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BackgroundThere are limited studies evaluating the impact of COVID-19-related interruptions on hepatitis B virus (HBV) screening in endemic countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study of HBV testing in a community pharmacy in Freetown, Sierra Leone, from October 1, 2019, through September 30, 2022. We compared participant characteristics using Pearson’s chi-square test. We evaluated trends in HBV screening and diagnosis using one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s or Dunnett’s post-test.FindingsOf 920 individuals screened, 161 had detectable HBsAg (seroprevalence 17.5% [95% CI 14.9-20.4]). There was a 100% decrease in HBV screening during January-June of 2020; however, screening increased by 27% and 23% in the first and second year after COVID-19, respectively. Mean quarterly tests showed a significant upward trend: 55 ± 6 tests during January-March (baseline), 74 ± 16 tests during April-June, 101 ± 3 tests during July-September, and 107 ± 17 tests during October-December (one-way ANOVA test for trend, F=7.7, p = 0.0254) but not the mean quarterly number of people diagnosed with HBV (F = 0.34, p = 0.7992).InterpretationCommunity-based HBV screening dramatically improved following temporary disruptions related to COVID-19. Seasonal variation in HBV screening, but not HBV diagnosis, may have implications for HBV elimination efforts in Sierra Leone and other West African countries.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major public health problem in Sierra Leone, yet reliable estimates of cases are lacking. This study aimed to provide an estimate of the national prevalence of chronic HBV infection in the general population and select groups in Sierra Leone. We used the electronic databases PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and African Journals Online to systematically review articles reporting hepatitis B infection surface antigen seroprevalence estimates in Sierra Leone during 1997–2022. We estimated pooled HBV seroprevalence rates and assessed potential sources of heterogeneity. Of 546 publications screened, 22 studies with a total sample size of 107,186 people were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of chronic HBV infection was 13.0% (95% CI, 10.0–16.0) (I2 = 99%; Pheterogeneity < 0.01). During the study period, the HBV prevalence rates were as follows: 17.9% (95% CI, 6.7–39.8) before 2015, 13.3% (95% CI, 10.4–16.9) during 2015–2019, and 10.7% (95% CI, 7.5–14.9) during 2020–2022. The use of the 2020–2022 HBV prevalence estimates corresponded to 870,000 cases of chronic HBV infection (uncertainty interval, 610,000–1,213,000), or approximately one in nine people. The highest HBV seroprevalence estimates were among adolescents aged 10–17 years (17.0%; 95% CI, 8.8–30.5), Ebola survivors (36.8%; 95% CI, 26.2–48.8), people living with HIV (15.9%; 95% CI, 10.6–23.0), and those in the Northern Province (19.0%; 95% CI, 6.4–44.7) and Southern Province (19.7%; 95% CI, 10.9–32.8) regions. These findings may help inform national HBV program implementation in Sierra Leone.

Background Cardiometabolic diseases are a leading cause of HIV-related morbidity and mortality, yet routine screening is not undertaken in high burden countries. We aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components in adult Ugandan people living with HIV (PWH) initiating dolutegravir-based antiretroviral therapy (ART). Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study using baseline sociodemographic and clinical data of PWH aged ≥ 18 years enrolled in the GLUMED (Glucose metabolism changes in Ugandan HIV patients on Dolutegravir) Study from January to October 2021. MetS was defined as having ≥ 3 of the following: abdominal obesity, hypertension (HTN), hyperglycemia, elevated triglycerides and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Multiple logistic regression was used to assess associations between potential risk factors and MetS and its components. Results 309 PWH were analyzed (100% ART-naive, 59.2% female, median age 31 years and median CD4 count 318 cells/mm3). The prevalence of MetS was 13.9%. The most common cardiometabolic condition was dyslipidemia (93.6%), followed by abdominal obesity (34.0%), hyperglycemia (18.4%), and HTN (8.1%). In adjusted analysis, MetS was associated with age > 40 years (adjusted odds ratio 3.33, 95% confidence interval 1.45-7.67) and CD4 count > 200 cells/mm3 (3.79, 1.23-11.63). HTN was associated with age > 40 years (2.96, 1.32-6.64), and dyslipidemia was associated with urban residence (4.99, 1.35-18.53). Conclusion Cardiometabolic risk factors were common in this young Ugandan cohort of PWH initiating dolutegravir-based ART, underscoring the need for programmatic implementation of surveillance and management of comorbidities in Uganda and similar settings.

BackgroundCardiometabolic diseases are a leading cause of HIV-related morbidity and mortality, yet routine screening is not undertaken in high burden countries. We aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components in adult Ugandan people living with HIV (PLHIV) initiating dolutegravir-based antiretroviral therapy (ART).MethodsWe analyzed baseline data of PLHIV aged ≥ 18 years enrolled in the GLUMED (Glucose metabolism changes in Ugandan HIV patients on Dolutegravir) Study from January to October 2021. MetS was defined as having 3 or more of the following: abdominal obesity, hypertension (HTN), elevated fasting glucose, elevated triglycerides and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Multiple logistic regression was used to assess associations between potential risk factors and MetS and its components.Results309 PLHIV were analyzed (100% ART-naive, 59.2% female, median age 31 years and median CD4 count 318 cells/mm3). The prevalence of MetS was 13.9%. The most common cardiometabolic condition was dyslipidemia (93.6%), followed by abdominal obesity (34.0%), hyperglycemia (18.4%), and HTN (8.1%). In adjusted analysis, MetS was associated with age > 40 years (odds ratio 3.33, 95% confidence interval 1.45-7.67) and CD4 count > 200 cells/mm3(3.79, 1.23-11.63). HTN was associated with age > 40 years (2.96, 1.32-6.64), and dyslipidemia was associated with urban residence (4.99, 1.35-18.53).ConclusionCardiometabolic risk factors were common in this young Ugandan cohort of PLHIV initiating dolutegravir-based ART, underscoring the need for programmatic implementation of surveillance and management of comorbidities in Uganda and similar settings.Key pointsIn Ugandan HIV patients initiating antiretroviral treatment, the prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors was substantial: metabolic syndrome 13.9%, dyslipidemia 93.6%, abdominal obesity 34.0%, hyperglycemia 18.4%, and hypertension 8.1%. This highlights the need for early screening and management of comorbidities.

Vaccination against hepatitis B virus (HBV) is effective at preventing mother-to-child transmission. Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea are hyperendemic West African countries; yet childhood immunization coverage is suboptimal and barriers to immunization are poorly understood. We analyzed national survey data (2018-2020) of children aged 4-35 months to assess full HBV immunization (receiving 3 doses of the pentavalent vaccine) and incomplete immunization (receiving < 3 doses). Statistical analysis was conducted using the complex sample command in SPSS (version 28). Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify determinants of incomplete immunization. Overall, 11181 mothers were analyzed (4846 from Sierra Leone, 2788 from Liberia and 3547 from Guinea). Sierra Leone had the highest HBV childhood immunization coverage (70.3%), followed by Liberia (64.5%) and Guinea (40.0%). Within countries, immunization coverage varied by sociodemographic characteristics (education, religion, household wealth index, access to mass media) and healthcare access (antenatal visits, place of delivery and health facility proximity). In multivariate regression analysis, Muslim mothers, lower household wealth index, < 4 antenatal visits, home delivery and distance to health facility were predictors of incomplete immunization (all p < 0.05). Addressing these socioeconomic and healthcare access barriers will be essential to help achieve the 2030 viral hepatitis elimination goals.

Stigma associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV) is common in endemic countries; however; instruments are lacking to accurately measure HBV-related stigma. We therefore aimed to develop and validate a concise instrument for measuring perceived HBV-related stigma in Sierra Leone. We enrolled 220 people living with HBV (PWHB) aged ≥ 18 years from August to November 2022. The initial Likert-scale instrument entailed 12 items adapted from Berger’s HIV Stigma Scale. We included 4 additional items adapted from the USAID indicators for enacted stigma. The proposed scale’s psychometric properties were assessed. After item reduction, the final HBV Stigma Scale consisted of 10 items and had good internal consistency (overall Cronbach’s α = 0.74), discriminant and construct validity. Exploratory factor analysis produced a 3-dimensional structure accounting for 59.3% of variance: personalized stigma driven by public attitudes (6 items), negative self-image (2 items), and disclosure concerns (2 items). Overall, 72.8% of respondents reported perceived HBV stigma (mean score 29.11 ± 4.14) and a similar a proportion (73.6%) reported at least one instance of enacted stigma. In assessing criterion-related validity, perceived HBV-related stigma correlated strongly with enacted stigma (r = 0.556) and inversely with having family/friends with HBV (r = -0.059). The 10-item HBV Stigma Scale demonstrated good internal consistency and validity and is suitable for screening for HBV-related stigma in Sierra Leone. The psychometric properties of the scale can be optimized with item additions/modifications and confirmatory factor analysis. The scale may help in combating stigma as a barrier to achieving HBV global elimination goals.

Background: Understanding traditional medicine practitioners (TMP)-seeking behaviour for childhood diseases may be important to reducing child mortality. However, a comprehensive picture of TMP utilisation and its associated factors for childhood illness in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is lacking. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of women with children under five years old who sought the service of a traditional medicine practitioner to treat their children’s illness and identify individual and community-level factors associated with such a pattern of use. Methods We utilised extracted Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) data collected between 2010 and 2021 among 353,463 under-fives children from 32 SSA countries. Our outcome variable was the use of TMP for childhood illness (diarrhoea or fever/cough or both). We used STATA v14 to conduct descriptive, bivariate, and two-level multivariable multi-level modelling. Results Approximately [2.80% (95%CI: 1.88-3.90)] women who sought healthcare for childhood illnesses utilised the service of a TMP with the highest in Ivory coast [16.3% (95%CI: 13.87-19.06)] followed by Guinea (13.80% (95%CI: 10.74-17.57)] to the lowest in Sierra Leone [0.10%(95%CI:0.01-1.61)]. Specifically, approximately [1.95% (95%CI: 1.33-2.68)] and [1.09% (95%CI: 0.67-1.60)] women sought the service of a TMP for childhood diarrhea and fever/cough, respectively. Women with no formal education [AOR=1.62;95%CI:1.23-2.12], no media access [AOR=1.19;95%CI:1.02-1.39), who lived in a household headed by a man [AOR=1.64;95%CI:1.27-2.11],without health insurance [AOR=2.37;95%CI: 1.53-3.66], who considered it a problem getting permission to visit a health facility [AOR=1.23;95%CI:1.03-1.47] and perceived the size of their children at birth to be above average[AOR=1.20;95%CI:1.03-1.41] had higher odds of using TMP for childhood illness. Conclusion Despite the low usage of TMP for childhood illness, our findings highlight that TMPs continue to have a role in managing childhood illness in SSA. It is essential that policymakers and service providers consider the potential role of TMPs in designing, reviewing and implementing child health policies and interventions in SSA. Also, child health policies and interventions should be focused on the characteristics of women who use TMPs for childhood diseases identified in our study.

ObjectiveTo estimate the prevalence and burden of chronic HBV in Sierra Leone.MethodsWe used electronic databases PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Google Scholar and African Journals Online to systematically review articles reporting hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroprevalence estimates in Serra Leone during 1997-2022. We estimated pooled HBV seroprevalence rates and assessed sources of heterogeneityResultsOf 406 publications screened, 22 studies of total sample size 107,186 were included in the meta-analysis. The crude pooled HBV seroprevalence was 13.0% (95% CI 10.0-16.0) (I2=99%, p-heterogeneityConclusionsThese findings necessitate the urgent implementation of national HBV prevention and control programs in Sierra Leone.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major global health challenge. Emerging evidence suggests that poor knowledge and stigma are impacting HBV control efforts in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), however their role is not well understood. We conducted a cross-sectional study of adults aged ≥ 18 years in a community and pharmacy setting in Freetown, Sierra Leone. A structured questionnaire was used to assess knowledge, stigmatizing attitudes, and health-seeking behaviors regarding HBV. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of HBV knowledge and related stigma. A total of 306 adult participants were enrolled (50.7% male, 7.5% HBV positive and 11.7% vaccinated). Overall, 52.2% had comprehensive HBV knowledge and 49.3% expressed a stigmatizing attitude towards people with HBV. Notwithstanding, 72.2% stated they would receive the HBV vaccine if offered, 80.4% would take anti-HBV medication and 78.8% would be willing to attend clinic regularly. Comprehensive HBV knowledge was associated with HBV positive status (aOR 4.41; p = 0.029) and being vaccinated against HBV (aOR 3.30; p = 0.034). HBV-related stigma was associated with secondary or higher level of education (aOR 2.36; p < 0.001), good HBV knowledge (aOR 2.05; p = 0.006) and pharmacy setting (aOR 1.74, p = 0.037). These findings suggest that education and stigma reduction may benefit HBV elimination efforts in SSA.

Background A nationwide assessment of the link between women's empowerment and homebirth has not been examined in Sierra Leone. Our study examined the association between women's empowerment and homebirth using the 2019 Sierra Leone Demographic Health Survey (2019 SLDHS) data. Method We used the individual file (IR) of the 2019 SLDHS dataset for our analysis. A total of 7377 women aged 15–49 years who gave birth in the five years preceding the survey were included in our study. Our outcome variable was "home birth of their last child among women in the five years preceding the 2019 SLDHS. Women's empowerment parameters include women's knowledge level, economic participation, decision-making ability, and attitude towards wife beating. We used the complex sample command on SPSS version 28 to conduct descriptive and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results Three in every 20 women had home childbirth (n = 1177,15.3%). Women with low [AOR = 2.04.;95%CI: 1.43–2.92] and medium [AOR = 1.44;95%CI: 1.05–1.97] levels of knowledge compared to those with high levels of knowledge had higher odds of giving birth at home. Women who were in favour of wife beating were more likely to have had homebirth compared to those who were against wife beating [AOR = 1.38;95%CI:1.09–1.74]. In addition, women with no [AOR = 2.71;95%CI:1.34–5.46) and less than four [AOR = 2.08;95%CI:1.51–2.88] antenatal care visits and who considered the distance to a health facility as a major problem [AOR = 1.95;95%CI:1.49–2.56] were more likely to have had a home birth. However, no significant association between a women's decision-making power and home birth was observed [AOR = 1.11;95%CI:0.86–1.41]. Conclusion Despite improvements in maternal health indicators, homebirth by unskilled birth attendants is still a public health concern in Sierra Leone. Women with low knowledge levels, who favour wife beating, had less than four ANC visits and considered distance to a health facility as a major problem had higher odds of giving birth at home. Our findings reflect the need to empower women by improving their knowledge level through girl child and adult education, increasing media exposure, changing societal norms and unequal power relations that favour gender-based violence, and improving roads and transport infrastructure.

Ophthalmic diseases are common among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in developing countries. However, there are currently no published studies on ophthalmic complications among PLHIV in Sierra Leone. We conducted a cross-sectional study of PLHIV presenting at Connaught Hospital in Freetown, Sierra Leone from January through March 2020. Logistic regression was used to identify associations between ophthalmic manifestations and potential risk factors. A total of 103 PLHIV were studied (78.6% female, median age 41 years, 100% treatment-experienced). The median CD4 cell count was 374 cells/mm3 and 76.7% were virologically suppressed. Overall, 44.7% of study participants had at least one ophthalmic complication and 51.5% had poor visual acuity in at least one eye. The most common conditions were dry eye (21.4%), cataract (20.4%), blepharitis (10.7%), nucleosclerosis (6.8%), conjunctivitis (5.8%), penguecula (5.8%), toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis (3.9%), and posterior vitreous detachment (2.9%). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, poor visual acuity (adjusted odds (aOR) 2.75, 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.12–6.78]; p = 0.040) and CD4 cell count < 100 cells/mm3 (aOR 3.91, 95% CI [1.07–14.31]; p = 0.028) were independently associated with ophthalmic disease. A high proportion of PLHIV in this study had ophthalmic complications. This calls for greater integration of HIV and ophthalmologic care.

Objective: To assess the prevalence of serological markers of HBV and endemic acute and chronic infections (HAV, HCV, CMV, HTLV-1/2 and syphilis) in HIV-infected children, adolescents and pregnant women in Sierra Leone. Method: We conducted a cross-sectional study at the national children’s and women’s hospitals in Freetown. Logistic regression was used to assess predictors of HBsAg positivity. Results: 183 HIV-infected participants were enrolled, comprising children (n = 88), adolescents (n = 47) and pregnant women (n = 48). All participants (100%) were CMV IgG-positive, while 56.8%, 93.6% and 100% of children, adolescents and pregnant women, respectively, were HAV IgG-positive. The prevalence of HCV, HTLV-1/2 and syphilis were 10 years, i.e., being born pre-2009 before implementation of routine hepatitis B immunization (aOR 5.05 [1.18−21.28]; p = 0.029) and CD4 count

Objective To assess the diagnosis, treatment outcomes, and predictors of mortality in adult tuberculosis (TB) patients in an urban setting with a high HIV prevalence. Methods A retrospective study was conducted of adult TB patients aged ≥15 years who were treated at Connaught Hospital in Freetown, Sierra Leone from January through December 2017. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify predictors of mortality. Results Of 1127 TB cases notified in 2017, 1105 (98%) were tested for HIV, yielding a TB/HIV co-infection rate of 32.0%. Only HIV-tested cases (n = 1105) were included in the final analysis. The majority were male (69.3%), aged 25–34 years (29.2%), and had pulmonary TB (96.3%). Treatment outcomes were as follows: 29.0% cured, 29.0% completed, 0.5% treatment failure, 24.2% lost to follow-up, 12.8% transferred/not evaluated, and 4.5% died. The majority of deaths (80.0%, 40/50) occurred within 2 months of TB treatment initiation. Age 65 years or older (adjusted odds ratio 3.48, 95% confidence interval 1.15–10.56; p = 0.027) and HIV-positive status (adjusted odds ratio 3.50, 95% confidence interval 1.72–7.12; p = 0.001) were independent predictors of mortality. Conclusions Suboptimal TB treatment outcomes were observed in Sierra Leone in 2017. More local and international action is warranted to help achieve the 2035 global TB elimination targets.

The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected tuberculosis (TB) care delivery in high burden countries. We therefore conducted a retrospective study to assess the impact of COVID-19 on TB case detection and treatment outcomes at the Chest Clinic at Connaught Hospital in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Overall, 2300 presumptive cases were tested during the first three quarters of 2020 (intra-COVID-19) versus 2636 in 2019 (baseline), representing a 12.7% decline. Testing declined by 25% in women, 20% in children and 81% in community-initiated referrals. Notwithstanding, laboratory-confirmed TB cases increased by 37.0% and treatment success rate was higher in 2020 (55.6% vs. 46.7%, p = 0.002). Multivariate logistic regression analysis found that age < 55 years (aOR 1.74, 95% CI (1.80, 2.56); p = 0.005), new diagnosis (aOR 1.69, 95% CI (1.16, 2.47); p = 0.007), pulmonary TB (aOR 3.17, 95% CI (1.67, 6.04); p < 0.001), HIV negative status (aOR 1.60, 95%CI (1.24, 2.06); p < 0.001) and self-administration of anti-TB drugs through monthly dispensing versus directly observed therapy (DOT) (aOR 1.56, 95% CI (1.21, 2.03); p = 0.001) independently predicted treatment success. These findings may have policy implications for DOTS in this setting and suggest that more resources are needed to reverse the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on TB program activities in Sierra Leone.

BackgroundHepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major global health problem. Although sub-Saharan Africa has a high proportion of the global burden of HBV, the epidemiology and clinical features of HBV in this region are poorly characterized, and access to diagnostic and treatment services remain limited.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study of HBV-infected children and adults of all age groups who were evaluated at public and private health facilities in Freetown, Sierra Leone between January 2017 and January 2019. We assessed their clinical presentation, HBV sero-markers, stages of liver disease, prevalence of cirrhosis by non-invasive tools, and the proportion of treatment eligible patients using the criteria recommended by the World Health Organization’s 2015 treatment guidelines for HBV. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of liver cirrhosis.Results163 HBV patients included in the study, with mean age 32.6 years and 65.0% (106) being males. Most (84.0%) were asymptomatic at presentation. The majority (69.9%) were classified as having HBeAg-negative chronic infection (or inactive HBsAg carrier phase), 24.5% were in the HBeAg-negative immune active phase, 3.1% had HBeAg positive hepatitis, and 2.5% were HBsAg negative. The median Aspartate aminotransferase to Platelet Ratio (APRI) and Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) scores were 0.37 and 0.80, respectively. The prevalence of cirrhosis was 7.6% and 6.2%, estimated by the APRI and FIB-4 scores, respectively. About 20.0% of patients were eligible for treatment with antiviral agents. Based on APRI scores, the presence of any symptom [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 20.0, 95% confidence interval (CI) (4.1–85.9);p p = 0.003], and elevated total bilirubin [aOR 16.1, 95% CI (3.2–80.8);p = 0.001] were independent predictors of cirrhosis.ConclusionAlthough most patients with HBV infection were asymptomatic, the prevalence of liver cirrhosis and proportion of patients requiring antiviral treatment were substantial. This small study from a hyperendemic setting in Sierra Leone suggests that routine population-based screening may increase early detection and linkage of HBV patients to care before development of complications. Larger studies are needed to confirm our findings.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) drug resistance (HIVDR) is widespread in sub-Saharan Africa. Children and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable, and laboratory testing capacity remains limited. We, therefore, used a cross-sectional design and convenience sampling to characterize HIV subtypes and resistance-associated mutations (RAMs) in these groups in Sierra Leone. In total, 96 children (age 2–9 years, 100% ART-experienced), 47 adolescents (age 10–18 years, 100% ART-experienced), and 54 pregnant women (>18 years, 72% ART-experienced) were enrolled. Median treatment durations were 36, 84, and 3 months, respectively, while the sequencing success rates were 45%, 70%, and 59%, respectively, among children, adolescents, and pregnant women. Overall, the predominant HIV-1 subtype was CRF02_AG (87.9%, 95/108), with minority variants constituting 12%. Among children and adolescents, the most common RAMs were M184V (76.6%, n = 49/64), K103N (45.3%, n = 29/64), Y181C/V/I (28.1%, n = 18/64), T215F/Y (25.0%, n = 16/64), and V108I (18.8%, n = 12/64). Among pregnant women, the most frequent RAMs were K103N (20.6%, n = 7/34), M184V (11.8%, n = 4/34), Y181C/V/I (5.9%, n = 2/34), P225H (8.8%, n = 3/34), and K219N/E/Q/R (5.9%, n = 2/34). Protease and integrase inhibitor-RAMs were relatively few or absent. Based on the genotype susceptibility score distributions, 73%, 88%, and 14% of children, adolescents, and pregnant women, respectively, were not susceptible to all three drug components of the WHO preferred first-line regimens per 2018 guidelines. These findings suggest that routine HIVDR surveillance and access to better ART choices may improve treatment outcomes in Sierra Leone., This research was funded by the Roe Green Travel Medicine and Global Health Award 2019 (Award Number J0628), University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center (G.A.Y.), Instituto de Salud Carlos III and Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional-FEDER, Red Española de Investigación en SIDA (RD16/0025/0026) (E.P.), Xunta Galicia-Fondo Social Europeo (IN606A-2016/023) (E.P.) and Fundación Biomédica Galicia Sur (E.P.).

Background Human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV) is a presumed risk factor for severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), yet little is known about COVID-19 outcomes in people with HIV (PWH). Methods We used the TriNetX database to compare COVID-19 outcomes of PWH and HIV-negative controls aged ≥18 years who sought care in 44 healthcare centers in the United States from January 1 to December 1, 2020. Outcomes of interest were rates of hospitalization (composite of inpatient non-intensive care [ICU] and ICU admissions), mechanical ventilation, severe disease (ICU admission or death), and 30-day mortality. Results Of 297 194 confirmed COVID-19 cases, 1638 (0.6%) were HIV-infected, with >83% on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and 48% virally suppressed. Overall, PWH were more commonly younger, male, African American or Hispanic, had more comorbidities, were more symptomatic, and had elevated procalcitonin and interleukin 6. Mortality at 30 days was comparable between the 2 groups (2.9% vs 2.3%, P = .123); however, PWH had higher rates hospitalization (16.5% vs 7.6%, P Conclusions People with HIV had higher rates of poor COVID-19 outcomes but were not more at risk of death than their non-HIV-infected counterparts. Older age and low CD4 count predicted adverse outcomes.

HIV coinfection with hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human T-cell lymphotropic viruses 1 and 2 (HTLV-1 and HTLV-2) is common because of shared transmission routes. There is no published data on the prevalence of these infections in people living with HIV in Sierra Leone. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 211 HIV-positive patients aged ≥ 18 years in Freetown, Sierra Leone, in November 2017. Plasma samples were analyzed using the chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (Architect System, Abbott ARCHITECT Analyzer, Abbott Park, IL. The majority were female (63.5%), with median age 36 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 32–44) and median CD4 count of 396 cells/µL (IQR: 214–534). Sixty patients (28.4%) were newly diagnosed and antiretroviral therapy (ART) naive; 151 patients (71.6%) were ART experienced. The prevalence of the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), total anti-hepatitis B core antibody, and anti-HCV was 21.7%, 82.9%, and 4.3%, respectively. No cases of HTLV-1 or HTLV-2 were detected. Male gender (P = 0.004) and CD4 < 350 cells/µL (P = 0.017) were associated with the HBsAg positive status.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of HIV drug resistance (HIVDR) in HIV-infected ART-naive and -experienced patients in Sierra Leone. Patients and methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of HIV-positive adults aged 18 years at Connaught Hospital in Freetown, Sierra Leone in November 2017. Sequencing was performed in the reverse transcriptase, protease and integrase regions, and interpreted using the Stanford HIVDR database andWHO 2009mutation list. Results: Two hundred and fifteen HIV-infected patients were included (64 ART naive and 151 ART experienced). The majority (66%) were female, the median age was 36 years and the median ART exposure was 48months. The majority (83%) were infected with HIV-1 subtype CRF02_AG. In the ART-naive group, the pretreatment drug resistance (PDR) prevalence was 36.7% (14.2% to NRTIs and 22.4% to NNRTIs). The most prevalent PDR mutations were K103N (14.3%), M184V (8.2%) and Y181C (4.1%). In the ART-experienced group, 64.4% harboured resistance-associated mutations (RAMs) and the overall prevalence of RAMs to NRTIs and NNRTIs was 85.2% (52/61) and 96.7% (59/61), respectively. The most prevalent RAMs were K103N (40.7%), M184V (28.8%), D67N (15.3%) and T215I/F/Y (15.3%). Based on the genotypic susceptibility score estimates, 22.4% of ART-naive patients and 56% of ART-experienced patients were not susceptible to first-line ART used in Sierra Leone. Conclusions: A high prevalence of circulating NRTI- and NNRTI-resistant variants was observed in ART-naive and -experienced HIV-1-infected patients in Sierra Leone. This necessitates the implementation of HIVDR surveillance programmes to inform national ART guidelines for the treatment and monitoring of HIV-infected patients in Sierra Leone. Xunta Galicia-Fondo Social Europeo | Ref. IN606A-2016/023 Case Western Reserve University | Ref. NIH NIAID T32 AI07024 Instituto de Salud Carlos III and Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional-FEDER | Ref. RD16/0025/0026

Background There are limited data to help guide implementation of differentiated HIV service delivery (DSD) in resource-limited settings in sub-Saharan Africa. Objectives This pre-implementation study sought to assess the proportion of patients eligible for DSD and HIV services utilization, as well as risk factor analysis of virologic failure in Sierra Leone. Methods We conducted a retrospective study of adult HIV-infected patients aged 18 years and older receiving care at the largest HIV treatment center in Sierra Leone 2019–2020. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify predictors of virologic failure. Results Of 586 unique patients reviewed, 210 (35.8%) qualified as ‘stable’ for antiretroviral therapy (ART) delivery. There was high utilization of certain HIV service programs (e.g. HIV status disclosure to partners (83%) and treatment ‘buddy’ program participation (62.8%)), while other service programs (e.g. partner testing and community HIV support group participation) had low utilization (

Background Sepsis is a major contributor to global mortality with an estimated 700, 000 sepsis-related deaths annually. As sepsis is an acute complication of COVID-19, the ongoing pandemic can increase its global burden. Despite this, there is still limited research evidence on COVID-19 and sepsis. In this scoping review, we described the research data on sepsis and septic shock among patients with COVID-19. Methods We adapted Arksey and O’Malley framework by reviewing relevant studies published on medRxiv, PubMed, and Google Scholar between January 01, 2020, and April 16, 2020, on sepsis and septic shock with the publication language restriction to English. The findings included the prevalence and outcome of COVID-19 patients with sepsis or septic shock, sepsis criteria, laboratory data, and the treatment given to COVID patients. Results Of the 16 eligible articles included in this review, 13 (81.2%) were conducted in China. With the exception of one article, the research work for all the articles was conducted in adult patients. The articles were retrospective studies (12, 75%), case reports (3, 18.8%) and prospective observational studies (1,6.2%). The estimated prevalence of sepsis and septic shock range from 6.8–100% and 4–28.9%, respectively. Serum lactate, platelets, C-reactive protein, white cell counts, and procalcitonin were elevated in 24.5%, 6.2%, 31.2%, 62.5%, 43.8% and 37.5% of the articles, respectively. Bacterial cultures were documented in 4(25%) of the eligible articles. 12 (75%) and 11 (68.8%) articles documented the use of antivirals and antibiotics, respectively. Other antimicrobials used among COVID-19 patients were hydroxychloroquine (1,6.3%), chloroquine (1, 6.3%), and unspecified antifungal drugs (2, 12.5%). Supportive therapies like oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilation, and fluid therapy were documented in 12(75%), 13 (81.3%), and 2 (12.5%) articles, respectively. The highest and lowest mortality among the study participants is 29.8% (134) and 5.4% (12), respectively. Conclusion There is a paucity of data in the literature on sepsis in COVID-19 despite its high burden among the COVID-19 patient population resulting in a high rate of antimicrobial use that is not backed by clearly documented microbiology laboratory support. Research is needed to understand the burden of sepsis in COVID-19.

Background HIV infection is a growing public health problem in Sierra Leone and the wider West Africa region. The countrywide HIV prevalence was estimated at 1.7% (67,000 people), with less than 30% receiving life-saving ART in 2016. Thus, HIV-infected patients tend to present to health facilities late, with high mortality risk. Methods We conducted a prospective study of HIV inpatients aged ≥15 years at Connaught Hospital in Freetown—the main referral hospital in Sierra Leone—from July through September 2017, to assess associated factors and predictors of HIV-related mortality. Results One hundred seventy-three HIV inpatients were included, accounting for 14.2% (173/1221) of all hospital admissions during the study period. The majority were female (59.5%, 70/173), median age was 34 years, with 51.4% (89/173) of them diagnosed with HIV infection for the first time during the current hospitalization. The most common admitting diagnoses were anemia (48%, 84/173), tuberculosis (24.3%, 42/173), pneumonia (17.3%, 30/173) and diarrheal illness (15.0%, 26/173). CD4 count was obtained in 64.7% (112/173) of patients, with median value of 87 cells/μL (IQR 25–266), and was further staged as severe immunosuppression: CD4 p = 0.04) and focal limb weakness (p = 0.04); alcohol use (p = 0.01); jaundice (p = 0.02); cerebral toxoplasmosis (p = 0.01); and tuberculosis (p = 0.04) were significantly associated with mortality; however, only jaundice (AOR 0.11, 95% CI [0.02–0.65]; p = 0.01) emerged as an independent predictor of mortality. Conclusion HIV-infected patients account for a substantial proportion of admissions at Connaught Hospital, with a high morbidity and in-hospital mortality burden. These findings necessitate the implementation of specific measures to enhance early HIV diagnosis and expand treatment access to all HIV-infected patients in Sierra Leone.

Sierra Leone is a low-income West African country that has dealt with waves of economic, political, and public health challenges in its recent past, including a decade-long brutal civil war and the Ebola epidemic of 2014-2016. The HIV/AIDS epidemic, which has raged on in the country since 1987, has long been characterized as stable. The latest UNAIDS report estimates a countrywide HIV prevalence rate of 1.7% in 2016 among adults aged 15-49 years. However, there are indications that the epidemic may be in fact escalating and unless arrested urgently, has the potential to deteriorate into a major public health emergency. Although there are high levels of HIV awareness among adults (over 94%), uptake in voluntary HIV testing has remained low (