaccine refusal were fear of side effects (41.2%) and lack of confidence in vaccine effectiveness (15.1%). Further research is needed to identify country-specific reasons for vaccine hesitancy in order to develop mitigation strategies that would ensure high and equitable vaccination coverage across LMICs.
Suzanna Bono; Edlaine Faria De Moura Villela; Ching Siau; Won Chen; Supa Pengpid; M Hasan; Philippe Sessou; John Ditekemena; Bob Amodan; Mina Hosseinipour; Housseini Dolo; Joseph Siewe Fodjo; Wah Low; Robert Colebunders. Factors Affecting COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance: An International Survey among Low- and Middle-Income Countries. Vaccines 2021, 9, 515 .
AMA StyleSuzanna Bono, Edlaine Faria De Moura Villela, Ching Siau, Won Chen, Supa Pengpid, M Hasan, Philippe Sessou, John Ditekemena, Bob Amodan, Mina Hosseinipour, Housseini Dolo, Joseph Siewe Fodjo, Wah Low, Robert Colebunders. Factors Affecting COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance: An International Survey among Low- and Middle-Income Countries. Vaccines. 2021; 9 (5):515.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSuzanna Bono; Edlaine Faria De Moura Villela; Ching Siau; Won Chen; Supa Pengpid; M Hasan; Philippe Sessou; John Ditekemena; Bob Amodan; Mina Hosseinipour; Housseini Dolo; Joseph Siewe Fodjo; Wah Low; Robert Colebunders. 2021. "Factors Affecting COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance: An International Survey among Low- and Middle-Income Countries." Vaccines 9, no. 5: 515.
Objective Epilepsy is highly prevalent in onchocerciasis‐endemic African regions. Various types of epilepsy have been described in such regions based essentially on clinical characteristics. Methods We conducted a clinical, neurophysiological and neuropsychological study of epilepsy in the onchocerciasis‐endemic region of Ntui, Sanaga‐Mbamarea, Cameroon. Results One hundred and eighty‐seven persons with presumed epilepsy were recruited in an epilepsy clinic in Ntui. Epilepsy was clinically confirmed in 144 (79%) subjects, 69 (46.0%) of them met the onchocerciasis‐associated epilepsy (OAE) criteria and 51/106 tested (48.1%) presented OV16 antibodies. Electroencephalograms (EEG) were recorded in 91 participants, of which 36 (33%) were considered abnormal and 27/36 (75%) revealed bifronto temporal spike and slow waves. Concerning the neuropsychological evaluation, 29% showed severe global cognitive impairment, 28% severe episodic memory impairment, and 66% severe frontal cognitive impairment. Half of the persons with epilepsy (PWE) suffered from a mental disorder. Significance In PWE in the Sanaga‐Mbam area in Cameroon, similar EEG patterns were observed as described among persons with OAE including nodding syndrome in other onchocerciasis endemic areas. Most PWE presented with severe cognitive impairment. We hypothesize that onchocerciasis may induce neurocognitive disorders and epilepsy via a mechanism that involves mainly the frontal and temporal regions of the brain.
Alexandre Morin; Maxime Guillaume; Leonard Ngarka; Tatah Y. Godwin; Joseph Nelson Siewe Fodjo; Guillaume Wyart; Ghislain Nokam; Thierry Tchoumi; Mary Bello Nkinin; Wepnyu Y. Njamnshi; Eric Chokote; Michel Boussinesq; Robert Colebunders; Cédric B. Chesnais; Gilles Gargala; Dominique Parain; Alfred K. Njamnshi. Epilepsy in the Sanaga‐Mbam valley, an onchocerciasis‐endemic region in Cameroon: electro‐clinical and neuropsychological findings. Epilepsia Open 2021, 1 .
AMA StyleAlexandre Morin, Maxime Guillaume, Leonard Ngarka, Tatah Y. Godwin, Joseph Nelson Siewe Fodjo, Guillaume Wyart, Ghislain Nokam, Thierry Tchoumi, Mary Bello Nkinin, Wepnyu Y. Njamnshi, Eric Chokote, Michel Boussinesq, Robert Colebunders, Cédric B. Chesnais, Gilles Gargala, Dominique Parain, Alfred K. Njamnshi. Epilepsy in the Sanaga‐Mbam valley, an onchocerciasis‐endemic region in Cameroon: electro‐clinical and neuropsychological findings. Epilepsia Open. 2021; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAlexandre Morin; Maxime Guillaume; Leonard Ngarka; Tatah Y. Godwin; Joseph Nelson Siewe Fodjo; Guillaume Wyart; Ghislain Nokam; Thierry Tchoumi; Mary Bello Nkinin; Wepnyu Y. Njamnshi; Eric Chokote; Michel Boussinesq; Robert Colebunders; Cédric B. Chesnais; Gilles Gargala; Dominique Parain; Alfred K. Njamnshi. 2021. "Epilepsy in the Sanaga‐Mbam valley, an onchocerciasis‐endemic region in Cameroon: electro‐clinical and neuropsychological findings." Epilepsia Open , no. : 1.
In June 2020, a door-to-door household survey was conducted in Mvolo County, an onchocerciasis-endemic area in South Sudan. A total of 2357 households containing 15,699 individuals agreed to participate in the study. Of these, 5046 (32.1%, 95% CI: 31.4–32.9%) had skin itching and 445 (2.8%, 95% CI: 2.6–3.1%) were blind. An epilepsy screening questionnaire identified 813 (5.1%) persons suspected of having epilepsy. Of them, 804 (98.9%) were seen by a medical doctor, and in 798 (98.1%) the diagnosis of epilepsy was confirmed. The overall epilepsy prevalence was 50.8/1000 (95% CI: 47.6–54.4/1000), while the prevalence of nodding syndrome was 22.4/1000 (95% CI: 20.1–24.9/1000). Younger age, being male, skin itching, blindness, and living in a neighbourhood or village close to the Naam River were risk factors for epilepsy. The annual incidence of epilepsy was 82.8/100,000 (95% CI: 44.1–141.6/100,000). Among children 7–9 years old without epilepsy, 34% were Ov16 seropositive, suggesting high ongoing Onchocerca volvulus transmission, but only 41.9% of them took ivermectin during the last mass distribution. In conclusion, a high prevalence and incidence of epilepsy was observed in Mvolo, South Sudan. Strengthening of the onchocerciasis elimination programme is urgently needed in order to prevent epilepsy in this region.
Stephen Raimon; Alfred Dusabimana; Gasim Abd-Elfarag; Samuel Okaro; Jane Carter; Charles Newton; Makoy Logora; Robert Colebunders. High Prevalence of Epilepsy in an Onchocerciasis-Endemic Area in Mvolo County, South Sudan: A Door-To-Door Survey. Pathogens 2021, 10, 599 .
AMA StyleStephen Raimon, Alfred Dusabimana, Gasim Abd-Elfarag, Samuel Okaro, Jane Carter, Charles Newton, Makoy Logora, Robert Colebunders. High Prevalence of Epilepsy in an Onchocerciasis-Endemic Area in Mvolo County, South Sudan: A Door-To-Door Survey. Pathogens. 2021; 10 (5):599.
Chicago/Turabian StyleStephen Raimon; Alfred Dusabimana; Gasim Abd-Elfarag; Samuel Okaro; Jane Carter; Charles Newton; Makoy Logora; Robert Colebunders. 2021. "High Prevalence of Epilepsy in an Onchocerciasis-Endemic Area in Mvolo County, South Sudan: A Door-To-Door Survey." Pathogens 10, no. 5: 599.
Intimate Partners’ Violence (IPV) is a public health problem with long-lasting mental and physical health consequences for victims and their families. As evidence has been increasing that COVID-19 lockdown measures may exacerbate IPV, our study sought to describe the magnitude of IPV in women and identify associated determinants. An online survey was conducted in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) from 24 August to 8 September 2020. Of the 4160 respondents, 2002 eligible women were included in the data analysis. Their mean age was 36.3 (SD: 8.2). Most women (65.8%) were younger than 40 years old. Prevalence of any form of IPV was 11.7%. Being in the 30–39 and >50 years’ age groups (OR = 0.66, CI: 0.46–0.95; p = 0.026 and OR = 0.23, CI: 0.11–048; p < 0.001, respectively), living in urban setting (OR = 0.63, CI: 0.41–0.99; p = 0.047), and belonging to the middle socioeconomic class (OR = 0.48, CI: 0.29–0.79; p = 0.003) significantly decreased the odds for experiencing IPV. Lower socioeconomic status (OR = 1.84, CI: 1.04–3.24; p = 0.035) and being pregnant (OR = 1.63, CI: 1.16–2.29; p = 0.005) or uncertain of pregnancy status (OR = 2.01, CI: 1.17–3.44; p = 0.011) significantly increased the odds for reporting IPV. Additional qualitative research is needed to identify the underlying reasons and mechanisms of IPV in order to develop and implement prevention interventions.
John Ditekemena; Christophe Luhata; Hypolite Mavoko; Joseph Siewe Fodjo; Dalau Nkamba; Wim Van Damme; Shahul Ebrahim; Christiana Noestlinger; Robert Colebunders. Intimate Partners Violence against Women during a COVID-19 Lockdown Period: Results of an Online Survey in 7 Provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2021, 18, 5108 .
AMA StyleJohn Ditekemena, Christophe Luhata, Hypolite Mavoko, Joseph Siewe Fodjo, Dalau Nkamba, Wim Van Damme, Shahul Ebrahim, Christiana Noestlinger, Robert Colebunders. Intimate Partners Violence against Women during a COVID-19 Lockdown Period: Results of an Online Survey in 7 Provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2021; 18 (10):5108.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJohn Ditekemena; Christophe Luhata; Hypolite Mavoko; Joseph Siewe Fodjo; Dalau Nkamba; Wim Van Damme; Shahul Ebrahim; Christiana Noestlinger; Robert Colebunders. 2021. "Intimate Partners Violence against Women during a COVID-19 Lockdown Period: Results of an Online Survey in 7 Provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18, no. 10: 5108.
The COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictive measures implemented may considerably affect people’s lives. This study aimed to assess the well-being of Vietnamese people after COVID-19 lockdown measures were lifted and life gradually returned to normal. An online survey was organized from 21 to 25 April 2020 among Vietnamese residents aged 18 and over. The survey was launched by the Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy. The WHO-5 Well-Being Index (scored 0–25) was used to score participants’ well-being. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to determine the predictors of well-being. A total of 1922 responses were analyzed (mean age: 31 years; 30.5% male; 88.2% health professionals or students in the health sector). The mean well-being score was 17.35 ± 4.97. Determinants of a high well-being score (≥13) included older age, eating healthy food, practicing physical exercise, working from home, and adhering to the COVID-19 preventive measures. Female participants, persons worried about their relatives’ health, and smokers were more likely to have a low well-being score. In conclusion, after the lockdown measures were lifted, the Vietnamese have people continued to follow COVID-19 preventive measures, and most of them scored high on the well-being scale. Waiting to achieve large-scale COVID-19 vaccine coverage, promoting preventive COVID-19 measures remains important, together with strategies to guarantee the well-being of the Vietnamese people.
Tuyen Hoang; Robert Colebunders; Joseph Fodjo; Nhan Nguyen; Trung Tran; Thang Vo. Well-Being of Healthcare Workers and the General Public during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Vietnam: An Online Survey. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2021, 18, 4737 .
AMA StyleTuyen Hoang, Robert Colebunders, Joseph Fodjo, Nhan Nguyen, Trung Tran, Thang Vo. Well-Being of Healthcare Workers and the General Public during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Vietnam: An Online Survey. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2021; 18 (9):4737.
Chicago/Turabian StyleTuyen Hoang; Robert Colebunders; Joseph Fodjo; Nhan Nguyen; Trung Tran; Thang Vo. 2021. "Well-Being of Healthcare Workers and the General Public during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Vietnam: An Online Survey." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18, no. 9: 4737.
COVID-19 affects persons living with HIV (PLWH) both directly (via morbidity/mortality) and indirectly (via disruption of HIV care). From July–November 2020, an online survey was conducted to investigate the psychosocial well-being of PLWH and changes in HIV care during the second semester of the COVID-19 outbreak. Data were collected on the socio-demographic characteristics of PLWH, their psychosocial well-being, impact of COVID-19 preventive measures on their daily routines and HIV follow-up. Of the 247 responses analyzed (mean age: 44.5 ± 13.2 years; 73.7% male), 67 (27.1%) and 69 (27.9%) respondents screened positive for anxiety (GAD-2 score ≥ 3) and depression (PHQ-2 score ≥ 3), respectively. HIV care had returned to pre-COVID-19 state for 48.6% PLWH, and 108 (43.7%) had no HIV follow-up during the past month. Over three quarters (76.1%) of respondents expressed willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Compared to previous findings in April 2020, substance use increased from 58.6% to 67.2% (p < 0.001). Our findings suggest that the well-being and medical follow-up of PLWH are still affected after almost a year into the COVID-19 outbreak. Remote HIV follow-up (telemedicine) with psychosocial support should be envisaged in the medium to long-term. Given that most PLWH accept COVID-19 vaccination, they may be prioritized for this intervention.
Joseph Siewe Fodjo; Edlaine Faria De Moura Villela; Stijn Van Hees; Pieter Vanholder; Patrick Reyntiens; Robert Colebunders. Follow-Up Survey of the Impact of COVID-19 on People Living with HIV during the Second Semester of the Pandemic. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2021, 18, 4635 .
AMA StyleJoseph Siewe Fodjo, Edlaine Faria De Moura Villela, Stijn Van Hees, Pieter Vanholder, Patrick Reyntiens, Robert Colebunders. Follow-Up Survey of the Impact of COVID-19 on People Living with HIV during the Second Semester of the Pandemic. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2021; 18 (9):4635.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJoseph Siewe Fodjo; Edlaine Faria De Moura Villela; Stijn Van Hees; Pieter Vanholder; Patrick Reyntiens; Robert Colebunders. 2021. "Follow-Up Survey of the Impact of COVID-19 on People Living with HIV during the Second Semester of the Pandemic." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18, no. 9: 4635.
A door-to-door survey was organised in Cuenca, Ecuador, to determine the prevalence of COVID-19 infection and adherence of the population to COVID-19 preventive measures. A total of 2457 persons participated in the study; 584 (23.7%) reported having experienced at least one flu-like symptom since the onset of the pandemic. The maximum SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in Cuenca was 13.2% (CI: 12–14.6%) (IgM or IgG positive). Considering PCR confirmed infections, the prevalence was 11% (CI: 10–12.4%). There was no significant difference in seroprevalence between rural and urban areas. Participants aged 35–49 years old, living with a COVID-19 positive person, at least six people in a household, physical contact with someone outside the household, a contact with a person outside the home with flu-like symptoms, using public transport, and not having enough resources for living, significantly increased the odds for SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity. Overall, there was good adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures. Having known someone who tested positive for COVID-19, having a primary or secondary level of education, and having enough resources for living, significantly increased the odds for higher adherence. In conclusion, despite good overall adherence of the population of Cuenca with COVID-19 preventive measures, our study suggests high ongoing COVID-19 transmission in Cuenca, particularly in certain parishes. Prevention should not only focus on behavioural change, but on intensified testing strategies in demographical risk groups.
David Acurio-Páez; Bernardo Vega; Daniel Orellana; Ricardo Charry; Andrea Gómez; Michael Obimpeh; Veronique Verhoeven; Robert Colebunders. Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Adherence to Preventive Measures in Cuenca, Ecuador, October 2020, a Cross-Sectional Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2021, 18, 4657 .
AMA StyleDavid Acurio-Páez, Bernardo Vega, Daniel Orellana, Ricardo Charry, Andrea Gómez, Michael Obimpeh, Veronique Verhoeven, Robert Colebunders. Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Adherence to Preventive Measures in Cuenca, Ecuador, October 2020, a Cross-Sectional Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2021; 18 (9):4657.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDavid Acurio-Páez; Bernardo Vega; Daniel Orellana; Ricardo Charry; Andrea Gómez; Michael Obimpeh; Veronique Verhoeven; Robert Colebunders. 2021. "Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Adherence to Preventive Measures in Cuenca, Ecuador, October 2020, a Cross-Sectional Study." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18, no. 9: 4657.
To the editor Related article: https://colombiamedica.univalle.edu.co/...iew/4613 We read with interest the paper by Guerrero et al “COVID-19: The Ivermectin African Enigma” . In an ecological study they compared COVID-19 related mortality and infection rates between APOC (African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control) and non-APOC countries. After adjusting for Human Development Index (HDI) and number of performed test, COVID-19 mortality and infection rate were respectively 28% and 8% lower in non-APOC countries compared to APOC countries. The authors suggested that this difference may be related to the community directed treatment with ivermectin (CDTI) programs established in APOC countries. We agree that it remains to be explained why a lower COVID-19 mortality is observed in many APOC countries compared to other parts of the world. However, we do not believe that this is related to CDTI programs. Indeed, in APOC countries ivermectin is distributed only once (most countries) or twice a year 2. Moreover, April 1st 2020, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, CDTI programs were interrupted and were only recently restarted. Ivermectin has an in vitro anti-COVID-19 effect and also certain clinical trials suggested a beneficial effect of ivermectin on COVID-19 disease outcome. However, in a recent small double blind, randomized control trial in Colombia, five days of ivermectin, at a 10 times the recommended dose, did not reduce the duration of symptoms of mild COVID-19 disease compared to placebo. Given the half-life of ivermectin, approximately 18h, it is unlikely that CDTI, only one dose of ivermectin once or twice a year, may be able to reduce COVID-19 related mortality. Many factors could explain the lower COVID-19 mortality in APOC countries. One of them could be exposure to parasitic infections and the immune response induced by these infections. For example, for P. falciparum, a parasitic infection highly prevalent in APOC countries, it has been hypothesised that the immunological memory against P. falciparum merozoites primes SARS-CoV-2 infected cells for early phagocytosis and therefore may protect persons with a recent P. falciparum infection against severe COVID-19 disease. Helminth infections, such as onchocerciasis, may down regulate immune responses and potentially inactivate the inflammatory signalling pathways that may induce acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), one of the causes of death in COVID-19 infected persons
Robert Colebunders. COVID-19: The African Enigma. Colombia Medica 2021, 52, e7014816 -e7014816.
AMA StyleRobert Colebunders. COVID-19: The African Enigma. Colombia Medica. 2021; 52 (2):e7014816-e7014816.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRobert Colebunders. 2021. "COVID-19: The African Enigma." Colombia Medica 52, no. 2: e7014816-e7014816.
In June 2020, a door-to-door household survey was conducted in Mvolo County, an onchocerciasis endemic area in South Sudan. A total of 2,357 households containing 15,699 individuals agreed to participate in the study. Of these, 5,046 (32.1%, 95%CI: 31.4-32.9%) had skin itching and 445 (2.8%, 95% CI: 2.6-3.1%) were blind. An epilepsy screening questionnaire identified 813 (5.1%) persons suspected to have epilepsy. Of them, 804 (98.9%) were seen by a medical doctor and in 798 (98.1%) the diagnosis of epilepsy was confirmed. The overall epilepsy prevalence was 50.8/1000 (95% CI: 47.6-54.4/1000) and prevalence of nodding syndrome was 22.4/1000 (95% CI: 20.1-24.9/1000). Younger age, being male, skin itching, blindness and living in a village close to the Naam river were risk factors for epilepsy. The annual incidence of epilepsy was 82.8/100,000 (95% CI: 44.1-141.6/100,000). In conclusion, a high prevalence and incidence of epilepsy was observed in Mvolo, South Sudan. Strengthening the onchocerciasis elimination programme is urgently needed to prevent epilepsy in this region.
Stephen Raimon; Alfred Dusabimana; Gasim Abd-Elfarag; Samuel Okaro; Charles Newton; Jane Carter; Makoy Yibi Logora; Robert Colebunders. Prevalence of Onchocerciasis-Associated Epilepsy in Mvolo County, South Sudan: A Door to Door Survey. 2021, 1 .
AMA StyleStephen Raimon, Alfred Dusabimana, Gasim Abd-Elfarag, Samuel Okaro, Charles Newton, Jane Carter, Makoy Yibi Logora, Robert Colebunders. Prevalence of Onchocerciasis-Associated Epilepsy in Mvolo County, South Sudan: A Door to Door Survey. . 2021; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleStephen Raimon; Alfred Dusabimana; Gasim Abd-Elfarag; Samuel Okaro; Charles Newton; Jane Carter; Makoy Yibi Logora; Robert Colebunders. 2021. "Prevalence of Onchocerciasis-Associated Epilepsy in Mvolo County, South Sudan: A Door to Door Survey." , no. : 1.