Search

Examines the introduction of routine HIV testing in prenatal care in Botswana. Report that 37% of pregnant women in Botswana were HIV-positive in 2003; Impact of routine HIV screening in Botswana's prenatal clinics on public health; Argument that routine testing might deter some women from seeking prenatal care; Results of a study on the impact of routine testing; Plans of the Botswana government to increase and improve HIV testing and health care services.

The study team sought to improve hospitalist communication with primary care providers (PCPs) at discharge through interventions consisting of (a) audit and feedback and (b) inclusion of a discharge communication measure in the incentive compensation for pediatric hospitalists. The setting was a 16-physician pediatric hospitalist group within a tertiary pediatric hospital. Discharge summaries were selected randomly for documentation of communication with PCPs. At baseline, 57% of charts had documented communication with PCPs, increasing to 84% during the audit and feedback period. Following the addition of a financial incentive, documentation of communication with PCPs increased to 93% and was sustained during the combined intervention period. The number of physicians meeting the study's performance goal increased from 1 to 14 by the end of the study period. A financial incentive coupled with an audit and feedback tool was effective at modifying physician behavior, achieving focused, measurable quality improvement gains., (© 2014 by the American College of Medical Quality.)

Background: Male circumcision can reduce the risk of heterosexually acquired HIV-1 infection in men. Neonatal male circumcision (NMC) has many potential advantages over circumcision at older ages, but little is known about its feasibility and safety in resource-limited settings., Methods: We performed a randomized trial in southeastern Botswana of Mogen clamp and Plastibell, 2 commonly used devices for NMC. Follow-up visits occurred at 6 weeks and 4 months postpartum. Adverse events, parental satisfaction, and staff impressions were recorded., Results: Of 302 male neonates randomized, 300 (99%) underwent circumcision, 153 (51%) with Mogen clamp, and 147 (49%) with Plastibell. There were no major adverse events in the Mogen clamp arm, but there were 2 major adverse events in the Plastibell arm (both were a proximally migrated ring that had to be removed by study staff). Minor adverse events were more common with the Mogen clamp compared with the Plastibell, specifically removal of too little skin and formation of skin bridges or adhesions (12 versus 1 and 11 versus 3, respectively, all P < 0.05). Five (3%) infants in the Mogen clamp arm and none in the Plastibell arm had minor bleeding (P = 0.03). More than 94% of mothers reported being highly or completely satisfied with the procedure., Conclusions: NMC can be performed in Botswana with a low rate of adverse events and high parental satisfaction. Although the risk of migration and retention of the Plastibell is small, the Mogen clamp may be safer for NMC in regions where immediate emergent medical attention is not available.

Background: The Global Plan Towards the Elimination of New HIV Infections among Children and Keeping Their Mothers Alive aims to reduce by 2015 the number of new infections in children, in 22 priority countries, by at least 90% from 2009 levels. Mathematical models, such as Spectrum, are used to estimate national and global trends of the number of infants infected through mother-to-child transmission (MTCT). However, other modelling exercises have also examined MTCT under different settings. MTCT probabilities applied in models to populations that are assumed to receive antiretroviral interventions need to reflect the most current risk estimates., Methods: The UNAIDS Reference Group on Estimates, Modelling and Projections held a consultation to review data on MTCT probabilities. Published literature, recent conferences and data from personal communications with principle investigators were reviewed. Based on available data, peripartum and postnatal transmission probabilities were estimated for different antiretroviral drug regimens and maternal CD4 levels including for women with incident infection., Results: Incident infections occurring during pregnancy are estimated to be associated with a 30% probability of MTCT; incident infections during breast feeding lead to a 28% probability of postnatal MTCT. The 2010 WHO recommended regimens (Options A or B) are estimated to be associated with a 2% peripartum transmission probability and 0.2% transmission probability per month of breast feeding. Peripartum and postnatal transmission probabilities were lowest for women who were taking antiretroviral therapy before the pregnancy namely 0.5% peripartum and 0.16% per month of breast feeding, respectively., Discussion: These updated probabilities of HIV transmission (applied to Spectrum in April 2011) will be used to estimate new child HIV infections and track progress towards the 2015 targets of the Global Plan.

Background: Increased stillbirth rates occur among HIV-infected women, but no studies have evaluated the pathological basis for this increase, or whether highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) influences the etiology of stillbirths. It is also unknown whether HIV infection of the fetus is associated with stillbirth., Methods: HIV-infected women and a comparator group of HIV-uninfected women who delivered stillbirths were enrolled at the largest referral hospital in Botswana between January and November 2010. Obstetrical records, including antiretroviral use in pregnancy, were extracted at enrollment. Verbal autopsies; maternal HIV, CD4 and HIV RNA testing; stillbirth HIV PCR testing; and placental pathology (blinded to HIV and treatment status) were performed., Results: Ninety-nine stillbirths were evaluated, including 62 from HIV-infected women (34% on HAART from conception, 8% on HAART started in pregnancy, 23% on zidovudine started in pregnancy, and 35% on no antiretrovirals) and 37 from a comparator group of HIV-uninfected women. Only 2 (3.7%) of 53 tested stillbirths from HIV-infected women were HIV PCR positive, and both were born to women not receiving HAART. Placental insufficiency associated with hypertension accounted for most stillbirths. Placental findings consistent with chronic hypertension were common among HIV-infected women who received HAART and among HIV-uninfected women (65% vs. 54%, p = 0.37), but less common among HIV-infected women not receiving HAART (28%, p = 0.003 vs. women on HAART)., Conclusions: In utero HIV infection was rarely associated with stillbirths, and did not occur among women receiving HAART. Hypertension and placental insufficiency were associated with most stillbirths in this tertiary care setting.

Background: Health facility characteristics associated with effective prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) coverage in sub-Saharan are poorly understood., Methodology/principal Findings: We conducted surveys in health facilities with active PMTCT services in Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire, South Africa, and Zambia. Data was compiled via direct observation and exit interviews. We constructed composite scores to describe provision of PMTCT services across seven topical areas: antenatal quality, PMTCT quality, supplies available, patient satisfaction, patient understanding of medication, and infrastructure quality. Pearson correlations and Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) to account for clustering of facilities within countries were used to evaluate the relationship between the composite scores, total time of visit and select individual variables with PMTCT coverage among women delivering. Between July 2008 and May 2009, we collected data from 32 facilities; 78% were managed by the government health system. An opt-out approach for HIV testing was used in 100% of facilities in Zambia, 63% in Cameroon, and none in Côte d'Ivoire or South Africa. Using Pearson correlations, PMTCT coverage (median of 55%, (IQR: 33-68) was correlated with PMTCT quality score (rho = 0.51; p = 0.003); infrastructure quality score (rho = 0.43; p = 0.017); time spent at clinic (rho = 0.47; p = 0.013); patient understanding of medications score (rho = 0.51; p = 0.006); and patient satisfaction quality score (rho = 0.38; p = 0.031). PMTCT coverage was marginally correlated with the antenatal quality score (rho = 0.304; p = 0.091). Using GEE adjustment for clustering, the, antenatal quality score became more strongly associated with PMTCT coverage (p<0.001) and the PMTCT quality score and patient understanding of medications remained marginally significant., Conclusions/results: We observed a positive relationship between an antenatal quality score and PMTCT coverage but did not identify a consistent set of variables that predicted PMTCT coverage.

Objectives: Between January and March of 2006, over 35 000 diarrhea cases and 532 deaths were reported among children aged <5 years in Botswana. We conducted an investigation to characterize the outbreak, identify risk factors for diarrhea, and recommend control strategies., Methods: We enrolled children <5 years of age presenting to the emergency department between March 2 and March 20, 2006. Cases had ≥3 loose stools per day and no antecedent diarrhea among household members. Controls had had no diarrhea since January 1, 2006. We conducted a multivariate logistic regression analysis controlling for socioeconomic status, age, and maternal HIV status., Results: Forty-nine cases with median age of 12 months (range 0-45 months) and 61 controls with median age of 24 months (range 0-59 months) were enrolled; 33 (30%) were born to HIV-positive mothers. Case-parents were more likely to report storing household drinking water (adjusted odds ratios (AOR) 3.9, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2-15.7). Lack of hand washing after using the toilet or latrine (AOR 4.2, 95% CI 1.1-20.4) was more likely to be reported by case-parents. Case-children were less likely to be currently breastfeeding (AOR 30.3, 95% CI 2.0-1000.0). Five (10%) case-patients and no control-patients died. Multiple causal pathogens were identified., Conclusions: During this diarrhea outbreak in a country with a national program to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV, ill children were less likely to be breastfed and more likely to have been exposed to environmental factors associated with fecal contamination. These findings underscore the importance of adequate access to safe water, sanitation, hygiene, and nutrition education among populations using breast milk substitutes., (Copyright © 2010. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

In early 2006, coinciding with heavy rains, Botswana health facilities reported increases in diarrhea, mortality, and acute malnutrition among young children. Data on diarrhea, human immunodeficiency virus, feeding, mortality, and water/sanitation were collected by random cluster survey. Anthropometric data were measured and drinking water samples were tested. Of 537 surveyed children less than five years of age, one-third experienced >or= 1 episode of diarrhea. Prevalence of acute malnutrition was 7.9%, and the mortality rate for children less than five years of age was 2.6/10,000/day during the outbreak. Significant risk factors for diarrhea included an age less than two years; breastfeeding was protective. Diarrhea lasting for more than 14 days and failure to thrive were risk factors for acute malnutrition. Prevalence of acute malnutrition was higher than previously documented and the mortality rate in children less than five years of age during the outbreak was above the international threshold for emergency action with an estimated 547 excess deaths. This survey highlights the need for safe infant feeding and effective treatment of malnutrition and diarrhea in young children.

In Francistown, Botswana, approximately 40% of pregnant women are HIV positive. PMTCT has been available since 1999, antiretroviral (ARV) therapy since 2001, and 95% of women have antenatal care (ANC) and deliver in hospital. However, in 2002, only 33% of ANC clients were tested for HIV, and not all women with HIV received services. In 2003, we conducted a survey of 504 pregnant and postpartum women to explore reasons for poor program uptake, and interviewed 82 health providers about PMTCT. Most women (95%) believed that all pregnant women should be tested for HIV. In multivariate analysis, factors associated with having an HIV test included being interviewed at an urban site, having a high PMTCT knowledge score, knowing someone receiving PMTCT or ARV therapy, and having a partner who had been tested for HIV. Neither fear of stigma nor resistance from partners were frequent reasons for refusing an HIV test. Providers of HIV services reported discomfort with their knowledge and skills, and 84% believed HIV testing should be routine. Ensuring adequate knowledge about HIV and PMTCT, creating systems whereby HIV-positive women receiving care can educate and support other women, and making HIV testing routine for pregnant women may improve the uptake of HIV testing.

Background: Botswana has high antenatal human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence (33.4%). The public health system provides free services for prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) and antiretroviral therapy, which can reduce vertical HIV transmission from 35% to <5%. Infant HIV diagnosis is challenging in resource-limited settings, and HIV prevalence among HIV-exposed infants in Botswana is unknown. Dried blood spot (DBS) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) provides a feasible method to assess PMTCT programs and identify HIV-infected children., Methods: We trained staff in 15 clinics and a hospital to obtain DBS on HIV-exposed infants age 6 weeks to 17 months receiving routine care. Samples were sent to the national HIV reference laboratory. Roche Amplicor 1.5 DNA PCR testing was performed., Results: Between June-December 2005, 1931 HIV-exposed infants age 6 weeks to 17 months were tested for HIV, of whom 136 (7.0%) were HIV infected. Among infants

Prevention of mother-to-child human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission (PMTCT) programs have nearly eliminated mother-to-child transmission of HIV in developed countries, but progress in resource-limited countries has been slow. A key factor limiting the scale-up of PMTCT programs is lack of knowledge of HIV serostatus. Increasing the availability and acceptability of HIV testing and counseling services will encourage more women to learn their status, providing a gateway to PMTCT interventions. Key factors contributing to the scale-up of testing and counseling include a policy of provider-initiated testing and counseling with right to refuse (opt-out); group pretest counseling; rapid HIV testing; innovative staffing strategies; and community and male involvement. Integration of testing and counseling within the community and all maternal and child health settings are critical for scaling-up and for linking women and their families to care and treatment services. This paper will review best practices needed for expansion of testing and counseling in PMTCT settings in resource-limited countries.

Setting: In countries with high HIV rates, diagnosis of lower respiratory disease etiology is both challenging and clinically important., Objective: To determine the etiology of lower respiratory tract disease among persons with suspected tuberculosis (TB) and abnormal chest X-rays in a setting with very high HIV seroprevalence., Design: Cross-sectional prevalence data from a prospective cohort of predominantly hospitalized adults with suspected TB in Botswana, January-December 1997., Results: Of 229 patients, 86% were HIV-positive and 71% had a pathogen identified. TB was confirmed in 52%, 17% had acute mycoplasma pneumonia, 3% had Pneumocystis carinii, 27% grew a bacterial pathogen from sputum and 8% from blood. Ninety-four per cent of TB diagnoses were made through expectorated sputum and only 5% of TB cases were diagnosed by sputum induction alone. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for Mycobacterium tuberculosis had positive and negative predictive values of 94% and 59%, respectively. Male sex, cough < 2 weeks, and tuberculin skin test > or = 5 mm were independently associated with culture-positive TB among persons with negative acid-fast bacilli smears. Co-infection with two or more pathogens occurred in 25%., Conclusions: Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection was quite common despite clinical suspicion of TB, and sputum induction and PCR did not significantly improve our ability to diagnose TB, although clinical presentation had some predictive value.

Objective: To identify risk factors for transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from patients with tuberculosis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in Botswana., Design: Transmission was studied in 210 children aged <10 years (contacts) of unknown HIV status exposed to 51 adults with tuberculosis (index cases), including 41/49 (83.7%) with HIV infection., Methods: Data collected on index cases included demographics, clinical and social characteristics, sputum, HIV, and CD4 lymphocyte results. Tuberculin skin testing was performed on contacts, and their parent or guardian was interviewed. A positive test was defined as > or = 10 mm induration. Skin test results were compared with results obtained from a population survey of children of similar age from the same community., Results: A positive skin test was found in 12.1% of exposed children compared with 6.2% in the community (P = 0.005). Of the infected children, 22 (78.6%) were contacts of a close female relative. The risk of transmission increased with the degree of sputum smear positivity for acid-fast bacilli among female index cases (10.8% if smear 0+, 9.3% if smear 1+,29.4% if smear 2+, 44% if smear 3+, P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, severe immunodeficiency (CD4 lymphocyte count <200 cells/mm3) among HIV-infected index cases was protective against transmission (OR 0.08, 95%CI 0.01-0.5, P = 0.006)., Conclusion: The intensity of exposure to tuberculosis patients and the degree of sputum smear positivity for acid-fast bacilli remain important risk factors for transmission of M. tuberculosis during the era of HIV. However, tuberculosis patients with advanced AIDS may be less infectious than patients in earlier stages of AIDS.

Setting: Gaborone, the capital of Botswana., Objective: To determine the time from positive sputum smear microscopy for acid-fast bacilli (AFB) to initiation of therapy, and to identify risk factors for delays., Design: Retrospective cohort study of medical records and surveillance data for patients with positive smear microscopy and newly diagnosed tuberculosis (TB) from January to May 1997. Treatment delay was defined as more than 2 weeks from the first positive sputum smear to the initiation of TB treatment., Results: Of 127 patients identified, 15 (11.8%) had treatment delay, 13 (10.2%) had an incomplete workup (only one smear performed) and were not registered for TB treatment, and six (4.5%) had two or more positive smears but were not registered for TB treatment. Risk factors for treatment delay or non-registration included TB patients who had been diagnosed in a hospital outpatient setting vs. a clinic (RR 2.9, 95% CI 1.2-3.6, P = 0.02), or in a high volume vs. low volume clinic (RR 2.2, 95% CI 1.2-5.3, P = 0.01)., Conclusion: More than a quarter of the smear-positive TB patients identified had treatment delay or no evidence of treatment initiation. Proper monitoring of laboratory sputum results and suspect TB patient registers could potentially reduce treatment delays and patient loss.